WO 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_ 13 _
`
`Raw Data Elements:
`
`Power train sensors
`
`RPM,
`
`transmission setting (Park, Drive, Gear, Neutral),
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`throttle position,
`
`engine coolant temperature,
`
`intake air temperature,
`
`barometric pressure;
`
`Electrical sensors
`
`brake light on,
`
`turn signal indicator,
`
`headlamps on,
`
`hazard lights on,
`
`back—up lights on,
`
`parking lights on,
`
`wipers on,
`
`doors locked,
`
`key in ignition,
`
`key in door lock,
`
`horn applied;
`
`Body sensors
`
`airbag deployment,
`
`ABS application,
`
`level of fuel in tank,
`
`brakes applied,
`
`radio station tuned in,
`
`seat belt on,
`
`door open,
`
`tail gate open,
`
`Page 002224
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_ 14 _
`
`odometer reading,
`
`cruise control engaged,
`
`anti—theft disable;
`
`Other sensors
`
`vehicle speed,
`
`vehicle location,
`
`date,
`
`time,
`
`vehicle direction,
`
`IVHS data sources.
`
`Calculated Data Elements:
`
`rapid deceleration;
`
`rapid acceleration;
`
`vehicle in skid;
`
`wheels in spin;
`
`closing speed on vehicle in front;
`
`closing speed of vehicle in rear;
`
`closing speed of vehicle to side (right or left);
`
`space to side of vehicle occupied;
`
`space to rear of vehicle occupied;
`
`space to front of vehicle occupied;
`
`lateral acceleration;
`
`sudden rotation of vehicle;
`
`sudden loss of tire pressure;
`
`driver identification (through voice recognition or code or fingerprint
`
`recognition);
`
`distance travelled; and
`
`environmental hazard conditions (e.g. icing, etc.).
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Page 002225
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCTIUS97/01495
`
`_ 1 5 _
`
`Derived Data Elements:
`
`vehicle speed in excess of speed limit;
`
`observation of traffic signals and signs;
`
`road conditions;
`
`traffic conditions; and
`
`vehicle position.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`This list includes many, but not all, potential data elements.
`
`With particular reference to FIGURE 1, a flowchart generally
`
`illustrating the data gathering process of the subject invention is illustrated.
`
`Such a process can be implemented with conventional computer programming in
`
`the real time operating kernel 408 of the computer 300. The process is
`
`identified with initially a begin step 100 (key in ignition?) and a check of
`
`whether the vehicle is operating at step 102.
`
`If the vehicle is not operating a
`
`reverification occurs every two (2) minutes as shown at step 104.
`
`It should be
`
`notedthat the computer is continually powered by at least the vehicle battery
`
`310 (FIGURE 3), but it can be appreciated that during operation the generator
`
`(not shown) will supply the energy.
`
`If the vehicle is operating, then there is a
`
`step of recording sensor information 106. The recording comprises monitoring
`a plurality of raw data elements, calculated data elements and derived data
`
`elements as identified above. Each of these is representative of an operating
`state of the vehicle or an action of the operator. Select ones of the plurality of
`data elements are recorded when the ones are determined to have an identified
`
`relationship to the safety standards. For example, vehicle speed in excess of a
`
`predetermined speed limit will need to be recorded but speeds below the limit
`
`need only be monitored and stored on a periodic basis. The recording may be
`made in combination with date, time and location. Other examples of data
`
`needed to be recorded are excessive rates of acceleration or frequent hard
`braking.
`
`Page 002226
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_
`
`_
`
`The recording process would be practically implemented by
`
`monitoring and storing the data in a buffer for a selected period of time, e.g.,
`
`thirty seconds. Periodically, such as every two minutes, the status of all
`
`monitored sensors for the data elements is written to a file which is stored in the
`
`vehicle data storage 402. The raw, calculated and derived data elements listed
`
`above comprise some of the data elements to be so stored.
`
`Certain of the recorded sensor information may comprise a trigger
`
`event of which inquiry is identified at step 108.
`
`"Trigger events" are defined as
`
`a combination of sensor data requiring additional action or which may result in a
`
`surcharge or discount during the insurance billing process. Certain trigger
`
`events may require immediate upload 110 to a central control which will then be
`
`required to take appropriate action. For example, a trigger event would be rapid
`
`deceleration in combination with airbag deployment indicating a collision, in
`
`which case the system could notify the central control of the vehicle location.
`
`Alternatively, if the operator were to trigger on an emergency light, similarly
`
`the system could notify the central control of the vehicle location indicating that
`
`an emergency is occurring. The trigger information is recorded, as at step 116,
`
`and whatever response is taken by the central control is also recorded at step
`
`118. The trigger information recording step 116 and the recording sensor
`
`information step 106 may impart recording of information in the on-board data
`
`storage device 402 or memory 406. The event response information recording
`
`at step 118 will usually occur in the central control station. Such response
`
`information could be the dispatch of an emergency vehicle, or the telephoning of
`
`police or an EMS unit.
`
`Trigger events are divided into two groups:
`
`those requiring
`
`immediate action and those not requiring immediate action, but necessary for
`
`proper billing of insurance. Those required for proper billing of insurance will
`
`be recorded in the same file with all the other recorded vehicle sensor
`
`information. Those trigger events requiring action will be uploaded to a central
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Page 002227
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCTIUS97/01495
`
`-
`
`_
`
`control center which can take action depending on the trigger event. Some
`
`trigger events will require dispatch of emergency services, such as police or
`
`EMS, and others will require the dispatch of claims representatives from the
`
`insurance company.
`
`The following comprises an exemplary of some, but not all,
`
`trigger events:
`
`Need for Assistance:
`
`These events would require immediate notification of the central control center.
`
`1.
`
`Accident Occurrence. An accident could be detemrined through
`
`the use of a single sensor, such as the deployment of an airbag.
`
`It could also be determined through the combination of sensors,
`
`such as a sudden deceleration of the vehicle without the
`
`application of the brakes.
`
`2.
`
`Roadside assistance needed. This could be through the pressing
`
`of a "panic button" in the vehicle or through the reading of a
`
`sensor, such as the level of fuel in the tank. Another example
`
`would be loss of tire pressure, signifying a flat tire.
`
`3.
`
`Lock-out assistance needed. The reading of a combination of
`
`sensors would indicate that the doors are locked but the keys are
`
`in the ignition and the driver has exited the vehicle.
`
`4.
`
`Driving restrictions. The insured can identify circumstances in
`
`which he/she wants to be notified of driving within restricted
`
`areas, and warned when he/she is entering a dangerous area. This
`
`could be applied to youthful drivers where the parent wants to
`
`restrict time or place of driving, and have a record thereof.
`
`Unsafe Operation of the Vehicle
`
`These events would be recorded in the in-vehicle recording device for future
`
`upload. Constant trigger events would result in notification of the driver of the
`
`exceptions.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Page 002228
`
`

`
`WO 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_ 13 -
`
`1.
`
`Excessive speed. The reading of the vehicle speed sensors would
`
`indicate the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit. Time would also
`
`be measured to determine if the behavior is prolonged.
`
`2.
`
`Presence of alcohol. Using an air content analyzer or breath
`
`analyzer, the level of alcohol and its use by the driver could be
`
`determined.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`Non-use of seatbelt. Percent of sample of this sensor could result
`
`in additional discount for high use or surcharge for low or no use.
`
`Non-use of turn signals. Low use could result in surcharge.
`
`ABS application without an accident. High use could indicate
`
`unsafe driving and be subject to a surcharge.
`
`With particular reference to FIGURE 2, a general flowchart
`
`describing the steps of the gathering of appropriate information for billing
`
`insurance on a periodic basis is illustrated.
`
`At the initiation of the vehicle insurance billing process, the
`
`central billing system of the insurer will acquire 202 the vehicle sensor record
`
`file from the sensor record file 204 from each vehicle to be billed. This process
`
`of data acquisition will involve a periodic uploading of the vehicle file 204.
`
`This file will be uploaded to the central system when the storage device 402 in
`
`the vehicle approaches capacity, on command, or when the billing process starts.
`
`All the information from the combination of files stored in the vehicle will be
`
`used to determine the bill for the insurance on the vehicle for the prior insurance
`
`period. Data acquisition is also made from the trigger event response file 206 in
`
`the acquisition step 208. This data is stored in the central control center, and
`
`includes information for response activities listed above which require additional
`
`billing for services rendered to the insured.
`
`At step 210, the vehicle sensor record tile and the trigger event
`
`response file are consolidated. Such files will include all the activity for which
`
`the insured is to be billed for the prior period. At step 212, all the information
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Page 002229
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_
`
`-
`
`comprising the insured profile, which is already maintained and stored in other
`
`insurance files, is applied to the consolidated activity files for the immediately
`
`prior period. This insured profile includes the information about coverages
`
`including limits and deductibles, which are necessary for establishing the
`
`5
`
`appropriate cost of insurance for the subject insured. At step 214, the acquired
`
`consolidated file information from step 210 and the overall insured profile
`
`acquired at step 212 are combined and processed against a surcharge or discount
`
`algorithm file, which include the specific factors for the various usage patterns
`
`and trigger events. The surcharges and discounts are continuously adjusted
`
`10
`
`based on the loss results associated with driving behaviors demonstrated.
`
`Finally at step 216, the appropriate billing is produced showing the charges for
`
`insurance and other services for the prior period. The billing can be sent
`
`electronically or in printed form to the insured for payment.
`
`With particular reference to FIGURE 5, a general diagram of the
`
`15
`
`process for acquiring and recording vehicle insurance related data is illustrated.
`
`At step 502, the raw data elements are collected from the vehicle sensors that
`
`provide the raw data elements identified above. Calculated data elements are
`
`generated in step 504 and derived data elements are generated at step 508. As
`
`20
`
`noted, it is necessary to collect certain database information elements at step 506
`prior to generating the derived data elements. A sample of all the data elements
`
`is stored in the vehicle at step 510. The sample rate or the recording of the
`
`information is controlled based upon the particular insurance billing recording
`
`needs predetermined by an algorithm developed by the insurance company. The
`
`algorithm will change depending on the particular type of insurance related
`
`25
`
`requirements for the information. At step 512, if a certain incident, for example
`
`collision, occurs then a snapshot is generated of all the relevant data elements at
`
`the time of the incident, 514.
`
`With reference to FIGURE 6, various examples of sources of
`
`insurance related data, the interface required to acquire the data and an example
`
`Page 002230
`
`

`
`WO 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_
`
`__
`
`of the sample rate are illustrated for a preferred embodiment of the subject
`
`invention. Accordingly, it can be seen that for a certain infonnation database
`
`comprised of maps, speed limits, traffic signs, and highway conditions is stored
`
`in the data storage device of the computer and can be obtained on demand
`
`therefrom. Acquiring data from vehicle sources such as engine data, body data
`
`and electrical data is obtained through a conventional SAE 1978 connector with
`
`an exemplary sample rate of 10-15 Hz. The other sources of relevant data, such
`
`as IVHs, GPS, security system or any additional systems are obtained through
`
`various I/O ports and the sample rate can be varied in accordance with the
`
`desired goals of the insurer.
`
`One of the useful consequences of the subject invention is that
`
`other products could be marketed to a particular vehicle operator based on
`
`information provided from the subject invention from the operator’s motor
`
`vehicle. Since the invention includes processes for gathering, extracting and
`
`analyzing information provided by the vehicle, a more informed judgment can
`
`be made about a determination of when and which products could be marketed
`
`to that motor vehicle operator. For example, by knowing that a vehicle operator
`
`travels on vacation in that vehicle to a certain resort location may give rise to a
`
`marketing of a package of products particular to the type of travel or the
`
`location. Another example would relate to the knowledge that the vehicle
`
`operator attends particular types of sporting events which may give rise to
`
`certain types of products catered to fans of that sporting event.
`
`The invention has been described with reference to preferred
`
`embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others
`
`upon a reading and understanding of the specification.
`
`It is our intention to
`
`include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the
`
`scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Page 002231
`
`

`
`W0 9.7,27561
`
`PCT/US97l01495
`
`_ 21 -
`
`Having thus described our invention, we claim:
`
`1.
`
`A method of detennining a cost of automobile insurance based
`
`upon monitoring, recording and communicating data representative of operator
`
`and vehicle driving characteristics, whereby the cost is adjustable by relating the
`
`driving characteristics to predetermined safety standards, the method comprising:
`
`monitoring a plurality of raw data elements representative of an
`
`operating state of a vehicle or an action of the operator;
`
`recording selected ones of the plurality of raw data elements when
`
`said ones are determined to have a preselected relationship to the safety
`standards;
`
`10
`
`consolidating said selected ones for processing against an insured
`
`profile and for identifying a surcharge or discount to be applied to a base cost of
`
`automobile insurance; and,
`
`producing a final cost from the base cost and the surcharge or
`
`discount.
`
`The method as described in claim 1 wherein said recording
`2.
`comprises identifying a trigger event associated with a one of the raw data
`
`elements having the preselected relationship and recording both the one raw data
`
`element and trigger information representative of the trigger event.
`
`The method as described in claim 1 further including immediately
`3.
`communicating to a central control station via an uplink information
`
`representative of a trigger event associated with a one of the raw data elements.
`
`The method as described in claim 3 further including recording
`4.
`trigger event response information generated by said control station.
`
`Page 002232
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`_
`
`_
`
`The method as described in claim 1 funher including generating
`5.
`calculated data elements from said raw data elements.
`
`The method as described in claim 5 further including generating
`6.
`derived data elements from said raw data elements.
`
`7.
`
`The method as described in claim 6 wherein said consolidating
`
`comprises accumulating said calculated and derived data elements.
`
`8.
`
`The method as described in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of
`
`the plurality of raw data elements are within an awareness and selected control
`
`of the operator and wherein the method further comprises adjusting by the
`
`operator of operator driving behavior thereby causing a change in the portion of
`
`raw data elements to obtain the surcharge or discount in the Final cost.
`
`9.
`
`The method as described in claim 8 wherein the base cost is for a
`
`predetermined period of time and wherein the adjusting by the operator is set to
`
`occur at predetermined intervals within the predetermined period.
`
`10.
`
`The method as described in claim 9 wherein the predetermined
`
`period of time comprises two years and the predetermined intervals comprise
`
`monthly intervals.
`
`11.
`
`A process for acquiring and recording vehicle insurance related
`
`data via an on—board computer and recording system comprising steps of:
`
`monitoring a plurality of raw data elements representative of
`
`vehicle operating states and driver actions;
`
`Page 002233
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`- 23 -
`
`recording selected ones of the raw data elements in a vehicle
`
`record file of an on—board data storage device when said ones are identified as
`
`having a relationship material to determination of a cost of insurance;
`
`identifying whether said selected ones comprise a trigger event,
`
`and if so identified, communicating information representative of the trigger
`
`10
`
`event to a central control station for storage in a trigger event file; and,
`
`consolidating said vehicle record file and said trigger event file in
`
`a form for determining a vehicle cost of insurance.
`
`12.
`
`The process as defined in claim 11 further including
`
`communicating from the central control station an order for dispatch of an
`
`emergency or assist vehicle in response to the identifying of a special trigger
`
`event determined to require driver assistance.
`
`13.
`
`A system of determining a cost of automobile insurance based
`
`upon monitoring, recording and communicating data representative of operator
`
`and vehicle driving characteristics, whereby the cost is adjustable by relating the
`
`driving characteristics to predetermined safety standards, the system comprising:
`
`means for monitoring a plurality of raw data elements
`
`representative of an operating state of a vehicle or an action of the operator;
`
`means for recording selected ones of the plurality of raw data
`
`elements when said ones are determined to have a preselected relationship to the
`
`safety standards;
`
`10
`
`means for consolidating said selected ones for processing against
`
`an insured profile and for identifying a surcharge or discount to be applied to a
`
`base cost of automobile insurance; and,
`
`means for producing a final cost from the base cost and the
`
`surcharge or discount.
`
`Page 002234
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`-24-
`
`14.
`
`The system as described in claim 13 further including means for
`
`immediately communicating to the central control station via an uplink
`
`information representative of a trigger event associated with the run of the raw
`
`data elements.
`
`15.
`
`The system as described in claim 13 further including means for
`
`generating calculated data elements from said raw data elements.
`
`16.
`
`The system as described in claim 15 further including generating
`
`derived data elements from said raw data elements.
`
`17,
`
`A method of generating an actuarial class system for determining
`
`vehicle insurance costs for retrospectively adjusting and prospectively setting
`
`premiums based on data derived from motor vehicle operational characteristics
`
`and driver behavior, comprising:
`
`monitoring a plurality of raw data elements representing vehicle
`
`operating states and driver actions;
`
`recording selected ones of the raw data elements in a vehicle
`
`record files when said ones are identified as having a relationship material to
`
`determination of a cost of insurance;
`
`setting a plurality of actuarial classes associated with
`
`corresponding degrees of safety of operation of the vehicle wherein said
`
`actuarial classes are derived from aggregating selected ones of the raw data
`
`elements; and,
`
`consolidating said vehicle record files with selected actuarial
`
`classes for determining a corresponding cost of insurance for the vehicle in
`
`correspondence with a one of the actuarial classes.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Page 002235
`
`

`
`WO 97/27561
`
`PCTfUS97/01495
`
`_.
`
`_
`
`18.
`
`The process for determining a cost of insurance as defined in
`
`claim 17 wherein said monitoring and recording steps occur concurrently with
`
`actual vehicle operation for acquiring the raw data elements during actual
`
`vehicle use.
`
`19.
`
`The process for determining a cost of insurance as defined in
`
`claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the plurality of raw data elements are
`
`within an awareness and selective control of a driver, the process further
`
`comprising adjusting by the driver of driving behavior to changesaid portion of
`
`5
`
`raw data elements for consolidating said vehicle record with an other one of the
`
`actuarial classes.
`
`20.
`
`An integrated system for extracting from multiple sensors,
`
`screening, aggregating and applying for insurance rating purposes, data
`
`generated by an actual operation of a specific motor vehicle comprising:
`
`5
`
`multiple sensors wherein the elements are representative of vehicle operating
`
`means for extracting a plurality of raw data elements from the
`
`states and driver actions;
`
`means for screening the raw data elements and aggregating
`
`selected ones of the raw data elements in a vehicle record file of an on-board
`
`storage device when said selected ones are identified as having a relationship
`
`10
`
`material to determination of a cost of insurance for the vehicle;
`
`means for associating the aggregated selected raw data elements
`
`with predetermined actuarial classes indicative of a degree of safety of operation
`
`of the vehicle; and
`
`means producing a cost of insurance for the vehicle associated
`
`15
`
`with selected ones of the actuarial classes.
`
`Page 002236
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCTfUS97/01495
`
`-
`
`-
`
`data elements, said calculated and derived data elements being further
`
`aggregated for association with the selected one of the actuarial classes.
`
`Page 002237
`
`

`
`W0 97l2756l
`
`I/5
`
`IOO
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`IO4
`
`
` REVERIFY
`VEHICLE
`IN TWO
`OPERATING
`'9
`
`MINUTES
`
`
`
`YES
`
`I06
`
`
` RECORD SENSOR
`IN FORMATION
`
`
`
`
`
`IMMEDIATE
`RECORD TRIGGER
`UPLOAD
`
`INFORMATION
`7
`
`
`
`
`
`NOTIFY
`CENTRAL CONTROL
`
`
`
`
`
`RECORD TRIGGER
`EVENT RESPONSE
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CENTRA L CONTROL
`
`TAKE APPROPRIATE
`ACTION
`
`FIG.|
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Page 002238
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`2/6
`
`PCTlUS97l01495
`
`ma
`
`204
`
`202
`
`ACQUIRE
`
`RECORD FILE
`
`VE""C'—E
`
`
`
`
`VEHICLE SENSOR
`RECORD FILE
`
`206
`
`208
`
`
`
`
`TRIGGER EVENT
`
`RESPONSE FILE
`ACQUIRED
`
`ACQUIRE TRIGGER
`EVENT RESPONSE
`FILE
`
`CONSOLIDATE
`FILES
`
`2I2
`
`PROCESS FILE
`AGAINST INSURED
`PROFILE
`
`ALGORITHM FILE
`
`PROCESS FILE
`
`AGAINST SURCHARGE
`
`INSURED
`
`PRODUCE PERIODIC
`BILLS TO BE MAILED TO
`
`ACCOUNT
`STATEMENTS
`
`2I6
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Page 002239
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Page 002240
`
`

`
`W0 97/27561
`
`4I6
`
`4/5
`
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`OPERATIONS
`CONTROL
`
`CENTER
`
`4I8
`
`COMMUNICATIONS LINK
`
`TELEPHONE)
`
`(eg CELLULAR
`
`300
`
`402
`
`404
`
`4 I 0
`
`ON‘ BOARD
`DATA
`STORAGE
`
`[/0
`SUBSYSTEM
`
`
`
`DRIVER
`INPUT
`CONSOLE
`
`4,4
`
`ADDITIONAL
`
`SENSORS
`
`422
`
`Page 002241
`
`
`
`ON ' BOARD COMPUTER
`AND RECORDING SYSTEM
`
`REA'-‘TIME
`OPERATING
`KERNEL
`
`406
`
`408
`
`VEHICLE
`DATABUS AND
`
`SENSORS
`
`NAVIGATION
`SUBSYSTEM
`
`4 I 2
`
`420
`
`FIG.4
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`

`
`WO 97/27561
`
`5/6
`
`PCT/US97/0 1495
`
`FlG.5
`
`
`
`
`COLLECT
`RAW DATA
`
`E LEM E NTS
`
`
`502
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GENERATE
`CALCULATED
`DATA ELEMENTS
`
` COLLECT
`DATABASE
`
`INFORMATION
`ELEMENTS
`
`
`
`
`GE NERATE
`DERIVED DATA
`ELEMENTS
`
`
`
`STORE DATA
`SAMPLE
`
`
`
`INCIDENT
`fggrggfig
`
`C°ND?'T'°"
`CONDITION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Page 002242
`
`

`
`W0 97/2756!
`
`6/6
`
`PCTlUS97/01495
`
`:3...mmmoomn.zo_:m__..8<<53m_._o_zu>
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mmmoommmoz<§mz_md_:m_>352
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`..uh._.-¢\~m~-m¢.9:
`
`
`
`2.5.m._n__2<m
`
`muE<>-
`
`
`
`
`
`mEo..o:m=o_m<>-
`
`
`
`m:.<mm._n_2<m
`
`ozszmo20-
`
`
`
`
`
`mw<mo$mmtazoo..
`
`
`
`mzofiazoo><;:e_:
`
`
`
`mzoao_“_u_<E.
`
`
`
`m:2_._Swim
`
`mn_<_2
`
`mu<..Em»z_
`
`
`
`mm<mE.<ozo:.<sEou_z_
`
`
`
`
`
`Sm:$55“:-
`
`
`
`ups.m._..2<m
`
`mu<..EE.z_
`
`
`
`mmumnowm.6:n._>
`
`N19.9..
`
`mozmzzoo8.9_.mi...-
`
`53mzazm.
`
`<55Eom-
`
`
`
`
`
`<53._<u_Eum.m_u
`
`mu<.._$:,__
`
`mmomaom5:8
`
`
`
`Ezmzea..<zo:._8<
`
`
`
`zmfifimt._.,.5omm
`
`<23m:>_
`
`3.3$6
`
`m.0_.._
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Page 002243
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
` International application No.
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`
`A.
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT M.A'I"I'ER
`
`
`
`; G06F isspo
`mom)
`
`
`US CL 23951204; 364/ 424.01, 424.04, 565; 340/441; 346/18
`According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`
`
`B.
`FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`U.S.395l204; 364/424.01, 424.04, 565; 340/441; 346/18 :
`
`
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`
`
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable. search terms used)
`APS, DIALOG
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Citation of document, with indication. where appropriate. of the relevant passages
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`
`1, 8, 9-11,13,
`17,19-20
`
`
`C.
`
`DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`US 4,843,578 A (WADE) 27 June 1989, figure 1-2 and col. 1,2,4-8,1 1, 13,
`1, line 54 to col. 4, line 11.
`15-20
`
`
`
`
`
`BAIG, Edward. The safest cars of '91, U.S. News & World
`Report, V109, n22, p71
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`E
`'L'
`
`'0'
`
`dotalntaalru-Ierringtnanonl diaclnnnn. nae, exhibition orother
`Hi
`
`‘X’
`
`,Y_
`
`'P'
`
`
`
`Ihnprioriqdaleeknnai
`Date of the actual completion of the international search
`
` Date of mailing of the international search report
` 24 MARCH 1997
`0 5 MAY 1997
` Name and mailing address of the ISA/US
`Commiuiomr of Patents and Trademarks
`
`Box PC!‘
`
`Walhinglon. D.C. 201'”
`
`03 305-3210
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second aheet)(.IuIy l992)t
`
`
`
`
`
`
`3, 12,14
`US 5,550,551 A (ALESIO) 27 August 1996, figures 1-3 and
`col. 3, lines 4-41.
`
` 1-20
`US 5,055,851 A (SHEFFER) 08 October 1991, col. 2,
`line
`44 to col. 3, line 68.
` 1-20
`US 5,430,432 A (CAMHI et al.) 04 July 1995, col. 3, line 65
`to col. 10, line 39.
`
` 1-20
`US 5,499,182 A (OUSBORNE) 12 March 1996, col. 3, line
`46 to col. 6, line 65.
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. D See patent family annex.
`husdocumempubthhadnna-thahmn-sou-tfithgdnaorprio-ity
`Spec"-1&0:-ieaofeilcd document:
`
`
`.
`‘
`.
`fiteuldnotiltoonflidwifltlhelpplicationbtltcituilcumderintdfin
`doalnaaddhngthegaaenlnnleoflbenrtwhtfinnotconaievul
`l,"'l.#k¢,q,a,y,..«1¢,-gyi.‘§,,iny¢.§ou
`‘A’
`tnhaofpnrianhrnlevnnec
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`document oIpaniua|arrclevanaa;thecIaimed invaationcannotbe
`
`erberdoeunaupubluhudonoraflertluelnerltdaonlllilnjdate
`”h:'i:::_owIwF:=flb:lw_Hfldbi"o~'_._v_fi“n9
`doetlnu:tvhi&|nlytluuwdot|btlonprioI"Iychin(a)orIIh&'n
`"
`“"53"
`‘I
`‘I’:
`
`a
`0'
`“hug.
`in
`,
`he
`oomidetfltoiuvohrcaninvqstivenqvlhutthednelnamtil
`
`
`co|nhitcdrilhoncormoreotherIuclIdoctnnent.I.mchcoInbinntion
`beiagobttioulloaperuxnlkilldintheen
`
`
`
`
`-5-
`
`¢¢¢.-,Q;,.,§.|,,,°(¢,¢_m¢l,..“,,f.,my
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 002244
`
`
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`lntemalional application No.
`PCT/US97/01495
`
`
`
`C (Continuation). DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`
`
`Citation of document. with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`DRIERLEIN, Robert. Vendors spice up services. Beverage
`World, V109, n1467, p82
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (continuation of Ieeond lhouxluly l.992)t
`
`Page 002245
`
`

`
`PCT
`
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`
`
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 5 :
`G07C 5/08
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`WO 98/47109
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`22 October 1998 (22.l0.98)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/US98/07704
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`16 April 1998 (16.04.98)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`08/837,432
`
`17 April 1997 (l7.04.97)
`
`US
`
`[US/US];
`STAGE III TECHNOLOGIES, L.C.
`(71) Applicant:
`McCarran Field Executive Terminal, Suite 7, 6005 Las
`Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors: KHOSROWJERDI, Mohammad; 33 Brainard Road,
`Wilbraham, MA 01095 (US). PRESZ, Walter, M., Jr.; 40
`Grove Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 (US). ANDERSON,
`Jack, H.; 20 Santillane Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
`(US).
`
`(74) Agents: HOLLAND, Donald, S. et al.; Holland & Bonzagni,
`P.C., 171 Dwight Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States; AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR,
`BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE,
`GH, GM, GW, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ,
`LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ,
`TM, TR, TI‘, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW, ARIPO patent
`(GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian patent
`(AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent
`(AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT,
`LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI,
`CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt of
`amendments.
`
`(54) Title: VEHICLE CRASH DATA RECORDER, LOCATOR AND COMMUNICATOR
`
`COMPUTER
`
`'23
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`A vehicle data recorder, utilized to record vehicle operational data, employs accelerometers to sense vehicle acceleration. To
`compensate for the inherent error in such accelerometers due to their undesired response to gravity, a gyroscope is employed. The
`gyroscope measures the identical false acceleration component, due to vehicle inclination, as that of the accelerometers. The gyroscope
`outputs are then subtracted from the accelerometer outputs, resulting in a true reading of vehicle acceleration, from which vehicle velocity is
`calculated. The vehicle data recorder also includes a communications port for connection to a computer utilized to reconstruct an abnormal
`vehicle operating condition. Also included is a signal transmitter for sending signals to appropriate rescue authorities and indicative of
`vehicle conditions such as the vehicle location, the severity of the accident and the time of the accident. A global positioning system is
`also utilized to allow the vehicle to determine its location on the earth’s surface.
`
`Page 002246
`
`

`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`Slovenia
`Lesotho
`LS
`ES
`Albania
`Slovakia
`LT
`FI
`Lithuania
`Armenia
`LU
`FR
`Senegal
`Austria
`Luxembourg
`Swaziland
`LV
`GA
`Latvia
`Australia
`Chad
`Monaco
`MC
`GB
`Azerbaijan
`MD
`GE
`Togo
`Republic of Moldova
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`MG
`GH
`Barbados
`Madagascar
`Tajikistan
`Turkmenistan
`MK
`GN
`The former Yugoslav
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`GR
`'I‘urkey
`Republic of Macedonia
`Mali
`HU
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Bulgaria
`Uluaine
`IE
`Benin
`Mongolia
`Mauritania
`IL
`Brazil
`Uganda
`United States of America
`Malawi
`IS
`Belarus
`Uzbekistan
`Mexico
`IT
`Canada
`Viet Nam
`JP
`Niger
`Central African Republic
`Netherlands
`KE
`Yugoslavia
`Congo
`Zimbabwe
`KG
`Switzerland
`Norway
`New Zealand
`KP
`Cbte d’Ivoire
`Poland
`Cameroon
`China
`Portugal
`Romania
`Cuba
`Russian Federation
`Czech Republic
`Sudan
`Germany
`Sweden
`Denmark
`Estonia
`Singapore
`
`Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Ghana
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Israel
`Iceland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgyzstan
`Democratic People’s
`Republic of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakstan
`Saint Lucia
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Liberia
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`LI
`LK
`LR
`
`ML
`MN
`MR
`MW
`MX
`NE
`NL
`NO
`NZ
`PL
`PT
`RO
`RU
`SD
`SE
`SG
`
`Page 002247
`
`

`
`W0 98/471 09
`
`PCT/US98/07704
`
`VEHICI ,E CRASH DATA RECORDER, LOCATOR AND COMMUNICATOR
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIQ 1N
`
`This invention relates to data recorders for vehicles such as automobiles,
`
`and more particularly to such a data recorder having improved means for sensing
`
`5
`
`vehicle acceleration prior to and during an abnormal vehicle operating condition, such
`
`as a vehicle crash.
`
`When any type of air, water or land vehicle encounters a problematic or
`
`abnormal operating condition, such as an accident in which the vehicle strikes an object,
`
`it is desirable to determine the reasons for such a condition. This is especially
`
`10
`
`important when human injury or loss of life occurs.
`
`Historically, the reasons or causes for a vehicle accident have been
`
`determined by making an estimate of various vehicle operating parameters, such as
`
`velocity and direction. These estimates are made from readily-observable evidence,
`
`such as the length and direction of tire skid marks left on the surface of the roadway,
`
`15
`
`and the amount and type of damage to the vehicle. The resulting observed values are
`
`