U.S. patent application number 14/149170 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for driver reaction time measurement.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, JR..
Application Number | 20150191083 14/149170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53491880 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150191083 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boss; Gregory J. ; et
al. |
July 9, 2015 |
Driver Reaction Time Measurement
Abstract
A method and system for measuring driver reaction times is
provided. The method includes identifying a driver of a vehicle and
determining reaction times associated with a set of driving
functions executed by the driver during a first driving process.
The driver is determined to be currently driving the vehicle and
currently executed driving functions are monitored. Current
reaction times associated with the currently executed driving
functions are identified and compared to the reaction times.
Differences between the current reaction times and the reaction
times are determined and logged. The differences indicate that the
driver is currently executing a first driving distraction event and
in response specified functions associated with the currently
executed driving functions and/or the first driving distraction
event are executed.
Inventors: |
Boss; Gregory J.; (Saginaw,
MI) ; Jones; Andrew R.; (Round Rock, TX) ;
McConnell; Kevin C.; (Austin, TX) ; Moore, JR.; John
E.; (Brownsburg, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
ARMONK |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
ARMONK
NY
|
Family ID: |
53491880 |
Appl. No.: |
14/149170 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60W 40/08 20130101;
B60Y 2400/30 20130101; B60Y 2400/90 20130101; B60W 2050/0089
20130101; B60K 28/066 20130101; B60K 28/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60K 28/06 20060101
B60K028/06 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining, by a computer processor of a
computing system, reaction times associated with a set of driving
functions executed by a driver of a vehicle, wherein said set of
driving functions are executed by said driver during a first
driving process of said vehicle; after said determining said
reaction times, detecting by said computer processor, said driver
in said vehicle; determining, by said computer processor, that said
driver is currently driving said vehicle; monitoring, by said
computer processor, currently executed driving functions associated
with said set of driving functions; identifying, by said computer
processor, current reaction times associated with said currently
executed driving functions; comparing, by said computer processor,
said current reaction times with said reaction times; determining,
by said computer processor based on results of said comparing,
differences between said current reaction times with said reaction
times; logging, by said computer processor, said differences to a
driver action log; determining, by said computer processor based on
said driver action log, that said driver is currently executing a
first driving distraction event; and executing, by said computer
processor based on said determining that said driver is currently
executing a first driving distraction event, specified functions
associated with said currently executed driving functions and/or
said first driving distraction event.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing said specified
functions comprises: alerting said driver of said differences.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing said specified
functions comprises: disabling functions associated with said
currently executed driving functions.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing said specified
functions comprises: modifying attributes of a function associated
with said currently executed driving functions.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing said specified
functions comprises: disabling functions of a device associated
with said first driving distraction event.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing said specified
functions comprises: modifying functions of a device associated
with said first driving distraction event.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: comparing, by said
computer processor, said differences to predetermined thresholds;
and determining, by said computer processor based on results of
said comparing said differences to said predetermined thresholds,
that said differences exceed said predetermined thresholds, wherein
said executing is further based on said differences exceeding said
predetermined thresholds.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing said specified
functions comprises: notifying an authority of said
differences.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining that said driver
is currently executing a first driving distraction event comprises:
enabling a video retrieval device in said vehicle; retrieving a
video stream of said driver during said currently executed driving
functions; analyzing said video stream; and determining said first
driving distraction event based on results of said analyzing.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining that said
driver is currently executing a first driving distraction event
comprises: monitoring devices enabled within said vehicle;
analyzing results of said monitoring; and determining said first
driving distraction event based on results of said analyzing.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing at least
one support service for at least one of creating, integrating,
hosting, maintaining, and deploying computer-readable code in the
computing system, said code being executed by the computer
processor to implement said determining said reaction times, said
detecting, said determining that said driver is currently driving
said vehicle, said monitoring, said identifying, said comparing,
said determining said differences, said logging, said determining
that said driver is currently executing said first driving
distraction event, and said executing.
12. A computing system comprising a computer processor coupled to a
computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprising
instructions that when executed by the computer processor
implements a method comprising: determining, by said computer
processor, reaction times associated with a set of driving
functions executed by a driver of a vehicle, wherein said set of
driving functions are executed by said driver during a first
driving process of said vehicle; after said determining said
reaction times, detecting by said computer processor, said driver
in said vehicle; determining, by said computer processor, that said
driver is currently driving said vehicle; monitoring, by said
computer processor, currently executed driving functions associated
with said set of driving functions; identifying, by said computer
processor, current reaction times associated with said currently
executed driving functions; comparing, by said computer processor,
said current reaction times with said reaction times; determining,
by said computer processor based on results of said comparing,
differences between said current reaction times with said reaction
times; logging, by said computer processor, said differences to a
driver action log; determining, by said computer processor based on
said driver action log, that said driver is currently executing a
first driving distraction event; and executing, by said computer
processor based on said determining that said driver is currently
executing a first driving distraction event, specified functions
associated with said currently executed driving functions and/or
said first driving distraction event.
13. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said executing said
specified functions comprises: alerting said driver of said
differences.
14. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said executing said
specified functions comprises: disabling functions associated with
said currently executed driving functions.
15. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said executing said
specified functions comprises: modifying attributes of a function
associated with said currently executed driving functions.
16. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said executing said
specified functions comprises: disabling functions of a device
associated with said first driving distraction event.
17. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said executing said
specified functions comprises: modifying functions of a device
associated with said first driving distraction event.
18. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said method further
comprises: comparing, by said computer processor, said differences
to predetermined thresholds; and determining, by said computer
processor based on results of said comparing said differences to
said predetermined thresholds, that said differences exceed said
predetermined thresholds, wherein said executing is further based
on said differences exceeding said predetermined thresholds.
19. The computing system of claim 12, wherein said executing said
specified functions comprises: notifying an authority of said
differences.
20. A computer program product for technical solution analysis, the
computer program product comprising: one or more computer-readable,
tangible storage devices; program instructions, stored on at least
one of the one or more storage devices, to determine reaction times
associated with a set of driving functions executed by a driver of
a vehicle, wherein said set of driving functions are executed by
said driver during a first driving process of said vehicle; program
instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage
devices, to detect said driver in said vehicle after determining
said reaction times; program instructions, stored on at least one
of the one or more storage devices, to determine that said driver
is currently driving said vehicle; program instructions, stored on
at least one of the one or more storage devices, to monitor
currently executed driving functions associated with said set of
driving functions; program instructions, stored on at least one of
the one or more storage devices, to identify current reaction times
associated with said currently executed driving functions; program
instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage
devices, to compare said current reaction times with said reaction
times; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or
more storage devices, to determine differences between said current
reaction times with said reaction times; program instructions,
stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to log
said differences to a driver action log; program instructions,
stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to
determine that said driver is currently executing a first driving
distraction event; and program instructions, stored on at least one
of the one or more storage devices, to execute specified functions
associated with currently executed driving functions and/or a first
driving distraction event.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method for
measuring driver reaction times, and in particular to a method and
associated system for determining driver reaction times during
driving distraction events.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Determining driver distraction issues typically includes an
inaccurate process with little flexibility. Evaluating solutions to
driver distraction issues may include a complicated process that
may be time consuming and require a large amount of resources.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least
some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein
above.
SUMMARY
[0005] A first aspect of the invention provides a method
comprising: determining, by a computer processor, reaction times
associated with a set of driving functions executed by a driver of
a vehicle, wherein the set of driving functions are executed by the
driver during a first driving process of the vehicle; after the
determining the reaction times, detecting by the computer
processor, the driver in the vehicle; determining, by the computer
processor, that the driver is currently driving the vehicle;
monitoring, by the computer processor, currently executed driving
functions associated with the set of driving functions;
identifying, by the computer processor, current reaction times
associated with the currently executed driving functions;
comparing, by the computer processor, the current reaction times
with the reaction times; determining, by the computer processor
based on results of the comparing, differences between the current
reaction times with the reaction times; logging, by the computer
processor, the differences to a driver action log; determining, by
the computer processor based on the driver action log, that the
driver is currently executing a first driving distraction event;
and executing, by the computer processor based on the determining
that the driver is currently executing a first driving distraction
event, specified functions associated with the currently executed
driving functions and/or the first driving distraction event.
[0006] A second aspect of the invention provides a computing system
comprising a computer processor coupled to a computer-readable
memory unit, the memory unit comprising instructions that when
executed by the computer processor implements a method comprising:
determining, by the computer processor, reaction times associated
with a set of driving functions executed by a driver of a vehicle,
wherein the set of driving functions are executed by the driver
during a first driving process of the vehicle; after the
determining the reaction times, detecting by the computer
processor, the driver in the vehicle; determining, by the computer
processor, that the driver is currently driving the vehicle;
monitoring, by the computer processor, currently executed driving
functions associated with the set of driving functions;
identifying, by the computer processor, current reaction times
associated with the currently executed driving functions;
comparing, by the computer processor, the current reaction times
with the reaction times; determining, by the computer processor
based on results of the comparing, differences between the current
reaction times with the reaction times; logging, by the computer
processor, the differences to a driver action log; determining, by
the computer processor based on the driver action log, that the
driver is currently executing a first driving distraction event;
and executing, by the computer processor based on the determining
that the driver is currently executing a first driving distraction
event, specified functions associated with the currently executed
driving functions and/or the first driving distraction event.
[0007] A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program
product for technical solution analysis, the computer program
product comprising: one or more computer-readable, tangible storage
devices; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or
more storage devices, to determine reaction times associated with a
set of driving functions executed by a driver of a vehicle, wherein
the set of driving functions are executed by the driver during a
first driving process of the vehicle; program instructions, stored
on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to detect the
driver in the vehicle after determining the reaction times; program
instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage
devices, to determine that the driver is currently driving the
vehicle; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or
more storage devices, to monitor currently executed driving
functions associated with the set of driving functions; program
instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage
devices, to identify current reaction times associated with the
currently executed driving functions; program instructions, stored
on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to compare the
current reaction times with the reaction times; program
instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage
devices, to determine differences between the current reaction
times with the reaction times; program instructions, stored on at
least one of the one or more storage devices, to log the
differences to a driver action log; program instructions, stored on
at least one of the one or more storage devices, to determine that
the driver is currently executing a first driving distraction
event; and program instructions, stored on at least one of the one
or more storage devices, to execute specified functions associated
with currently executed driving functions and/or a first driving
distraction event.
[0008] The present invention advantageously provides a simple
method and associated system capable of determining driver
distraction issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing a means for
associating driver reaction times during a driver distraction
event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow
enabled by the system of FIG. 1 for providing a means for
associating driver reaction times during a driver distraction
event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a computer apparatus used by the system
of FIG. 1 for providing a means for associating driver reaction
times during a driver distraction event, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 2 for providing a means for
associating driver reaction times during a driver distraction
event, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
System 2 may perform a baseline measurement of drivers' normal
reaction times during a current driving event. System 2 then
monitors and measures a current reaction time during a driver
distraction event such as, inter alia, cell phone usage. Results of
the current reaction time measurement are presented to the driver
19 and/or additional parties to determine if the driver distraction
event should be discontinued.
[0013] System 2 of FIG. 1 includes external notification systems 25
communicatively connected to a vehicle 22. The vehicle includes a
computer 14, driver function systems 18, sensors 7, and devices 24
(i.e., driver distraction devices). Computer 14 is communicably
connected to driver function systems 18, sensors 7, and devices 24.
Computer 14 may include any type of computing system(s) including,
inter alia, a computer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet, memory
system 8 which stores program instructions 17 for associating
driver reaction times during a driver distraction event. Program
instructions 17 transmit a result of the association analysis to
external notification systems 25.
[0014] System 2 indicates a driver's impairment level while engaged
in distracting activities such as, inter alia, texting or talking
on a cellular telephone. System 2 measures a driver's reaction
times to determine if the distracting activities event should be
discontinued.
[0015] System 2 associates a driver reaction time while engaged in
distraction activities and delivers results to the driver at a time
when vehicle 22 is not in operation. Distraction activities may
include, inter alia, talking, texting, unlocking a phone with a
password, entering a GPS navigation destination, tuning a radio or
music player, etc. System 2 may performs a baseline measurement of
the driver's normal reaction times while driving without
distractions. Additionally, system 2 monitors driver distraction
events (e.g., cell phone usage) and measures the current reaction
times during real time road conditions. Results of the monitoring
may be displayed to the driver 19 and/or additional parties to
determine if the distracting activities event should be
discontinued.
[0016] System 2 performs the following functions:
1. Measurement of a driver's base line reaction times for a given
set of events (e.g., stopping at an intersection, reaction time to
brake when a vehicle in front is slowing down, lane change events,
lane weaving/wondering, etc.). 2. Measuring a driver reaction time
delta for a given set of driving events. 3. Correlating driving
events with specific mobile device operations (i.e., distraction
events). 4. Generating a warning (e.g., a tone or sound) indicating
that a reaction time analysis reaches a threshold. Additionally, a
delayed notification (heads up display, dashboard, console, mobile
phone, email, etc.) may be enabled. 5. Optionally perform a given
action (e.g., disable a radio, etc. if the distraction event causes
a reaction time exceeding a threshold considered for safe
driving).
[0017] An implementation example for determining baseline reaction
times for events (e.g., stopping times, lane change events, lane
weaving, etc.) is described as follows:
[0018] System 2 detects that driver 19 is currently using a mobile
device while driving vehicle 22. In response, system 2 begins to
measure reaction times while the user is not distracted in order to
establish a baseline. The baseline may be developed with a
requirement for a predetermined number of samples. System 2 enables
sensors 7 to record events (e.g., vehicle braking) and in response,
system 2 measures a time period for a user to react to the event
(e.g., vehicle braking) A number and type of baseline events are
determined based on capabilities of vehicle 22 and external
available data points. For example, certain vehicles comprise
external proximity sensors that determine when a vehicle in front
is braking and to what degree a distance between the vehicles is
closing (i.e., how aggressively they are braking). In response,
system 2 uses the event (i.e., braking event) to trigger a baseline
measurement. Alternatively, system 2 may use a mobile application
(on a mobile device) to trigger an on board camera to evaluate
specified driving conditions (e.g., a distance of a leading
vehicle). Additionally, the mobile device may detect a color of a
stop light and measure the color as a "red light start" event or
time. With respect to the aforementioned implementation example for
determining baseline reaction times, program instructions 17 enable
the following process steps:
1. Identification of a driver 19. 2. Monitoring vehicle 22 events.
3. Monitoring cellular telephone inactivity using a device usage
log. 4. Monitoring a corresponding or expected action from driver
19 and logging the action to a driver action log.
[0019] An implementation example for detecting and correlating
distracted driver activity with specific vehicle operations is
described as follows:
[0020] A cell phone registers with computer 14 in vehicle 22 prior
to starting vehicle 22 (or immediately after vehicle 22 is
started). For example, a Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi pairing process
may be used to initiate a registration process. Upon enablement of
the pairing event, computer 14 is linked directly the cellular
telephone. In response, vehicle motion sage events are monitored
and each monitored event is logged with a date/time stamp in a
device usage log. Additionally, vehicle 22 maintains a vehicle
event log that tracks vehicle parameters such as, inter alia,
speed, acceleration, lane changes, turn signal events, brake
events, distances, routes, etc. Therefore (since device usage log
and vehicle event log have date/time stamps), computer 14 may
correlate when a driver's phone is inactive/active and whether or
not the driver 19 is in motion or stopped. With respect to the
aforementioned implementation example for detecting and correlating
distracted driver activity, program instructions 17 enable the
following process steps:
1. Authenticating (or pairing) a phone with vehicle 22.
[0021] A. Opening vehicle 22 door with the phone (e.g., via an NFC
chip).
[0022] B. Starting vehicle 22 with the phone (e.g., via an
NFC/Bluetooth chip).
[0023] C. Pairing the phone after vehicle 22 is started (e.g., via
Bluetooth).
[0024] D. Pairing the phone via 3G, 4G, and/or a mobile application
from the vehicle manufacturer accessing computer 14.
2. Transmitting device usage logs to computer 14 or alternatively
the driver's phone. 3. Retrieving vehicle event logs from computer
14.
[0025] A. Correlating device and vehicle events.
[0026] An implementation example for measuring a change in driver
reaction time for a given set of events is described as
follows:
[0027] The measurement process comprises retrieving recorded,
real-time, or near real-time data from computer 14 and determining
correlations between events. The correlations may utilize baseline
data or data retrieved from just prior to an event for a comparison
point (e.g. all data prior to an incoming telephone call could be
considered baseline data and data from the time of incoming call to
call determination may be used to compare against the baseline
data).
[0028] With respect to the aforementioned implementation example
for measuring a change in driver reaction time, program
instructions 17 enable the following process steps:
1. Identifying potential distraction events in data (e.g., an
incoming call, a radio station change, etc.). 2. For each key
factor affecting driving safety (e.g., speed, braking, etc.),
comparing baseline data with data retrieved during a distraction
event and sub-events during an event period (e.g., call initiation
(first ring to answer), conversation period, call termination
(hang-up+n seconds-n seconds, handset usage, Bluetooth, etc.). 3.
Comparing baseline and key factors associated with the data. For
example, if speed comprises the datum being examined, a
determination is made with respect to a variation in the speed
prior to the event and during the event or sub-events. The
comparison may consider external factors from other devices (e.g.,
GPS data, road signs, etc.). A variation in speed determination may
include: [0029] A. Determining if a speed change exceeds a small
delta (e.g. >3-5 mph)? [0030] B. If no, then no speed
distraction is detected. [0031] C. If yes, then were there
contributing factors as determined by other systems (e.g., there
was a change in allowed speed limit as communicated by GPS system
or intelligent road signs). If contributing factor is attributed to
the change in speed, then no speed distraction detected. [0032] D.
If no, then determine that the event contributed to a potentially
unsafe speed adjustment (either up or down). [0033] E. Log or
notify the unsafe speed event. [0034] F. Repeat the process for all
key factors (e.g., braking, lane sway, etc.).
[0035] An implementation example for correlating driving events
with specific mobile device operations is described as follows:
[0036] System 2 determines driver functions when determined
reaction times (for an event) exceed a baseline threshold. The
event is correlated to a determined behavior.
[0037] With respect to the aforementioned implementation example
for correlating driving events, program instructions 17 enable the
following process steps:
1. A baseline associated with a skill and attentiveness of driver
19 is determined. 2. The driver's current skill and attentiveness
(e.g., reaction times) is monitored and when the reaction times
exceed a determined threshold, driver functions are determined. For
example: [0038] A. An onboard camera may be used to determine if
driver 19 was not looking at the road. [0039] B. It may be
determined if radio stations or CDs were being changed. [0040] C.
Listening sensors within vehicle 22 may be used to determine if a
call came in or if an active Bluetooth connection is enabled.
[0041] D. It may be determined if a GPS device has been modified.
3. A determined distraction event is logged into system 2. 4. A log
of phone usage is retrieved and phone activity is associated with
threshold exceeded reaction times.
[0042] An implementation example for displaying a reaction time
analysis (e.g., via a heads up display, dashboard, console, mobile
phone, email, etc.) for a driver 19 is described as follows:
[0043] An analysis of the driver's behavior may be presented to
driver 19 in real-time, near real-time, at the end of a driving
session, or at user request. The analysis may be presented via a
heads up display system, a dashboard/console text display, a radio
display, in vehicle computer and text to speech system, etc.
Additionally, system 2 may transmit the analysis to the driver's
Bluetooth device as an audio message, via e-mail, text, or data to
a specific application, etc. Alternatively, the analysis may be
transmitted to other parties (e.g., parents of young drivers,
insurance companies, etc.). Additionally, vehicle 22 may generate
an audible indicating a detected distraction.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow
enabled by system 2 of FIG. 1 for providing a means for associating
driver reaction times during a driver distraction event, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each of the
steps in the algorithm of FIG. 2 may be enabled and executed in any
order by a computer processor executing computer code. In step 200,
a driver of a vehicle is identified. In step 202, (baseline or
non-distracted) reaction times associated with a set of driving
functions executed by the driver are determined. The set of driving
functions are executed by the driver during a first driving process
of the vehicle. In step 204 (after determining the reaction times),
the driver is detected in the vehicle. In step 208, it is
determined that the driver is currently driving the vehicle. In
step 212, currently executed driving functions associated with the
set of driving functions are monitored. In step 214, current
reaction times associated with the currently executed driving
functions are identified. In step 218, the current reaction times
are compared to the reaction times and (based on results of the
comparing) differences between the current reaction times and the
reaction times are determined. Additionally, the differences may be
compared to predetermined thresholds to determine if the
differences exceed the predetermined thresholds. In step 220, the
differences are logged to a driver action log. In step 224, it is
determined (based on the driver action log) that the driver is
currently executing a first driving distraction event. Determining
that the driver is currently executing a first driving distraction
event may include the flowing process 1 and process 2:
Process 1
[0045] 1. Enabling a video retrieval device in the vehicle. 2.
Retrieving a video stream of the driver during the currently
executed driving functions. 3. Analyzing the video stream. 4.
Determining the first driving distraction event based on results of
the analyzing.
Process 2
[0046] 1. Monitoring devices enabled within the vehicle. 2.
Analyzing results of the monitoring. 3. Determining the first
driving distraction event based on results of the analyzing.
[0047] In step 228, specified functions (associated with the
currently executed driving functions and/or the first driving
distraction event) are executed based on results of steps 218
and/or step 224. Executing the specified functions may include:
1. Notifying an authority of the differences. 2. Alerting the
driver of the differences. 3. Disabling/enabling functions
associated with said currently executed driving functions (e.g.,
braking functions, steering functions, etc.). Steps 2 and 3 are
associated with monitoring log files within a device (or an
application that is installed on the device that transmits event
data to a vehicle computer). For example, if a texting process is
initiated, the device or application may transmit a wireless signal
to the vehicle computer. 4. Modifying attributes of a function
(e.g., braking functions, steering functions, etc.) associated with
the currently executed driving functions. 5. Disabling functions of
a device (e.g., a radio, a cellular telephone, etc.) associated
with the first driving distraction event. 6. Modifying functions of
a device associated with the first driving distraction event (e.g.,
adjust a volume on a radio, enabling a hands free speaker on a
cellular telephone, etc.).
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a computer system 90 (e.g., computer 14
of FIG. 1) used by system 2 of FIG. 1 for associating driver
reaction times during a driver distraction event, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90
includes a processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the
processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and
memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The
input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera,
a touchscreen, etc. The output device 93 may be, inter alia, a
printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable
hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95 may be,
inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical
storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD),
a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),
etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer
code 97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 2) for
associating driver reaction times during a driver distraction
event. The processor 91 executes the computer code 97. The memory
device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96 includes input
required by the computer code 97. The output device 93 displays
output from the computer code 97. Either or both memory devices 94
and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in FIG.
4) may include the algorithm of FIG. 2 and may be used as a
computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program
storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied
therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the
computer readable program code includes the computer code 97.
Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an
article of manufacture) of the computer system 90 may include the
computer usable medium (or the program storage device).
[0049] Still yet, any of the components of the present invention
could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed,
managed, serviced, etc. by a service supplier who offers to
associate driver reaction times during a driver distraction event.
Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying,
creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating
computing infrastructure, including integrating computer-readable
code into the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination
with the computer system 90 is capable of performing a method for
associating driver reaction times during a driver distraction
event. In another embodiment, the invention provides a business
method that performs the process steps of the invention on a
subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service
supplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to associate
driver reaction times during a driver distraction event. In this
case, the service supplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a
computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the
invention for one or more customers. In return, the service
supplier can receive payment from the customer(s) under a
subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service supplier can
receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more
third parties.
[0050] While FIG. 3 shows the computer system 90 as a particular
configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of
hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary
skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in
conjunction with the particular computer system 90 of FIG. 3. For
example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may be portions of a single
memory device rather than separate memory devices.
[0051] While embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications
and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope
of this invention.
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