Method and apparatus for monitoring the alertness of the driver of a vehicle
First Claim
1. A method for monitoring the alertness of the driver of a vehicle having an independent power source and traveling on an unbounded path, comprising continuously measuring the electrical consumption of a driven vehicle;
- giving signals to the driver, which signals require a response from the driver, in the event the electrical consumption of the vehicle remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating monotonous driving conditions;
measuring the speed and accuracy of the responses of the driver to said signals; and
giving an alarm when the speed and accuracy of the driver'"'"'s response are below a predetermined level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The electric power consumption of a vehicle having its own power source and travelling on an unbounded path is monitored; and, when this power consumption remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, the invention sends a signal to the driver, to which he must respond with predetermined accuracy and in a predetermined period of time. Failing this, the invention gives the operator a warning display and repeats the test which, if failed repeatedly, results in the equipment giving an alarm perceptible to those outside the vehicle, by the horn and/or flashing lights. In addition, the invention can preserve a record of the driving conditions and test results and can provide coded access to operation of the vehicle to prevent unauthorized entry. The invention can also provide a test of alertness which the driver must pass before actuation of the vehicle can be initiated.
46 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for monitoring the alertness of the driver of a vehicle having an independent power source and traveling on an unbounded path, comprising continuously measuring the electrical consumption of a driven vehicle;
- giving signals to the driver, which signals require a response from the driver, in the event the electrical consumption of the vehicle remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating monotonous driving conditions;
measuring the speed and accuracy of the responses of the driver to said signals; and
giving an alarm when the speed and accuracy of the driver'"'"'s response are below a predetermined level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
- giving signals to the driver, which signals require a response from the driver, in the event the electrical consumption of the vehicle remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating monotonous driving conditions;
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4. Safety apparatus for vehicles traveling on an unbounded path and having an electric power supply system, for monitoring the alertness of the driver, comprising means for measuring the electrical consumption of a driven vehicle;
- means for giving signals to the driver, which signals require a response from the driver, in the event the electrical consumption of the vehicle remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating monotonous driving conditions;
means operable by the driver in response to said signals;
means for measuring the speed and accuracy of the responses of the driver to signals; and
means for giving an alarm when the speed and accuracy of the driver'"'"'s response are below a predetermined level. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
- means for giving signals to the driver, which signals require a response from the driver, in the event the electrical consumption of the vehicle remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, thereby indicating monotonous driving conditions;
Specification