he/she will know will evidence superior safety of operation and a minimal.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. on—board computer 300 monitors and records various sensors and
`.
`DETD(12) With .
`operator actions to acquire the desired data for determining a fair **cost** of **insurance**.
`Although not shown therein, a plurality of **operating** **sensors** are associated with the
`motor **vehicle** to monitor a wide variety of raw data elements. Such data elements are
`communicated to the computer through a connections.
`.
`. cable which is operatively connected
`to the vehicle data bus 304 through an SAE-J1978 connector, or OBD-II connector or other
`**vehicle** **sensors** 306. A **driver** input device 308 is also operatively connected to
`the computer 300 through connector 307 and cable 302. The computer is.
`.
`.
`
`. need for assistance or for satisfaction of various threshold factors
`.
`FIG. .
`DETD(13)
`which need to be satisfied before the vehicle can be **operated**. The physical **operation**
`of the **vehicle** is **monitored** through various **sensors** 412 in **operative**
`connection with the **vehicle** data **bus**, while additional **sensors** 414 not normally
`connected to the data bus can be in direct communication with the computer 300 as will
`hereinafter.
`.
`.
`
`1. Excessive **speed**. The reading of the **vehicle** **speed** **sensors**
`DETD(92)
`would indicate the **vehicle** is exceeding the **speed** limit. Time would also be
`measured to determine if the behavior is prolonged.
`
`. period. This insured profile includes the information about coverages
`.
`At .
`DETD(99)
`including limits and deductibles, which are necessary for establishing the appropriate **cost**
`of **insurance** for the subject insured. At step 214, the acquired consolidated file
`information from step 210 and the overall insured profile.
`.
`.
`
`Page 000151
`
`

`
`US PAT NO:
`DATE ISSUED:
`
`5,499,182 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`Mar. 12, 1996
`
`L31: 7 of 29
`
`Vehicle driver performance monitoring system
`TITLE:
`US-CL-CURRENT: 701/35; 340/439; 701/29
`
`ABSTRACT: A vehicle driver performance monitoring system is provided. A plurality of
`vehicle component sensors (40-43) suitably mounted to a host vehicle measure a plurality of
`vehicle component parameters indicative of a host vehicle_'s driver performance. A
`microprocessor module (1) detachably coupled to the vehicle mounting unit (2) affixed to and
`uniquely designated for a given host vehicle poles each vehicle sensor (40-43) of that host
`vehicle to read, process, and store the vehicle operation data generated thereby. A playback
`mounting unit (3) is provided to facilitate the connection of a remote computer to the host
`vehicle's microprocessor module (1) in order to establish digital communication whereby the
`vehicle operation data and the analysis results processed therein are retrieved and displayed for
`a user.
`
`. monitoring system is generally directed to an onboard computer system
`.
`The .
`BSUM(2)
`for operation on a designated host vehicle. More specifically, the **vehicle** **driver**
`performance **monitoring** system is an onboard computer system which has in place the
`hardware and software means to **sense** various **vehicle** **operation** parameters,
`characterize the **driving** **habits** of the current driver based on those parameters with
`respect to various specified determinants, and make available processed information for.
`.
`.
`
`. the physical manipulation of that vehicle and particularly in the
`.
`The .
`BSUM(3)
`parametric variations of that vehicle's electrical/mechanical components. Accordingly, the
`subject **vehicle** **driver** performance **monitoring** system includes a plurality of
`parametric sensors which measure the physical parameters associated with the host vehicle
`components to which.
`.
`.
`BSUM(4)
`The need for such driver performance assessments, as provided by the subject
`**vehicle** **driver** performance **monitoring** system, is manifest in several readily
`apparent applications. First, parents of driving—aged children well recognize the demonstrated
`tendency of many.
`.
`. children's driving habits and, in many cases, lack the information to
`even suspect that their children in fact exercise poor **driving** **habits**. The subject
`**vehicle** **driver** performance **monitoring** system would provide the continually
`monitored driving performance information which they critically need in order to maintain
`control over their.
`.
`.
`
`Businesses also possess a discernable need for the driving performance
`BSUM(5)
`assessments provided by the subject **vehicle** **driver** performance **monitoring**
`system. It is imperative for any business owning employee-**operated** **vehicles** to
`**monitor** the **driving** **habits** of their employees during the operation of those
`vehicles. The current practice of many such businesses is to visibly mount.
`.
`. it also heightens
`for businesses the expenses they must allocate for costs associated with otherwise avoidable
`accidents and the increased **insurance** **premiums** resulting from them. Moreover, the
`lack of satisfactory means to effectively monitor employee driving habits deprives businesses
`of an opportunity.
`.
`.
`
`Page 000152
`
`

`
`I
`
`0
`
`Another significant application anticipated for the subject **vehicle**
`BSUM(6)
`**driver** performance **monitoring** system is in the automobile insurance business
`wherein accurate assessments of driving habits would facilitate accurate and fair allocations of
`**costs**. As most automobile **insurance** companies currently rely primarily on age, sex,
`and the driving record of the insured individual in estimating the risk of.
`.
`. insurance payouts
`caused by that individual, only marginal estimates of such risks are attained; and unfair
`assessments of the applicable **insurance** **premium** for that individual often result.
`Reckless though fortunate drivers, who but for the care fortuitously employed by other drivers,
`have avoided serious automobile accidents are regularly assessed an **insurance**
`**premium** as low as, if not lower than, more careful drivers but unfortuitous drivers who,
`except for a single unavoidable traffic. .
`. caring vehicle owners who invest substantial effort
`to minimize the wear and tear on their vehicles. The accurate assessments of **driving**
`performance provided by the subject **vehicle** **driver** performance **monitoring**
`system would enable automobile insurance companies to remedy these inequities and, as well,
`reduce their own expenses by appropriately allocating.
`.
`.
`BSUM(8)
`Onboard .
`.
`. computer system heretofore known which continually monitors
`the driver performance of a host vehicle as comprehensively as does the subject **vehicle**
`**driver** performance **monitoring** system.
`BSUM(9)
`For .
`.
`. a plurality of vehicle—mounted sensors. The onboard computer in that
`system periodically receives and stores the parametric values associated with **vehicle**
`**braking** **sensed** by the. **sensors**. The data thus generated by that computer is then
`available to be read later by an instructor who will compare the recorded parametric values to
`formulate further instructive steps. Unlike the subject **vehicle** **driver** performance
`**monitoring** system, however, that system does not perform evaluative functions on the
`data. Any evaluations to be made in light of.
`.
`. during those discrete time intervals related to
`an instructional session. It is not performed in correlation continually with the host
`**vehicle**'s **operation**, as is the **monitoring** in the subject **vehicle** **driver**
`performance **monitoring** system.
`BSUM(10)
`In .
`.
`. reveal no apparent need to question driver integrity; therefore no driver
`integrity checking means are therein provided. In the subject **vehicle** **driver**
`performance **monitoring** system, however, the integrity of the host vehicle driver is an
`ever—present concern, the compromise of which would wholly undermine the utility of the
`system. The subject **vehicle** **driver** performance **monitoring** system therefore
`includes means for recording any attempt to either operate a given system on a vehicle other
`than the.
`.
`.
`
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,894 directs itself to a self-diagnosis computer system
`BSUM(11)
`onboard a motor vehicle wherein a plurality of **detectors** are mounted on that
`**vehicle**'s **engine** to **detect** any aberrant **operating** **conditions**. Although
`the computer system there performs continual **monitoring** while the **vehicle** is in
`**operation**, no provision is made for the assessment of driver performance based on any
`sensed parameters.
`. 25. performance. Various transducers for continually monitoring
`BSUM(12)
`Similarly,
`various vehicle parameters are employed in that system; however, comprehensive means for
`analyzing the **measured** **vehicle** parameters to characterize or assess **driver**
`performance, per se, are not provided.
`
`Page 000153
`
`

`
`US PAT NO:
`DATE ISSUED:
`TITLE:
`
`INVENTOR:
`
`APPL-NO:
`
`DATE FILED:
`REL-US-DATA:
`
`US-CL-CURRENT:
`
`US PAT NO:
`DATE ISSUED:
`TITLE:
`
`INVENTOR:
`APPL-NO:
`DATE FILED:
`
`US-CL-CURRENT:
`
`US PAT NO:
`DATE ISSUED:
`TITLE:
`INVENTOR:
`
`APPL-NO:
`DATE FILED:
`
`US-CL-CURRENT:
`
`US PAT NO:
`
`DATE ISSUED:
`TITLE:
`INVENTOR:
`
`APPL-NO: '
`DATE FILED:
`
`US-CL-CURRENT:
`
`5,430,432 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`Jul. 4, 1995
`Automotive warning and recording system
`Elie Camhi, 131 Country Ridge Rd., Scarsdale, NY 10583
`Lawrence S. Kamhi, 30 Saddleview Ct., Fairfield, CT 06432
`
`L31: 8 of 29
`
`08/278,991
`Jul. 22, 1994
`Continuation of Ser. No. 992,246, Dec. 14, 1992, abandoned.
`
`340/438; 180/171; 307/10.1; 340/439, 441, 459; 701/35; 702/41, 141
`
`5,499,182 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`Mar. 12, 1996
`
`L31: 7 of29
`
`Vehicle driver performance monitoring system
`Jeffrey Ousborne, 5606 Foxview Ct., Clarksville, MD 21029
`08/350,848
`
`Dec. 7, 1994
`701/35; 340/439; 701/29
`
`L31: 3 of29
`
`5,797,134 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`Aug. 18, 1998
`Motor vehicle monitoring system for determining a cost of insurance
`Robert John McMillan, Tampa, FL
`Alexander Dean Craig, Moreland Hills, OH
`John Patrick Heinen, Tampa, FL
`08/592,958
`Jan. 29, 1996
`705/400, 4
`
`ANS: 1
`
`4,067,061 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`Jan. 3, 1978
`Monitoring and recording system for vehicles
`John Emil Juhasz, Lake Orion, MI
`05/559,509
`Mar. 18, 1975
`
`360/5; 346/33D; 364/920, 925,.925.2, 952, 952.4, 952.5; 377/21, 24,
`24.1; 701/29
`
`Page 000154
`
`

`
`2
`
` ~
`
`US PAT NO:
`DATE ISSUED:
`
`5,430,432 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`Jul. 4, 1995
`
`L31: 8 of 29
`
`Automotive warning and recording system
`TITLE:
`US—CL-CURRENT: 340/438; 180/171; 307/10.1; 340/439, 441, 459; 701/35; 702/41, 141
`
`ABSTRACT: An automotive unsafe condition recorder is provided having one or more
`automotive condition sensors coupled to the input of a timer equipped processor. An indicator
`for alerting the operator is coupled to an output of the processor, which the processor
`energizes in response to a signal level from the sensor indicating the existence of a
`predetermined unsafe operating condition. If the unsafe operating condition is not corrected
`within a predetermined time, the processor transmits information pertaining to the unsafe
`condition to a storage unit, which accumulates the information for later review.
`
`. and maintenance personnel, airline officials for evaluation of the craft
`.
`This .
`BSUM(5)
`and crew, regulatory authorities for incident or crash analysis, and **insurance** companies
`for liability and **premium** determinations.
`
`. such a device would be multiple. Monitored drivers would be
`.
`The .
`BSUM(10)
`motivated to drive more safely by the reward of lower **insurance** **premiums**, which
`could be lowered further if they prove themselves responsible. Insurance companies could
`eliminate persistent speeders and unsafe drivers, or. .
`.
`
`Accordingly, a need exists for a device which can **monitor** **vehicle**
`BSUM(11)
`**operating** parameters and alert the **operator** to predetermined unsafe conditions, allow
`a short time for correction of those conditions, and if uncorrected in that time, record. .
`.
`
`. has means for retrieval of recorded information. The processor
`.
`According .
`BSUM(24)
`inputs are coupled to signal sources which provide signals indicative of **monitored**
`**vehicle** **operation** variables, at least one of such variables being vehicle speed. The
`signal input is routed through the processor which is.
`.
`. receded below the predetermined
`value, initiates accumulation by the storage unit of information pertaining to one or more of
`the **monitored** **vehicle** **operating** variables for later review and analysis.
`
`Page 000155
`
`

`
`4,638,295 [IMAGE AVAILABLE]
`US PAT NO:
`Jan. 20, 1987
`DATE ISSUED:
`Vehicular movement indicator safety system
`' TITLE:
`US-CL-CURRENT: 340/465, 476; 701/1
`
`L31: 20 of 29
`
`ABSTRACT: A vehicular movement indicator safety system consisting of motion and status
`sensors on the dynamic moving systems of a vehicle, a programmed microprocessor control
`unit, and conventional signal indicators. The microprocessor is programmed to integrate data
`from sensors related to wheel, steering, brake, engine and transmission systems to determine
`the exact nature of changes in vehicular movement resulting from operation of one or more of
`the dynamic systems, to distinguish between a driver's signaled intent to turn or make a
`change in vehicular movement and the actual onset of the turn or change as determined by
`concurrent activation of dynamic systems, and to immediately activate signal indicators to
`produce clear, unambiguous and readily perceived signals corresponding to the changes in
`vehicular movement. The vehicular movement indicator safety system generates instantaneous
`signals alerting drivers to a change, eliminates the uncertainty, ambiguity and confusion
`prevalent with existing turn signal and brake indicator systems, and significantly enhances
`ability of drivers to quickly perceive and react to changes in movement of other vehicles in
`substantially all traffic situations and under adverse as well as normal visibility and weather
`conditions.
`
`. year and 2,000,000 disabling injuries annually in the United States and
`.
`The .
`DETD(3)
`which cause billions of dollars in expenditures for automobile **insurance**, repairs, and
`other accident related **costs**. The VMISS described in this disclosure gains a critical and
`effective margin of response time through the use of advanced.
`.
`.
`
`The **engine** and **vehicle** **sensor** group 104 includes a speedometer
`DETD(10)
`cable pick off sensor 74, an engine rpm (ignition primary) sensor 78 and a diesel. .
`. sensors
`in group 102 is to indicate the intention of the vehicle to make a turn. The purpose of the
`**engine** and **vehicle** **sensors** in group 104 is to indicate the committment of the
`vehicle to the turn anticipated by the switches in group.
`.
`.
`
`DETD (26)
`
`Inputs
`**Sensor**
`
`**Condition**
`
`**Vehicle** Wheel Position Switch 52
`
`Right hand turn
`Speedometer Cable pick-off Sensor 74
`Moving, increasing
`speed (i.e. acceler-.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Page 000156
`
`

`
`{ex
`/W/Mé
`#7 W
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`PATENT
`
`I
`
`5
`
`In re Application of
`
`For
`FOR
`
`Serial Number
`
`Filed
`
`Art Unit
`
`-
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`:
`
`:
`:
`
`:
`
`3
`
`i
`
`:
`
`Robert J. McMillian et al.
`
`MOTOR VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM
`DETERMINING A COST OF INSURANCE
`
`09/ 1 3 5,03 4
`
`August 17, 1998
`
`2761
`
`PGR 2 001-1-1
`
`Cleveland, Ohio 441 14-2518
`December 23, 1998
`
`Preliminary Amendment B
`
`Assistant Commissioner of Patents
`
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`Dear Sir:
`
`Prior to substantive examination of the above identified patent application,
`
`applicants request amendment of the application as follows:
`
`In the Specification: ' /
`
`On page 13, line 30 please insert:
`
`height of person in 9,.
`
`-
`
`E W .
`
`'
`
`rink
`
`enger seat,
`
`01/05/1999
`01 PC1102
`
`-
`
`00000069 09135034
`78.00 N
`
`Certificate of Mailing
`
`I hereby certify that this Preliminary Amendment B is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as First
`Class Mail in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner For Patents
`ashington, DC. 20231, on
`Dece
`r 23 1998.
`
`-
`"”‘—‘—"?/
`Cathryn '1" chek’
`
`Page 000157
`
`

`
`In the Claims:
`
`Please add new claims 35-47 as follows:
`
`26.’ A method of monitoring a human contr
`
`led power source driven vehicle, the
`
`method co prising:
`
`extracting one or more data elements f m at least one sensor wherein the one or
`
`more elements are of at least one operating state of the vehicle and the at least one human’s
`
`actions during a data collection period;
`
`analyzing, grouping, and stori g the one or more data elements as group data
`
`values in a first memory related to a predet
`
`‘mined group of elements; and,
`
`values to preset values in a second memory and
`
`generating an output data value based n‘the correlation. I
`
`/
`
`The method according to claim g comprising the steps of:
`
`using safety or other actuarial standard values as the preset values; and,
`
`generating an adjusted insurance cost as the output data value.
`
`/ 29/
`
`gké
`
`37'. The method according to claim .35’: fiirther comprising the steps of:
`
`i
`
`a
`
`using safety or other actuarial standard values as the preset values; and,
`
`generating: an adjusted underwriting cost as the output data value.
`“
`/
`/”
`_
`_
`_
`/ /34-’
`_ 4'?’
`.3’8(The method according togclaim 36', fiirther comprising the steps of:
`
`using location and time as the one or more data elements which are compared to
`
`the safety or other actuarial standard values to generate the adjusted insurance cost.
`
`,4»
`
`:6
`
`397 The method according to claim.3?j further comprising the steps of:
`
`using location and time as the one or more data elements which are compared to
`
`the safety or other actuarial standard values to generate the adjusted underwriting cost.
`
`Q/i
`
`Page 000158
`
`

`
`Q
`
`7%
`
`C
`
`‘
`mi’
`
`40'. The method according to claim if fiirther including the steps of:
`
`determining if the one or more data elements indicate one or more predetermined
`
`triggering events, where if the determination is positive, correlating the one or more data
`elements to one or more types of triggering events stored in a third memory; and,
`
`storing and transmitting a signal corresponding to the determined triggering event
`
`to a receiving system.
`
`5
`2%’
`% 9/1’. The method according to c1aim§5'?,‘;irther including the steps of:
`
`detennining if the one or more data elements indicate one or more predetermined
`
`triggering events, where if the determination is positive, correlating the one or more data
`
`elements to one or more types of triggering events stored in a third memory; and,
`
`storing or transmitting a signal corresponding to the determined triggering event
`
`to a receiving system.
`
`is at least one of a automobile,
`
`aircrafi, or recreational vehicle
`
`/W22’
`
`' A4.’ The’ method according to claim 3%’ wherein:
`
`.//
`
`the adjusted insurance cost can be for a prospective or retrospective basis.
`
`2/ / l
`é ‘'7
`x he method according to claim 39'wherein:
`
`the adjusted underwriting cost can be for a prospective or retrospective basis.
`
`9.‘{
`C}?
`A67 The method according to claim 36’,
`
`her ' cluding the steps of:
`
`‘ compiling and grouping the one or m e at elements and storing one or more
`I
`/_/,__.
`
`Page 000159
`
`

`
`Q".
`
`data groups into a database;
`
`.
`,
`\
`.
`- uman s actions; and,
`' e or theat -.
`controlled power source driven ve
`storing the gr - ping on a databas for access by a user via hard copy, Internet,
`or other electronic mean .
`
`.
`
`The above amendments are deemed to place the application in better condition
`
`for examination.
`
`REMARKS
`
`Respectfiflly Submitted,
`
`FAY, SHARPE, BEALL, FAGAN,
`MINNICH & MCKEE
`
`eg. No. 29,580
`Patrick R. Roche,
`1100 Superior Avenue, 7th Floor
`Cleveland, Ohio 441 14-2518
`(216) 861-5582
`
`C:\DA’l’A\PRR\98DEC\PRG200 1 3 . AM
`
`Page 000160
`
`

`
`Serial No.: 09/135,034
`Group Art Unit: 2761
`
`T
`‘
`Filing Date:August 17, 1998
`Invention: MOTOR VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM
`DETERMINING A COST OF INSURANCE
`
`To the Assistant Commissioner for Patents:
`
`.
`
`JAN
`
`. Group 2700
`Transmitted herewith is an amendment in the above-identified application.
`The fees have been calculated as shown below.
`
`alter amendment
`
`Previous] Paid For
`
`Claims Present
`
`0.00
`J 0
`mmmnn .
`XX
`A check in the amount of $78.00 is enclosed.
`
`Applicants hereby petition the Commissioner under 37 CFR. §l.136(a) and request any additional
`extensions of time that may be necessary and authorize the extension of time fees to be charged to
`Deposit Account No. 06-0308.
`
`Please charge any additional fees or credit overpayment to Deposit Account No. 06-0308. A duplicate
`copy of this sheet is enclosed.
`
`Date: December 23, 1998
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`FAY, SHARPE, BEALL,
`FAGAN, MINNICI-I & MCKEE
`
`atrick R. Roche
`
`Reg. No. 29,580
`1100 Superior Avenue, 7th Floor
`Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2518
`(216) 861-5582
`
`Certificate of First Class Muailin
`
`I hereby certify that this Amendment Transmittal and Preliminary Amendment are being deposited with the United
`States Postal Service as First Class Mail
`in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner For Patents,
`/
`Washiiyon, DC. 20231 on December 23, 1998.
`C0,,
`.
`.27,;;a...c/
`at
`n"er e’
`
`,2”/Aura /we
`
`Page 000161
`
`

`
`IN RE APPLICATION OF
`
`FOR
`
`FILED
`SERIALNO.
`
`ART UNIT
`
`2
`
`:
`
`I
`:
`
`:
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`I
`
`Robert J. McMillan et al.
`
`MOTOR VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM
`FOR DETERMINING A COST OF
`INSURANCE
`
`1
`
`r
`
`August 17, 1998
`09/135,034
`
`Unknown
`
`PGR 2 O01-1-1
`
`1;.
`jtd”
`E .
`1:‘-'
`,.
`Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2518 5
`August 31, 1998
`
`
`
`uootzanoaa
`
`lJElAl';lfJ3&l
`
`91:5Hisiaasss
`
`80=|lid62cl3S86
`
`.i
`
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
`
`Assistant Commissioner of Patents
`
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`Box Patent Application
`
`Dear‘“Si‘r“:""'W
`
`'
`applicants
`In accordance with 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.56, 1.97, 1.98 and 1\/IPEP
`submit the following Disclosure Statement concerning art of‘which the applicants are aware.
`
`A copy of PTO-1449 is enclosed herewith.
`
`This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 08/592,958, filed
`
`January 29, 1996 (now US. Patent No. 5,797,134, issued August 18, 1998) ofRobert J.
`
`McMillan et al.
`
`UnderR»u,le 98(a)(3), no concise explanation of relevance is required for
`information.that is in the English language. Accordingly, the patents require no fiirther
`
`explanation.
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
`
`I hereby certify that this INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT is being deposited with the United
`States Postal Service as first class mail in an envelope addressed to: Assistant Commissioner of Patents,
`0231 on Au rust 31, 998.
`
`Page 000162
`
`

`
`WITHIN THREE MON THS OF FILING
`
`Under Rule 97(b)(l), this information disclosure statement is being filed
`
`within three months of the filing date of the application. Therefore, no fee is necessary.
`
`Respectfiflly submitted,
`
`FAY, SHARPE, BEALL, FAGAN,
`Ml‘
`CH & MCKEE
`
`/ P
`
`atrick R. Roche
`
`Reg. No. 29,580
`1 100 Superior Avenue, Suite 700
`Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2518
`(216)861-5582
`
`Page 000163
`
`

`
`lntematxonnl Bureau
`WORLD lNTELLECTUAL_PROPERTY ORGANIZATXON
`PCT
`IN'I'ERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (ECD
`
`(51) I||¢e|'|11fi0lH1| Patent G3-55lfi°3fi0l1 4 3
`5079 5/10
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`WO 90/112388
`3 March 1990 (08.03.90)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/NO89/00081
`
`(22)rnumum1 Filing Date:
`
`9 August 1989 (09.08.89)
`
`(30) Priority data:
`883807
`-
`
`26 August [988 06.08.88)
`
`NO
`
`‘
`
`‘
`_
`(71) Applicant (tbr all designated States except US): NORWE
`GIAN BIOTRONICS AlS [NO/NO]; Hanaveien 4, N-
`4300 Sandnes (NO).
`
`-
`
`(81) Designated States: AT, AT (European patent). AU. BB, BE
`- (European patent), BF (OAPI patent), ‘BG, Bl (OAPI
`patent), BR, CF (OAPI patent), CG (OAPI patent), CH.
`CH (European patent), CM (OAPI patent), DE, DE -
`(European at
`t), DK, FI, FR (European
`te t), GA
`(OAPI patelr,1t),elGB, GB (European patent). IFiaU,lI‘l' (Eu-
`ropcan patent , JP, KP, KR, LK, LU, LU (European pa-
`tent), MC, M , ML (OAPI patent), MR (OAPI patent)
`MW, NL, NL (European patent), NO, R0, SD, SE, SE
`(European patent), SN (OAPI patent), SU, TD (OAPI
`patent), TG (OAPI patent), US.
`
`'
`
`'
`(72) Inventor: and
`(75) Inventor/Applicant (for US only) : PEITERSEN, Kjell [NO/
`NO]; Hanaveien 4, N—4300 Sandnes (NO).
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`
`(74) Agent: I-IAMSO, Eivind;'I-lémso Patentbyré, Po. Box 171,
`N-4301 Sandnes (N0).
`
`(54) 'l'Itle: A METHOD FOR THE REGISTERING OF THE DRIVING PATTERN OF A MOTOR VEHICLE. AND AN
`APPARATUS IN THE FORM OF AN INTERVAL COUNTER FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`A method and an apparatus for the registering of
`the driving pattern of a motor vehicle are adjusted to en-
`able an evaluation of the total driving behavior. The
`speeds and the accelerations/retardations of the motor
`vehicle are being convened into pulse signals (2) and
`sorted into two different groups, one speed counter
`group (3-16) and one acceleration/retardation counter
`group (17-30), each being divided into sub-groups indi-
`cating number of kilometers driven within a first, a sec-
`ond, a third, etc. speed interval and a first, a second, a
`third, etc., accelerationlretardation interval, respectively.
`The sum of the kilometer statements of the sub groups of
`each group corresponds to the totally driven distance of
`the motor vehicle measured in kilometers. The apparatus
`comprises a pulse generator (1) adapted to be mountd to
`the propulsion system of the rnotor.vehicle, e.g. wheels
`or gear box, and adapted to supply a pulse signal (2) si-
`multaneously to all counters of both groups, ‘each, of
`which is assigned a logic circuit (31, 3]’) controlled by
`comparators (33, 33’). The pulse generator (1) is connect-
`ed to the comparators (33) of the speed counters via a
`pulse frequency/voltage-converter (32) connected to the
`comparators (33’) of the acceleration/retardation coun-
`ters via a derivation circuit (33’) deriving speed into ac-
`celeration/retardation.
`
`Page 000164
`
`

`
`FOR THE PURPOSES 01-‘ INFO-RMATIUN ONLY
`
`Codfiuscd to identify Statgs party to the PC!‘ on the front page of‘pamphlets publishing imnmational
`applications undet the PCT.
`
`25i2Q3Q9EES§§EE?u
`
`
`
`355:::==Eae:=m
`
`EBEEEHEGESF
`
`Page 000165
`
`

`
`_ wo 90/02388
`
`W
`
`'
`
`-
`
`PCI‘/N089/00081
`
`A METHOD FOR THE REGISTERING OF THE DRIVING PATTERN OF A
`MOTOR VEHICLE, AND AN APPARATUS IN THE FORM OF AN INTERVAL
`COUNTER FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
`
`This invention relates to a method for the registering of
`
`the driving pattern of a motor vehicle, and an apparatus in
`the form of an interval counter for carrying out the method.
`
`Recording of the driving pattern of a motor vehicle may be
`of interest for car owners as well as car insurance
`
`companies. The car insurance companies may fit the motor
`
`vehicles of their policy holders with the apparatus and read
`
`the same at equal intervals. on the basis of these readings,
`
`the company may e.g. set a more fair bonus arrangement, i.e.
`
`that policy holders having a "careful" driving pattern — low
`
`speeds and low accelerations - may be allotted a higher
`
`bonus. By that very fact that the policy holders know that
`their driving pattern is being controlled and recorded, many
`will be stimulated to change their driving pattern:
`this
`
`will again reduce driving speed, number of accidents, and
`
`consequently also the size of the disbursements from the
`insurance companies. Moreover, when leasing or renting motor
`
`vehicles it will be possible to control how the driving has
`occured. when motor vehicles are to be resold,
`the apparatus
`
`will give an indication of how the motor vehicle has been
`
`driven, whereby favorable/unfavorable driving pattern may
`
`_influence the selling price quite substantially. Car owners
`may also take an interest in seeing their own driving
`pattern, for possibly comparing it with others.
`
`Page 000166
`
`

`
`O
`
`0
`
`WO 90102388
`
`_
`
`PCT/N089/00081
`
`The object of the present invention is to provide a method
`and an apparatus for the registering of the driving patterns
`of motor vehicles and thereby enable an evaluation of the
`
`total driving behavior.
`
`This object is achieved through the features as set forth in
`the following claims.
`
`In contrast with prior art apparatus for the purpose
`
`concerned, which only measure speed above a certain limit,
`
`i.e. record speed excesses and take note of these,
`
`the
`
`method and apparatus according to the invention are based on
`the registering of speed and acceleration/retardation and
`and on the sorting of these in different groups.
`
`The apparatus uses the speed of the motor vehicle, i.e.
`
`driven distance per unit of time,
`
`to generate data
`
`describing the driving pattern of the motor vehicle. The
`
`apparatus is connected to the propulsion system of the motor
`vehicle, i.e. wheels of gear box, via a pulse generator
`adapted to generate a signal proportional to the speed of
`the motor vehicle. This signal is processed further in the
`apparatus so that individual kilometer counters are
`incremented:
`there being one counter for each speed
`
`interval, e.g. 0-10 km/h; 10-20 km/h and so forth." The sum
`of all counters will constitute the totally driven distance.
`
`on the basis of the speed signal,
`
`the apparatus also
`
`generates a signal representing the acceleration/retardation
`(the time derivative of the speed) of the motor vehicle.
`
`This signal will be positive when accelerating and negative
`
`when decelerating. The acceleration/retardation-signal
`
`controls the kilometer counters counting the number of
`kilometers driven by the motor vehicle in the different
`areas of acceleration/retardation. Thus,
`the apparatus
`
`comprises two sets of counters, one set of which is
`
`Page 000167
`
`

`
`wo 90/02388
`
`V
`
`(
`
`‘ PC1‘/N089/00081
`
`controlled by the speed signal of the motor vehicle,
`
`the
`
`other set being controlled by the acceleration/retardation-
`signal of the motor vehicle. Both sets of counters count the
`number of kilometers driven. By reading the apparatus, one
`may form oneself an idea of the driving pattern of the motor
`vehicle,
`the apparatus stating exact number of kilometers in
`the different speed zones and acceleration/retardation
`ZODES .
`
`The interval counter according to the invention is far more
`
`versatile and advanced than prior art technique; this should
`
`also appear from the following description of an embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`said embodiment is diagrammatically illustrated in the
`
`accompanying drawing figure showing a circuit design of an
`interval counter for motor vehicles.
`
`The interval counter shown comprises a pulse generator 1
`
`which,
`
`in a manner not closer shown,
`
`is fitted for mounting
`
`on a propulsion system of a motor vehicle, i.e. wheels or
`gear box. The pulse generator 1 having a pulse frequency
`proportional to the speed of the vehicle,
`is adapted to give
`a certain number of pulses per kilometers driven.
`'
`
`Reference numeral 2 denotes a square wave puls from the
`pulse generator 1. The-pulse signal 2 is simultaneously
`supplied to all of a row of counters.
`
`The counters comprise fourteen speed counters 3,
`
`4 ....l6 in
`
`two sets, one set of which can be reset to-zero, as well as
`fourteen acceleration/retardation counters 17. 18 ....30 in
`two sets, one set of which can be reset to zero, and being
`
`arranged in two separate groups each of which is assigned a
`
`logic circuit 31 and 31', respectively. when supplying the
`
`pulse signal 2, only one speed counter, say 3, and one
`
`Page 000168
`
`

`
`wo 90/02388
`
`‘
`
`~
`
`.
`
`,
`
`PCI‘/NO89I00081
`
`gm
`
`acceleration/retardation counter, say 17, activated at a
`time. The respective logic circuit 31, 31' controls which
`
`counter that is counting.
`
`The pulse signal 2 enters simulatenously a pulse frequency/.
`
`voltage converter 32 adapted to convert from pulse frequency
`
`to voltage. From the voltage converter 32, a voltage signal
`
`proportional to the speed of the motor vehicle is generated.
`This voltage signal is supplied to a set of comparators 33
`. assigned the logic circuit 31 for the speed counters 3, 4
`
`.... 16. The comparators 33 are each set on a separate speed
`
`level. The signal from these comparators 33 controls the
`
`logic circuit 31 which selects which of the speed counters
`that is to be active.
`
`The voltage signal from the converter 32 is also supplied to
`
`a derivation circuit 34. From this circuit 34, a voltage
`
`signal proportional to the acceleration/retardation of the
`
`motor vehicle is achieved. This voltage signal is supplied
`
`to a set of comparators 33' assigned the logic circuit 31'
`
`for the acceleration/retardation counters 17, 18 ....30. The
`
`signal from these comparators 33' controls the logic circuit
`
`31' which selects which of the acceleration/retardation
`counters that is to be active.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`The apparatus/interval counter shown is likewise equipped
`with a total counter 35 acting as an ordinary kilometer
`counter. The sum of the speed counters 3, 4 .... 16 will
`show the very same distance driven as the total counter 35...
`
`As mentioned, on