U.S. patent application number 15/257153 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for driver focus analyzer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arjun Kundan Dhawan. Invention is credited to Arjun Kundan Dhawan.
Application Number | 20170210289 15/257153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59360181 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170210289 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dhawan; Arjun Kundan |
July 27, 2017 |
Driver Focus Analyzer
Abstract
A driver focus analyzer including one or more sensors configured
to measure a distance of a driver or computing device from the one
or more sensors, processing circuitry configured to compare the
distance to a predetermined distance threshold, determine if the
distance exceeds the predetermined distance threshold, and cause an
alert in response to at least determining that the distance exceeds
the predetermined threshold, and an alert output device configured
to generate an audio or visual output in response to the alert.
Inventors: |
Dhawan; Arjun Kundan;
(Newburgh, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dhawan; Arjun Kundan |
Newburgh |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59360181 |
Appl. No.: |
15/257153 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62281835 |
Jan 22, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/7405 20130101;
A61B 5/6844 20130101; A61B 2562/0257 20130101; A61B 8/08 20130101;
A61B 2562/0204 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101; A61B 5/6898
20130101; A61B 5/746 20130101; B60Q 9/00 20130101; A61B 2010/0009
20130101; A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B 5/6893 20130101; A61B 5/1118
20130101; A61B 5/163 20170801; A61B 5/4845 20130101; A61B 3/113
20130101; A61B 5/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 9/00 20060101
B60Q009/00; A61B 3/113 20060101 A61B003/113; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/18 20060101 A61B005/18; A61B 8/08 20060101
A61B008/08 |
Claims
1. A driver focus analyzer comprising: one or more sensors
configured to measure a distance of a driver or a computing device
from the sensor; processing circuitry configured to: compare the
distance to a predetermined distance threshold; determine if the
distance exceeds the predetermined distance threshold; and cause an
alert in response to at least determining that the distance exceeds
the predetermined threshold; and an alert output device configured
to generate an audio or visual output in response to the alert.
2. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in a portion of a vehicle
seat.
3. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in a head rest of a
vehicle seat.
4. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in the headliner of a
vehicle.
5. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1, wherein the one or more
sensors comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor, and wherein the
distance comprises a measurement of a head of the driver from the
sensor.
6. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1 further comprising: a
communication interface; and a location sensor, wherein the
processing circuitry is further configured to: receive location
data associated with a computing device; receive location data from
the location sensor; determine a range between the computing device
and the driver focus analyzer; compare the range to a predetermined
range threshold; determine if the range satisfies the predetermined
range threshold; and cause an alert in response to the range
satisfying the predetermined range threshold.
7. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1 further comprising a
communication interface, and one or more motion sensors; wherein
the processing circuitry is further configured to: receive motion
data associated with a computing device; receive motion data from
the one or more motion sensors; determine a relative motion between
the computing device and the driver focus analyzer; compare the
relative motion to a predetermined motion threshold; determine if
the relative motion satisfies the predetermined motion threshold;
and cause an alert in response to the relative motion satisfying
the predetermined motion threshold.
8. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1, wherein the one or more
sensors comprise at least two proximity sensors, wherein the alert
is caused in response to the distance measured by any of the at
least two proximity sensors.
9. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1 further comprising: one or
more sensors configured to measure an intoxicant level proximate to
the driver, and wherein the processing circuitry is further
configured to: compare the intoxicant level to a predetermined
intoxicant threshold; determine if the intoxicant level exceeds the
predetermined intoxicant threshold; and cause the alert in response
to determining that the intoxicant level exceeds the predetermined
threshold.
10. The driver focus analyzer of claim 1 further comprising: one or
more sensors configured to measure a noise level proximate to the
driver, and wherein the processing circuitry is further configured
to: compare the noise level to a predetermined noise threshold;
determine if the noise level exceeds the predetermined noise
threshold; and cause the alert in response to determining that the
noise level exceeds the predetermined threshold.
11. A driver focus analyzer comprising: one or more sensors
configured to measure an intoxicant level proximate to a driver;
processing circuitry configured to: compare the intoxicant level to
a predetermined intoxicant threshold; determine if the intoxicant
level exceeds the predetermined intoxicant threshold; and cause an
alert in response to determining that the intoxicant level exceeds
the predetermined threshold; and an alert output device configured
to generate an audio or visual output in response to the alert.
12. The driver focus analyzer of claim 11, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in a portion of a vehicle
seat.
13. The driver focus analyzer of claim 11, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in a head rest of a
vehicle seat.
14. The driver focus analyzer of claim 13, wherein the one or more
sensors comprise at least one alcohol sensor.
15. The driver focus analyzer of claim 11, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in the headliner of a
vehicle.
16. The driver focus analyzer of claim 11, wherein the one or more
sensors are configured to measure tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
17. A driver focus analyzer comprising: one or more sensors
configured to measure a noise level proximate to the driver;
processing circuitry configured to: compare the noise level to a
predetermined noise threshold; determine if the noise level exceeds
the predetermined noise threshold; and cause an alert in response
to determining that the noise level exceeds the predetermined
threshold; and an alert output device configured to generate an
audio or visual output in response to the alert.
18. The driver focus analyzer of claim 17, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in a portion of a vehicle
seat.
19. The driver focus analyzer of claim 17, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in a head rest of a
vehicle seat.
20. The driver focus analyzer of claim 17, wherein the driver focus
analyzer is at least partially contained in the headliner of a
vehicle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/281,835 filed on Jan. 22, 2016, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Example embodiments generally relate to vehicle safety
systems and, in particular, relate to a driver focus analyzer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Over 1,100 people in the U.S. are either injured or die from
distracted driving crashes every day. Distractions can be visual,
manual, or cognitive. Current safety devices are based on reducing
collisions through sensors configured to sense conditions exterior
to a vehicle, e.g. distance to car ahead, blind spot indicator,
reversing camera, parking sonar, or the like.
[0004] Approximately ten percent of fatal crashes, eighteen percent
of injury crashes, and sixteen percent of all motor vehicle crashes
are reported as distraction-affected crashes, including manual
distractions, (e.g. taking hands off of a steering wheel), visual
distractions (e.g. taking eyes off of the road), cognitive
distraction (taking mind off of the drive), or a combination
thereof Distracted driving has gained significant attention
recently as electronic devices in vehicles become more prevalent.
However, non technological distractions also remain, such as
conversations with passengers, drowsiness, noise in the vehicle
(e.g. kids distracting the drivers), eating, putting on makeup,
alcohol, drugs (e.g. marijuana), or the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES
[0005] Accordingly, some example embodiments may enable a driver
focus analyzer including one or more sensors configured to measure
a distance of a driver or computing device from the one or more
sensors, processing circuitry configured to compare the distance to
a predetermined distance threshold, determine if the distance
exceeds the predetermined distance threshold, and cause an alert in
response to at least determining that the distance exceeds the
predetermined threshold, and an alert output device configured to
generate an audio or visual output in response to the alert.
[0006] In an example embodiment a driver focus analyzer is provided
including one or more sensors configured to measure an intoxicant
level proximate to the driver, processing circuitry configured to
compare the intoxicant level to a predetermined intoxicant
threshold, determine if the intoxicant level exceeds the
predetermined intoxicant threshold, and cause an alert in response
to determining that the intoxicant level exceeds the predetermined
threshold, and an alert output configured to generate an audio or
visual output in response to the alert.
[0007] In another example embodiment a driver focus analyzer is
provided including one or more sensors configured to measure a
noise level proximate to the driver, processing circuitry
configured to compare the noise level to a predetermined noise
threshold, determine if the noise level exceeds the predetermined
noise threshold, and cause an alert in response to determining that
the noise level exceeds the predetermined threshold, and an alert
output configured to generate an audio or visual output in response
to the alert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0008] Having thus described the driver focus analyzer in general
terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example driver in a vehicle seat
according to example embodiments of the present invention described
herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example driver focus analyzer
according to example embodiments of the present invention described
herein;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example proximity sensor flowchart
according to example embodiments of the present invention described
herein;
[0012] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an example driver focus analyzer
disposed in a vehicle head rest according to example embodiments of
the present invention described herein; and
[0013] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate example methods of utilizing a driver
focus analyzer according to example embodiments of the present
invention described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the
examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as
being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of
the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood
to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case,
enables functional interconnection of components that are operably
coupled to each other.
[0015] In an example embodiment, a driver focus analyzer is
provided including a plurality of sensors, processing circuitry,
and an alert output device. Each of the sensors is associated with
a particular type of driver distraction, such as proximity sensors
for sensing if the driver is watching the road or if a computing
device (e.g., a cell phone or smart phone) is moving toward the
driver, noise sensors for sensing high noise levels in a vehicle,
and/or intoxicant sensors for detecting intoxicant levels of
alcohol, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or the like.
[0016] The processing circuitry may be configured to receive sensor
data from each of the sensors and determine if the sensor data
satisfies a predetermined threshold, e.g. high noise level,
distance indicative of eyes not oriented toward the road, high
intoxication level, or the like.
[0017] In an instance in which the driver focus analyzer determines
that a predetermined threshold is satisfied the processing
circuitry may cause an alert to be generated. An alert output, such
as a light, buzzer, or speaker, may provide an audio or visual cue
to the driver and/or passengers that the predetermined threshold
has been satisfied. The audio or visual cue may cause the driver
and/or passengers to take actions to place the vehicle in a safer
condition (e.g., turn down the radio, stop yelling, direct the
driver's attention back to the road, not operate the vehicle,
etc.).
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 including a driver
focus analyzer deployed in a vehicle 102 according to an example
embodiment. The vehicle 102 may be any vehicle operated by a driver
104, such as a car, truck, construction equipment, airplane, boat,
or the like. The vehicle 102 may have a field of view for the
driver 104 for safe operations, such as a windshield of a boat,
airplane, car, or the like. It may be advantageous to ensure that
the driver is monitoring the field of view for safe operations
during the operation of the vehicle 102. The driver 102 may look
away from the field of view for safe operations due to any number
of distractions, such as reading signs or looking at an accident,
drowsiness, looking at a computing device 114, or the like.
Additionally, it may be advantageous to monitor that the noise
levels in the vehicle 102 are with a range to not distract the
driver 104 and/or ensure that the driver 104 is not intoxicated
during the operation of the vehicle 102.
[0019] To monitor the driver and/or conditions associated with the
driver 104, the vehicle may include a driver focus analyzer, as
discussed below in FIG. 2. The driver focus analyzer may be
disposed in a portion of a driver's seat of the vehicle 102, for
example the head rest 106, seat back 108, seat cushion 110,
armrests, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the driver
focus analyzer may be disposed in a portion of the cabin, such as a
head liner 112.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an example driver focus analyzer
according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the
driver focus analyzer is disposed in a vehicle headrest 200, but
may be disposed in one or more components of driver's seat or the
cabin of the vehicle, such as vehicle 102 as discussed above in
FIG. 1. The driver focus analyzer may include or otherwise be in
communication with processing circuitry 202 that is configured to
perform data processing, application execution and other processing
and management services according to an example embodiment. In one
embodiment, the processing circuitry 202 may include a memory 206
and a processor 204 that may be in communication with or otherwise
control an alert output 216 and a communication interface 218. As
such, the processing circuitry 202 may be embodied as a circuit
chip (e.g. an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g. with
hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to
perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments,
the processing circuitry 202 may be embodied as a portion of a one
of various mobile computing devices or wearable computing
devices.
[0021] The alert output 216 may include one or more lighting
elements and/or audio elements. The lighting elements may include
light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, florescent
lights, or the like. The audio elements may include a buzzer, a
speaker, or the like. The alert output 216 may cause the lighting
elements and/or audio elements to actuate, such as flash, or alarm,
in an instance in which the processing circuitry 202 causes an
alert, as described below.
[0022] The communication interface 218 may be any means such as a
device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, software, or a
combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive
and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device or
module in communication with the driver focus analyzer. The
communication interface 218 may also include, for example, an
antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or
software for enabling communications with a network or other
devices (e.g. a computing device 114). In some environments, the
communication interface 218 may alternatively or additionally
support wired communication. As such, for example, the
communication interface 218 may include a hardware/software for
supporting communication via cable, universal serial bus (USB), or
other mechanisms. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication
interface 218 may support communication via one or more different
communication protocols or methods. In some cases, IEEE 802.15.4
based communication techniques such as ZigBee, BlueTooth, or other
low power, short range communication protocols, such as a
proprietary technique based on IEEE 802.15.4 may be employed along
with radio frequency identification (RFID) or other short range
communication techniques. In other embodiments, communication
protocols based on the draft IEEE 802.15.4a standard may be
established.
[0023] In an example embodiment, the memory 206 may include one or
more non-transitory storage or memory devices such as, for example,
volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or
removable. The memory 206 may be configured to store information,
data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the
apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with example
embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory 206
could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the
processor 204. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 206 could
be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor
204. Among the contents of the memory 206, applications may be
stored for execution by the processor 204 in order to carry out the
functionality associated with each respective application.
[0024] The processor 204 may be embodied in a number of different
ways. For example, the processor 204 may be embodied as various
processing means such as a microprocessor or other processing
element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or
processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for
example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA
(field programmable gate array), a hardware accelerator, or the
like. In an example embodiment, the processor 204 may be configured
to execute instructions stored in the memory 206 or otherwise
accessible to the processor 204. As such, whether configured by
hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the
processor 204 may represent an entity (e.g. physically embodied in
circuitry) capable of performing operations according to
embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly.
Thus, for example, when the processor 204 is embodied as an ASIC,
FPGA or the like, the processor 204 may be specifically configured
hardware for conducting the operations described herein.
Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 204 is
embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions
may specifically configure the processor 204 to perform the
operations described herein.
[0025] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 202 may be in
communication with a sound sensor 208. The sound sensor may be a
sound or vibration sensor, such as a dynamic, electrostatic, or
condenser microphone; a piezoelectric sensor, or the like. The
microphone may be positioned in the cabin of the vehicle 102, such
that the microphone detects the ambient noise in the cabin. In an
example embodiment, the microphone may be a dedicated microphone
for the driver focus analyzer. In some example embodiments, the
microphone may be a vehicle microphone for hands free
communication, or a microphone associated with a computing device
114. In some example embodiments, the microphone may be positioned
proximate to the driver 104, to sense the ambient noise level
proximate to the driver 104, for example in the head rest 200.
[0026] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 202 may
be in communication with one or more location/motion sensors 210.
The location/motion sensors 210 may sense the location of at least
a portion of the driver focus analyzer such as the portion disposed
in the head rest 200. The location may be based on a global
positioning system (GPS) signals, a RFID beacon, or the like.
Additionally or alternatively, the location/motion sensor 210 may
sense motion associated with the driver focus analyzer, e.g. the
portion in the head rest 200. The motion sensing may be based on
accelerometer measurements, gyroscopes, or the like. In other
example embodiments, the location /motion sensor 210 may include
one or more pressure sensors, such as disposed in the seat bask or
seat cushion, which may sense a shift in weight of the driver 104,
such as leaning forward (e.g. picking something up) or shifting to
one side (e.g. removing a wallet from a back pocket.)
[0027] In some example embodiments, the processing circuitry 202
may be in communication with one or more intoxicant sensors 212.
The intoxicant sensors 212 may be configured to sense an intoxicant
level in the cabin of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the
intoxicant sensors 212 may be disposed proximate to the driver 104
to sense the intoxicant level proximate to the driver 104. The
intoxicant sensors 212 may be configured to sense the intoxicant
level of one or more different types of intoxicants, such as
alcohol, THC, or the like. In some example embodiments, the
intoxicant sensors 210 may include a gas sensor, such as a MQ-3
semiconductor sensor, canna sensor, or the like.
[0028] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 202 may
be in communication with one or more proximity sensors 214. The
proximity sensors 214 may be configured to measure a distance of
the driver 104 from the proximity sensor 214. The proximity sensors
214 may include electromagnetic sensors, capacitive sensors,
photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors,
magnetic sensors, inductive sensors, or the like.
[0029] In an instance in which the driver focus analyzer includes
an intoxicant sensor 212 configured to detect alcohol, the
processing circuitry 202 may compare the airborne alcohol level to
a predeteimined intoxicant threshold, such as a predetermined
alcohol threshold. The airborne alcohol threshold may be based on
the legal limit for impaired driving such as 0.08 percent blood
alcohol content (BAC). For example, the predetermined alcohol
threshold may be set as approximately 2*10 -4 g/l at the 0.08 BAC
limit, 1*10 -4 g/l at 0.04 BAC, e.g. half the legal limit. These
alcohol thresholds are merely illustrative and other limits, either
higher or lower, may be used depending on the legal limits or other
driver 104 or vehicle 102 specific factors, such as age and weight
of the driver 104, or size or ventilation of the cabin of the
vehicle 102. In an instance in which the processing circuitry 202
determines that the predetermined alcohol threshold has been
satisfied, e.g. exceeded, the processing circuitry 202 may generate
an alert. The alert output 216 may cause an audio or visual
indication that a driver focus threshold has been satisfied, which
may in turn alert the driver 104 and/or passengers that the driver
104 may be impaired by alcohol and should not drive the vehicle
102.
[0030] In an example embodiment in which the driver focus analyzer
includes an intoxicant sensor 212 configured to detect THC, the
processing circuitry 202 may be configured to compare a sensed
airborne THC level to a predetermined intoxicant threshold, such as
a predetermined THC threshold. The predetermined THC threshold may
be based on the airborne discharge from a marijuana cigarette.
Approximately half of an expected amount of THC of a marijuana
cigarette, e.g. approximately 24 mg, may be discharged to air, e.g.
12 mg. The airborne THC may be expected to evenly distribute about
the cabin of the vehicle 102. The predetermined THC threshold may
be the airborne THC divided by the cabin volume. For example, if
the cabin of the vehicle, such as a van, is 7928 1, the
predetermined THC threshold may be 1.5*10 -6 g/l. In an instance in
which the processing circuitry 202 determines that the predetermine
THC threshold has been satisfied, e.g. exceeded, the processing
circuitry 202 may generate an alert. The alert output 216 may cause
an audio or visual indication that a driver focus threshold has
been satisfied, which may, in turn, alert the driver and/or
passengers that the driver may be impaired by THC and should not
drive.
[0031] In some example embodiments in which the drive focus
analyzer includes a sound sensor, the processing circuitry 202 may
compare the sensed noise level in the cabin of the vehicle 102 to a
predetermined noise threshold. The predetermined noise threshold
may be based on a noise level which may be distracting to the
driver such as 50 dB, 60 dB, or the like, or in some instances the
predetermined noise threshold may be based on noise levels which
may be damaging to the hearing of the driver and/or passengers,
such as 85 dB. In an instance in which the processing circuitry 202
determines that the predetermine noise threshold has been
satisfied, e.g. exceeded, the processing circuitry 202 may generate
an alert. The alert output 216 may cause an audio or visual
indication that a driver focus threshold has been satisfied, which
may, in turn, alert the driver and/or passengers that the noise
level is distracting to the driver and/or may be causing damage to
the driver and/or passenger's hearing.
[0032] In an example embodiment in which the driver focus analyzer
includes one or more proximity sensors 214, the processing
circuitry 202 may compare the measured distance of the driver from
the proximity sensor 214 to one or more predetermined distance
thresholds, such as a predetermined position threshold. The
predetermined position thresholds may include a distance from the
proximity detectors 214 indicating the driver is not sitting back
in the seat, e.g. leaning forward to pick something up or to change
the radio station. In some examples, the predetermined position
threshold may be based on two or more proximity detector 214
measurements, for example two or more proximity sensors 214
disposed in the headrest 200. The predetermined position threshold
may be based on the head of the driver 104 being turned away from
the field of view for safe operation of the vehicle 102, such as a
left sensor measuring a distance of greater than 4 cm while a right
and/or center sensor measure a distance of less than 4 cm, which
may be indicative of the driver's head being turned substantially
toward the right. In an instance in which the processing circuitry
202 determines that the predetermined position threshold has been
satisfied, e.g. exceeded, the processing circuitry 202 may generate
an alert. The alert output 216 may cause an audio or visual
indication that the predetermined position threshold has been
satisfied, which may, in turn, alert the driver and/or passengers
that the driver 104 may not be looking at the field of view for
safe operation of the vehicle 102.
[0033] In some example embodiments, a cover, such as a head rest
cover may alter the measured distance. For example, in an instance
in which the proximity 314 sensor is an ultrasonic sensor, the
measured value may indicate a value larger than true distance. In
some instances the difference between the true distance and the
measured distance may be a linear divergence. The processing
circuitry 202 may be further configured to correct the measured
distance, such as by multiplying the measured value by a linear
divergence factor, such as 0.9963. The linear divergence factor may
be determined for the specific proximity sensor 314 and cover
material, by factory testing.
[0034] In some example embodiments, the predetermined position
threshold may also include a predetermined time value, such as 2
seconds, 5 seconds, 2 sensor readings, 5 sensor reading, or the
like. The predetermined time value may account for the driver
adjusting position, performing a blind spot check, looking briefly
at signs or address information or the like. The alert may be
generated or caused in an instance in which the position threshold
is satisfied for the predetermined time value.
[0035] In an example embodiment in which the driver focus analyzer
includes a location/motion sensor 210, the processing circuitry 202
may compare the sensed location or motion data to a predetermined
distance threshold, such as a predetermined motion threshold. In an
example embodiment, the location/motion sensor 210 may include one
or more pressure sensors in the seat back or seat cushion. The
location/motion sensor 210 may sense a change in pressure in one or
more of the pressure sensors indicative of the driver 104 leaning
forward to one side. The indication of the driver 104 not being
properly seated in the seat may be indicative of the driver not
looking at the field of view for safe operations for the vehicle
102. The motion threshold in this example may be a deviation, such
as 4 kg, 5, kg, or the like between sensors, or from an average
pressure. In an instance in which the processing circuitry 202
determines that the predetermined motion threshold has been
satisfied, e.g. exceeded, the processing circuitry 202 may generate
an alert. The alert output 216 may cause an audio or visual
indication that the predetermined motion threshold has been
satisfied, which may, in turn, alert the driver and/or passengers
that the driver may not be looking at the field of view for safe
operation of the vehicle.
[0036] In some example embodiments, the driver focus analyzer
includes an eye direction sensor 211. The eye direction sensor 211,
such as an infrared camera, may be integrated into eyewear, such as
glasses, or integrated into a dashboard of the vehicle 102. The eye
direction sensor 211 may sense a gaze direction of one or both eyes
of the driver 104. The processing circuitry 202 may compare the
gaze direction to a predetermined threshold, such as a
predetermined gaze direction threshold. The eye direction sensor
may sense a change gaze direction indicative of the driver 104 not
looking at the field of view for safe operations for the vehicle
102. The gaze direction threshold in this example may be a
deviation, such as 1 mm, 2 mm, or the like from predetermined
center gaze position. In an instance in which the processing
circuitry 202 determines that the predetermined gaze direction
threshold has been satisfied, e.g. exceeded, the processing
circuitry 202 may generate an alert. The alert output 216 may cause
an audio or visual indication that the predetermined motion
threshold has been satisfied, which may, in turn, alert the driver
and/or passengers that the driver may not be looking at the field
of view for safe operation of the vehicle.
[0037] Additionally or alternatively, a computing device, such as
computing device 114 may include or be associated with a location
sensor, such as GPS. The processing circuitry 202 may receive
location data from a location sensor associated with the computing
device 114, through the communications interface 218. The
location/motion sensor 210 may provide data indicative of a
location of the driver focus analyzer. The processing circuitry 202
may use the location data associated with the computing device 114
to determine a range between the location/motion sensor 210 and the
computing device 114. The processing circuitry 202 may also compare
the range at a predetermined interval such as 1 second, 10 seconds,
30 seconds, or the like to a predetermined range threshold. The
range threshold may be a set value such as 30 cm or a deviation,
such as 5 cm, 10 cm, or the like from a starting position or
average range. In an instance in which the processing circuitry 202
determines that the predetermined range threshold has been
satisfied, e.g. exceeds, the processing circuitry 202 may generate
an alert. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 202 may
cause an alert when the range threshold is satisfied for a
predetermined number of intervals, such as 2 intervals, 3
intervals, or the like. The alert output 216 may cause an audio or
visual indication that the predetermined range threshold has been
satisfied, which may, in turn, alert the driver 104 and/or
passengers that the driver 104 may be interacting with the
computing device 114 and therefore not looking at the field of view
for safe operation of the vehicle 102.
[0038] In some example embodiments, the computing device 114 may
include or be associated with one or more motion sensors, such as
accelerometers or gyroscopes. The processing circuitry 202 may
receive motion data from the one or more motion sensors associated
with the computing device 114, through the communications interface
208. The location/motion sensor 210 may provide data indicative of
a motion of the driver focus analyzer. The processing circuitry 202
may use the motion data of the computing device and the driver
focus analyzer to determine a relative motion between the computing
device 114 and the driver focus analyzer. The motion data may be
the difference between the motion data provided by the
location/motion sensor 210 and the motion data associated with the
computing device 114. For example, if the motion data associated
with the computing device 114 and the driver focus analyzer is
substantially the same, e.g. no relative motion, the computing
device 114 may be stationary, such in on a dash board or in a cup
holder. If the motion data associated with the computing device 114
and the driver focus analyzer diverge, the computing device 114 may
be in motion such as being picked up and brought nearer to the
driver. In some instances the relative motion data may be averaged,
such as over 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 sensor readings, 50 sensor
readings, 100 sensor readings, or the like. The processing
circuitry 202 may compare the relative motion to a predetermined
motion threshold such as 5 cm, 10 cm, or the like. In an instance
in which the processing circuitry 202 determines that the relative
motion satisfies, e.g. exceeds, the predetermined motion threshold,
the processing circuitry may cause an alert.
[0039] In some embodiments, the relative motion may be indicative
of computing device motions, such movement in horizontal direction
away or toward the driver focus analyzer, which may be indicative
of the computing device 114 sliding on the dash board, or diagonal
motion toward the driver focus analyzer, which may be indicative of
bringing the computing device 114 near the driver's face. The
motion threshold may, in some instances include specific device
motions. As such, the relative motion indicative of a sliding
computing device 114 may not cause the alert and the relative
motion of the computing device nearing the driver's face may cause
the alert.
[0040] In an example embodiment the motion data associated with the
computing device 114, may be user to determine if the vehicle 102
is in motion or stationary. The processing circuitry may be further
configured to cause an alert when the vehicle 102 is determined to
be in motion and not cause an alert when the vehicle 102 is
stationary. Preventing alerts when the vehicle 102 is stationary
may reduce instances of alerts which do not contribute to increased
safety, e.g. false positives.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a software program 301 for causing the
proximity sensors (left (L), right (R), and center (C)) to measure
the distance of the driver 104 from the proximity sensors 214. The
program 300 compares the proximity data Ultra_x to the
predetermined distance threshold TUx at a 2 second interval. The
program additionally compares the average sensor reading Ulta x_Avg
to set sensor limits Ultrax_LL and UltraC_UL, indicative of proper
sensor operation. In an instance in which the sensor data exceeds
the predetermined distance threshold, the program may cause an
alert (Buzzer=Y). Similarly, in an instance in which the average
sensor data exceeds the set sensor limit, the program 300 may cause
the alert.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a head rest 300 according
to an example embodiment. Proximity sensors 314 may be disposed in
recesses in foam or padding of the head rest 300, such as in the
front of the head rest 300.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the head rest 300,
according to an example embodiment. Processing circuitry 302, a
communications interface 318, and/or an alert output 316 may be
disposed in a recess in the foam or padding of the head rest 300,
such as in the back of the head rest 300. In some example
embodiments, a stand alone or back up power supply 320 for the
driver focus analyzer may also be disposed in the foam or padding
of the head rest 300.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a left side view of the head rest 300
according to an example embodiment. An intoxicant sensor 312 may be
disposed in the foam or padding of the head rest 300, such as in
the right side of the head rest 300.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of the head rest 300
according to an example embodiment. A sound sensor 308 may be
disposed in the foam or padding of the head rest 300, such as in
the left side of the head rest 300.
[0046] The driver focus analyzer may use one or more sensors to
measure and deteiniine conditions within the cabin of a vehicle
which may be indicative of a distracted driver or could cause the
driver to become distracted. Additionally or alternatively, the
driver focus analyzer may sense intoxicants which may cause the
driver to be unsafe for operation of the vehicle. The driver focus
analyzer may cause an audio and/or visual alert to bring these
unsafe conditions to the attention of the driver and/or passengers,
so that corrective measures may be taken.
[0047] In some cases, a method of utilizing the driver focus
analyzer according to an example embodiment may be provided. FIGS.
8-11 illustrate block diagrams of some activities that may be
associated with examples of such methods. In some embodiments, the
processing circuitry (which may include a processor capable of
executing instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable
medium/memory) may be configured to implement a control algorithm
for the driver focus analyzer according to the methods. In some
example embodiments, the methods may include additional, optional
operations, and/or the operations described above may be modified
or augmented according to various embodiments described herein.
[0048] In an example embodiment, a method may include receiving
sensor data at operation 802, comparing the sensor data to a
predetermined threshold at operation 804, determining if the sensor
data satisfies the predetermined threshold at operation 806, and
causing an alert in an instance in which the sensor data satisfies
the predetermined threshold at operation 808.
[0049] In some example embodiments, a method may include receiving
first accelerometer values for the driver focus analyzer at
operation 902, establishing communication with a computing device
at operation 904, and receiving second accelerometer values from
the computing device at operation 906. The method may also include
calculating a difference between the first accelerometer values and
the second accelerometer values at operation 908, determining if
the difference between the first accelerometer values and the
second accelerometer values satisfies a predetermined motion
threshold at operation 910, and causing an alert in response to the
difference between the first accelerometer values and the second
accelerometer values satisfying the predetermined motion threshold
at operation 912.
[0050] In an example embodiment, a method may include receiving
sensor data indicative of a noise level at operation 1002,
comparing the noise level to a noise threshold at operation 1004,
determining if the noise level satisfies the noise threshold at
operation 1006, and causing an alert in response to the noise level
satisfying the noise threshold at operation 1008.
[0051] In some example embodiments, a method may include receiving
sensor data indicative of an alcohol level at operation 1102,
calculating an average alcohol level associated with 100 sensor
data points at operation 1104, and comparing the average alcohol
level to an alcohol threshold at operation 1106. The method may
also include determining if the average alcohol level satisfies the
intoxicant threshold at operation 1108 and causing an alert in
response to the average alcohol level satisfying the alcohol
threshold at operation 1110.
[0052] In an example embodiment, the CSS monitoring device may
comprise a processor (e.g. the processor 204) or processing
circuitry 202 configured to perform, for example, some or each of
the operations (802-808, 902-912, 1002-1008, and 1102-1110)
described above. The processor 204 may, for example, be configured
to perform the operations (802-808, 902-912, 1002-1008, and
1102-1110) by performing hardware implemented logical functions,
executing stored instructions, or executing algorithms for
performing each of the operations. In some embodiments, the
processor 204 or processing circuitry 202 may be further configured
for additional operations or optional modifications to operations
802-808, 902-912, 1002-1008, and 1102-1110. In this regard, for
example, the driver focus analyzer is at least partially contained
in a portion of a vehicle seat.
[0053] In an example embodiment, the driver focus analyzer is at
least partially contained in a head rest of a vehicle seat. In some
example embodiments, the driver focus analyzer is at least
partially contained in the headliner of a vehicle. In an example
embodiment, the one or more sensors comprise at least one
ultrasonic sensor, and the distance includes a measurement of a
head of the driver from the sensor. In some example embodiments,
the driver focus analyzer also includes a communication interface
and a location sensor. The processing circuitry is further
configured to receive location data associated with a computing
device, receive location data from the location sensor, determine a
range between the computing device and the driver focus analyzer,
compare the range to a predetermined range threshold, determine if
the range satisfies the predetermined range threshold and cause an
alert in response to the range satisfying the predetermined range
threshold. In some example embodiments, the driver focus analyzer
also includes a communication interface and one or more motion
sensors. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive
motion data associated with a computing device, receive motion data
from the one or more motion, determine a relative motion between
the computing device and the driver focus analyzer, compare the
relative motion to a predetermined motion threshold, determine if
the relative motion satisfies the predetermined motion threshold,
and cause an alert in response to the relative motion satisfying
the predetermined motion threshold. In an example embodiment, the
one or more sensors include at least two proximity sensors and the
alert is caused in response to the distance measured by any of the
at least two proximity sensors. In some example embodiments, the
driver focus analyzer also includes one or more sensors configured
to measure an intoxicant level proximate to the driver, and the
processing circuitry is further configured to compare the
intoxicant level to a predetermined intoxicant threshold, determine
if the intoxicant level exceeds the predetermined intoxicant
threshold, and cause the alert in response to determining that the
intoxicant level exceeds the predetermined threshold. In an example
embodiment, the driver focus analyzer also includes one or more
sensors configured to measure an noise level proximate to the
driver, and the processing circuitry is further configured to
compare the noise level to a predetermined noise threshold
determine if the noise level exceeds the predetermined noise
threshold, and cause the alert in response to determining that the
noise level exceeds the predetermined threshold. In some example
embodiments, the one or more sensors include at least one alcohol
sensor. In an example embodiment, the one or more sensors are
configured to measure tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
[0054] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe
exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary
combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated
that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be
provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the
scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example,
different combinations of elements and/or functions than those
explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set
forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages,
benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should
be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may
be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all
example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions
described herein should not be thought of as being critical,
required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is
claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
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