System and method for monitoring driver fatigue

• US 20060180379A1
• Filed: 02/11/2005
• Published: 08/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Triodyne, Inc.
• Inventors: Ferrone, Christopher W., Sinkovits, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,427,924 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/272
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/066 actuating a signalling device B60K28/063 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/18 Steering angle
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/06 indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control includes connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control and a controller with respect to the sensor. A steering input count signal and/or steering wheel rotation signal is provided from the sensor to the controller and an alarm is activated when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level and/or the steering wheel rotation signal exceeds a maximum level. The alarm may trigger physical responses within the vehicle including audible, visual, engine management and/or similar responses.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring driver fatigue and inattention in a vehicle having a steering control, the system comprising:

a sensor connected with respect to the steering control;

a controller connected with respect to the sensor, the sensor providing a steering input count signal to the controller;

an alarm connected with respect to the controller, the alarm activated when the steering input activity level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the predetermined threshold comprises a steering input count signal below a minimum level

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the predetermined threshold comprises a steering input rotation that exceeds a maximum level.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the alarm comprises an audible alarm.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the alarm comprises a light.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a speed control device connected with respect to the vehicle and to the controller, wherein the controller disables the speed control device upon activation of the alarm.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising:

a switch connected to the speed control device and the alarm, the switch operable to reset the alarm.

8. The system of claim 6 further comprising:

a counter connected with respect to the controller, the controller disabling the speed control device upon the counter obtaining a predetermined number of alarm activations.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein the controller includes a limiter connected with respect to the alarm, the limiter reducing the performance of the vehicle following a predetermined number of alarm activations.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a tone ring mounted with respect to the steering control, the tone ring connected with the sensor to provide the steering input activity level.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the steering input activity level is measured over a time duration.

12. A method of monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control, the method comprising:

connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control;

connecting a controller with respect to the sensor;

providing a steering input signal from the sensor to the controller;

connecting an alarm with respect to the controller;

activating the alarm when the steering input signal drops below a minimum count level or exceeds a maximum rotation level.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

deactivating a speed control device following activation of the alarm.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

activating an engine brake following activation of the alarm.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

activating at least one of an audible alarm and a light following activation of the alarm.

16. A method of monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering wheel and cruise control, the method comprising:

connecting a sensor with respect to the steering wheel;

connecting a controller with respect to the sensor;

providing a steering input count signal and a steering wheel rotation signal from the sensor to the controller;

connecting an alarm with respect to the controller;

activating the alarm when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level or the steering wheel rotation signal exceeds a maximum level;

deactivating the cruise control; and

manually resetting the cruise control and the alarm.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of:

sequentially reducing vehicle power as the alarm is activated.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of:

activating brake lights on the vehicle.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

activating the sensor when the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed.