GB2443645A

GB2443645A - Driving style monitoring device

Info

Publication number: GB2443645A
Application number: GB0622161A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Philip Pelling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-07
Filing date: 2006-11-07
Publication date: 2008-05-14
Also published as: GB2443645A8; GB0622161D0

Abstract

A portable device for use in a motor vehicle includes a positioning satellite receiver 13 and a solid state accelerometer 15 from which detailed information relating to movements of the vehicle may be derived. The movement information may be used to provide driver training by advising the driver when programmed thresholds corresponding to a safe driving style are approached. The device is also useful for insurance purposes. Any violations are stored in non-volatile memory for periodic downloading. In the event of an accident the long-term memory may also store detailed movement information which is transferred from a short-term buffer, enabling a detailed picture of the events leading up to the incident to be re-created.

Description

John Philip Pelling

DRIVING STYLE MONITORING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device which can be used to monitor driving style.

BACKGROUND

As a group, young male drivers are almost uninsurable due to the number of serious accidents which they cause. Inexperienced drivers are commonly involved in accidents which occur at night, at high speed, or which result from excessive speed whilst cornering.

The present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive device which allows an individuals driving style to be accurately monitored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes a monitoring device for use in a motor vehicle, which includes: -a positioning satellite receiver for ascertaining the current location of a vehicle in which the device is installed; -an acceleration sensor; and -a processing device arranged to process data from the satellite receiver and the acceleration sensor to provide information relating to movements of the vehicle.

The device preferably also includes a memory for storing the movement information.

Although existing satellite navigation systems may provide position, time and speed information this is not sufficient in itself to provide an accurate indication of driving style. The present device also provides acceleration/deceleration information and enables an accurate picture of an individuals driving style to be obtained. The information can be recorded for future use or used to provide immediate feedback to the driver. The device can therefore provide ongoing training tailored to suit the driver's individual driving style.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings: fliure I is an external view of a recording device in accordance with the invention; and fiire 2 is a block diagram showing the main electronic units which are incorporated in the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrated device is a small unit which can be installed in a car or other motor vehicle, preferably in view of the driver. The device is self-contained, powered either by internal rechargeable batteries or via the vehicle's 12v power socket, or a combination of the two. The device senses the style in which the vehicle is being driven by detecting and recording occurrences such as hard braking (deceleration), hard cornering, high acceleration, and high speed. The driver is provided with ongoing detailed feedback about their driving style so that they can modify their driving behaviour. General information about driving style is recorded in the device for periodic downloading. In the event of an impact detailed data is written to memory, automatically or manually, for future reference.

Referring to Fig. 1, the device includes a small housing 2 with a colour LCD display 3 for providing the driver with various items of information.

One or more coloured LEDs 4 may be provided, e.g. to indicate current satellite reception Conditions (green for good satellite signal or red for no signal) and a function button 5 which allows the user to scroll through various displayed information. Additional user buttons may be provided, such as a log button 6 which allows the driver to store detailed information in memory if required.

Referring to Fig. 2, the device contains a processor 10 which is provided with a short-term RAM buffer 11 with access to a non-volatile memory 12 for long-term storage. The processor receives input from a geostationary positioning satellite receiver 13 using an aerial 14, a transmitter 20 for sending signals up to a geostationary positioning satellite, and a solid state accelerometer 15 such as Part No. LIS3O2ALB from STI. A display driver 16 allows the processor to output information to the LCD display 3.

The processor also has an additional output for the indicator LED 4 and inputs from the function button 5 and log button 6. An audio output system 18 can provide audible information to the driver via an internal or external speaker 19. A USB connector 17 allows the processor to upload and download information from the internet via a computer, PDA or web-enabled mobile telephone for example. Other external communication means such as Bluetooth could also be used. The transmitter 20 enables a GSM/GPRS type system to upload data or provide location information to the emergency services via a satellite relay in the event of an accident.

The satellite receiver 13 uses geostationary satellites to provide accurate location co-ordinates for the vehicle in which it is installed. By monitoring the change in position over a set time interval (e.g. once per second) the speed of the vehicle can be accurately determined as well as the direction of travel. The satellite system also provides the device with accurate time and date information. The accelerometer i has outputs which indicate acceleration and deceleration conditions (g forces) in three orthogonal x, y and z axes. The processor 10 typically reads and records the data 100 times per second.

The processor records detailed information in the RAM buffer 11, which is capable of storing approximately 60 seconds of highly detailed information. If the accelerometer detects a high deceleration such as would be likely to occur in the event of an accident the information contained in the buffer is automatically written to non-volatile memory and stored for later downloading. This enables a detailed picture of the events leading up to the accident to be analysed with information such as time, location, speed, direction, acceleration and deceleration in x, y and z axes, and allows an accurate simulation to be created. In the case of a low g impact or other incident which the accelerometer 15 might not detect, or the processor 10 might not recognise as a significant incident, the driver can press the Jog button 6 to cause the information in the RAM buffer 11 to be written to memory.

Thresholds can be programmed into the device corresponding to a safe driving profile such as acceleration and deceleration limits, speed restrictions or low risk driving times (e.g. not after midnight). Whenever any of the programmed thresholds are approached, but not exceeded, and audible and visual warning is given to the driver so that they may moderate their driving before the threshold is reached. However, if any of these thresholds are actually exceeded the device informs the driver and records the event. Default threshold settings may be programmed into the device, but these can be tailored to the individual circumstances by uploading new values via the USB or other internet connection.

The display 3 provides the driver with various information such as current driving speed, the number of breaches of the programmed thresholds since the last download, and whether an update is approaching, due or overdue.

The function button 5 allows the user to view and scroll through various stored information such as the set thresholds and details of the breaches which have occurred, e.g. the date of the breach, acceleration or deceleration value, speed etc. At stipulated periods (e.g. once per month) the recorded data can be uploaded to the driver's car insurance company via the internet. The insurers may take appropriate action depending on the information provided, e.g. reducing monthly premiums for safe drivers or increasing premiums for high risk drivers. At the same time, the threshold conditions can be updated, e.g. by removing the night driving prohibition for drivers with a consistently safe driving record.

The audio warning system and/or the display can alert the driver when a set g force threshold is being approached. The thresholds may be set for a particular make or kind of vehicle, and they can also be lowered for night driving, for example. Since the satellite system provides an accurate time and date function the thresholds can automatically be adjusted to take account of seasonal variations in daylight hours. This will also be possible via the periodic internet data transfer.

The device can also be programmed with the location of accident black spots and warn the driver when approaching these. This location information can be updated during the periodic data downloads.

Additional useful data could be obtained by incorporating, or linking the device to a forward-facing video camera to record moving images of an incident. A rear-facing camera and Sound recorder would also be useful additions when re-creating the events leading up to an accident. These images would be written to non-volatile memory in the event of an accident.

In general, the information stored in the device is not specific for a particular vehicle. Thus, a driver whose driving is being monitored can carry the device with him from vehicle to vehicle. Of course, none of the recorded data can be changed by the driver. The data can only be read, and it can only be erased (with authorisation from the insurance company during data transfer) after a Successful download. A database of drivers issued with a recording device could be made available for consultation by the police. It could even be made an offence not to use the device if such use is conditional on the driver having insurance cover.

The data must normally be downloaded at stipulated intervals, e.g weekly or monthly. When the time for uploading the data is approaching the user is advised of this on the display. Similarly if the normal download period has expired this is also indicated to the driver. The data could also be downloaded to the drivers computer for detailed analysis. Software could be made available to provide the driver with general advice as to how their driving habits could be improved.

By way of further example, several uses of the device will now be described.

DRIVER TRAINING

The best way of avoiding accidents due to bad driving practice is to ensure that potentially dangerous actions are highlighted and stopped before they become habitual. By using the device, drivers are provided with instantaneous audio and/or visual information to warn them in advance before any dangerous thresholds are reached. Newly qualified or inexperienced drivers can use the device for ongoing training to ensure that they develop safe driving habits from the outset. Even experienced drivers benefit, since the device informs them of any potentially dangerous driving characteristics so that they may modify their behaviour accordingly. After a short period of use, good driving practice becomes second nature.

INSURANCE PURPOSES

The device is particularly aimed at high risk drivers, e.g. those who are young and/or inexperienced, and those with a high number of penalty points. The device will allow insurance premiums to be reduced, and enable previously uninsurabje drivers to obtain cover.

Insurance companies will be able to have periodic (weekly or monthly) driving style analysis by sending the device data over the internet to the insurance company.

The insurance company can download thresholds to the device, including speed and driving style (g force) and possibly even a curfew time.

The device keeps a very detailed picture of the current 60 seconds of driving data. If driver is involved in an accident: 1. As soon as the accelerometer detects an accident (high g), this 60 seconds of data held in the buffer IS immediately written to permanent memory.

2. If no accident has been detected by the accelerometer, then it can generally be assumed that the device was not being used. The insurance company can amend coverage appropriately. In the event of a minor low g bump, the accelerometer might not detect this but the driver can press the data-logging button 6 on the device to date stamp and record the time and location of the incident. This can be confirmed with police records as necessary.

3. When an accident has been recorded, the saved readings enable a computerised simulation to be made of the speed and movements of the vehicle in 3 axes leading up to the accident.

4. The insurance company might stipulate that the driver must obey the prevailing speed limit and under no circumstances exceed eg 65mph. When the data is uploaded, all instances of driving over the maximum stated will be shown. Additionally, the insurance company may take a random location in a known 30 mph speed limit location and review the drivers actual speed.

5. If a national or international database of speed limits is consulted it would be possible to establish if the driver exceeded the local speed limit. By linking such a database to the positioning function the device can display the current speed limit and alert the driver when the maximum permitted speed is being approached.

6. The insurance company may state that no driving should be done after e.g. 11.pm. If the driver removes the device from the vehicle and is involved in an accident after the curfew time his coverage may be affected for not using the device.

7. If the insurance company has stated that safe and courteous driving should be observed, meaning no late braking and no heavy cornering, the accelerometer detects and records this. These incidents will be sent to the Insurance company during the next data upload.

To ensure that the driver is aware of the limits of g force the insurance company may require the driver to complete an instruction course with an approved driving school.

FLEET DRIVERS

The device may record the following specific information for downloading to fleet managers: -When and where the vehicle first moved from in the morning. The fleet manager will therefore know if the driver made a late start. The accelerometer will of course indicate whether the vehicle is actually moving or whether the ignition has simply been turned on.

-Where the vehicle stopped during the course of each day.

-Whether the vehicle route deviated from plan.

-Whether the vehicle made unplanned or extended stops.

-How fast the vehicle travelled.

-Whether the nature of the driving was deemed to be safe, i.e. no excessive g forces detected through late braking or heavy cornering.

Since positioning satellite receivers can take 5 minutes to lock onto a signal, the accelerometer is able to confirm vehicle motion while the positioning satellite receiver is waiting for the appropriate data. This may occur in built up areas, car parks, and when the device has been turned off for a number of hours. Drivers would therefore not be able to dispute that the vehicle was actually moving (whilst waiting for a satellite signal).

PARENTS

Parents can obtain similar information in relation to their childrens movements and driving habits.

The device can also be connected to a mobile telephone allowing parents to be alerted via text message when an agreed speed is exceeded or if the vehicle goes outside an agreed geographical radius. The driver will also be alerted by means of the in-built audio and visual systems.

It will be appreciated that the features disclosed herein may be present in any embodiment of the invention in any feasible combination. Whilst the above description places emphasis on those areas which, in combination, are believed to be new, protection is sought for any inventive combination of the features disclosed herein.

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Claims

-12 - CLAIMS

1. A monitoring device for use in a motor vehicle, which includes: -a positioning satellite receiver for ascertaining the current location of a vehicle in which the device is installed; -an acceleration sensor; and -a processing device arranged to process data from the satellite receiver and the acceleration sensor to provide information relating to movements of the vehicle.

2. A monitoring device according to Claim 1 in which the processing device is programmed with movement thresholds corresponding to a safe driving profile and is arranged to respond when the programmed thresholds are approached or exceeded.

3. A monitoring device according to Claim 2 which includes means for providing the user with a warning when the programmed thresholds are approached or exceeded.

4. A monitoring device according to Claim 3 in which in which said means for providing the user with a warning comprises a visual display screen.

5. A monitoring device according to Claim 3 or 4 in which said means for providing the user with a warning comprises an audio output system

6. A monitoring device according to any preceding claim which includes memory for storing the movement information.

7. A monitoring device according to Claim 6 in which the memory comprises non-volatile memory.

8. A monitoring device according to Claim 2 and 7 in which movement information is written to the non-volatile memory when any of thresholds are exceeded.

9. A monitoring device according to Claim 6, 7 or 8 in which the memory includes a short-term buffer which is arranged to store detailed movement information which is continually overwritten by new movement information.

10. A monitoring device according to Claim 9 in which the processing device transfers detailed movement information from the short-term buffer to the non-volatile memory when a predetermined trigger event occurs.

11. A monitoring device according to Claim 9 or 10 in which user-operable means is arranged to cause the Processing device to transfer detailed movement information from the short-term buffer to the non-volatile memory.

12. A monitoring device according to any preceding claim which includes a data transfer port for transferring stored movement information from the non-volatile memory to a remote destination.

13. A monitoring device according to Claim 2 and 12 in which the programmed movement thresholds can be updated via the data transfer port.

14. A monitoring device according to Claim 12 or 13 which is programmed with a predetermined upload interval within which stored data must be uploaded via the data transfer port.

15. A monitoring device according to any preceding claim which includes a transmitter for uploading information via a wireless link.

16. A monitoring device according to any preceding claim in which the positioning satellite receiver provides location information from which the processor determines speed and direction of travel.

17. A monitoring device according to any preceding claim in which the positioning satellite receiver provides time and date information.

18. A monitoring device for use in a motor vehicle which is substantially as described with reference to the drawings.

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