DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 201821008363, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicle safety systems, and more particularly to methods and systems for managing usage of a user device in a vehicle, while a user is driving the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] Currently, it is observed that drivers use devices (such as mobile phones, media players, computers, and so on) while driving vehicles, which increases risk of occurrence of accidents. The risk is increased further when the vehicles are driven at high speeds or at crowded locations, wherein a tiny error can lead to severe or lethal accidents. In order to prevent accidents, the drivers may need to refrain from using devices while engaged in driving vehicles. However, this may lead to the drivers missing calls or messages which may have conveyed important or critical information.

OBJECTS
[003] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for managing usage of a user device by a driver while driving a vehicle.
[004] Another object of embodiments herein is to activate or restrict usage of the user device and regulate speed of the vehicle based on a distance between vehicle and at least one side line of a road on which the vehicle is plying, wherein activation/restriction of usage of the user device, regulation of the speed of the vehicle, and measurement of the distance between the vehicle and the side lines of the road is performed using coordination between sensors present in the vehicle and the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle.
[005] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[006] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[007] FIG. 1 depicts various units of a system in a vehicle for managing usage of a user device in the vehicle while the driving the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[008] FIG. 2 is an example diagram depicting the process (flow) of managing usage of the user device while driving the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[009] FIGS. 3a-3e depict an example of different phases of managing the usage of the user device while driving the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0011] The embodiments herein provide methods and systems for managing usage of a user device by a driver in a vehicle while the user is driving the vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3e, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts various units of a system 101 in a vehicle 100 for managing usage of a user device 102 in the vehicle 100, while driving the vehicle 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The system 101 includes a sensing unit 103, a control unit 104, and a lighting unit 105. In an embodiment, the control unit 104 can be an Engine Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment herein, the control unit 104 can be a dedicated control unit. Examples of the user device 102 can be, but not limited to, mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, pagers, vehicle infotainment systems, wearable devices, laptops, computers, and so on. The user device 102 is capable of receiving voice calls and video calls. The user device 102 can be connected with the vehicle 100 either through Bluetooth, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, an aux cable, Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), mirroring applications (such as Android Auto, Apple Car Play, Mirror link, and so on) and so on. The driver of the vehicle 100 can interact with the user device 102 using an infotainment system, a headset, a dongle, a microphone, a speaker, gestures, voice commands, and so on.
[0013] The sensing unit 103 can include sensors, such as, but not limited to, distance measuring sensors, signal detection sensors, and signal jamming sensors. The distance measuring sensor can be located at a predefined point on the vehicle 100. The distance measuring sensor can measure a distance between the predefined point on the vehicle 100 (such as, but not limited to, a pillar ‘A’ of the vehicle 100, the external rear view mirror, the edge of the bonnet, and so on) and a roadside point (such as lines along the sides of the road, a kerbside, a shoulder, turf, debris, and so on, which delineate the edge of the road on which the vehicle 100 is plying). In an embodiment, ultrasonic sensors can measure the distance between the predefined point on the vehicle 100 and the roadside point. The distance measuring sensors can report measured distances to the control unit 104; and receive commands from the control unit 104.
[0014] The signal detection sensors can be present in the vicinity of the driver of the vehicle 100 (such as, but not limited to, the roof, the dashboard, the instrument cluster, the pillar ‘A’ the pillar ‘B’, the internal rear view mirror, and so on). The signal detection sensors can detect signals that are transmitted or received by the user device 102. The range of the signal detection sensors can be restricted to the driver seat of the vehicle 100. The signal detection sensors can report detected signal to the control unit 104; and receive commands from the control unit 104.
[0015] The signal jamming sensors can jam the signals that are transmitted or received by the user device 102 based on commands from the control unit 104. The signals are jammed in order to remove distractions to the driver caused due to usage of the user device 102 while driving the vehicle 100. The range of the signal jamming sensors can be restricted to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. The signal jamming sensors can report detected and jammed signals to the control unit 104; and receive commands from the control unit 104.
[0016] The control unit 104 can command the signal jamming sensors to activate or restrict the usage of the user device 102 based on the distance between the pre-defined point on the vehicle 100 and the road side line measured by the distance measuring sensors. If the system 101 allows the driver to perform an activity (such as accept a call (such as a video call, an audio call, a video conference call, an audio conference call, and so on), using the user device 102, based on the measured distance between the pre-defined point on the vehicle 100 and the road side line, the control unit 104 can regulate the speed of the vehicle 100 while the driver is engaging in the call or performing the activity.
[0017] The lighting unit 105 can include hazard lights and switches. The switches can be used to turn-on or turn-off the hazard lights. The hazard lights are switched on when the driver is engaging in the call or performing the activity while driving.
[0018] In an example scenario, consider that the user device 102 is connected to the vehicle 100 using Bluetooth. Consider that the driver wants to use the user device 102. For example, consider that the driver intends to receive a call or place a call using the user device 102.
[0019] In an example scenario, consider that the distance measuring sensor is located on the passenger side ‘A’ pillar, then the distance measuring sensor can measure the distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar and the side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road. If the vehicle 100 is left hand drive, the distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar and the right side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road can be measured. Similarly, if the vehicle 100 is right hand drive, the distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar and the left side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road can be measured. The signal detection sensor can detect signals from/to the user device 102.
[0020] If the distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar of the vehicle 100 from the side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road is less than a predefined distance (for example: 1.5 meters), the control unit 104 can enable a hands-free device, which can be used by the user to receive a call or dial a call. During the period when the driver is engaged in the call, the control unit 104 can regulate the speed of the vehicle by enforcing a speed limit, whereby the driver may not be able increase the vehicle speed beyond a predetermined speed (for example: 40kmph). The control unit 104 can switch on hazard lights in the vehicle. Once the call is completed and a predetermined period of time (for example: 5 seconds) has elapsed, the control unit 104 can switch off the hazard lights and remove the regulation on speed limit of the vehicle 100.
[0021] If the distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar of the vehicle 100 from the side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road is more than the predefined distance (2m), the control unit 104 can deactivate the hands-free device and activate the signal jamming sensors to jam the signals from/to the user device 102. The control unit 104 can indicate the driver to maneuver the vehicle 100 towards a side lane/kerbside/shoulder such that the measured distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar of the vehicle 100 from the side lane/kerbside/shoulder is less than or equal to the predefined distance (1.5m). Once the distance between the passenger side ‘A’ pillar of the vehicle 100 from the side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road is less than the predefined distance, the control unit can deactivate the signal jamming sensors and the driver can use the user device 102 to either place the call or receive the call.
[0022] In an embodiment, on the user device 102 being connected to the vehicle 100 using the wired means, the signal jamming sensors can be deactivated. The driver is permitted to use the user device 102 based on the distance between the pre-defined point on the vehicle 100 and the side lane/kerbside/shoulder. In an embodiment, on detecting that the user device 102 is not connected using the wired means, the signal jamming sensors can be activated and signals from/to the user device 102 can be jammed using the signal jamming sensors on detection of the signals by the signal detection sensors.
[0023] In an embodiment, the user device 102 can be connected to the vehicle 100 using at least one of a wired and/or wireless means and the driver is attempting to use, or is using, another user device 106. In this scenario, one of the signal detection sensors, fitted on the roof of the vehicle 100 above the driver seat, can be activated. The signal detection sensor can detect signals from/to the user device 106 and report to the control unit 104. The control unit 104 can activate the signal jamming sensors to jam the signals from/to the user device 106 for a predetermined period of time (for example: 10 seconds). Thereby driver is prevented from engaging in the call.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows exemplary units of the system 100, but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the system 100 may include less or more number of units. Further, the labels or names of the units are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more units can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function in the system 100.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an example diagram depicting the process (flow) of managing the usage of the user device 102 while driving the vehicle 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As depicted in FIG. 2, the control unit 104 receives inputs such as the distance between the vehicle 100 from the side lane/kerbside/shoulder of the road (measured by the distance measuring sensor of the sensing unit 103), the user devices (102, 106) connected to the vehicle 100, how the user devices (102, 106) are connected (wired/wireless) to the vehicle 100, speed of the vehicle 100, and position of the switches (on/off) of the lighting unit 105 controlling the hazard lights. The control unit 104 will not be supplied with current if the switches of the lighting unit 105 are already in the ON condition, i.e., the hazard lights are ON. The signal detection sensor (part of the sensing unit 103) on the roof of the vehicle 100 can detect the signals and measure the strength of the signals in the driver seat area and provide the sensed signal strength to the control unit 104. The control unit 104 can be connected to the other components in the vehicle through a fuse and relay box 201.
[0026] Consider that the driver of the vehicle 100 intends to use the user device 102 to place a call or receive a call while driving the vehicle 100. The control unit 104 allows the driver to receive or place the call using the user device 102 connected to the vehicle 100. The driver can engage in the through a microphone present in the vehicle 100, if the distance between the vehicle and the side lane/kerbside/shoulder is less than the pre-defined distance (1.5m). The control unit 104 can limit the speed of the vehicle 100 to a predefined speed limit. The control unit 104 can remove the limitation on the speed limit of the vehicle 100 after a predefined time period after disconnection of the call.
[0027] The controller 104 can jam signals from/to the user device 102 using the signal jamming sensors. If the distance between the vehicle 100 and the side lane/kerbside/shoulder is more than the predefined distance (2m), if the driver is using the other user device 106 while the user device 102 is connected to the vehicle 100, and if the driver is attempting to use the user device 102 that is not connected through the USB (if the user device 102 can connect with the vehicle 100 only through USB), the control unit 104 can activate the signal jamming sensors 103 to jam the signals from/to the user devices 102 and 106. The signal jamming sensors can be deactivated once no signals are detected from/to the user devices 102 and 106.
[0028] FIGS. 3a-3e depict an example of different phases of managing the usage of the user device 102 while driving the vehicle 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As depicted in FIG. 3a, consider that the vehicle 100 and other vehicles (labeled as 301, 302, and 303) are plying along a road. The vehicle 100 is considered to be a right hand drive vehicle. As depicted in FIG. 3b, the driver of the vehicle 100 receives a call on the user device 102. The user device 102 is connected to the vehicle 100 using wired or wireless means. As depicted in FIG. 3c, the system 101 on the vehicle 100 can be activated and the distance between the vehicle 100 (passenger side pillar ‘A’) and the roadside marking can be measured. As depicted in FIG. 3d, as the distance of the vehicle is more than the predefined distance (2m), the vehicle 100 can block the user from receiving the call and indicate to maneuver the vehicle 100 to a side lane/kerbside/shoulder. As depicted in FIG. 3e, as the vehicle 100 is being maneuvered, the distance of the vehicle 100 from the roadside marking can be measured, and when the distance is less than the predefined distance (1.5m), the vehicle 100 allows the driver to receive the call and ensure that the speed of vehicle does not exceed the predefined speed limit (40kmph).
[0029] Embodiments herein provide an improvement in safety by restricting the speed of the vehicle 100 while the user device 102 is in use, thereby reducing the probability of occurrence of accidents. Embodiments herein can be considered tamper proof. Embodiments herein provide a higher durability, strength, and reliability.
[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in FIG. 1 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0031] The embodiment disclosed herein describes methods and systems for managing usage of a user device by a driver while driving a vehicle. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A method for managing usage of a user device (102) while driving a vehicle (100), the method comprising:
detecting, by a sensing unit (103), attempts to use the user device (102), by a driver of the vehicle (100), based on one of: signals from the user device (102) and signals to the user device (106);
determining, by the sensing unit (103), if a distance between a predefined point of the vehicle (100) and a roadside point, delineating an edge of the road, is less than a predefined distance, wherein the roadside point is one of a sideline, a kerbside, a shoulder, a turf, and a debris;
allowing, by a control unit (104), to use the user device (102) on determining that the distance is less than the predefined distance; and
regulating, by the control unit (104), speed of the vehicle (100), while the user device (102) is used, by enforcing a speed limit, wherein the speed of the vehicle (100) is one of: less than a predefined speed and equal to the predefined speed.
2. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: removing, by the control unit (104), the enforcement of the speed limit on the vehicle speed after completion of usage of the user device (102).
3. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
preventing, by the control unit (104), usage of the user device (102) for a predefined period of time on determining that the distance is more than the predefined distance;
providing, by the control unit (104), an indication to maneuver the vehicle (100) to ensure that the distance is less than the predefined distance;
determining, by the sensing unit (103), if the distance is less than the predefined distance;
allowing, by the control unit (104), to use the user device (102) on determining that the distance is less than the predefined distance; and
regulating, by the control unit (104), speed of the vehicle (100), while the user device (102) is used, by enforcing a speed limit, wherein the speed of the vehicle (100) is one of: less than the predefined speed and equal to the predefined speed.
4. The method, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method further comprises: removing, by the control unit (104), the enforcement of the speed limit on the vehicle speed after completion of usage of the user device (102).
5. The method, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the usage of the user device (102) is prevented by jamming, by the sensing unit (103), the signals from the user device (102) and the signals to the user device (102).
6. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the usage of the user device (102) is prevented by jamming, by the sensing unit (103), the signals from the user device (102) and the signals to the user device (102); if the user device (102) is not connected to the vehicle (100), wherein usage of the user device (102) is allowed if the user device (102) is connected to the vehicle (100) by wired means.
7. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
determining, by the sensing unit (103), attempts to use a user device (106) based on detecting one of signals from the user device (106) and signals to the user device (106), within driver seat area; and
preventing, by the control unit (104), usage of the user device (106).
8. A system (101) for managing usage of a user device (102) while driving a vehicle (100), the system (101) configured to:
detect, by a sensing unit (103), attempts to use the user device (102), by a driver of the vehicle (100), based on one of: signals from the user device (102) and signals to the user device (102);
determine, by the sensing unit (103), if a distance between a predefined point of the vehicle (100) and a roadside point, delineating an edge of the road, is less than a predefined distance, wherein the roadside point is one of a sideline, a kerbside, a shoulder, a turf, and a debris;
allow, by a control unit (104), to use the user device (102) on determining that the distance is less than the predefined distance; and
regulate, by the control unit (104), speed of the vehicle (100), while the user device (102) is used, by enforcing a speed limit, wherein the speed of the vehicle (100) is one of: less than a predefined speed and equal to the predefined speed.
9. The system (101), as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system (101) is further configured to: remove, by the control unit (104), the enforcement of the speed limit on the vehicle speed after completion of usage of the user device (102).
10. The system (101), as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system (101) is further configured to:
prevent, by the control unit (104), usage of the user device (102) for a predefined period of time on determining that the distance is more than the predefined distance;
provide, by the control unit (104), an indication to maneuver the vehicle (100) to ensure that the distance is less than the predefined distance;
determine, by the sensing unit (103), if the distance is less than the predefined distance;
allow, by the control unit (104), to use the user device (102) on determining that the distance is less than the predefined distance; and
regulate, by the control unit (104), speed of the vehicle (100), while the user device (102) is used, by enforcing a speed limit, wherein the speed of the vehicle (100) is one of: less than the predefined speed and equal to the predefined speed.
11. The system (101), as claimed in claim 10, wherein the system (101) is further configured to: remove, by the control unit (104), the enforcement of the speed limit on the vehicle speed after completion of usage of the user device (102).
12. The system (101), as claimed in claim 10, wherein the usage of the user device (102) is prevented by jamming, by the sensing unit (103), the signals from the user device (102) and the signals to the user device (102).
13. The system (101), as claimed in claim 8, wherein the usage of the user device (102) is prevented by jamming, by the sensing unit (103), the signals from the user device (102) and the signals to the user device (102); if the user device (102) is not connected to the vehicle (100), wherein usage of the user device (102) is allowed if the user device (102) is connected to the vehicle (100) by wired means.
14. The system (101), as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system (101) is further configured to:
determine, by the sensing unit (103), attempts to use a user device (106) based on detecting one of signals from the user device (106) and signals to the user device (106), within driver seat area; and
prevent, by the control unit (104), usage of the user device (106).