Driver authentication system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage

• US 8,417,415 B2
• Filed: 07/01/2009
• Issued: 04/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Phelan Group, LLC
• Original Assignee: Michael Phelan
• Inventors: Phelan, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Dager, Jonathan M
• Application Number:
  US12/496,509
• Publication Number:
  US 20100004818A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,378 Days
• Field of Search: 340988-996, 3404255-428, 340430-43636, 701/1, 701/2, 701 19- 49, 701/70, 701/93, 701200-216, 701/300
• US Class Current: 701/35
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/52 Determining velocity
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C

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.

Claims

1. A driver authentication and monitoring system, comprising:

a self-contained master control unit for use within a motor vehicle independently of the motor vehicle'"'"'s computer and including a GPS module for providing speed and location information, said self-contained master control unit including a microprocessor and memory for storing and managing driver operating profiles and for authenticating at least one driver via a driver identification and data logging device wherein said master control unit is configured to receive a unique identification code, to permit said at least one driver to operate said vehicle within an operating profile unique to said at least one driver and pre-programmed in the master control unit; and

a slave control unit coupled to said master control unit and located with said master control unit in said motor vehicle and in wired communication with said master control unit, said slave control unit configured to receive commands from said master control unit and to generate at least one of an audible and visual alarm signal and cut off power to the host vehicle radio/stereo system if said at least one driver violates said operating profile unique to said at least one driver, thereby providing feedback about said vehicle usage.

2. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a database comprising a program module including at least one operating parameter associated with said vehicle, said program module remotely accessible by an authorized user to program an operating profile with respect to at least one driver, said program module accessed by said authorized user via a network utilizing a remote computer.

3. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with a remote computer loads said operating profile in the memory for said at least one driver.

4. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising:

a driver identification and validation module and a function indicator module configured to fault detect and monitor said vehicle.

5. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 4, wherein said operating profile is loaded into said memory for enabling operation of said vehicle when said at least one driver is authenticated.

6. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said slave control unit further comprises a power regulator module;

a starter relay module;

a definable relay module;

a slave microcontroller; and

an alarm synthesizer.

7. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 2, wherein said at least one operating parameter comprises at least one of:

a maximum allowable vehicle speed;

allowable hours of operation; and

seatbelt usage.

8. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said driver identification and data logging device comprises an portable electronic device physically touchable to the master control unit for purpose of driver identification.

9. A driver authentication and monitoring system, comprising:

a self-contained master control unit for use in a motor vehicle independently of the motor vehicle'"'"'s computer and including a microprocessor and memory for storing and managing driver operating profiles and for authenticating at least one driver via a driver identification code entered into the self-contained master control unit by a driver and causing an associated operating profile unique to said at least one driver and pre-programmed in the self-contained master control unit to become active in the self-contained master control unit, thereby associating said operating profile with said at least one driver;

a GPS module coupled to and co-located with the self-contained master control unit in a common housing and providing at least two of time, location and speed information in association with movement of said motor vehicle;

a data logging device recording vehicle operation data associated with use of said motor vehicle by said at least one driver including at least two of time, location and speed information from said GPS module; and

a slave control unit coupled to said master control unit and located with said master control unit in said motor vehicle and in wired communication with said master control unit, said slave control unit configured to receive commands from said master control unit and to generate at least one of a visual alarm and an audible alarm signal and cut off power to the host vehicle radio/stereo system if said at least one driver violates said operating profile unique to said at least one driver, thereby providing feedback about said vehicle usage;

wherein the self-contained master control unit permits said at least one driver to operate said vehicle within an operating profile if said self-contained master control unit receives at least one of a unique identification code to permit said at least one driver to operate said vehicle within an operating profile and said at least one driver has not violated said operating profile.

10. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 9, wherein said slave control unit further comprises a power regulator module;

a starter relay module;

a definable relay module;

a slave microcontroller; and

an alarm synthesizer.

11. The driver authentication and monitoring system of claim 9, wherein said operating profile comprises at least one operating parameter including at least one of:

a maximum allowable vehicle speed;

allowable hours of operation; and

seatbelt usage.