Recording and reporting of driving characteristics
First Claim
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1. 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 disposed within the device for detecting motion of said device;
an accelerometer disposed within the device for detecting vehicle acceleration;
a controller for governing the gathering of data stored within said memory module according to a desired detail level of vehicle operating characteristics, wherein the controller gathers data according to at least two selectable levels of detail including a first detail level that includes data indicative of vehicle operation and a second detail level includes data indicative of vehicle location, wherein the controller detects operation of the vehicle in the absence of power from the external power source with the first sensor to detect errors that may affect data integrity; and
a data extraction module for forwarding data for use in determining a vehicle insurance cost, wherein the first sensor comprises a vibration sensor, and said controller actuates said vibration sensor responsive to a loss of external power.
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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.
22 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A device for gathering vehicle usage data for use in determining a vehicle insurance cost comprising:
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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 disposed within the device for detecting motion of said device; an accelerometer disposed within the device for detecting vehicle acceleration; a controller for governing the gathering of data stored within said memory module according to a desired detail level of vehicle operating characteristics, wherein the controller gathers data according to at least two selectable levels of detail including a first detail level that includes data indicative of vehicle operation and a second detail level includes data indicative of vehicle location, wherein the controller detects operation of the vehicle in the absence of power from the external power source with the first sensor to detect errors that may affect data integrity; and a data extraction module for forwarding data for use in determining a vehicle insurance cost, wherein the first sensor comprises a vibration sensor, and said controller actuates said vibration sensor responsive to a loss of external power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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8. The device as recited in claiml 1, wherein the data extraction module includes a wireless link for transmitting vehicle usage information directly to the central server.
Specification