U.S. patent application number 11/004491 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for vehicular black box monitoring system.
Invention is credited to Forbes, David, Forbes, Fred, Forbes, James, Forbes, Scott.
Application Number | 20050099279 11/004491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26942401 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050099279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forbes, Fred ; et
al. |
May 12, 2005 |
Vehicular black box monitoring system
Abstract
A vehicular "black box" provides recording means by which driver
action can be reviewed after an accident or collision, as well as
indicating immediate vehicle disposition status to the driver.
Using cameras (which may be very small), the disposition of the
vehicle in its lane is determined by detecting the highway lines
painted on the road. The data is also recorded so that should an
accident or collision occur, the events leading up to such an event
are made available for later review and analysis.
Inventors: |
Forbes, Fred; (Tucson,
AZ) ; Forbes, Scott; (Tucson, AZ) ; Forbes,
David; (Tucson, AZ) ; Forbes, James; (Sierra
Vista, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
26942401 |
Appl. No.: |
11/004491 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11004491 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
|
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|
09991509 |
Nov 21, 2001 |
|
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60252537 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/435 ;
348/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 5/0891
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/435 ;
348/148 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 001/00 |
Claims
1-38. (canceled)
39. A method for testing potential driver ability, the steps
comprising: providing a circle; tracing said circle, said circle
traced by a driver; and detecting departure from said circle by
said tracing; whereby manual dexterity and/or eye/hand coordination
is indicated by said detection of departure of said tracing from
said circle.
40. A method for testing potential driver ability, the steps
comprising: providing a moving target; tracking said moving target,
said tracking performed by a driver; and detecting accuracy and
speed of said tracking of said moving target; whereby speed and
accuracy of said tracking are determined by said detecting.
41-47. (canceled)
48. A method for testing a driver's performance comprising:
providing a random sound command, image projection, or a
combination of both; responding to said image, said responding
performed by the driver; and determining the speed and accuracy of
said responding.
49. The method of claim 48 wherein said sound command and image
projection are provided while the driver is driving, said image
projection being projected on the windshield of the vehicle wherein
alertness of the driver is determined by the speed and accuracy of
said responding.
50. A method of monitoring a driver comprising: recording the
driver's brain wave patterns; determining the character of said
patterns when the driver is drowsy or falling asleep; monitoring
the driver's brain waves while driving; comparing said patterns
when the driver is drowsy or falling asleep to the brain waves
while driving; and determining when the driver is drowsy or falling
asleep based on said comparing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/991,509 filed Nov. 21, 2001 entitled
Vehicular Black Box Monitoring System which is patent application
is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/252,537 filed Nov. 22, 2000 entitled
Vehicular Black Box Monitoring System which applications are
incorporated herein by this reference thereto.
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0002] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material which is subject to copyright and/or mask work
protection. The copyright and/or mask work owner has no objection
to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
and/or mask work rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to monitoring and recording systems
for transportation systems, and more particularly to a "black box"
system for monitoring and recording the activity in a motor
vehicle.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] In order to provide forensic evidence of catastrophic
failure of aircraft and the like, recording devices denominated as
"black boxes" have been installed in commercial airliners for the
past several years. These black boxes are generally of two types:
the cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder. The cockpit
voice recorder records the voices of the pilots and crew in the
cockpit area for approximately thirty (30) minutes prior to the
catastrophic failure of the aircraft. The flight data recorder
records instrument readings and the like. A shared clock or
otherwise can allow the coordination of flight data with voice
data, such that forensic analysts can re-constitute the events and
actions leading up to a catastrophic failure of the aircraft that
results from a crash or other failure.
[0007] Such black box devices could also advantageously be used in
other vehicles or situations where a catastrophic event requires an
analysis of events leading up to it. One such situation is present
in long-haul truck driving where truck drivers transport cargo over
long distances for long periods of time. One example might be a New
York to Los Angeles run, where goods from New York City are
acquired in Los Angeles and are transported most efficiently by
truck. Due to the competitive nature of the business, drivers are
asked or required to drive their rig for as long as possible, so
that the shipment might be delivered as soon as possible. This
often leads to driver fatigue and drowsiness, sometimes resulting
in the failure of the driver to control the rig and, possibly,
collisions, accidents, or crashes involving the rig.
[0008] As set forth in Appendix A, the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has addressed the
issue of driver fatigue in a report regarding "Drowsy Driving and
Automobile Crashes." The enclosed report is incorporated herein by
this reference thereto. Not only do long-haul truck drivers
experience fatigue and drowsiness, but also drivers of other
vehicles as well, with there being certain groups or categories of
individuals being more susceptible to such risks than others.
[0009] Because such sleepiness, drowsiness, and/or fatigue can lead
to difficulties, and because technology may be available along the
lines of those used in aircraft for recording events leading up to
a vehicle failure or the like, it would be advantageous to provide
a means by which both the driver can be alerted as to his/her
drowsy condition in order to accommodate it, as well as a record of
the events leading up to any crash or collision resulting from
drowsiness. As set forth in more detail below, the present
invention addresses these and other concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a vehicular monitoring system
in the form of a black box or the like that uses signals generated
from video input in order to determine the disposition of the
vehicle on the roadway. By determining such vehicle disposition,
the activity of the driver can then be monitored. In the event of a
collision, crash, or if the vehicle drives off the road, the
recording made by the vehicular black box of the present invention
can then be used to evaluate and analyze the course of events
preceding the crash or the like.
[0011] Generally, two video cameras are used in order to determine
the highway lane through which the vehicle is traveling (although
it may be possible to use any number of cameras). For a solid line,
a continuous signal is given. For a broken line, an intermittent
signal is given. In conjunction with association with a turn
signal, the present invention can evaluate the driver's performance
in keeping the vehicle on the roadway and alert the driver when the
vehicle is not properly disposed in its lane.
[0012] Additionally, accuracy tests that indicate the mental,
visual, and manual acuity of a driver are also disclosed herein and
serve to provide an indication of future driving performance as
generally the same skills needed to properly drive an automobile, a
bus, a large truck or rig, or other motor vehicle as are needed to
perform well on such tests.
[0013] The system may be implemented for monitoring drivers
associated with public safety concerns such as truck drivers and
drivers with DUI records, sleep attack disorders and the like.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
warning system for driver drowsiness and the like.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a vehicular black box that allows reconstruction of an accident by
providing a record of events prior to the occurrence of an
accident.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a combination driver-drowsiness system as well as a vehicular black
box in order to promote better driving and fewer accidents on the
highways.
[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a system for rating a driver's performance based on a numeric scale
characterizing a vehicle driver profile or signature based on
his/her lane tracking ability.
[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from a review of the following
specification and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a general schematic depiction of the vehicular
black box system of the present invention, showing a vehicle and
driver travelling down a roadway towards the viewer.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front plan and schematic view of the vehicular
black box system of the present invention showing the vehicle in
the passing lane.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front left perspective view of the vehicular
black box system of the present invention as attached to a large
vehicle.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of elements composing
or comprising the vehicular black box of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a roadway
accompanied with indicator signals that may be associated with the
vehicular black box of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a comparative depiction of curved and straight
roadways for engagement by the vehicular black box of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation (scenario) of one
vehicle passing another, implementing the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a camera mounting within the
housing of the side view mirror.
[0027] FIGS. 9-12 are charts depicting signals arising from the
detection of roadway markers, such as stripes or painted lines.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a chart showing the regular and intermittent
detection of dashed lines on a roadway.
[0029] FIG. 10 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 9 showing
contrast of reflected light.
[0030] FIG. 11 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 12 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 9.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a depiction of a test and results used in the
present invention, where an individual attempts to trace out a
circle using a mouse or other device driving a cursor on a computer
screen.
[0033] FIG. 14 shows a depiction of a test to determine response
time and accuracy, where the individual attempts to follow a spot
on the screen with a mouse driving a cursor.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for an electronic circuit for
the lane position status indicator of FIG. 5.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDICES
[0035] The following appendices are incorporated herein by this
reference thereto.
[0036] Appendix A is a National Highway Transportation Safety
Administration (NHTSA) Report.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0037] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to
represent the only forms in which the present invention may be
constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a front plan view and perspective of a truck,
rig, bus, or other vehicle 100 incorporating the vehicular black
box system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, two
cameras, 102, 104, are oppositely opposed on either side of the
vehicle. Both cameras 102, 104 are preferably at equal distances
away from the body of the vehicle. Typically, lanes are marked in
America's interstate highway system by dashed or solid white or
yellow lines. The cameras 102, 104 look down to the roadway 106 in
order to detect the right shoulder white line 108 and the center
dashed line 110.
[0039] The cameras may be mounted at any convenient location for
looking down at the roadway, such as on the body of the vehicle or
in the side view mirror attachments or housings, which are located
on the doors or side of the vehicle. The cameras may be attached to
the vehicle by any convenient means including bolting, welding, and
adhesion.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a camera mounting 800
within the housing of the side view mirror 802. A mounting cylinder
804 is inserted through a hollowed out portion of the housing 802
as shown in the figure. The camera 806 is bolted to the mounting
cylinder, and likewise is inserted through a hollowed out portion
of the housing 802. The camera 806 is positioned to look downward
at the road as indicated by the dashed arrow 808 preferably at an
angle of approximately 45o with respect to the road. The vehicle
itself, not shown in the figure, is located to the left of the
housing. Additionally, the cross bar 810 shown in the figure is
part of the mounting for the mirror.
[0041] Going back to FIG. 1, the camera, 102, on the right side of
the vehicle seeks to detect the line 108 on the right shoulder. The
camera 104 on the left side of the vehicle seeks to detect the
center dashed line 110. For a vehicles such as a truck, each camera
is preferably at a distance of approximately 11 feet from the
highway surface.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle travels in the right lane
111 of the four-lane highway divided in two lanes going in opposite
directions. As set forth in more detail below, the black box of the
present invention is not limited to use when the vehicle is
travelling in the right highway lane.
[0043] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the right shoulder white
line 108 may be illuminated by a right shoulder light 112 so that
the right camera 102 may better pick up the white line 108 of the
right shoulder. In one embodiment, the light, 112, may be a regular
light focused upon the white line of the right shoulder,
illuminating a circle of approximately 2 feet in diameter centered
at the camera field. Additionally, the light 112 may be tuned to a
special frequency of light (e.g., infrared) that might be available
through a light source such as a laser, light emitting diode, or
the like. A condensing lens may be used to spread out the image.
The right camera 102 may then pick up specifically reflected light
by the right shoulder line 108 (of white or any other color) that
is unique to the frequency of the laser light. In this way, other
sources of illumination will be ignored, and the camera can focus
specifically upon light reflected upon reflective or other material
imbedded or incorporated into the paint of the right shoulder line
108.
[0044] The camera 102 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that is
extremely sensitive while being very small, preferably in the order
of an inch and a half square and requiring very little power.
Consequently, it is generally easy to fit cameras onto the vehicle
such as an 18-wheel, big rig, or the like. The camera 102 is
connected to a central control or recording device 114 termed
"black box."
[0045] The left-side camera 104, which is displaced horizontally on
the other, or left side of the vehicle, functions similarly to the
right side camera 102. A center dashed line light 116, may operate
in a manner similar to that as the right side light 112 for the
camera 102. The left light 116 operates for the left camera 104,
while the right side light 112 operates for the right camera 102.
The lights may be mounted at any convenient location for operating
with the cameras.
[0046] Consequently, it can be seen that despite varying external
conditions, cameras 102 and 104 are able to pick up the highway
lines and use them as indicators of the vehicle's disposition
between them.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a front schematic view of the vehicle 100 of
FIG. 1 when it is in the passing lane 118. When in the passing
lane, the vehicle has a dashed white center line 110 on its right
and a generally solid yellow lane line on its left. The right
camera 102 then picks up the dashed center line, while the left
camera 104 picks up the solid left shoulder line.
[0048] For travel in either a traveling lane, a passing lane, or a
lane between (where the lines on both sides of the vehicle are
dashed), the right camera 102 and left camera 104 pick up the video
signals from the lines (converting them to electrical signals) from
which the travel of the vehicle in the lane can be determined. Any
variance, drifting, swerving, or the like in the lane is detected
by the cameras and recorded by the black box. By inspection of the
signals from the cameras, the travel of the vehicle along the
roadway can be determined.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the camera
configuration of the present invention. The left camera 104 is
mounted along the side of the vehicle 100 so as to pick up the
travel of the line on the left-hand side of the vehicle. In the
case of FIG. 3, the illuminated lines picked up by the camera are
the dashed center lines 302 as the vehicle is travelling in the
right-most lane 304 of the roadway.
[0050] By detecting the presence and location of the highway lines
on either side of a lane, the system can determine the magnitude of
deviation of the vehicle from the center of the lane. Determination
of the centroids of the signals received from the camera serves as
an indication of the presence and relative position of the line.
The magnitude of deviation from the center can be based on the
detection of how far the vehicle is from the highway lines on each
side of the vehicle. For a vehicle traveling exactly in the center
of the lane, the distance between the vehicle and the highway lines
on either side of the vehicle should be equal. Additionally, a
driver may determine his ideal position in the lane and set the
system to zero at that position, thereafter, any detected deviation
away from the set position will be indicated to the driver.
Alternatively, the system may detect and indicate to the driver any
change from a previous position relative to the lane, without
having a point of reference indicating an ideal position. An
indication that the driver is constantly or erratically changing
positions relative to the lane (say approximately every 2 seconds)
may serve to indicate that the driver is weaving.
[0051] Although two cameras have been illustrated in the above
figures, any number of cameras may be used. For a system having one
camera, the driver's position within a lane may be monitored by
detecting the position of the highway line within the field of view
of the camera by determining the centroids of the signals received.
For a vehicle traveling in a straight path within a straight
highway lane, the position of the highway line should be unchanging
within the camera's field of view as described above. Any deviation
from a given position indicates that the vehicle is swerving or
otherwise not traveling in a straight line. Additionally, the
driver may zero the system when he perceives his position in the
lane to be the ideal position. Thereafter, the system would
indicate any deviation from that position using one camera.
[0052] In order to enhance the video pick up of the dashed lines,
especially at nighttime, a source of illumination or the like may
be used to shine light upon the roadway, particularly the area
through which the dashed lines travel as the truck or vehicle
travels along the roadway. Per the above, the camera may be tuned
to receive light particular to the source of illumination so as to
ensure the appropriate detection of the dashed lines as they travel
past the vehicle. When the vehicle is in the left-most lane, the
yellow continuous highway line may be picked up and detected by the
camera.
[0053] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention, where
camera signal inputs are fit into a self contained black box 400,
indicated by the arrow 401. The black box 400 includes a CK CPU 402
having a reset button 404. The CK CPU 402 is associated with a
memory element 405, particularly the RAM memory, which may be
remotely interrogated, and executes program steps upon the data in
order to derive centroids. The centroids may indicate that the
vehicle is left in a position where it should be, appropriately
centered, or right at the position where it should be in the lane
(L C R in FIG. 4). The computer may be a commercial computer
equipped with a fast (e.g., 30 HZ) frame grabber having software to
compute road line profile centroid strings which are processed and
analyzed to determine vehicle lane observance and to alert the
driver if the vehicle is in danger of unintentionally departing the
lane.
[0054] A traffic lane indicator (left, right) is shown in FIG. 4
and may be used in conjunction with the turn signal or the like to
indicate the lane in which the black box currently "sees" the
vehicle. Additionally, a delta or adjustment function may be
provided so as to allow for adjustment of the black box, where for
any reason, an adjustment needs to be made for indicating the
center position in a lane. A reset button allows the system to
reset to a default configuration.
[0055] A display panel associated with the black box 400 has a lane
position status indicator, 406, shown towards the bottom of FIG. 4
as generally an analog indicator, allowing the driver to monitor
the position of the vehicle as perceived by the black box. At the
extreme left, an alert 408 is given to the driver to indicate that
he is drifting too far left. The same is true at the opposite end
of the status indicator, where an alert 410 is given when a driver
drifts too far right. A center lane 412 or proper disposition
indicator is shown in the center of the status indicator. Between
the center lane indicator and the far left alert, a "drifting left"
414 indication is given. Similarly, a "drifting right" 416 alert is
given when the vehicle is departing from the center and going
towards the right. The drifting left and drifting right indications
provide means by which the driver can be alerted to the status
before an alert is given. The center lane, drifting left or
drifting right indications may be displayed by lights which
illuminate a portion of the display corresponding to the position
of the vehicle within the lane.
[0056] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a lane position
status indicator 500, showing a schematic view that disappears into
the vanishing point of approximately 310 feet delivering
approximately a seven degree (7.degree.) angle for two lanes of a
four-lane highway.
[0057] When the vehicle is centered in the lane, a green light 502
goes on. Should it depart left or right (the area for which the
green light shines, initially), a yellow light (504 or 506) comes
on to alert the driver of his or her departure from the appropriate
center line. After the yellow lights activate, a red light (508 or
510) come on, then pink (512 or 514), and then flashing red (516 or
518). All of these are shown in FIG. 5 and enable the black box of
the present invention to provide not only a record of such
departure from the center of the lane, but also an indication to
the driver that such a departure is occurring. FIG. 15 is a
schematic diagram for an electronic circuit for the lane position
status indicator 500. The elements of the circuit are labeled in
the figure.
[0058] A sound alarm may accompany the flashing red light in order
to alert the driver of his/her potentially hazardous driving. This
will serve to awaken a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel.
Such alarm may be turned off by the push of a button or may
automatically taper off as the vehicle position is corrected to the
lane center. The alarm may further be activated by the push of a
button to test if it is properly operating. Features which allow
the driver to set the alarm volume and select a certain type of
alarm sound may also be provided. An adjustable threshold may also
be set by the driver to establish the level of centroid error to
activate the audible alarm system.
[0059] Before the alarm goes off, other milder warning signals,
besides the light signals may be sounded such as a recorded voice
warning when a driver is close to the flashing red zone. Various
types of alarms and warning signals may be used, such as for
example, the vibration of the wheel or seat, the activation of the
vehicle air condition, heater, or fan, the automatic opening of the
window, automatic activation of the radio, the release of a mist
spray or perfume scent, or the sounding of a buzzer or car horn.
Such alarm or warning signals may be scrambled so as to randomize
agitation.
[0060] Additionally, the alarm may be programmed to go off after a
predetermined time period, say 20 seconds, in which the vehicle is
detected as deviating from the lane center at a specified threshold
value. Other possible indications for activating the alarm may be
the absence of movement of the steering wheel for a specified time
period (e.g., 20 seconds), erratic steering, detection that the car
is on the rumble bars or road grooves on the left or right
shoulders, or long term pattern of steering errors which may
indicate that the driver is drowsy. Detection of the rumble bars on
the road may also provide a back up warning system should the lane
status indication system fail. The warning alarm system may also
have a multiplicative feature such that multiple errors are
weighted exponentially, rather then on an additive basis.
[0061] The cameras and black box system may be on standby mode, and
ready to operate once the vehicle is in forward gear. Furthermore,
the black box may go into a high speed data logging mode when a
dangerous situation is detected, to create a more accurate record
of the driving in case an accident were to occur.
[0062] The system may include other features such as a status
button which allows the driver to bring up his record for review,
or to display notes and messages sent from the company
headquarters.
[0063] FIG. 6 shows a vanishing point diagram for both straight
roads 600 and curved roads 602. For curved roads, the radius of the
curvature 604 for a segment 606 of the road is determined by
forming a circle having a curvature according to the portion of the
segment as shown in the bottom of FIG. 6. The black box of the
present invention helps to determine the centeredness of the
vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is travelling on a straight
road or a curved road by picking up centroids derived from the
painted lines alongside the vehicle.
[0064] According to the present invention, a driver's overall
performance based on the driver's lane tracking ability may be
rated by monitoring and logging into the black box a driver's
deviations from the center of a lane. The system may be set to
record the instantaneous deviations from the center, and assign a
numeric value to the deviation, which most conveniently is the
distance away from the center. The average or RMS (root mean
square) value of the deviations from the lane center monitored
periodically (e.g., 30 times a second) on an ongoing basis, or over
the course of a given trip could be used to assign a numeric value
based on a scale for characterizing driver performance. Various
methods for characterizing driver performance based on the driver's
deviations from the center lane, recorded periodically for a given
period of time, or based on other driving errors made, will be
apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0065] A black box according to the present invention, is
preferably designed to be tamper proof, concealed, weatherproof,
and to survive an accident. Additionally, stations for calibrating
and interrogating the driver's back box may be provided, and
frequent stops at such stations may be made mandatory for certain
drivers, for example truck drivers and bus drivers. Such
calibration stations may have a simulated road lane with the lines
of the road laid down perfectly for allowing the driver to check
the system as well as his own driving abilities to calibrate the
system.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a passing scenarios where a first
vehicle 700 passes a second slower vehicle 702 on the left of that
second slower vehicle. The positions of the passing vehicle 700 are
indicated by the positions 1-5 in the figure, wherein the vehicle
700 starts from position 1 and finishes passing at position 5. The
left turn signal is turned on at position 1 and 2 as the vehicle
enters the passing lane, and the right turn signal is turned on at
position 3, 4, and 5 as the vehicle returns to its lane. The black
box of the present invention may be coupled to the turn signals of
the vehicle, allowing for appropriate compensation of the
activities occurring with respect to the detected highway lines as
the vehicle passes the second, slower vehicle. As such, deviations
from the center of a lane due to the driver making a lane change
will not be registered by the system for factoring into the driver
performance rating, and the position status indicator will not
indicate that the driver is drifting off the center of a lane.
Additionally, the system could record data while the driver is
passing another vehicle to determine how safely the driver is able
to pass, taking into account factors such as the drivers speed and
time it takes the driver to return to the traffic lane.
[0067] In one embodiment, the turn signals may indicate to the
black box that a lane change is occurring, particularly when the
speed of the vehicle stays the same or increases. Generally,
vehicle speed is maintained or increased when passing a vehicle.
However, very often the vehicle is slowed to a complete stop, or
very nearly a complete stop, before engaging the turn signal for a
left- or right-hand turn.
[0068] FIGS. 9-12 show graphical output derived from data arising
from the detection of the highway lines using a single camera.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a plot of intensity versus time showing the
intermittent, but regular, detection of the dashed lines present on
the left-hand side of the travelling lane on a highway. The peaks
indicate the amount of the line detected by the camera. The plot
shows both the basic noise level as well as the market peaks
indicating the detection of lines. Change of intensity in the peaks
indicates that the driver has deviated from a straight path which
is exactly parallel to the highway lines.
[0070] FIGS. 10-12 show the intensity profiles of FIG. 9 in typical
3-D plots for fewer spots.
[0071] Additionally, various test may be designed to characterize
the driving profile of a driver, which include determining the
driver's response time. Such tests may be given to drivers at
interrogation stations or whenever else necessary to determine how
well a driver can perform.
[0072] A circle tracker test, shown in FIG. 13, is one example of
an accuracy test that may be used to help determine the driver's
activity behind the wheel. The circle tracker is a device that
displays a circle 1300 on the monitor. The user taking the test is
then required to trace the circle using the mouse. Typical tracing
lines 1302 are indicated in the figure. RMS error is recorded when
the cursor departs from the circle on the screen. A log is kept
with a running average of each error and can be used to show the
manual coordination of an individual and his/her ability to
accurately trace a circle on a computer screen.
[0073] Another test for characterizing a driver's response time and
accuracy is a spot clicking test, shown in FIG. 14. A spot 1400
moves about the screen through a random path, for example, as
indicated by the dashed line in the figure, and the individual must
place a circle 1402 over the spot using the cursor to navigate the
circle. RMS error may be recorded as a function of the speed that
the spot moves, and a running average may be kept of the error.
Additionally, there are varying speeds which may be set for the
moving spot, so that the ability of the driver to track the spot is
well tested.
[0074] Alertness tests may also be administered while driving. Such
tests might involve responding to a sound command or image
projected on the windshield. For example, a screen windshield
projection or virtual image may be activated in the driver's field
of view on which a number, letter, word, symbol, or symbols are
presented momentarily to the driver for identification; or a voice
command might request the driver to recite a string of numbers. The
driver may then be required to reply verbally to a voice
deciphering device, squeeze a switch, interrupt a light beam or
otherwise respond indicating his response time by so doing. His
input may be logged and he could be informed of the ranking of his
response. The screen information may be varied in size, color,
orientation, length of projection time, etc., and will be
programmed to appear when least expected.
[0075] The above tests, including characterizing the driver's lane
tracking abilities according to the present invention provide a way
of projecting how likely a driver is to make a driving mistake
which can lead to a fatal accident. Additionally, these tests can
be used for field sobriety testing, as they are simple to
administer.
[0076] The monitoring of drivers can also be used for providing a
safe system for drivers with sleep disorders characterized by the
rapid onset of sleep called sleep attacks. Such drivers can be
observed in a laboratory environment for determining and recording
the driver's characteristic brain wave patterns during the
transition from wakefulness to sleep. The driver's characteristic
brain wave patterns can be stored into a device that monitors the
driver's brain waves on the road and sounds an alarm when such
pattern that can lead to a sleep attack is detected. A device for
monitoring the driver's brain waves can be a band which may be a
part of a variety of hats (i.e., cowboy, baseball, visor hats)
containing conductive electrodes so placed as to sample the
driver's EEG brain wave activity or change thereof. A suitable
warning device, calibration system, recording element, and/or a
tiny transmitter may be incorporated into the band.
[0077] A number of alternative embodiments of the present invention
may be achieved, aiding in the tracking, detection, auditing and/or
monitoring of the vehicle's travel, particularly across the United
States or otherwise.
[0078] In one embodiment, a radar-like detection system may be used
in order to maintain the distance between the vehicle in front of
the driver's truck or other vehicle. This would allow the driver to
maintain a safe distance between his vehicle and the one in front
of him. In another embodiment, a light source of a specific
frequency might be used to reflect off the vehicle in front, the
time being gauged very accurately so as to determine the distance
between the two vehicles. Other means may also be used. Generally,
one second of time should exist between the vehicles for each ten
(10) miles-per-hour of speed.
[0079] With the development of wireless applications, information
regarding the vehicle may be transmitted to a satellite uplink and
then distributed to a central or Internet-based information
distribution system. Devices such as those known as the Palm Pilot
(marketed by 3Com) may be used to access the data and monitor the
travel of the vehicle across the U.S. or otherwise. A panic button
or the like may also be included in such wireless applications,
immediately notifying authorities in case an event of highway
piracy or vehicle breakdown should occur.
[0080] GPS applications may also be used, such that the satellite
uplink information includes information derived from the Global
Positioning System (GPS). Geographical information in the form of
longitude and latitude are then delivered with the satellite uplink
information. Additionally, information regarding the status of the
vehicle according to its disposition and its lane of travel can
also be uploaded, as well as a history of any alerts that may have
occurred. With respect to the latter, the association of the turn
signal with the black box becomes a significant feature as such
alerts would be generated without the coupling of the turn signal
to the black box.
[0081] Additionally, automatic log book applications could be
coordinated with the black box of the present invention in order to
provide automatic logging of the travel, expenses, and other
relevant data with respect to the operation, maintenance, and
mileage of the vehicle.
[0082] As forecasted by some, JavaScript applications or the like
can be used with respect to all mechanical items on the vehicle.
For example, when the oil reaches the end of its useful life, a
signal can be given that the oil should be changed. Additionally,
headlights that are about to go out or that have been used passed
90% of their useful life can also give signals that they are ready
to be replaced, and the same can then be transmitted automatically
for the next scheduled maintenance stop for the vehicle.
[0083] By providing a travel-detection and maintenance system along
the lines described above, greater safety is provided for both the
driver and those travelling along the same roads as the vehicle.
This may allow for greater cargo capacities to be allowed on the
highways, as wireless and other monitoring of the vehicle provide a
greater margin of safety, possibly far exceeding that necessary for
safe operation.
[0084] While the present invention has been described with regards
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept.
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