Patent Application Titled “Law Breaking/Behavior Sensor” Published Online (USPTO 20170132917)

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Computer Weekly News -- According to news reporting originating from Washington, D.C., by VerticalNews journalists, a patent application by the inventor Ricci, Christopher P. (Saratoga, CA), filed on December 13, 2016, was made available online on May 18, 2017.

No assignee for this patent application has been made.

Reporters obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: "Whether using private, commercial, or public transport, the movement of people and/or cargo has become a major industry. In today's interconnected world daily travel is essential to engaging in commerce. Commuting to and from work can account for a large portion of a traveler's day. As a result, vehicle manufacturers have begun to focus on making this commute, and other journeys, more enjoyable, safer, more fair and in a more informed manner."

In addition to obtaining background information on this patent application, VerticalNews editors also obtained the inventor's summary information for this patent application: "Currently, responsible drivers pay inflated insurance premiums because the insurance industry cannot guarantee a particular driver's adherence to law or general driving behavior. It is an unfair responsibility for responsible drivers to pay for others poor behavior, poor driving habits and/or lack of experience

"An exemplary embodiment is directed towards using various data compiled, detected, or received by a system to analyze factors contributing to an individual's driving behavior and/or habits. In the event that an individual wishes to receive better insurance rates for responsible driving, a lower quantity of driving, or other good driving indicators, the driver may agree to provide insurance tracking information. The insurance tracking system may consider one or more of GPS/location based information (to compare actual speed with speed limit data), G-force sensors (to detect rapid acceleration, hard turns, etc.), perimeter sensors (to detect close-calls with other vehicles and/or stationary objects, inattention while changing lanes) etc., in order to determine conformance with the good-driving terms established by the insurance company.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, in addition to the system being able to allow better drivers to receive better insurance rates, the system can also be used to dynamically provide feedback to a driver about the quality of their driving, which can be based on an analysis of information from one or more sensors, comparing of a driver's habits to applicable laws and/or regulations, and/or any good-driving terms established by an entity, such as an insurance company. This feedback can be given in real-time, such as via a display installed in or associated with the vehicle (or even a multi-screen device), through the speakers, tactile feedback, such as through the seat, steering wheel, the driver's phone (such as a vibration), or the like, or at a later time, such as from an insurance company representative via a communication such as a call.

"In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, some of the information and/or data that can be monitored are perimeter information, G-force information, proximity information, GPS location information, time and date information, biometric information, law and/or regulation information, behavior information from one or more of the driver and passenger(s), mileage information, as well as vehicle information, such as any information acquirable from, for example, on-board diagnostics (such as OBD-II) as well as lighting information, such as turn signals, headlights, radio information, Bluetooth.RTM. information, braking information, turning information, acceleration information, and in general any information related to a vehicle's operation.

"In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, a feedback device provides in, for example, real-time, information to the driver indicating whether or not they are performing within the good-driving terms established by the insurance company, or whether they are not complying with the good-driving terms. This can allow, for example, drivers to be much more in tune with how they are driving as well as receive instant feedback as to which actions cause them to run afoul of the good-driving terms.

"Another exemplary aspect of this invention could be utilized to assist with accident deconstruction to, for example, assist with determining fault if vehicle is involved in an accident.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, a vehicle is equipped with a sensor, such as a camera. The camera helps to detect whether a driver is dozing off or falling asleep, watching the road, texting or talking on the phone, or in general performing any activity that is a distraction while driving. The camera could also work in conjunction with, for example, a seat sensor to assist with detecting whether or not an occupant and/or pet is present in one of the vehicle seats. As with the other information that is being monitored, this information can also be monitored and used for subsequent analysis to determine whether a driver is driving properly and/or whether a driver should be provided feedback regarding their driving habits.

"In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a feedback module can be located in one or more of the vehicle and remotely, such as at an insurance company premise, the feedback module, cooperating with a communication module, is able to not only transfer data collected from the various sensors, and/or a simple analysis decision from the vehicle to the insurance company, but also allows feedback, such as instructions, incentive, or disincentive information, to be relayed to the driver of the vehicle with the cooperation of a communication module and, as discussed, one or more of a display, speakers and tactile feedback device(s).

"Another exemplary aspect is directed towards utilizing one or more portions of the information collected for assistance when a vehicle is stolen. Here, if the available data can be forwarded to one or more of an insurance company and/or the police to assist with one or more of vehicle recovery, vehicle location, circumstances and data about when and where the vehicle was stolen, whether or not the doors were locked, and in general any information relating to the status of the vehicle upon being stolen or after being stolen.

"In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, location information, such as that collected from a GPS module, is reconciled with local law and regulation information that can also be used as a basis for providing feedback to a driver regarding compliance with laws/regulations at their current position.

"Another exemplary aspect, as briefly mentioned above, is directed toward monitoring the behavior of one or more passengers and/or pets in a vehicle, that can be used as a further consideration as to whether the driver is ensuring the safe transportation of passenger(s)/cargo in their vehicle. For example, seatbelt detectors can be used with a seat detection system, such that if a passenger is present, a determination can be made whether or not that passenger is wearing their seatbelt, as well as other information such as information from a camera or biometric sensor(s) used to determine whether, for example, children are playing all over in the vehicle without being appropriately buckled into a child safety seat or seatbelt.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, those who currently break traffic laws are caught by combinations of video surveillance, radar/laser detection, and/or police officers who are actively monitoring traffic offenses. Accordingly, an exemplary aspect is directed toward a system where a police officer and/or rule trap sensor can ping or otherwise query an automobile for information relating to its speed, driving conditions, and in general any information stored on the vehicle. By comparing this received data from the vehicle to known data relating to stop signs, speed limits, local laws and regulations, and the like, a decision can be made as to whether a law has been broken. For example, a rule trap sensor located along a roadside, need not necessarily determine the speed of a vehicle with a laser, but rather the rule trap sensor can query the vehicle to respond to the rule trap sensor with the vehicle's speed. Therefore, the speed detection is achieved through the vehicle responding to the sensor's question and the vehicle's answer. It should be appreciated that items other than speed could also be requested by the rule trap sensor from the vehicle--in general, the rule trap sensor could query the vehicle and determine whether any infraction had occurred, such as lack of appropriate seat belt usage, expired registration, etc, or simply collect data therefrom usable for any purpose.

"This can similarly be used by police officers either independently or in conjunction with existing technologies, such as radar guns, LIDAR, photo red light detectors, and the like. The roadside sensors/rule traps could then be used in a similar manner to photo red light detectors, with the ability to communicate with one or more appropriate entities to issue a warning or a ticket in the instance of a law or a regulation violation.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, the queryable information can be used to assist with accident reconstruction as any of the stored information discussed herein can be queryable and provided to an entity, such as a police officer investigating an accident. This could be especially helpful where there is conflicting information regarding what actually happened at the scene of an accident.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, a driving reputation system is provided. As the vehicle collects information from associated sensors and devices as discussed, the data may be stored and related to a specific driver. This related data may be used to develop a corresponding driving reputation. For instance, a vehicle operator may obtain a lower reputation if that vehicle operator is known to drive erratically, make sudden stops, avoid using signals, and/or constantly speeding through school zones, and the like.

"It is anticipated that reputation data may be compiled by the vehicle and/or associated systems. Alternatively, or in addition, vehicle operators may report on at least one other driver's behavior by sending a signal to a central repository. This central repository may analyze the reported data and cause the at least one driver's behavior to be reflected in a reputation (grade). In some exemplary embodiments, vehicle operators may report good, bad, and/or other types of behavior. For example, if a driver yields to another driver, wave's thank you, and/or provides another driver space to enter a lane, the other driver may report good behavior about that kind driver.

"In accordance with one exemplary aspect, this reputation information can be shared amongst one or more vehicles and optionally displayed, for example, on an on-board display. Thus, as, for example a driver commutes to work, reputation information about those drivers around the driver could be provided one or more of audibly and/or graphically to the driver on their daily commute. This information could then be utilized, for example, by the driver, to help them avoid drivers with bad reputations and/or change their style of driving based on the reputation of one or more drivers around them.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, a driver could 'tag' or otherwise identify another driver that is performing well, or badly. This information could be accumulated and optionally assimilated with other reputation information to generate a total combined score for reputation based not only on an individual driver's performance, but also based on what other drivers think of that particular driver.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, the system is capable of analyzing all available information related to driving and vehicle operation etiquette and is capable of making suggestions to the driver and/or passengers based on the outcome of the data analysis. For example, if the vehicle is blocking faster traffic in the fast lane, the system may suggest moving over to a slower lane. Similarly, if the user is known to not use turn signals on a regular basis, the system may remind the user during, after, or anticipating a turn, to use the signal. For example, to assist with anticipation of a turn, the system can cooperate with, for example, a GPS navigation tool, and know when a vehicle is about to make a turn in a particular direction based on a mapped destination.

"Additionally, the system may also be used to detect a fast approaching vehicle and suggest changing lanes, increasing speed, or the like, to avoid a collision or otherwise impeding another driver(s).

"Another exemplary aspect is the capability of being able to send etiquette suggestions to other drivers. This cannot only be limited to etiquette, but could also be information such as you have a tire going flat, your brake light is out, or the like. As will be appreciated, and for privacy reasons, certain filters may be implemented that limit or otherwise restrict the amount of information that is communicatible to one or other drivers with the understanding that other drivers may turn off this feature so they are not able to receive suggestions from their fellow road mates. For example, a vehicle can be provided with an on-dash display that shows the other vehicles around them. These other vehicles can be detected in accordance with one or more of the perimeter or proximity sensors as discussed herein, and a representation of that vehicle placed on the display. Upon the user selecting that vehicle, a communication link could be established with that vehicle thereby allowing the exchange of etiquette or safety type information as discussed. Moreover, other types of information could similarly be shared, such as a driver looking for a recommendation on where to find cheap gasoline or a bagel, and other drivers being able to respond to that query using the same communication link.

"In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, monitored information can be utilized by, for example a parent or guardian, to assist with determining driving habits of a child. This information could be used to, for example, provide constructive feedback to improve driving habits and/or monitor a new driver to determine if they are driving in an inappropriate manner.

"In accordance with another exemplary aspect, this data can be monitored remotely, via an app or on a PC, or the like, in real-time or near real-time, by a parent or other entity to keep track of a new driver's behavior. As with the other embodiments discussed herein, any of the information that is monitored by the vehicle can be forwarded to this remote location for monitoring with this remote location optionally being able to provide feedback to the vehicle and the driver.

"For example, the remote monitor can be provided with information relating to a current vehicle's speed, GPS information, and local law/regulation information such that the remote monitor can determine whether or not the vehicle is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. The remote monitor could also be populated with various notifications indicating if and when the vehicle has broken a particular law or regulation, the time and date of that infraction, as well as an ability to provide feedback to the driver about their driving behavior. It should be appreciated, however, that this concept need not be limited to new drivers, but could be extended to any driver, such as commercial drivers, elderly drivers, and, in general, any driver.

"For example, an app can be stored on a parent's communication device, and this app used to monitor the behavior of a teen driver. This app could optionally run in the background, until a law or regulation is broken, and then a notification could be provided to the parent, optionally, along with supplemental information, regarding the nature of the infraction. One or more of the monitored pieces of data could also be provided in conjunction with the notification regarding the infraction to allow the parent to determine the full scope of the infraction and the severity thereof. Similarly, plots or other summary-type information could be provided to the parent that shows average driving speed, maximum driving speed, whether or not turn signals were used, whether or not there was erratic driving behavior, or in general any information related to one or more of the vehicle, driver, and occupants' behavior. As will be appreciated, this information could be stored and logged and used at a later date. These notifications could also be sent via one or more of an e-mail, text message, SMS message, or the like, such that a parent could, for example, immediately call a driver when there has been a gross infraction or poor driving behaviors exhibited.

"The phrases 'at least one', 'one or more', and 'and/or' are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions 'at least one of A, B and C', 'at least one of A, B, or C', 'one or more of A, B, and C', 'one or more of A, B, or C' and 'A, B, and/or C' means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

"The term 'a' or 'an' entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms 'a' (or 'an'), 'one or more' and 'at least one' can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms 'comprising', 'including', and 'having' can be used interchangeably.

"The term 'automatic' and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be 'material'.

"The term 'computer-readable medium' as used herein refers to any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present disclosure are stored.

"The term 'display' refers to a portion of a screen used to display the output of a computer or computing device to a user.

"The term 'displayed image' refers to an image produced on the display. A typical displayed image is a window or desktop. The displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.

"The term 'gesture' refers to a user action that expresses an intended idea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user action can include manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing a device, changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or wheel, etc.), movement of a body part in relation to the device, movement of an implement or tool in relation to the device, audio inputs, etc. A gesture may be made on a device (such as on the screen) or with the device to interact with the device.

"The term 'module' as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element.

"The term 'screen,' 'touch screen,' or 'touchscreen' refers to a physical structure that enables the user to interact with the computer by touching areas on the screen and provides information to a user through a display. The touch screen may sense user contact in a number of different ways, such as by a change in an electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, light variation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic layers in the screen pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen, the two layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a change in electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contacted location calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive layer stores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user upon contact with the touch screen, causing a decrease in the charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the contacted location coordinates determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted through the screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user contact. A receiving transducer detects the user contact instance and determines the contacted location coordinates.

"The terms 'determine', 'calculate' and 'compute,' and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

"It shall be understood that the term 'means' as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term 'means' shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in any portion of this document. Any one or more of the embodiments herein can therefore be claimed using means-type language.

"The term 'vehicle' as used herein includes any conveyance, or model of a conveyance, where the conveyance was originally designed for the purpose of moving one or more tangible objects, such as people, animals, cargo, and the like. The term 'vehicle' does not require that a conveyance moves or is capable of movement. Typical vehicles may include but are in no way limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, busses, automobiles, trains, railed conveyances, boats, ships, marine conveyances, submarine conveyances, airplanes, space craft, flying machines, human-powered conveyances, and the like.

"The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below."

For more information, see this patent application: Ricci, Christopher P. Law Breaking/Behavior Sensor. Filed December 13, 2016 and posted May 18, 2017. Patent URL: http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220170132917%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20170132917&RS=DN/20170132917

Keywords for this news article include: Patents, Software, Legal Issues.

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