Driver authentication system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage
DCFirst Claim
1. A driver authentication and monitoring system, comprising:
- a master control unit operating in a motor vehicle for authenticating at least one driver via a driver identification interface, wherein the master control unit receives a unique identification code that permits the at least one driver to operate the vehicle within an operating profile associated with the at least one driver and accessible by the master control unit; and
a slave control unit installed in the motor vehicle and coupled to at least one computer associated with the motor vehicle, wherein said slave control unit communicates with said master control unit and monitors an operation of the motor vehicle and transmits a signal to the master control unit if the at least one driver violates the operating profile, thereby providing feedback to the master control unit about a usage of the vehicle, and wherein the slave control unit cooperates with the at least one computer to control the operation of the vehicle based on commands received from the master control unit.
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Abstract
A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A driver authentication and monitoring system, comprising:
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a master control unit operating in a motor vehicle for authenticating at least one driver via a driver identification interface, wherein the master control unit receives a unique identification code that permits the at least one driver to operate the vehicle within an operating profile associated with the at least one driver and accessible by the master control unit; and a slave control unit installed in the motor vehicle and coupled to at least one computer associated with the motor vehicle, wherein said slave control unit communicates with said master control unit and monitors an operation of the motor vehicle and transmits a signal to the master control unit if the at least one driver violates the operating profile, thereby providing feedback to the master control unit about a usage of the vehicle, and wherein the slave control unit cooperates with the at least one computer to control the operation of the vehicle based on commands received from the master control unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A driver authentication and monitoring system, comprising:
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a master control unit in a motor vehicle for authenticating at least one driver via driver identification and associating an operating profile with the at least one driver; a GPS module providing at least location and speed information in association with movement of the motor vehicle; a data logging device recording vehicle operation data associated with use of the motor vehicle by the at least one driver including location and speed information from the GPS module; and a slave control unit installed in the motor vehicle and coupled to at least one computer associated with the motor vehicle, said slave control unit in communication with said master control unit and configured to monitor operation of the motor vehicle and generate a signal to the master control unit if the at least one driver violates the operating profile thereby providing feedback to the master control unit about usage of the vehicle, and wherein the slave control unit cooperates with the at least one computer to control operation of the vehicle based on commands received from the master control unit;
wherein the master control unit permits the at least one driver to operate the vehicle within an operating profile if the master control unit receives at least one of a unique identification code to permit the at least one driver to operate the vehicle within an operating profile and the at least one driver has not violated the operating profile. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of authenticating and monitoring drivers, comprising:
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providing a motor vehicle with a driver authentication and monitoring system; programming the driver authentication and monitoring system with an operating profile associated with a high risk driver, said operating profile maintained by a data logging device; authenticating the high risk driver to enable an operation of the motor vehicle by the high risk driver within limits of the operating profile by monitoring the operation of the motor vehicle to determine if the high risk driver is violating the operating profile; recording with the data logging device, data indicative of the operation of the motor vehicle by the high risk driver, said data including a speed and a location of the motor vehicle; generating a signal if said high risk driver violates the operating profile while operating the motor vehicle; and governing mechanical operations of the vehicle remotely if the high risk driver violates the operating profile. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification