Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for evaluating a seat by using body pressure distribution. The apparatus includes: a body grid generator to generate body grids corresponding to body pressure data, which is measured while a driver is seated on a seat of a vehicle, based on the body pressure data and body information of the driver; a pressure analyzer to divide the body grids to a plurality of body grid areas based on body areas of the body pressure data and analyze the body pressure data included in the body grid areas; and a pressure evaluator to evaluate a body pressure for the seat based on the analyzed body pressure data of the body grid areas, and evaluate a hugging feeling of the driver for the seat based on the evaluated body pressure.

Abstract: A system for automatic control of entry and/or motor starting authorization of a user for a vehicle. A control device or a computation device associated with the control device uses at least one statistical computation method to compute a probability of misuse for obtaining an entry and/or motor starting authorization for the vehicle. If the computed probability of misuse reaches or exceeds a prescribable threshold value, a control signal at least for unlocking the vehicle doors and/or for enabling of the motor control device is/are stopped or produced by the control device only if at least one additional authentication criterion has been satisfied; and/or the system for control of entry and/or motor starting authorization is deactivated if it is established that the vehicle is parking in an environment where the probability of future misuse of the electronic key reaches or exceeds a prescribable threshold value.

Abstract: An override system of a vehicle includes a command module configured to: receive a concentration of a chemical in a driver's body measured using a chemical measurement device of the vehicle; and when the concentration of the chemical is greater than the predetermined concentration of the chemical, prevent movement of the vehicle. An override module is configured to, in response to receipt of user input indicative of an override request while the concentration of the chemical is greater than the predetermined concentration of the chemical, selectively generate a command to override the prevention of movement of the vehicle. The command module is further configured to, in response to the command, selectively allow movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An awareness support device includes: an awareness level reduction detection unit configured to detect a reduction in a driver's awareness level based on vehicle information on a vehicle driven by the driver; an awareness level recovery detection unit configured to detect a recovery from the reduction in the driver's awareness level based on the vehicle information; and an interaction processing unit configured to: start an output of an interactive voice used for interaction with the driver when the awareness level reduction detection unit detects the reduction in the driver's awareness level; and terminate the output of the interactive voice when the awareness level recovery detection unit detects the recovery from the reduction in the driver's awareness level.

Abstract: An interlock data collection and calibration system has a device computer, and a gas sample delivery system for delivering a first gas sample and a second gas sample to the ignition interlock device, the first and second gas samples having different predetermined concentrations of alcohol. The device computer includes a calibration program for calibrating the ignition interlock device using the first gas sample, and then delivering the second gas sample to the ignition interlock device to verify that the ignition interlock device correctly determines the second alcohol concentration of the second sample gas.

Abstract: An area access control system includes a client electronic device configured to administer an alertness test to a user; and an area access controller, coupled to and configured to be actuated by the client electronic device.

Abstract: The present application discloses a vehicle control wearable apparatus. The vehicle control wearable apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an intoxicating substance intake level of a potential driver of a vehicle; a vehicle operation state controller coupled to the detector and configured to receive the intoxicating substance intake level from the detector; and a first data transceiver coupled to the vehicle operation state controller. The vehicle operation state controller is configured to conduct a comparison between the intoxicating substance intake level and a first threshold level, and control the first data transceiver to send a blocking signal based on a first result of the comparison at a first time point. The blocking signal controlling the vehicle in a blocked state thereby prevents the potential driver from driving the vehicle.

Abstract: Cargo locks are general massive, virtually armor plate grade materials, cables, tags, etc. hung on the outside of any configuration of cargo containers, enclosed cargo trucks, vans, semi-trailers, boxcars, etc. A few internal cargo area lock systems have been offered but are cost prohibitive, massive and not practical for other than a stationary installation. This makes them impractical for cargo containers, boxcars, and most semi-trailers because they are rarely re-used by the same party who invested in an elaborate “stationary” lock system. In a further development of U.S. Pat. No. 9,683,394, virtually anyone can install this flexible Lock Mechanism and Electronic Control (LM&EC) and achieve a secured cargo area by making all locks inaccessible from the outside. Similarly, the LM&EC system can be readily removed for reuse elsewhere or its access and control components modified to adapt to the reuse application or improve security for the present application.

Abstract: Vision-assist systems that inform visually impaired users regarding the current state of a room are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes an image sensor for obtaining a baseline image of the room including one or more items in the room positioned in an in-order state, and memory to store the baseline image. The system may include a motion sensor to detect when the user is approaching the room to activate the image sensor to obtain a real-time image of the room. A detection module determines whether the room and items in the room are in an in-order state or an out-of-order state when compared with the baseline image, and an output module notifies the user of the current state of room. In this manner, a visually impaired user can be informed of the state of a room which thereby aids the user in navigating or moving within the room.

Abstract: Image analysis is performed for a two-sided data hub. Data reception on a first computing device is enabled by an individual and a content provider. Cognitive state data including facial data on the individual is collected on a second computing device. The cognitive state data is analyzed on a third computing device and the analysis is provided to the individual. The cognitive state data is evaluated and the evaluation is provided to the content provider. A mood dashboard is displayed to the individual based on the analyzing. The individual opts in to enable data reception for the individual. The content provider provides content via a website.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, with one or more processors, biometric information of a first user. The method also includes determining, with the one or more processors, whether there is an indication that the first user is distracted based on the biometric information. The method further includes receiving, with the one or more processors, vehicle speed information. The method also includes determining, with the one or more processors, whether there is an indication that the first user is driving based on the vehicle speed information. The method further includes in response to determining that the first user is distracted and that the first user is driving, instructing, with the one or more processors, a mobile device associated with the first user to contact a second user or a call center.

Abstract: Process and device to authenticate a subject undergoing a sobriety test, by testing the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the subject, emitting an indication of the confirmed test, and recording said indication together with a picture of said subject, wherein said indication comprises a representation of a temporary validation code.

Abstract: A vehicle system having processors configured to determine permissible regions of a trip where the vehicle system is permitted for automatic control. The permissible regions of the trip are determined based on one or more of parameters of a route, a trend of operating parameters of the vehicle system, or a trip plan that designates one or more operational settings of the vehicle system at different locations, different times, or different distances along a route. The processors also are configured to control transition of the vehicle system between manual control and the automatic control in the permissible regions by alerting an operator of the vehicle system, automatically switching between the manual control and the automatic control, or modifying conditions on which the transition occur.

Abstract: Provided is a biological signal measuring system based on a driving environment for a vehicle seat. A biological signal measuring device is provided in a seat of a vehicle where most of the body of the driver who is driving a vehicle is consistently located to easily measure a biological signal of the driver and determine and remove noise from the biological signal which is caused by the movement of the driver due to change in a driving environment and a road condition, thereby improving reliability of measurement of a biological signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are electronic devices capable of determining whether a possessor of a portable electronic device is a driver or a passenger and to provide necessary different information to each electronic device, and a drive determination method thereof. The electronic device includes: a sensor module for detecting movement of the electronic device; a communication module for receiving a steering angle of a steering wheel from an external electronic device; and a control module for determining whether a user of the electronic device is driving based on the detected movement of the electronic device and the received steering angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A system and method is described for improving situational awareness, fatigue management, and navigation via tactile feedback to vehicle operators, such as via a piezoelectric device. The tactile feedback may be provided to a vehicle operator in response to data gathered from external, headset integrated or aircraft integrated navigation sensors, such as may be used to identify navigational deviations outside of pre-established tolerances. The tactile feedback may be provided to a vehicle operator in response to physiological operator metric gathering and processing. One or more physiological sensors may be included on an operator headset, and may be either proximate to or separated from the tactile feedback device. As data is provided to the operator of a vehicle, equivalent data may be provided to a third party (e.g. a control center, dispatch, mission control, or similar). The data may be used to determine alertness levels remotely and intervene as necessary.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a vehicle passenger involves determining a current vital parameter value of at least one vital parameter of the vehicle passenger and, if necessary, a current environmental parameter value of at least one environmental parameter of an outer environmental of the vehicle. Depending upon the determined values, assistance can be provided to the vehicle passenger.

Abstract: One general aspect includes a method of detecting vehicle movement, the method including: (a) measuring, via a controller, one or more signal variables as a first variable data set; (b) at some duration of time after the first variable data set is measured, via the controller, measuring the one or more signal variables as a second variable data set; (c) comparing, via the controller, the first and second variable data sets; (d) determining, via the controller, if substantial differences exist between the first and second variable data sets; (e) when it is determined that substantial differences exist between the first and second variable data sets, via the controller, generating a notification configured to indicate vehicle movement has been detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an industrial robot safety control system, a back-up safety circuit and a safety module. The safety module includes a first safety circuit and a second safety circuit. The first safety circuit and the second safety circuit receive a warning signal at a same time. The first safety circuit is configured to respond to the warning signal. The second safety circuit include a delay system and an event response circuit. The delay system sets a time delay when receiving the warning signal, wherein, when the delay system does not receive a first control signal indicating that the first safety circuit has responded to the warning signal during the time delay, the delay system controls the event response circuit to respond to the warning signal. The present disclosure may help avoid the problem of common mode failure of the back-up safety mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed relating to a computer system that estimates the status of the driver of a vehicle. The system comprises the following steps: Acquisition of an image from a depth sensor containing depth and optional an IR intensity image and an RGB color image; identification of pixels that belong to the drivers head; creation of a 3D model of the head including an intensity model and a variability estimate for depth, grayscale and color information; estimation of the principal head pose and the neutral facial expression; estimation of the current relative head pose with respect to the principal head pose; identification of pixels that do not match the neutral face model with respect to depth, grayscale or color information or any combination thereof; clustering of the pixels with identified deviations; classification of spatial and temporal patterns to identify driver status and distraction events.

Abstract: A display apparatus, a vehicle, and a display method are disclosed, which recognize the user's intention by recognizing the user's eyes, and apply the recognized result to a device control process, thereby greatly increasing convenience of the input unit manipulation actions of the user. A display apparatus includes: a controller configured to insert a visual stimulus signal into basic visual information according to a predetermined frequency; a display unit configured to display the visual stimulus signal for generating an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and the basic visual information; and an EEG analyzer configured to determine a frequency occupied by the generated EEG signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that is mounted in a vehicle issues a warning to a driver of the vehicle to stop the vehicle in a case where the collision has occurred between the vehicle and an object. The vehicle control apparatus stops the vehicle regardless of an operation by the driver after issuing the warning to the driver, in a case where the vehicle is not detected to be stopped. Thus, while giving a priority on prompting the driver to voluntarily stop the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the driver from fleeing a scene of the accident or the like.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting a stress level of a user. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on a periorbital area (THROI1) of the user. The computer generates feature values based on THROI1, and utilizes a model to detect the stress level based on the feature values. The model was trained based on: previous THROI1 taken while the user was under elevated stress, and other previous THROI1 taken while the user was not under elevated stress. Some embodiments may utilize additional thermal cameras that take thermal measurements of other regions on the face, which may be utilized to detect the stress level.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring intoxication of a user, comprising: prompting the user to provide a breath sample at a time point; at a breath sample acquisition device, generating a breath sample signal upon reception of the breath sample from the user, and broadcasting a unique signature proximal in time to the time point; using a sensor of a mobile computing device, generating an authentication signal derived from detection of the unique signature; at a processing system in communication with the mobile computing device and the sample acquisition device, receiving the breath sample signal and the authentication signal; generating a verification assessment that validates provision of the breath sample by the user; determining a value of an intoxication metric for the user based upon the breath sample signal; and transforming the verification assessment and the value of the intoxication metric into an analysis of intoxication of the user.

Abstract: A display driver integrated circuit includes a seed generation block configured to generate a seed, an encryption block configured to encrypt the seed and generate a first encryption text, and a comparison block configured to receive a second encryption text, in which the seed is encrypted, from an application processor, compare the first encryption text with the second encryption text, and output a control signal based on the comparison result.

Abstract: Signals are received from a plurality of sources, representing aspects of the vehicle, a vehicle operator, and an environment surrounding the vehicle. An alertness factor and a readiness factor are developed based at least in part on the signals. Control of the vehicle is transitioned between levels of autonomous control based at least in part on the alertness factor and the readiness factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an actual fatigue time (AFT) for an activity are provided. The method comprises receiving a standard fatigue time (SFT) representing a time duration. The SFT is indicative of an onset of fatigue in individuals upon continuously performing the activity. The method further comprises receiving at least one external parameter and a fatigue index corresponding to the at least one external parameter. The at least one external parameter and the fatigue index are associated with the activity. The method further comprises determining the AFT for the activity based upon the SFT and the fatigue index.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission device is basically configured to improve the detection accuracy of the tilt angle of the road surface. The bicycle transmission device has a transmission for changing the gear ratio of the bicycle, and a tilt sensor disposed on the transmission and that outputs a signal that reflects the inclination of the transmission.

Abstract: A child car seat is provided, comprising a base; a seat coupled to the base; and a sensor device mounted to the base or the seat, the sensor device including a sensor that outputs a measurement signal indicating whether a child is present in the seat, a processor that receives the measurement signal and determines whether a child is present, and a communication circuit that transmits a proximity signal configured for reception by a first mobile device. The proximity signal causes a first alert to be communicated to the first mobile device in response to the first mobile device exceeding a range from the sensor device, and a second alert to be communicated to a second mobile device if, after a threshold amount of time, the measurement signal continues to indicate that a child is present and no response is received in response to the first alert.

Abstract: An anti-collision system for railcars and locomotives a distance ranging and worker coupling protection system utilizing remote-sensing radar techniques for use with a locomotive and railcar. The anti-collision system may include an object detector device attached to a railcar or a locomotive that detects objects in a path of the railcar and the locomotive and a train display device electrically connected to the object detector device. The anti-collision system may also include an emergency action device which enables a crew member to stop the railcar or locomotive without communication to a locomotive operator when a hazard is recognized. The object detector device may include a remote sensor, a radio, and a microprocessor programmed to include data-logging to record and log all data from the anti-collision system.

Abstract: A system for determining a subjective risk score may include a vehicle and/or a computing device associated with a user travelling within the vehicle. The computing device may receive input from the user when the user feels a sense of unease regarding a particular road segment upon which the vehicle is traveling. The system may further include a subjective risk analysis computing system that may be communicatively coupled to the computing device. The subjective risk analysis computing system may receive subjective risk information corresponding to the user's sense of unease regarding particular road segments and may process the subjective risk information to determine a subjective risk score for each of a plurality of road segments along a route. An insurance company may use this information to determine whether to adjust a quote or premium of an insurance policy.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring a vehicle operator and for monitoring the environment of a vehicle operator. In particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining a physical position of an operator within a vehicle and for determining environmental conditions surrounding the vehicle operator. The systems may include at least one of: an image sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone or a combination or sub-combination thereof. The methods may determine a position and/or an orientation of a vehicle operator's head, arms, hands, legs, feet, etc., a combination thereof or a sub-combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic calibration of a monitor of a driver include receiving an indication that the driver is driving a car and determining a typical orientation of the driver in a first set of images, the first set captured after receiving the indication. An orientation of the driver in a second set of images, which is captured after the first set, is compared to the typical orientation and a command is generated based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for determining distraction of a driver of a vehicle, including sampling sensor measurements at an onboard system of the vehicle; generating an output indicative of a distracted state; determining that the driver of the vehicle is characterized by the distracted state, based on the output; generating, at a second distraction detection module of a remote computing system, a second output indicative that the driver is characterized by the distracted state, based on the sensor measurements; computing a distraction score, at a scoring module of the remote computing system, in response to generating the second output and based on the sensor measurements and the distracted state.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining vehicle operator risk. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining degrees of vehicle operator risk. A degree of vehicle operator risk may be based on digital image data.

Abstract: An unattended occupant alert system includes a car seat that may be positioned in a vehicle. A child is selectively seated in the car seat and the car seat has a pair of shoulder straps. An electronic device is included and the electronic device is carried by a caregiver. An alarm unit is coupled between the shoulder straps to selectively and removably attach the shoulder straps together. In this way the alarm unit retains the child in the car seat and the alarm unit is turned on when the shoulder straps are attached together. The alarm unit is in thermal communication with an interior of the vehicle to detect a temperature in the vehicle. Additionally, the alarm unit is in electrical communication with the electronic device. The electronic device emits an alert when the alarm unit is turned on and the alarm unit detects a temperature that exceeds a trigger temperature. In this way the alarm unit alerts the caregiver to a potential environmental danger for the child.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring biological parameters through an Abreu Brain Thermal Tunnel (ABTT) is provided. By monitoring and analyzing the temperature of the ABTT, it is possible to diagnosis changes in a patient or subject under a variety of conditions, including predicting the course of medical conditions. Furthermore, since the ABTT is predictive, analysis of the ABTT may be used to control mechanisms for safety when an impending medical condition makes such operation hazardous.

Abstract: A system for authorization control and breath testing, comprising a management system unit and an authorization control and breath testing unit, wherein the authorization control and breath testing unit is configured to grant authorization to an individual seeking authorization without having access to any personal identification information about that individual.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computerized apparatus and computer program product. The method comprises capturing one or more images of a scene in which a driver is driving a vehicle; analyzing the images to retrieve an event or detail; conveying to the driver the a question or a challenge related to the event or detail; receiving a response from the driver; analyzing the response; and determining a score related to the driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for applying neural networks in resource-constrained environments. A system may include a sensor located in a resource-constrained environment configured to generate sensor data of the resource-constrained environment. The system may also include a first computing device not located in the resource-constrained environment configured to produce a neural network structure based on the sensor data. The system may further include a second computing device located in the resource-constrained environment configured to provide the sensor data as input to the neural network structure. The second computing device may be further configured to determine a state of the resource-constrained environment based on the input of the sensor data to the neural network structure.

Abstract: An automatic stop controller (including a deceleration setting unit and a deceleration instruction unit) performs automatic stop control of a vehicle by using a first deceleration in response to (i) the detection or estimation of a stop intention by a stop intention detector or (ii) the detection or estimation of an unable-to-drive state of the driver of the vehicle by an unable-to-drive state detector while the vehicle is traveling. The automatic stop controller performs automatic stop control of the vehicle by using a second deceleration larger than the first deceleration in response to (i) the detection or estimation of the stop intention by the stop intention detector and (ii) the detection or estimation of the unable-to-drive state of the driver by the unable-to-drive state detector.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions using the sensing capabilities of wearable mobile technology. In one aspect, a method for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions includes the steps of: collecting real-time data from a driver of a vehicle, wherein the data is collected via a mobile device worn by the driver; determining whether the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists; providing feedback to the driver if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists, and continuing to collect data from the driver in real-time if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition does not exist. The real-time data may also be collected and used to learn characteristics of the driver. These characteristics can be compared with the data being collected to help determine, in real-time, whether the driving behavior is normal and whether a hazardous driving condition exists.

Abstract: A safety and emergency-assistance system (1) for vehicles, constituted by at least one bracelet (E), a means for radio/telecommunication of the alarm signal (R1), a black box (BB), a plurality of sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4), and means (X) for remote automatic driving and management of the vehicle (A). In the case of emergency, with the driver/passenger present (A) and unwell while the vehicle is stationary with the engine off and without the key inserted into the ignition, or with the key inserted and the instrument panel off. The system (1) also enables automatic and autonomous activation of the devices present on board the vehicle, e.g. airbags, power window, and air-conditioning system.

Abstract: An idle reduction system for use with an engine can include a main unit including a controller, and a relay controlled by the controller. The relay can be electrically connected between an ignition switch and an electrical power source for starting the engine. A method of reducing idling of an engine can include connecting an idle reduction system, thereby permitting the system to shut down the engine in response to one or more predetermined conditions, the idle reduction system starting the engine in response to at least one of: a) battery voltage being less than a predetermined level, and b) engine temperature being less than a predetermined level, and the idle reduction system controlling operation of at least one of: an auxiliary air conditioner and an auxiliary heater.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a vehicle based on a degree of fatigue of a driver is provided. The apparatus includes: a fatigue degree learning device configured to learn a degree of initial fatigue of the driver based on biometric information of the driver received from a sensor; a fatigue degree monitoring device configured to, when learning the degree of initial fatigue of the driver is completed and driving of a vehicle is started, monitor the degree of fatigue of the driver by receiving the biometric information of the driver from the sensor, and output a control signal corresponding to the degree of fatigue of the driver, and a driving controller configured to control the driving of the vehicle based on the control signal.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is operable to follow a primary trajectory that forms a portion of a route. While controlling the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle calculates a failsafe trajectory to follow as a response to a predetermined type of event.

Abstract: A sobriety ignition interlock system including an engine control device and a method for managing available vehicle engine power using the sobriety ignition interlock system. The engine control device includes an engine control processor (ECP) that is electronically connected in between an engine control unit (ECU), an engine sensor assembly, and a sobriety processor. The sobriety processor determines a sobriety level of a vehicle driver and sends a corresponding sobriety signal to the ECP. The ECP intercepts an engine signal transmitted from the engine sensor assembly to the ECU and manipulates the engine signal according to the sobriety signal, in order to manage the available power of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining or providing fuel information of a vehicle, such as predicting fuel intake and usage for the vehicle. A method for predicting a fueling event of a vehicle comprises using a mobile computing device carried in the vehicle to track the vehicle along a route. Multiple stop events may be detected when tracking the vehicle, and for each of the multiple stop events, each of duration and a geographic location may be determined. Next, a given stop event of the multiple stop events may be determined to be a fueling event based at least in part on a duration and geographic location of the given stop event.

Abstract: The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring a vehicle operator during the course of vehicle operation to determine whether the vehicle operator is impaired (e.g., distracted, drowsy, intoxicated) and alerting the vehicle operator using a haptic alert delivered by a wearable computing device worn by the vehicle operator when impairment is detected. The method, system, and computer-readable medium may monitor the vehicle operator, the environment surrounding the vehicle, and/or forces acting on the vehicle using a variety of sensors, including optical sensors or accelerometers. In particular, optical sensors may monitor the vehicle operator to detect eye blinks, head nods, head rotations, and/or gaze fixation. Optical sensors may also monitor the road ahead of the vehicle to detect lane deviation, lane centering, and time to collision. Accelerometers may detect acceleration in the direction of vehicle travel and/or lateral acceleration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an anti-fatigue adjusting device, which includes a wearing housing, a head deflection detecting component, a conductive patch and a controller, the wearing housing is used for wearing on a user's head; the head deflection detecting component includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer, the head deviation detecting component is mounted on the wearing housing, and is using for detecting user's head deflection motion parameter; the conductive patch is used for contacting with user's skin and outputting low frequency pulse current to user, the controller is mounted on the wearing housing, and is electrically connected with the head deflection detecting component and the conductive patch, and is used for acquiring user's head deflection angle, the controller controls the conductive patch to work when the head deflection angle is larger than a preset head deflection angle.