Abstract: A rider characteristic determining apparatus capable of determining characteristics of a rider controlling a saddle riding type vehicle, and a saddle riding type vehicle including the same, are configured such that the rider's characteristics are determined from a turning movement of the saddle riding type vehicle which reflects results of the rider controlling the saddle riding type vehicle. This enables a stable characteristic determination regardless of individual operation or control by the rider. Further, a turning performance score of the vehicle is calculated based on at least one of vehicle state amounts of a roll direction, a pitch direction and a caster angle which influence the steering angle of the saddle riding type vehicle. This enables a proper evaluation of the turning characteristic of the saddle riding type vehicle.

Abstract: An application for an adaptive training system includes a computer interfaced to one or more graphics displays, one of more input/output devices and having access to a plurality of training segments. The input/output devices are in communication with a trainee. Software operates in either a simulation mode in which a trainee interacts with the adaptive training system as if the trainee was operating a target vehicle or in a training mode in which the trainee receives computer-based training from the adaptive training system, in particular, when the trainee does not perform well during the simulation mode of operation.

Abstract: Driving skill data is gathered with one or more accelerometers during a driving session of a first student driver, including one or more of acceleration data, braking data, or steering data and wherein the driving skill data includes one or more of a timestamp or location stamp. A driving session report is generated with a computer processor. The driving session report includes a calculation of one or more of a student driver acceleration skill score based on the acceleration data, a student driver braking skill score based on the braking data, or a student driver steering skill score based on the steering data and storing the one or more scores on a computer-readable medium. The driving session report is displayed. Driving skill data may be gathered and driving session reports may be generated for subsequent student drivers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and software for operation a driver analysis system which includes receiving vehicle operation data corresponding to operation of vehicles by drivers from vehicle monitoring system, processing at least a portion of the vehicle operation data to determine driving performance of at least one driver, generating a driving report which identifies the driving performance of at least one driver, and presenting the driving report, where the driving report includes a driving score and/or eye movement index.

Abstract: An application for an adaptive training system includes a computer interfaced to one or more graphics displays, one of more input/output devices and having access to a plurality of training segments. The input/output devices are in communication with a trainee. Software of the computer selects a first segment of the training segments and operates on the current segment by presenting the current segment on the graphics displays and input/output devices, thereby simulating an operation of the target vehicle. The software collects data from the one or more input/output devices and analyzes the data to determine a level of competency of the trainee. The software adaptively determines one or more next segments from the training segments based upon the level of competency.

Abstract: A system adapted to monitor, record and analyze driver performance is described. The system includes: a vehicle sensor module adapted to receive data from a set of sensors that each measure a driving characteristic associated with a vehicle; a map data access module adapted to retrieve, from a map database, map data elements indicating various features associated with at least one path of the vehicle; and a driver behavior engine adapted to receive information from the vehicle sensor module and the map data access module, and to monitor and evaluate driver performance based on the received information.

Abstract: A system for preventing driving skill atrophy comprises a trainer module that determines the driver's current skill level, disables certain automated features based on the determined skill level, and forces the driver to use and hone her driving skills. The system collects data to determine through on-board vehicle sensors how a driver is driving the vehicle. The system then compares the driver's current driving skills with the driver's historical driving skills or the general population's driving skills. Based on the comparison, the system determines whether the driver's skill level is stagnant, improving or deteriorating. If the skill level is improving, for example, the system disables certain automated driving features to give driver more control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and analyzing the driving behavior of a driver in a motor vehicle includes a traffic-rule-conformance evaluation module (3) which evaluates the driving behavior of the driver with regard to adherence to elementary traffic rules. A defensive-driving-style evaluation module (4) evaluates the driving style of the driver under general safety aspects which are not or not always unambiguously specified by legal regulations. A rating-number specification module (5) specifies and updates continuously a rating number which represents a measure of the conformance to rules of driving behavior and defensiveness of the driving style of the driver. A communication module (6) communicates with the rating-number specification module (5) and establishes a data link with a remote data processing device (8). After the rating number has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold value, this fact is reported to the remote data processing device (8) via the communication module (6).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system to permit assessment and measurement of a combination of visual and cognitive processes necessary for safe driving-object detection, by recognition of particular objects as actual or potential safety hazards or traffic hazards, through the continuous switching of visual attention between and among objects while virtually driving, according to an object's instantaneous priority as a safety threats or traffic hazard, that together are termed expert search and scanning skills. The present invention will reference the driver's performance against that of acknowledged experts in this skill; and then provide precise feedback about the type, location, and timing of search and scanning performance errors, plus remedial strategies to correct such errors.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling driver performance in a controlled driving environment. A portable information device is provided to a driver who registers with a server computer for controlling vehicle operation in the driving environment. A record for the driver is stored in a database associated with the server computer. A vehicle is activated using the portable information device for at least an amount of time exceeding a preset threshold value. A speed level and a safety level for the vehicle are dynamically set based on the driver's performance in the driving environment. The driver's performance is monitored in the controlled driving environment and each driving violation that occurs is determined. Violation points are assigned to the driver based on each driving violation and the violation points are added to the driver record stored in the database.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining orientation of a moving vehicle. Using a fixed position device, the method comprises: collecting data which relate to acceleration forces measured along the vehicle axes together with corresponding GPS related information; calculating correlations between measured accelerations and velocity changes and/or vehicle's heading changes; associating the calculated correlations with a plurality of possible yaw rotation angles and derive therefrom a yaw rotation angle that maximizes the correlation; and based on a yaw rotation angle that would maximize the correlation derived, determining the orientation of the moving vehicle. Using a mobile device placed in the vehicle in an unknown position, the method comprises collecting data obtained by the mobile device during a driving session from a GPS and from acceleration measurements made by an accelerometer of the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring driving behavior in real time, which is then used to assign points to a user, such as the driver, a passenger, friends of the driver or passenger, and the like. The assignment of points can be effective at influencing current and future driving behavior of users via gamification and social networking. Users of the described system and method can engage with each other in a fun, competitive, and social way, using leaderboards, contests, points and rewards, and other gamification concepts. The system and method may be loaded onto a smartphone and may be auto-controlled based on one or more predetermined trigger events, which may be internally or externally controlled. An occurrence of the trigger event may cause the system to auto-start or to auto-end without the user interacting with the smartphone.

Abstract: A system automatically generates a training lesson from a plurality of frames located within the storage. Each frame has a component of training. After operator-related data is collected from one or more vehicles, details of the operator-related data are saved. In some examples, the operator-related data correlates to a single operator (e.g. the driver, pilot, etc. that operated a known vehicle) while in other examples, the operator-related data correlates to several operators. Software selects at least one frame from the plurality of frames based upon the operator-related data and creates a lesson. The lesson, which includes the selected frame(s) from the plurality of frames, is provided to the operator or operators.

Abstract: Methods and systems for logging driving information associated with a vehicle when driven are disclosed. In one aspect, a mobile telecommunications device is provided that is adapted for installation to a vehicle and configured to log driving information associated with the vehicle when driven. The mobile device is arranged to register the start of a driving period during which the mobile device is installed to the vehicle and the vehicle is being driven by a driver. The mobile device is also arranged to process sensor data during the driving period to derive driving information associated with how the vehicle is driven. The mobile device is also arranged to store a selection of the driving information to a memory.

Abstract: A method of geospatial data based assessment driver behavior to improve driver safety and efficiency is disclosed. A method of a server device may comprise determining that a telemetry data is associated with a vehicle communicatively coupled with the server device and comparing the telemetry data with a driver objective data. A variance between the telemetry data and the driver objective data may then be determined. A performance score may be generated upon comparison of the variance to a threshold limit and/or the driver objective data. The performance score may be published along with other performance scores of other drivers in other vehicles also communicatively coupled with the server device to a reporting dashboard module. Elements of game theory may be implemented to create a team driving challenge and/or a driver performance program to generate the performance score to improve driver safety and efficiency for commercial fleets.

Abstract: Systems, method, and programs evaluate a driving condition of a vehicle in accordance with road characteristic information that is included in map data, acquire evaluation information that includes an evaluation result based on the evaluation, and store the evaluation information. The systems, methods, and programs acquire update data to change the road characteristic information included in the map data, update the map data, and analyze the evaluation result for the evaluation information acquired during the period between the time when a road characteristic is modified and the time when the map data is updated, based on the changed road characteristic information included in the updated map data.

Abstract: A driving evaluation system that divides a traveling route of a vehicle into a plurality of sections and evaluates the driving of a driver of the vehicle includes: a driving data acquiring unit that acquires driving data of the driver for each section; a determining unit that determines whether the driving data acquired by the driving data acquiring unit satisfies the evaluation conditions set to each section; and an upload unit that uploads the driving data to a center which evaluates driving when the determining unit determines that the driving data satisfies the evaluation conditions.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for evaluating driving performance of a driver according to one or more of at least two different performance classes, wherein each performance class relates to a different aspect of driving performance than the others. The method comprising the steps of: identifying a plurality of driving events in a driving session, wherein each of the driving events is associated with indicators characterizing the respective driving event; retrieving values for indicators associated with the respective driving events identified; providing a plurality of pre-defined coefficients that enable adapting the retrieved indicators' values to one of the at least two different performance classes; and based on the values retrieved for the indicators associated with the identified driving events and the plurality of pre-defined coefficients, evaluating a driving performance that is compatible with one or more of the at least two different performance classes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for providing driver tracking and behavior analysis, initiated without concurrent user input, by the presence detection of one or more drivers of the vehicle. Vehicle motion inferred from a location aware device sensor, as well as other driver smartphone sensors and application use are logged and analyzed to determine risk factors associated with identified drivers. Internet data sources are further utilized for associating road conditions and traffic regulations with the logged locations of the vehicle. Logged and analyzed data from the identified drivers is aggregated for reporting on vehicle risk.

Abstract: A feedback and training system for use in a vehicle the vehicle comprising or connected to one or more sensors enabled to measure one or more physical parameters associated with the vehicle; the system comprising a database, configured to receive and store data from the sensors, a processor enabled to calculate at least one performance factor based at least partly on the current physical parameters measured from the one or more sensors, a display configured to display to a driver representations of one or more of the performance factors, wherein the calculation of a performance factor, or the timing of or the prominence given to the display of the representation of a performance factor, is dependent on historic sensor data stored in the database received previously from the sensors.

Abstract: A driver performance evaluation and apparatus includes means for generating first data stream representing driver actions, a second data stream representing vehicle movements, a filtering function to eliminate short term actions in both data streams, the generation of a raw score which is independent of timing and the adjustment of the raw score based on a comparison of actual driver action timing to an ideal timing sequence to provide a final score which is an indication of driver performance/proficiency.

Abstract: A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.

Abstract: Three dimensional GPS or vehicle position data is used to determine a slope the vehicle is traveling over at a specific point in time. The slope data can then be combined with other metrics to provide an accurate, slope corrected vehicle mass. The vehicle mass can then be used along with other vehicle data to determine an amount of work performed by a vehicle, enabling s detailed efficiency analysis of the vehicle to be performed. To calculate slope, horizontal ground speed (VHGS) can be calculated using the Pythagorean Theorem. One can take the Z/Up magnitude and divide it by the horizontal ground speed. Replacing Z, x and y with directional vectors enables one to calculate slope. The slope data is then used to determine the mass of the vehicle at that time. Pervious techniques to calculate mass did not factor in slope, and thus are not accurate.

Abstract: Data is collected during the operation of a vehicle and used to produce a ranking of a driver's performance, and that ranking is shared on a hosted website, such that the drivers can compare their performance metrics to their peers. Fleet operators can use these performance metrics as incentives, by linking driver pay with performance. Individual fleet operators can host their own website, where driver rankings in that fleet can be compared, or the website can be hosted by a third party, and multiple fleet operators participate. The third party can offset their costs for operating the website by charging participating fleet operators a fee, and/or by advertising revenue. In some embodiments, all driver performance data is displayed in an anonymous format, so that individual drivers cannot be identified unless the driver shares their user ID.

Abstract: Data is collected during the operation of a vehicle and used to produce a ranking of a driver's performance, and that ranking is shared on a hosted website, such that the drivers can compare their performance metrics to their peers. Fleet operators can use these performance metrics as incentives, by linking driver pay with performance. Individual fleet operators can host their own website, where driver rankings in that fleet can be compared, or the website can be hosted by a third party, and multiple fleet operators participate. The third party can offset their costs for operating the website by charging participating fleet operators a fee, and/or by advertising revenue. In some embodiments, all driver performance data is displayed in an anonymous format, so that individual drivers cannot be identified unless the driver shares their user ID.

Abstract: Three dimensional GPS or vehicle position data is used to determine a slope the vehicle is traveling over at a specific point in time. The slope data can then be combined with other metrics to provide an accurate, slope corrected vehicle mass. The vehicle mass can then be used along with other vehicle data to determine an amount of work performed by a vehicle, enabling s detailed efficiency analysis of the vehicle to be performed. To calculate slope, horizontal ground speed (VHGS) can be calculated using the Pythagorean Theorem. One can take the Z/Up magnitude and divide it by the horizontal ground speed. Replacing Z, x and y with directional vectors enables one to calculate slope. The slope data is then used to determine the mass of the vehicle at that time. Pervious techniques to calculate mass did not factor in slope, and thus are not accurate.

Abstract: A method for training an operator to control a powered system is disclosed including operating the powered system with an autonomous controller, and informing an operator of a change in operation of the powered system as the change in operation occurs. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for training the operator to control the powered system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quantifiable assessment of vehicle driver performance based upon objective standards are disclosed. The physical and/or control states of a vehicle are monitored by sensors during a driving trip. Measurement data, optionally comprising a measurement signal, is composed from parameters selected from the measured physical and/or control states. The measurement data is then compared to reference data, optionally comprising a reference signal, comprising the same or similar physical and control state parameters, for the same or analogous driving trip or portion thereof, including discrete driving tasks, as determined by one or more of: a known driver of specific attributes, a population average, or an autonomous driving algorithm. A metric of comparison may be determined as one or more characteristic metrics of a driving task, according to one or more path metrics of a driving task, or as a signal distance metric between the reference and measurement signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video-captured model vehicle simulator including at least one model vehicle, a track layout, at least one video imaging unit, at least one computer, at least one input device and/or control system and a customised software application whereby the simulator provides a user with a realistic simulation of the operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatic driver evaluation of a person's driving capabilities and render an outcome of pass or fail without the need for a trained observer to evaluate driver's performance. In one embodiment, the automatic driver evaluation system facilitates the display of a predetermined driving route designed for a predetermined demography, observe simulated driving performance of a user on the predetermined driving route, record errors made by the user while performing the simulated drive, and compare the performance errors to at least one threshold value and generate a score based on the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatic driver evaluation of a person's driving capabilities and render an outcome of pass, fail, or pass with restrictions without the need for a trained observer to evaluate driver's performance. In one embodiment, the automatic driver evaluation system facilitates the display of a predetermined driving route designed for a predetermined demography, observe simulated driving performance of a user on the predetermined driving route, record errors made by the user while performing the simulated drive, and compare the performance errors to at least one threshold value and generate a score based on the comparison.

Abstract: The embodiments describe vehicle system and method for evaluating driving performance of a driver of a vehicle. The vehicle system objectively evaluates a driver's performance using latitudinal and longitudinal acceleration to determine the smoothness in which the driver operates the vehicle.

Abstract: Driver training methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed. A training method receives sensor information from a vehicle driven along a driving route by an individual, assesses performance of the individual based on the sensor information and an individual mastery level, and adjusts the individual mastery level based on the assessed performance of the individual. The method may be embodied in a computer readable media. A driver training system includes a receiver that receives vehicle sensor information associated with a vehicle being driven along a driving route by an individual and a processor coupled to the receiver that assesses performance of the individual based on the received sensor information and an individual mastery level and adjusts the individual mastery level based on the assessed performance of the individual. Driver training protocols and systems and methods for implementing and transforming driver training protocols are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for creating and delivering courses of personalized traffic safety instruction. Instruction courses are generated based on combinations of identifying information and demographic information of a student, one or more citations issued to the student and State requirements for coursework required in traffic school, including courses associated with the one or more citations. The course of instruction includes required and elective materials and typically is configured to meet a minimum time requirement. Citations associated with the student can be retrieved from government databases and course requirements associated with citations can be obtained from Courts and State agencies. Systems are described whereby instruction is delivered to the student using a computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a driving or driver level indicator for a given driver are provided, as well as the driver level indicator. The driver level indicator can indicate a level of driver experience, inexperience, competency, or status of the driver, and can be presented or displayed at or in a vehicle operated by the driver, to alert or inform other drivers as to the level of driver experience, inexperience, competency, or status of the driver operating the vehicle.

Abstract: An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle passing maneuvers. A process determines whether the vehicle has started a lane change from a first lane to a second lane as a first phase of the passing maneuver. If so, the process determines whether the lane change to the second lane has been completed as a second phase of the passing maneuver. If the lane change to the second lane has been completed, the process determines whether there has been a lane change back to the first lane to complete the passing maneuver as a third phase of the passing maneuver. Further, the process determines whether a time threshold has been exceeded after the passing maneuver is in a second phase, but no lane change back to the first lane has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular monitoring system for a mobile vehicle, comprising: a) a core unit for controlling, receiving and integrating hardware modules and software modules; b) one or more hardware modules, each hardware module responsible for monitoring one or more operating parameters of said mobile vehicle; and c) one or more software modules, each software module responsible for monitoring one or more operating parameters of said mobile vehicles.

Abstract: A computer game depicts or represents actual or imaginary geographic locales as part of the play scenarios of the games. The computer game uses a map database that contains data that represent geographic features, such as roads, in a locale. A game engine program presents a game play scenario to a user via a user interface of the game. An application programming interface program accepts requests for data from the game engine program, accesses data from the map database, and provides the data in a suitable format to the game engine program for use in presenting the game scenario to the user.

Abstract: A method for determining a driver's driving skill of a vehicle based on straight-line driving behavior. The method can classify driver skill based on three straight-line approaches, namely, a lane-position approach, a steering characteristic approach and a traffic-environment reaction approach.

Abstract: A system and method that classify a driver's driving skill based on a characteristic passing maneuver. The system reads vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate signals and the maneuver identification processor determines whether the vehicle has made a characteristic passing maneuver. The skill characterization processor then uses the sensor information and the passing information to characterize the driver's driving skill based on the passing maneuver.

Abstract: A system and method for providing integrated driver skill recognition. The system includes an input switch that receives maneuver identifier signals that identify a plurality of different vehicle maneuvers and data that represents the identified maneuvers. The system also includes a plurality of skill classification processors that selectively receive the data from the input switch depending on the maneuver identifier signals, where a separate skill classification processor is provided for each separate type of maneuver. The skill classification processors classifying the maneuver to determine the driver's driving skill based on the data and provide skill classification signals. An output switch responsive to the skill classification signals from the skill classification processors.

Abstract: A system for classifying a driver's driving skill of a vehicle based on behavioral diagnosis. A plurality of vehicle sensors providing vehicle measurement signals. A maneuver qualification and identification processor qualifies and identifies characteristic maneuver identifying signals and a maneuver index and parameter processor creates a maneuver index and identifies relevant vehicle parameters. A path reconstruction processor reproduces an intended vehicle path for each characteristic maneuver identified by the maneuver characteristic processor. A maneuver model processor models the characteristic maneuvers and a driving skill diagnosis processor provides driving skill signals based on the maneuver model and driver input data. The driving skill diagnosis processor converts the maneuver model signals and the driver command input signal to the frequency domain to provide frequency content discrepancy analysis.

Abstract: A system that classifies driver driving skill based on lane-change maneuvers. The system reads vehicle sensor signals. The system determining that the vehicle has made a lane-change maneuver using the vehicle sensor signals and then classifies the driver's driving skill using selected discriminant features obtained or derived from the lane-change maneuver.

Abstract: A method for determining a driver's driving skill of a vehicle using transmission shift information. The method includes providing an ideal transmission shift map based on throttle position and vehicle speed. The method also includes monitoring an actual transmission shift point performed by the driver and comparing an actual transmission shift point to the transmission shift map to identify a shift-error distance on the map. The method also includes comparing the shift-error distance to a predetermined threshold and classifying the driver's driving skill based on the comparison of the shift-error distance to the threshold.

Abstract: A system that classifies driver driving skill based on left/right turning maneuvers. The system reads sensor signals for vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The system determining that the vehicle has made a left/right-turn maneuver using the vehicle speed signal and the yaw-rate signal and then classifies the driver's driving skill using selected discriminant features obtained or derived from the left/right-turn maneuver.

Abstract: A system and method that classifies driver driving skill based on backup maneuvers. The system determines a vehicle speed signal and a vehicle backup gear position. The system determines that the vehicle has made a backup maneuver using the vehicle speed signal and the backup gear position and then classifies the driver's driving skill using selected discriminant features obtained or derived from the backup maneuver.

Abstract: A system and method that classify driver driving skill based on multiple types of maneuvers. An original features generation processor receives signals identifying driving characteristics of the driver of the vehicle and outputs original features from the signals. A features extraction processor extracts certain features from the original features and outputs transformed features. A features selection processor selects certain ones of the transformed features and outputs final features and a classifier classifies the final features to determine the skill level of the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A system that classifies driver driving skill based on U-turn maneuvers. The system reads sensor signals for vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The system determining that the vehicle has made a U-turn maneuver using the vehicle speed signal and the yaw-rate signal and then classifies the driver's driving skill using selected discriminant features obtained or derived from the U-turn maneuver.

Abstract: A system and method that classifies a driver's driving skill based on curve-handling maneuvers. The curve-handling maneuvers can be identified based on the drivers steering activity, vehicle yaw motion and a change in the vehicle heading direction.