System and method to monitor and alert vehicle operator of impairment
US10118487B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2400/902
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring a vehicle operator during the course of vehicle operation to determine whether the vehicle operator is impaired (e.g., distracted, drowsy, intoxicated) and alerting the vehicle operator using a haptic alert delivered by a wearable computing device worn by the vehicle operator when impairment is detected. The method, system, and computer-readable medium may monitor the vehicle operator, the environment surrounding the vehicle, and/or forces acting on the vehicle using a variety of sensors, including optical sensors or accelerometers. In particular, optical sensors may monitor the vehicle operator to detect eye blinks, head nods, head rotations, and/or gaze fixation. Optical sensors may also monitor the road ahead of the vehicle to detect lane deviation, lane centering, and time to collision. Accelerometers may detect acceleration in the direction of vehicle travel and/or lateral acceleration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.