Recording and reporting of driving characteristics

• US 20050174217A1
• Filed: 01/28/2005
• Published: 08/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (Trak Global Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (Trak Global Group Ltd.)
• Inventors: Bullock, David, Basir, Otman Adam
• Application Number:
  US11/045,584
• Publication Number:
  US 20050174217A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/425.500
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0858 wherein the data carrier is removable
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0883 wherein the data carrier is removable

Abstract

A system for recording, transmitting and compiling information indicative of actual vehicle operation and usage includes a device installed within a vehicle. Sensors communicate with the device to provide information relating to operation of the vehicle. A location module utilizes satellite signals to determine the current location of a vehicle. A data extraction module sends data to a central process server. The central processor compiles and summarizes the information from the device for determination of vehicle usage for use in determining an insurance premium.

Claims

1. A method of recording vehicle usage comprising the steps of:

a) sensing data indicative of a vehicle operation characteristic, including a location of the vehicle;

b) formulating the data and storing a memory module; and

c) extracting the data responsive to a triggering event, wherein the date is extracted to an externally located process server.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step c) comprises removing a memory device from the vehicle and transmitting the summary through a digital connection.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein said memory device comprises a USB storage key.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step c) comprises automatically transmitting via a digital connection including at least one wireless portion.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said extracting step comprises a wireless transmission to a central processing device.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said extracting step comprises connection and transmission via a data modem.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said extraction step comprises generating an encoded alphanumeric string on a digital display panel and transmitting the encoded alphanumeric string to the central processing device.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said extraction step comprises at least two separate and independent means selected from a group consisting of direct transmission to a computer, wireless communication, removable storage device, encoded alphanumeric display and data modem transmission.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, including the step of a user review of a summary of data prior to transmitting to a central processing device.

10. The method as recited in claim 8 including the step of approving a summary for submission prior to transmitting to the central processing device.

11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said triggering event comprises expiration of a desired time.

12. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said triggering event comprises exceeding a desired data storage limit.

13. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said triggering event comprises exceeding an actual distance driven.

14. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said triggering event comprises exceeding a desired actual driving time.

15. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said triggering event comprises a vehicle characteristic exceeding a desired limit.

16. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step a) comprises sensing an acceleration of the vehicle to obtain information indicative of one of vehicle braking and vehicle cornering.

17. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step a) comprises utilizing a receiver for determining coordinates of the vehicle, said coordinates enabling acquisition of data indicative of the vehicle location, heading, and speed.

18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein said location comprises identification of a geographical region in which the vehicle operates.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein said geographic region is determined based on a local postal code.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein said geographic region is determined based on governmental divisions.

21. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein said geographic region comprises divisions based on specific roadway classifications.

22. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step a) comprises sensing a time of day that the vehicle is in operation.

23. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step a) includes gathering information sensed from at least one of an odometer, and fuel gauge.

24. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising the step of sensing an event indicative of a possible error in data integrity and including an indicator of the error in the summary.

25. A device for gathering vehicle usage data for use in determining a vehicle insurance cost comprising:

a memory module for storing data indicative of vehicle operating characteristics;

a receiver for receiving satellite signals indicative of a vehicle position;

a power module including a connection to an external power source, and an internal power source for powering said device independent of the external power source;

a first sensor for detecting motion of said device;

a controller for aggregating data stored within said memory module responsive to a triggering event; and

a data extraction module for transmitting aggregated data.

26. The device as recited in claim 25, wherein the first sensor comprise a vibration sensor, and said controller actuates said vibration sensor responsive to a loss of external power.

27. The device as recited in claim 25, including an accelerometer for detecting vehicle acceleration.

28. The device as recited in claim 25, wherein said data extraction module includes a removable memory device.

29. The device as recited in claim 25, wherein said data extraction module includes wireless transmission device.

30. The device as recited in claim 25, wherein said data extraction device includes a digital display device.

31. The device as recited in claim 25, wherein the power module senses data indicative of vehicle ignition status.

32. The device as recited in claim 25, including a central server receiving information from said device for use in determining an applicable insurance premium.