Drive Capability Patents (Class 340/576)
  • Patent number: 11341525
    Abstract: A telematics data marketplace (TDM) computing device including a processor in communication with a memory device is provided. The processor may be configured to: (i) receive registration data from a provider, wherein the registration data includes desired user data sets and an associated purchase price, (ii) retrieve, from the memory device, user data associated with a plurality of users, wherein the user data includes at least telematics data, (iii) match the provider to one or more users of the plurality of users based upon the user data associated with the users matching the desired user data sets of the provider, (iv) prompt the matched users to allow the provider access to the user data for the purchase price, (v) transmit the user data of the matched users to the provider, and (vi) provide the matched users with a reward corresponding to the purchase price of the desired user data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: BLUEOWL, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Jason Sanchez
  • Patent number: 11332148
    Abstract: A driver abnormality detection device detects an abnormality in a driver of a vehicle. A first notification is performed in response to detecting the abnormality. It is determined whether a first input by the driver has been detected in a first input period set after a start of the first notification. A second notification is performed in response to determining that the first input has been detected in the first input period. It is determined whether a second input by the driver has been detected in a second input period set after a start of the second notification. A first abnormality condition process is executed in response to determining that the first input has not been detected in the first input period. A second abnormality condition process is executed in response to determining that the second input has not been detected in the second input period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morimoto, Yukiyasu Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 11307409
    Abstract: A method of tracking a gaze of an eye includes tracking the gaze of the eye in a first tracking mode. Glint data of at least one glint of the eye is obtained during at least a portion of tracking the gaze of the eye in the first tracking mode. The glint data is in a time domain and includes a time series of a spatial descriptor associated with the at least one glint. The glint data is transformed into a frequency domain to generate a glint frequency spectrum. A stability of the at least one glint is determined based on the glint frequency spectrum. If the at least one glint is determined to be unstable, tracking of the gaze of the eye is switched from the first tracking mode to a second tracking mode that is different from the first tracking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Idris S. Aleem
  • Patent number: 11294485
    Abstract: Logic of a handheld controller can implement sensor fusion algorithms based on force data provided by a force sensing resistor (FSR) in combination with touch data or proximity data provided by a touch sensor or an array of proximity sensors, respectively. An example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to re-calibrate the FSR when an object contacts an associated control, as detected by the touch sensor. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to ignore spurious inputs detected by the FSR when an object is in contact with an adjacent control. Another example sensor fusion algorithm can be used to detect a hand size of a hand grasping a handle of the controller, as detected by the array of proximity sensors, and to adjust the threshold force to register a FSR input event at the FSR according to the hand size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Dalton, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen, Scott Douglas Nietfeld, Jeffrey George Leinbaugh, Ian Campbell, Cheang Tad Yoo, Lawrence Yang, Jeffrey Walter Mucha
  • Patent number: 11295218
    Abstract: Telematics and external data relating to the real-time driving of a population of drivers vehicle may be collected and used to calculate a driving pattern map. The driving pattern map is used to determine a driving quotient for individual drivers wherein the driving quotient is a relative score. The driving quotient may be displayed to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: ALLSTATE SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Anil Kumar Pandurangarao
  • Patent number: 11285963
    Abstract: A method that includes (a) monitoring a physiological state of a driver to provide physiological state information; (b) receiving or generating an indication about a dangerous event; (c) searching for a predicting physiological parameter that is associated with a predicting pattern that was indicative of an occurrence of the dangerous event; and (d) responding to the when finding of the predicting physiological parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CARTICA AI LTD.
    Inventor: Igal Raichelgauz
  • Patent number: 11281919
    Abstract: A system for detecting a classifying objects in a vehicle can comprise one or more sensors for detecting the presence of an object, other than a passenger, on the vehicle. The system can classify the object as, for example, a personal object or trash. The system can provide a series of escalating reminders for the passenger to take the object with them when they exit the vehicle. When a personal object is left in the vehicle after the passenger has exited the vehicle, the system can communicate with a computing device of a central control or the passenger using additional communication channels such as, for example, e-mail, text, or the Internet. When trash is left in the vehicle, the vehicle can automatically contact, or return to, a maintenance facility for servicing. This can prevent the use of unclean vehicles for new passengers, among other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Stoffel, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
  • Patent number: 11279391
    Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a hub; a rim connected to the hub through a plurality of spokes; and a first steering wheel remote control and a second steering wheel remote control arranged on sides of the hub, respectively, in a symmetric manner. A biological parameter measuring apparatus includes: a first conductive bezel arranged around the first steering wheel remote control; a second conductive bezel arranged around the second steering wheel remote control; and a signal processor, which is electrically connected to the first and second conductive bezels, configured to process and calculate a biological parameter based on a signal detected by at least one of the first conductive bezel or the second conductive bezels. The first conductive bezel is spaced apart from the second conductive bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dae Yun An, Eung Hwan Kim, Gyun Ha Kim, Jin Young Koh, Won Lee
  • Patent number: 11260970
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle is programmed or configured to respond to reports of events or conditions within spaces of a facility. The aerial vehicle travels to a location of a reported event or condition and captures data using onboard sensors. The aerial vehicle independently determines whether the reported event or condition is occurring, or is otherwise properly addressed by resources that are available at the location, using images or other data captured by the onboard sensors. Alternatively, the aerial vehicle transmits a request for additional resources to be provided at the location, where necessary. A map of the location generated based on images or other data captured by the onboard sensors may be utilized for any purpose, such as to make one or more recommendations of products that are appropriate for use at the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan Anthony Metzner, Michael Edward James Paterson, Benjamin Wild, James Wyatt Siminoff
  • Patent number: 11254317
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for determining responsiveness of a driver of a vehicle to feedback regarding driving behaviors. The system may include a sensor configured to generate output signals conveying first driving behavior information, which may characterize operation of the vehicle by the driver. The system may include one or more processors configured to obtain the first driving behavior information. The one or more processors may effectuate provision of feedback defined by feedback information based on the first driving behavior. The sensor may be configured to output signals conveying second driving behavior information, which may characterize operation of the vehicle by the driver during and/or subsequent to the provision of the feedback. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain the second driving behavior information and assess responsiveness of the driver to the feedback based on the second driving behavior information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SmartDrive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Palmer, Mark Freitas, Daniel A. Deninger, David Forney, Slaven Sljivar, Alekh Vaidya, Jeffrey Griswold
  • Patent number: 11238718
    Abstract: A vibration control device is provided which enables an awakening effect for a user to be increased while making it difficult to give discomfort to the user. A harmonic signal generating section of a vibration control device is configured to successively output a plurality of alternating signals for driving a vibration unit. By way of the plurality of alternating signals which is successively output and has a frequency ratio represented with a predetermined integer ratio, vibration generated with the plurality of alternating signals can more easily awaken a user while making it difficult to give discomfort to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: PIONEER CORPORATION, PIONEER SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yasushi, Yoshikazu Takeuchi, Kazumi Sugaya, Kota Kakisaka, Kenta Isozaki, Takashi Morishige, Takashi Iizawa, Naoki Murakami, Tatsuya Fukuda
  • Patent number: 11226329
    Abstract: An exhaled gas detector includes: a gas detection element configured to measure a specific gas; and an analysis unit configured to analyze a signal output from the gas detection element. The gas detection element measures the specific gas in an exhalation of non-drinking time and generates a first reference signal value. The analysis unit calculates a first threshold value on the basis of the first reference signal value. The gas detection element measures the specific gas in an inspection gas and generates a first measurement signal value. The analysis unit determines that the inspection gas is identified with an exhalation of a person by determining that the first measurement signal value has exceeded the first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Masuyoshi Yamada, Hironori Wakana
  • Patent number: 11150863
    Abstract: A vehicle sound output device including: an acquiring section configured to acquire wakefulness level information that indicates a degree of a wakefulness state of a driver of a vehicle; and a control section configured to, in a case in which the degree of the wakefulness state indicates a decreased level of wakefulness, control a sound output section to output a sound based on at least one of a predetermined frequency, a predetermined tone, or a predetermined content that stimulates a sympathetic nerve of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kobayashi, Akihiro Muguruma, Yukiya Sugiyama, Shota Higashihara, Riho Matsuo, Naoki Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 11147511
    Abstract: The bracelet features a full screen hand-wear with multiple sensors. The bracelet is packed with advanced sensors to scan the user's finger prints in order to operate. The sensors are also used to check body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, calories levels, body temperature, and more. The bracelet has digital keys installment, allowing the user to safely and securely install the digital codes of their vehicle's remote controller or house's digital lock. In this way, the bracelet can lock and unlock the vehicle, house, or any other utility hardware or device that uses digital key for operations. With the sole purpose of converting humanitarian tasks relatively easy and efficient. You can carry all of your keys in one bracelet, in addition to, phone calls, messages, internet, social media, cameras, & your body's alcohol consumption level tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Donaldo Rex Mitogo
  • Patent number: 11142233
    Abstract: Disclosed is a steering wheel. The steering wheel includes a wheel frame; a base coupled to cover the wheel frame; a sensor electrode arranged on the base and configured to receive a driver's touch input; and a controller configured to set up a touch area for manipulation to control components of a vehicle based on a touch area of the sensor electrode having received the touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donghee Seok, Gideok Kwon, Jong Bok Lee, HeeJin Ro
  • Patent number: 11142211
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for vehicle rider behavioral monitoring. A behavioral monitoring system uses sensor data received from vehicles to monitor the behavior of the vehicle riders (e.g., vehicle operator and/or vehicle passengers) and performs predetermined actions if undesirable behavior is detected. For example, the behavioral monitoring system can transmit a notification or generate a record if inappropriate language or actions are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Samsara Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Hendrika Makilya, Katherine Heddleston, Claire Nord, Anthony Washington, Jennifer Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11136042
    Abstract: A method of assessing driver capability for operating an autonomous vehicle includes identifying, by one or more processors, a human operator of the vehicle, the human operator being associated with a driving capability profile. The method also includes determining human operator parameters associated with the human operator and determining an alertness level of the human operator based on the human operator parameters. The method further includes signaling, by a notification server of the vehicle, to the human operator with the signal, the signal requesting a response from the human operator. The method also includes updating, based on the response from the human operator to the signal, the driving capability profile to indicate a level of skill of the human operator at responding to the signal at the determined alertness level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Leo Nelson Chan, Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Aaron Williams
  • Patent number: 11091170
    Abstract: An autonomous driving system issues an operation instruction to a driver of a vehicle during autonomous driving. The operation instruction is an instruction that makes a request or a proposal to the driver and urges the driver to perform a response operation responding to the request or the proposal. An attention desire degree is a degree of the driver's desire to pay attention to a situation surrounding the vehicle, and an attention event is an event that increases the attention desire degree. A delay condition is that the attention desire degree exceeds a threshold or the attention event exists. When the operation instruction is necessary and the delay condition is satisfied, the autonomous driving system performs delay processing that waits without issuing the operation instruction. When a delay end condition is satisfied after start of the delay processing, the autonomous driving system issues the operation instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryuta Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11091093
    Abstract: The present teaching relates to method, system, and medium, for presenting a warning to a driver. An instruction indicating an upcoming change in an operating mode of the vehicle is obtained, wherein the instruction specifies a set of tasks to be completed by the driver and a task duration associated with each task. Information of a current state of the driver is obtained and used to determine a warning to be used to alert the driver to perform the change, wherein the warning includes warning content and indication of at least one media to be used to deliver the warning content. A warning schedule is generated to comprise a set of warnings, each warning corresponding to one task, and arranged in an order based on an order of the tasks. The warning schedule is transmitted so that each warning of the set of warnings is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: PLUSAI LIMITED
    Inventors: Hao Zheng, Timothy Patrick Daly, Jr., David Wanqian Liu
  • Patent number: 11084408
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle seat including a plurality of actuatable massage elements. The vehicle includes a dedicated physical massage function button located on a dash or a console of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a display configured to present a menu of vehicle configuration options when the dedicated physical massage function button is held for a threshold amount of time. The vehicle includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive, from a user, a selection of the configuration options for the vehicle seat presented on the display. The processor is configured to receive a signal indicating that the dedicated massage function button is pressed. The processor is configured to activate the plurality of actuatable massage elements according to the selection of configuration options in response to the signal indicating that the dedicated massage function button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fernando M. Rosero, Jeffrey Hudson Scheurer, II, Yousuf S. Riad, Cody D. Grebe, Brandon R. Mott
  • Patent number: 11072324
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal camera configured to acquire the driver's facial data to identify the driver's gaze region; an external sensor configured to acquire object data including at least one of a relative position and a relative speed of the object existing in all directions of the vehicle; and a controller configured to generate an advance warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Eungseo Kim, Tae Young Lee, Sangmin Lee, DongHyun Sung, Yongseok Kwon
  • Patent number: 11055512
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method, an apparatus and a server for determining a mental state of a human, which are used for an augmented reality. The method includes: obtaining a to-be-detected picture; extracting face feature information of a target object from the to-be-detected picture; and inputting the face feature information of the target object into a mental state detecting model to obtain a mental state of the target object. The method, the apparatus and the server for determining a mental state of a human provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure improve the accuracy of the obtained mental state while improving the mental state obtaining efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Tianyu Qi
  • Patent number: 11048951
    Abstract: An occupant state recognition apparatus including an eyelid opening recognition unit configured to recognize an eyelid opening of a driver and maximum and minimum values of the eyelid opening; an eye state determination unit configured to determine that the eye is in an eye open state if the eyelid opening becomes greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, and to determine that the eye is in an eye closed state if the eyelid opening becomes less than the threshold value; and a threshold value resetting unit configured to reset the threshold value to a value between the maximum value and the minimum value of the eyelid opening, if the maximum value (or the minimum value) has not become greater (or less) than or equal to the threshold value for a predetermined period or a period corresponding to a predetermined number of times of eyelid opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Nishimura, Shunichiroh Sawai, Kenichiroh Hara, Koichiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11045115
    Abstract: A blink detection apparatus includes an eyelid state index value measurement unit configured to chronologically measure an eyelid state index value, and a signal processing device. The signal processing device is configured to determine that a blink occurs when a change width of the measured eyelid state index value from a baseline that is a reference value of the eyelid state index value in a case where eyelids are in an opened state exceeds a magnitude of a threshold from the baseline, to count the number of times when the change width of the measured eyelid state index value from the baseline exceeds the magnitude of a tentative threshold from the baseline, and to set the threshold to a tentative threshold at which change in the number of times with respect to the tentative threshold is minimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yoshii
  • Patent number: 11042156
    Abstract: A system and method for learning and executing naturalistic driving behavior that include classifying a driving maneuver as a goal-oriented action or a stimulus-driven action based on data associated with a trip of a vehicle. The system and method also include determining a cause associated with the driving maneuver classified as a stimulus-driven action and determining an attention capturing traffic related object associated with the driving maneuver. The system and method additionally include building a naturalistic driving behavior data set that includes at least one of: an annotation of the driving maneuver based on a classification of the driving maneuver, an annotation of the cause, and an annotation of the attention capturing traffic object. The system and method further include controlling the vehicle to be autonomously driven based on the naturalistic driving behavior data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Ting Chen, Teruhisa Misu, Vasili Ramanishka
  • Patent number: 11030838
    Abstract: An onboard system (4) for a vehicle (2) comprising:—an emitter circuit (8) suitable to send a command (C) to a park area access system (22);—an image sensor (6) suitable to capture a sequence of images (S) of at least part of a body of a driver (D) of the vehicle (2); and—a control module (10) suited to process said sequence of images (S) so as to identify a behavioral feature and then control the emitter circuit (8) to send the command (C) to the park area access system (22) provided the identified behavioral feature corresponds to a predetermined behavioral feature. A corresponding process is also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: VALEO COMFORT AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE
    Inventor: Stephane Schuler
  • Patent number: 11021147
    Abstract: Vehicles and methods for determining an object of a driver's focus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes an object detection sensor configured to output an output signal, a sound detection sensor configure to output a sound signal, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to detect one or more objects based at least in part on the output signal of the object detection sensor, and detect speech based on the sound signal of the sound detection sensor. The electronic control unit is further configured to determine an object of focus based at least in part on a comparison of the speech and the one or more objects, and produce a control signal based at least in part on the object of focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Todd J. Rowell
  • Patent number: 11021170
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, a system and a method for managing drowsy driving. The apparatus for managing drowsy driving includes a communication device that transmits vehicle information to a server and receives a drowsiness probability of a driver from the server, and a controller that generates a command when the drowsiness probability of the driver exceeds a reference value and determines whether the driver is in a drowsy state based on input information of the driver responding to the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tae Youb Yi
  • Patent number: 11022599
    Abstract: A Self-Regulating Alcohol Breathalyzer has a Main Module Enclosure to channel breath evenly to three Fuel-Cell Sensors. Within the Main Module Enclosure are the Main Circuit Board and the Exhaust Fan. When a user blows into the straw, their breath will flow through the Main Air-Flow Channel, Solenoid Pumps are triggered and breath samples are pulled into the Fuel-Cells as the user's air pressure begins to decline. Each Fuel-Cell Sensor has an opening that protrudes into the Main Air Flow Channel and will have access to pull in samples of the breath passing through the channel. After the breath sample is acquired, the three Fuel Cells comparatively test for alcohol content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Breathalytics, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Walden, David Kreitzer
  • Patent number: 11015943
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for navigating an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) that utilizes ADV an-onboard computer and/or one or more ADV control system nodes in an ADV network platform. The on-board computer receives sensor data concerning one or more occupants occupying an ADV and/or the ADV itself and, upon a detection of an event, automatically initiates a dynamic routing algorithm that utilizes artificial intelligence to re-route the ADV to another destination, for example a healthcare facility. One or more embodiment of the system and method include an ADV on-board computer and/or one or more ADV network platform nodes that utilize in-memory processing to aid in the generation of routing, health and navigational information to advantageously navigate an ADV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Zoltan Szubbocsev
  • Patent number: 11008018
    Abstract: A method for warning an agent is presented. The method includes determining a probability for each one of a set of potential second behaviors of a first agent based on observed first behavior of the first agent at a first time period. The method also includes observing a second behavior of the first agent a second time period. The method further includes determining whether the observed second behavior corresponds to a potential second behavior with a probability that is less than a threshold. The method still further includes transmitting a warning to a second agent when the probability is less than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. McGill, Guy Rosman, Luke S. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 11003932
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for inferring a driving environment. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for inferring a driving environment based on vehicle occupant actions. Vehicle occupant actions may be based on digital image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Kenneth J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10977878
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a driving skill executed by a computer includes a skill evaluation step of evaluating a driver's driving skill based on a detection value of a vehicle state, a component separating step of separating the detection value of the vehicle state into a driver's operation component reflecting a driver's motion and a non-driver's operation component without reflecting the driver's motion, and a skill evaluation modifying step of correcting or abandoning evaluation of the driving skill based on at least one of an amount of the driver's operation component and an amount of the non-driver's operation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keisuke Morishima
  • Patent number: 10974646
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having a seat arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle for a passenger, into which seat at least one oscillator for transmitting oscillations to the passenger's body is integrated, and having a sound system for acoustic sound reproduction in the interior, includes determining the passenger's passenger state and selecting and reproducing a type of a sound sequence that is associated with the passenger's state via the sound system. The at least one such oscillator is activated on the basis of the selected type of sound sequence. In this way, convenience functions and/or assistance systems of the motor vehicle can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Marcus Neumann, Gudrun Schoenherr, Thomas Siegel
  • Patent number: 10957069
    Abstract: Head pose information may be determined using information describing a fixed gaze and image data corresponding to a user's eyes. The head pose information may be determined in a manner that is disregards facial features with the exception of the user's eyes. The head pose information may be useable to interact with a user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Tobii AB
    Inventor: Mårten Skogö
  • Patent number: 10951752
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for preventing texting while driving and offering usage-based rewards. The system comprises a phone holder mounted within a vehicle and an application running on the driver's smartphone. A control circuit of the phone holder is configured to detect the smartphone in the holder, detect vehicle motion. An NFC tag on the holder also launches the smartphone application. Depending on measured parameters and determinations made by the “smart” holder and smartphone application, usage data is recorded by the control circuit and/or smartphone. The in-vehicle system is also configured to connect to a cloud-based server for storing vehicle and phone usage data and calculating usage-based rewards, such as insurance benefits for plan members. The system can also include an electronic notification device affixed to the rear windshield of the vehicle and that is selectively switched on to indicate active use of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Grunfeld
  • Patent number: 10936888
    Abstract: Apparatus detecting driving incapability state of a driver includes: a head detection portion that successively detects a head portion, which is higher than a neck of the driver, based on an image of a driver's seat captured by an imaging device mounted in a vehicle; and an out-of-frame state detection portion that detects that the driver is incapable of driving, when the head portion detected by the head detection portion is out of a predetermined scope in the image during travelling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroto Banno, Takuhiro Omi, Yutaka Munaoka, Takeshi Enya
  • Patent number: 10919535
    Abstract: An operator state determining device is provided, which includes an image pick-up device disposed inside a vehicle cabin, and configured to image an operator from the side, a torso angle detector configured to detect an operator's torso angle, a posture measuring module configured to measure a head-pitch angle change that is a difference between a head-pitch angle of the operator before the operator becomes unconscious and a head-pitch angle of the operator after the operator becomes unconscious, based on the image, a memory configured to store a given turnout angle and a given head-pitch angle change, and an abnormality determining module configured to determine an operator's abnormality. The abnormality determining module determines that the operator is in an abnormal state when an initial torso angle before becoming unconscious is inclined rearward more than the turnout angle, and the head-pitch angle change is greater than the given head-pitch angle change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Youichiro Nakahata, Yohei Iwashita
  • Patent number: 10919536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency control device for a vehicle. The emergency control device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a sensor configured to measure an area inside or outside the vehicle, a processor configured to process data collected by the sensor, and a controller configured to control the vehicle by reflecting the data processed by the processor, wherein the sensor detects whether a driver is inattentive, the processor determines the level of inattentiveness of the driver according to the detected state of the driver, and the controller controls the vehicle according to the level of inattentiveness of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sang Kyun Sim
  • Patent number: 10919537
    Abstract: An example operation may include one or more of monitoring data when the data is associated with at least one detected behavior of a first user, quantifying the at least one detected behavior into a first value, sending the first value to a first server and a second server, comparing the first value to a first threshold at the first server, comparing the first value to a second threshold at the second server, determining whether to increment a first score at the first server and a second score at the second server, when the first value is greater than one or more of the first threshold and the second threshold, and determining whether to decrement the first score at the first server and the second score at the second server, when the first value is less than one or more of the first threshold and the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Trent B. Bennett, Aghyad Saleh, Joshua C. Batie
  • Patent number: 10902336
    Abstract: Embodiments for monitoring risk associated with operating a vehicle by a processor. One or more behavior parameters of an operator of a vehicle may be learned in relation to the vehicle, one or more alternative vehicles, or a combination thereof using one or more sensing devices for a journey. A risk associated with the one or more learned behavior parameters for the journey may be assessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yassine Lassoued, Martin Mevissen, Julien Monteil, Giovanni Russo
  • Patent number: 10875536
    Abstract: Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness of a driver. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The response system can modify the control of two or more systems simultaneously in response to driver behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kin C. Fung, Timothy J. Dick
  • Patent number: 10870432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing vehicle operation are provided. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may receive and analyze image data depicting an individual located within a vehicle. The electronic device may also access and compile certain data related to an environment of the vehicle, and specifically to the vehicle's position relative to the sun. According to embodiments, the electronic device may determine, based on the accessed data, whether the vehicle is traveling into a direction of the sun, and may generate and record an indication of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: BLUEOWL, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Harshit Agarwal, Yue Liu, Pravita Tolanavar, Yuhao Zhou, Yuetong Xing, Keely Renwick, Abhinav Rai, Shashwat Gupta, Utku Pamuksuz, Taylor Michael Thiel, Sanjiv Kumar
  • Patent number: 10867272
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for administering an alertness test on a client electronic device to determine a result for a user, wherein the result is indicative of a level of alertness of the user. A location of the client electronic device is determined, thus defining a determined location. Remedial action is taken if the level of alertness of the user is insufficient for the user to perform a task at the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Predictive Safety SRP, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry M. Bowles, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Patent number: 10864920
    Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining autonomous vehicle operator awareness are provided. A method can include determining, by a computing system, an awareness challenge for an operator of a vehicle. The awareness challenge can be based on object data. The awareness challenge can have one or more criteria. The criteria can include a challenge response interval, a response time, and an action for satisfying the awareness challenge. The method can include initiating, by the computing system, a timer measuring elapsed time from a start time of the challenge response interval. The method can include communicating to the operator, by the computing system, a soft notification indicative of the awareness challenge during the challenge response interval. The method can include determining, by the computing system, whether the operator provides a user input after the response time interval and whether the user input corresponds to the action for satisfying the awareness challenge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Philipp Haban, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo, Chad Johnathan Staller, Clifford Shaun Webb, Douglas Dallesandro
  • Patent number: 10860873
    Abstract: Driver behavior recognition or driver behavior prediction are described herein. A first image sequence including image frames associated with a forward-facing image capture device of a vehicle and a corresponding vehicle data signal sequence may be received. A second image sequence including image frames associated with a rear or driver facing image capture device of the vehicle may be received. Feature vectors may be generated for respective sequences using neural networks, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), a depth CNN, a recurrent neural network (RNN), a fully connected layer, a long short term memory (LSTM) layer, etc. A fusion feature may be generated by performing data fusion on any combination of the feature vectors. A predicted driver behavior may be generated based on the LSTM layer and n image frames on an image sequence and include x number of prediction frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Athmanarayanan Lakshmi Narayanan, Yi-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 10849543
    Abstract: Data from sensors of a vehicle is captured along with data tracking a driver's gaze. The route traveled by the vehicle may also be captured. The driver's gaze is evaluated with respect to the sensor data to determine a feature the driver was focused on. A focus record is created for the feature. Focus records for many drivers may be aggregated to determine a frequency of observation of the feature. A machine learning model may be trained using the focus records to identify a region of interest for a given scenario in order to more quickly identify relevant hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shreyasha Paudel, Jinesh Jain, Clifton Thomas
  • Patent number: 10843710
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a notification of control authority transition in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a speaker configured to output a sound notification, a vibration motor configured to output a vibration notification, and a control circuit configured to be electrically connected with the speaker and the vibration motor. The control circuit is configured to output a first notification using the speaker during a first time interval, when a situation to transfer control authority for the vehicle occurs, output a second notification using the speaker and the vibration motor during a second time interval, after the first time interval elapses, and output a third notification using the speaker and the vibration motor during a third time interval, after the second time interval elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Min Wook Seo, Jin Su Jeong
  • Patent number: 10836254
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: an automated driving controller that is configured to execute automated driving of automatedly controlling at least one of speed control and steering control of a vehicle; an estimator that is configured to estimate a degree of wakefulness of a vehicle occupant of the vehicle; and an output controller that is configured to cause an outputter to output a first content requiring the vehicle occupant of the vehicle engage in active behavior in a case in which the degree of wakefulness is estimated as being equal to or lower than a criterion by the estimator when the automated driving is executed by the automated driving controller, whereby the degree of wakefulness of the vehicle occupant of the vehicle can be maintained at a necessary level or higher in automated driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Mimura, Masahiko Asakura, Naotaka Kumakiri, Kohei Okimoto, Hironori Takano
  • Patent number: 10832068
    Abstract: A system for the exact detection of the fatigue of a driver of a vehicle includes at least one camera for detecting the pupil diameter of the driver of the vehicle, at least one sensor for detecting a current luminance in the vehicle, and at least one computer module for detecting the fatigue of the driver of the vehicle by calculation. The calculation is based on the detected pupil diameter and the detected, current luminance in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elisabeth Schmidt, Stefan Wiedemann