Facilitating safer vehicle travel utilizing telematics data

• US 9,904,289 B1
• Filed: 01/07/2016
• Issued: 02/27/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm)
• Original Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm)
• Inventors: Hayward, Gregory
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Yuen H
• Application Number:
  US14/990,121
• Time in Patent Office: 782 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/006 indicating risk of collision between vehicles or with pedestrians
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/10 related to vehicle motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/14 Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/005 with correlation of navigation data from several sources, e.g. map or contour matching G01C21/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/34 Route searching; Route guidance
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3415 Dynamic re-routing, e.g. recalculating the route when the user deviates from calculated route or after detecting real-time traffic data or accidents
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3492 employing speed data or traffic data, e.g. real-time or historical traffic control systems for road vehicles involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle G08G1/0968
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/36 Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3655 Timing of guidance instructions
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3667 Display of a road map G01C21/3614 takes precedence; guidance using 3D or perspective road maps G01C21/3635
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/367 Details, e.g. road map scale, orientation, zooming, illumination, level of detail, scrolling of road map or positioning of current position marker
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3691 Retrieval, searching and output of information related to real-time traffic, weather, or environmental conditions arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions G08G1/09
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/13 Receivers
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/42 Determining position
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/47 the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/50 whereby the position solution is constrained to lie upon a particular curve or surface, e.g. for locomotives on railway tracks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/51 Relative positioning
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0278 using satellite positioning signals, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0285 using signals transmitted via a public communication network, e.g. GSM network
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/225 : operated by off-board computers
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/229 : Command input data, e.g. waypoints
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/24 : Arrangements for determining position or orientation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 : Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• 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 5/02 : Registering or indicating driving, working, idle, or waiting time only apparatus forming part of taximeters G07B13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0112 : from the vehicle, e.g. floating car data [FCD]
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/012 : from other sources than vehicle or roadside beacons, e.g. mobile networks
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0125 : Traffic data processing
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0133 : for classifying traffic situation
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0141 : for traffic information dissemination
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/052 : with provision for determining speed or overspeed speed measuring in general G01P
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/091 : Traffic information broadcasting broadcasting communication H04H
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/093 : Data selection, e.g. prioritizing information, managing message queues, selecting the information to be output
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0965 : responding to signals from another vehicle, e.g. emergency vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096725 : where the received information generates an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096783 : where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096827 : where the route is computed onboard
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096844 : where the complete route is dynamically recomputed based on new data
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096855 : where the output is provided in a suitable form to the driver details on I/O arrangements for onboard navigation computers G01C21/36
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096883 : where input information is obtained using a mobile device, e.g. a mobile phone, a PDA
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/127 : to a central station ; Indicators in a central station
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/16 : Anti-collision systems road vehicle drive control systems for predicting or avoiding probable or impending collision otherwise than by control of a particular sub-unit B60W30/08
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/162 : event-triggered
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/166 : for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 7/02 : Anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 : for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 : specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 : specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/40 : using a wireless architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 : Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/027 : using movement velocity, acceleration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/40 : for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P]

Abstract

Various devices are described, which are configured to use telematics data from one driver to facilitate safer vehicle travel for another driver. A remote server may include (1) a communication unit configured to receive a broadcast including telematics data generated and transmitted from a first mobile device or smart vehicle; and (2) a processor configured to determine (i) a travel event; (ii) a GPS location of the travel event; and/or (iii) an estimated or actual geographical or temporal scope of the travel event from computer analysis of the telematics data. The remote server may transmit a travel event-related wireless communication to a second mobile device or smart vehicle to facilitate safer vehicle travel for a second driver or vehicle based upon the telematics data associated with the first driver/vehicle. Insurance discounts may be provided for individuals or vehicles based upon having or using the risk mitigation or prevention functionality.

Claims

1. A remote server configured to use telematics data associated with a first driver to facilitate safer vehicle travel for a second driver, the remote server comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication including telematics data, the telematics data being (i) sampled by one or more sensors that are incorporated as part of a first mobile computing device, (ii) generated when the one or more sensors indicate that the first mobile computing device is stationary with respect to a first vehicle associated with the first driver and is located within the first vehicle, and (iii) transmitted from the first mobile computing device;

a memory unit configured to store vehicle navigation information, virtual road maps, and computer-readable instructions; and

a processor configured to access the memory unit and to automatically identify or determine;

(i) a travel event;

(ii) a location of the travel event; and

(iii) a geographical or temporal scope of the travel event from computer analysis of the telematics data, the processor further being configured to generate a travel event-related data transmission or wireless communication indicative of the travel event, a location of the travel event, or an extent of the travel event,

wherein the communication unit is further configured to transmit the travel event-related data transmission or wireless communication to a second mobile computing device or second vehicle associated with the second driver when the travel event is relevant to the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle, to cause the second mobile computing device or second vehicle to direct preventive or corrective action and to display insurance policy pricing adjustment information associated with the second vehicle that is based upon a driver risk due to the identified travel event, so as to promote or reward risk averse behavior and safer driving via the displayed insurance policy pricing adjustment information,

wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the travel event is relevant to the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle associated with the second driver based upon whether a location of the travel event, as determined based upon the telematics data, is within a threshold distance of a current location of the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle,

wherein the telematics data is indicative of acceleration, braking, cornering, and a location of the first vehicle, and

wherein the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication is generated by the first mobile computing device based upon the generated telematics data.

2. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the travel event is based upon or determined from telematics data that reveals vehicle, traffic, congestion, road construction, or weather conditions.

3. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the telematics data is indicative of a speed, deceleration, or lane information associated with the first mobile computing device or the first vehicle.

4. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the telematics data is indicative of time, left turn, right turn, heading, Global Positioning System (GPS) speed, GPS latitude and longitude, gyroscope data, battery level, or telephone usage information or data associated with the first mobile device or the first vehicle.

5. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the preventive or corrective action taken includes one or more of:

generating or determining an alert, at or via the second mobile computing device or second vehicle;

presenting a visual alert, at or via the second mobile device or second vehicle, on a display or display screen associated with (i) the second mobile computing device or (ii) the second vehicle;

or

providing an audible alert, at or via the second mobile computing device or second vehicle.

6. The remote server of claim 5, wherein the alert is presented only after the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle determines that the travel event is relevant to the second vehicle by determining that a location of the travel event is along a route that the second vehicle is presently traveling.

7. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the preventive or corrective action taken includes one or more of:

generating, determining, or receiving an alternate travel route that avoids a Global Positioning System (GPS) location of the travel event, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle; and

presenting the alternative travel route, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle, on a display or display screen for use by the second driver.

8. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the second vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, and

wherein the preventive or corrective action taken includes one or more of:

generating, determining, or receiving an alternate travel route that avoids a Global Positioning System (GPS) location of the travel event, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle; and

automatically directing the second vehicle to autonomously take or follow the alternative travel route, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle.

9. The remote server of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the communication unit to listen for the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication, and to store associated telematics data received via the communication unit in the memory unit when the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication is detected or within range, and

wherein the communication unit is further configured to relay or otherwise re-transmit the telematics data or the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication to other listening devices, including other vehicles, mobile devices, or smart infrastructure.

10. A smart infrastructure component configured to use telematics data associated with a first driver to facilitate safer vehicle travel for a second driver, the smart infrastructure component comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication including telematics data, the telematics data being (i) sampled by one or more sensors that are incorporated as part of a first mobile computing device, (ii) generated when the one or more sensors indicate that the first mobile computing device is stationary with respect to a first vehicle associated with the first driver and is located within the first vehicle, and (iii) transmitted from the first mobile computing device;

a memory unit configured to store vehicle navigation information, virtual road maps, and computer-readable instructions; and

a processor configured to access the memory unit to automatically identify or determine;

(i) a travel event;

(ii) a location of the travel event; and

(iii) a geographical or temporal scope of the travel event from computer analysis of the telematics data, the processor further being configured to generate a travel event-related data transmission or wireless communication indicative of the travel event, a location of the travel event, or an extent of the travel event,

wherein the communication unit is further configured to transmit the travel event-related data transmission or wireless communication to a second mobile computing device or second vehicle associated with the second driver when the travel event is relevant to the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle, to cause the second mobile computing device or second vehicle to direct preventive or corrective action and to display insurance policy pricing adjustment information associated with the second vehicle that is based upon a driver risk due to the identified travel event, so as to promote or reward risk averse behavior and safer driving via the displayed insurance policy pricing adjustment information,

wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the travel event is relevant to the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle associated with a second driver based upon whether a location of the travel event, as determined based upon the telematics data, is within a threshold distance of a current location of the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle,

wherein the telematics data is indicative of acceleration, braking, cornering, and a location of the first vehicle, and

wherein the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication is generated by the first mobile computing device based upon the generated telematics data.

11. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the travel event is based upon or determined from telematics data that reveals vehicle, traffic, congestion, road construction, or weather conditions.

12. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the telematics data is indicative of a speed, deceleration, or lane information associated with the first mobile computing device or the first vehicle.

13. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the telematics data is indicative of a time, left turn, right turn, heading, Global Positioning System (GPS) speed, GPS latitude and longitude, gyroscope data, battery level, or telephone usage information or data associated with the first mobile computing device or the first vehicle.

14. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the preventive or corrective action taken includes one or more of:

generating or determining an alert, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle;

presenting a visual alert, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle, on a display or display screen associated with the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle;

or

providing an audible alert, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle.

15. The smart infrastructure component of claim 14, wherein the alert is presented only after the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle determines that the travel event is relevant to the second vehicle by determining that a location of the travel event is along a route that the second vehicle is presently traveling.

16. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the preventive or corrective action taken includes one or more of:

generating, determining, or receiving an alternate travel route that avoids a Global Positioning System (GPS) location of the travel event, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle; and

presenting the alternative travel route, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle, on a display or display screen for use by the second driver.

17. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the second vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, and

wherein the preventive or corrective action taken includes one or more of:

generating, determining, or receiving an alternate travel route that avoids a Global Positioning System (GPS) location of the travel event, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle; and

automatically directing the second vehicle to take or follow the alternative travel route, at or via the second mobile computing device or the second vehicle.

18. The smart infrastructure component of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the communication unit to listen for the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication and to store associated telematics data received via the communication unit in the memory unit when the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication is detected or within range, and

wherein the communication unit is further configured to relay or otherwise re-transmit the telematics data or the telematics data-related data transmission or wireless communication to other listening devices, including other vehicles, mobile devices, or smart infrastructure.

19. An intermediate mobile device configured to use telematics data associated with a first driver to facilitate safer vehicle travel for a second driver, the intermediate mobile device comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a data transmission or wireless communication containing or including telematics data, the telematics data being (i) sampled by one or more sensors that are incorporated as part of a first mobile computing device associated with the first driver, (ii) generated when the one or more sensors indicate that the first mobile computing device is stationary with respect to a first smart vehicle and is located within the first smart vehicle, and (iii) transmitted from the first mobile computing device or the first smart vehicle;

a memory unit configured to store vehicle navigation information, virtual road maps, and computer-readable instructions; and

a processor configured to access the memory unit to automatically identify or determine;

(i) a travel event;

(ii) a location of the travel event; and

(iii) a geographical or temporal scope of the travel event from computer analysis of the telematics data, the processor further being configured to generate a travel event-related data transmission or wireless communication indicative of the travel event, a location of the travel event, or an extent of the travel event, and

wherein the communication unit is further configured to transmit the travel event-related data transmission or wireless communication to a second mobile computing device or a second smart vehicle associated with the second driver via peer-to-peer (P2P) communications when the travel event is relevant to the second mobile computing device or the second smart vehicle, to cause the second mobile computing device or the second smart vehicle to direct preventive or corrective action and to display insurance policy pricing adjustment information associated with the second smart vehicle that is based upon a driver risk due to the identified travel event, so as to promote or reward risk averse behavior and safer driving via the displayed insurance policy pricing adjustment information,

wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the travel event is relevant to the second mobile computing device or the second smart vehicle associated with the second driver based upon whether a location of the travel event as determined based upon the telematics data is within a threshold distance of a current location of the second mobile computing device or the second smart vehicle,

wherein the telematics data is indicative of acceleration, braking, cornering, and a location of the first smart vehicle, and

wherein the data transmission or wireless communication is generated by the first mobile computing device based upon the generated telematics data.

20. The intermediate mobile device of claim 19, wherein the telematics data is indicative of a time, left turn, right turn, heading, Global Positioning System (GPS) speed, GPS latitude and longitude, gyroscope data, battery level, or telephone usage information or data associated with the first mobile computing device or the first smart vehicle.