AU2011100185B4

AU2011100185B4 - Recording, Tracking and Evaluating Apparatus and Method

Info

Publication number: AU2011100185B4
Application number: AU2011100185A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Goran Berkec; Len Markus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-23
Filing date: 2011-02-14
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-14
Also published as: AU2011100185A4; AU2011213829B2; AU2011213829A1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT APPLICANT: Len Markus and Goran Berkec INVENTION TITLE: Recording, Tracking and Evaluating Apparatus and Method The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - -2 Recording, Tracking and Evaluating Apparatus and Method Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of recording and, more specifically, to a recording apparatus and method for use in assisting a 5 driver such as a learning driver to record, track and evaluate relevant details of a driving session. Though the invention can be applied for a variety of purposes, such as use by insurance companies to identify the usage of the vehicle by drivers, truck industries to record performance of truck drivers, police cars to record details of 10 each shift, for convenience it shall be described herein as a recording, tracking and evaluating system for learner drivers. The term "Learner drivers" is defined herein as drivers who have not received their full driving licence/permit or have obtained their full driving licence but are on a provisional basis until particular requirements are met. An example of 15 such a particular requirement under Victorian law in Australia is the requirement of a learner driver to undertake 120 hours of practice prior to undertaking a formal driving and computerised test. It is in the undertaking of such requirements in which the current recording, tracking and evaluating system can be applied. 20 Background to the Invention It can happen that tragedies which occur on roads are caused as a result of inexperienced and unconfident drivers such as the learner driver. Such tragedies can arise when the learner driver does not obtain sufficient experience driving under the supervision of a parent and/or guardian. In haste 25 they will overlook this important step to obtain a full or provisional licence as soon as possible. However, in such haste, and due to the ease in obtaining a full licence, a false sense of security is created, and such probationary or inexperienced drivers could present a liability on the roads.

-3 In particular, such learner drivers, due to the lack of sufficient experience, are often unable to consider all the relevant factors during driving. They could still have a dependence on requiring a guardian or passenger to assist them in identifying such factors and risks associated with nearby cars, pedestrians, 5 cyclists, road signs etc. In addition, insufficient experience may make it difficult for the learner driver to meet difficulties across all circumstances and conditions including peak hour traffic, night-time driving and driving in rain or mist. With no or little experience, the learner driver will not know how to handle the car in a safe manner or learn 10 to follow relevant procedures in operating car headlights or foglights for example or in coping with the oncoming car headlights or foglights. Further, in such circumstances, the driver must 'self-teach' rather than utilising and learning, in a more preferred way, from the knowledge and experience and judgement of a guardian or parent at the first instance of how to drive in such 15 conditions. As a result, their chances of being involved in an accident are increased substantially. A further issue arises where learners do not obtain experience in driving on different types of roads as often, due to lack of confidence, the learner driver remain driving in residential streets rather than highways or freeways. This 20 deficiency often is not realised until the learner driver has obtained their licence and on a solo trip finds themselves trying to get on or off a highway or freeway. The high speeds on the highway and the lack of confidence and experience can lead to fatal accidents or dangerous situations to be created. As a result, relevant government departments have understood that a primary 25 feature of a driver safety program is to increase the experience of learner drivers in order to become independent and confident drivers during the learning period such that, after obtaining their complete licence, the driver is self reliant and a safe driver. These government departments have therefore now often provided additional requirements for learner drivers in order to 30 increase their experience over a wide range of traffic conditions prior to obtaining a full licence.

-4 Different countries have provided different requirements for learner drivers to be satisfied before obtaining a complete or provisional licence. Such requirements can include taking computer tests to judge the learner's response times, practical tests such as eye tests and driving test and/or written 5 questionnaires. For the purposes of this application, the requirement of interest is the illustration that the learner driver has undertaken a specific number of hours of practice under supervision. Such a requirement is difficult to track by a leaner driver for the following reasons. As the learner must estimate how many hours have been spent driving, the 10 length of time recorded can often be inaccurate. In addition, as learner drivers are encouraged to drive as often as possible parents or guardians as passengers, they may perform several short trips to close locations such as shops and may therefore provide an inaccurate cumulative value rather than a precise value of each individual trip. 15 In addition, accurate values will only be recorded if undertaken as it is occurring. The prior art does not provide a method of obtaining such a record. Therefore, the learner driver is required to record their time after their sessions has ended but if not recorded immediately thereafter, it is likely that inaccurate values may be recorded. 20 In addition, the use of written log books can be susceptible to intentional input of misleading information to illustrate more time than what has been practiced. This leads to inexperienced drivers on the roads. A further disadvantage that arises with the use of written log books is the inability to evaluate the data. For example, the user must continually calculate 25 the amount of time practiced to date and the amount of hours left. In addition, there is no clear identification of what roads or driving conditions the learner requires more practice on. Therefore the prior art has many shortfalls in obtaining a clear understanding of the experience and capabilities of the learner driver.

-5 Summary of the Invention Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative. 5 The invention generally relates to logging of data of a driving session by a driver on an electronic device thereby allowing, upon authorisation of the logging of data of the driving session, the recording of the driver session data as an authorised driver session thereby allowing for the tracking and evaluating of driving ability of the driver. 10 Within the context of the specification the term "authorise" is meant to include a process of validation which an authoriser had to undertake in order to verify the log data of a driver session thereby allowing the system, apparatus or method of the present invention to record the log information as an authorised driving session. The process of validation may be visual. The present of validation 15 may further include the authoriser viewing at least a portion of the log data on the electronic device of the user, on a remote electronic device of the authoriser, or a portion of the logged information, which may be adapted, on either of the electronic device of the user or of the authoriser. The tracking and evaluating of the driver habits may allow and assessing entity 20 to determine progress of the driver in gaining driving experience including identifying the capabilities and weaknesses of the driver. The assessing entity may be an authorised qualified driver travelling with the driver during the driver session and which may be required to provide the authorisation. 25 The assessing entity may be an organisation such as a government body which obtains a copy of the logged data in order to conduct the determination of the progress of the driver; and wherein an authorised qualified driver is required to travel with the driver during the driver session in order to authorise the logged data.

-6 The logging of data may be performed by an electronic device which is associated with the driver. The electronic device may be in the form of a cellphone, PDA, or the like. The electronic device may be issued by the organisation for use by the driver. 5 The electronic device may conduct the tracking and evaluation at least of the data of authorised driver session. The data over a wide range of criteria may be logged in order to allow for the tracking and evaluation of progress of the driver in gaining driving experience. The criteria may be selected from any one or a combination of the following: 10 total hours practised, one or more weather conditions, road type, one or more traffic conditions, type of vehicle, driver habits including regularity in observation and irregularities in speed of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a recording, tracking and evaluation system for use with at least a current vehicle driving session in one or more 15 driving sessions of at least one; the system including at least one apparatus and which is adapted to receive input data from one or more sources to log information of the current driving session and to communicate at least part of key data of the driver session is communicated to an authoriser for review and validate the communicated key data; the apparatus is further adapted to 20 receive authorisation input data from the authoriser required to authorise the recording of information of the current driving session as an authorised driving session; and wherein the logged information of the driving sessions of the at least one user is analysed by the at least one apparatus thereby to produce output data for visual display which allows for the assessment of the driving 25 ability of the driver. The microprocessor may analyse the logged formation of the driving sessions in light of one or more criteria which are selected from any one or a combination of the following: route information, driver habitual information, vehicle information, and whether condition information.

-7 The route information may include any one or a combination of the following sub-criteria: type of road, date, time, destination, departure location information, and one or more speed zones. The driver habitual information may include any one or a combination of the 5 following sub-criteria: driver observation habits, compliance with one or more speed zones, average engine revolutions of the motor vehicle driven by the driver, compliance with safety regulations including usage of safety belts and safety belt of each passenger, and acceleration and deceleration angles. The vehicle information may include any one or a combination of the following 10 sub-criteria: type of transmission of the vehicle and engine size. The weather condition information may include any one or a combination of the following sub-criteria: precipitation, wind speed, and degree of cloud cover. The one or more sources may be selected from any one or a combination of the following: vehicle sensors, system sensors attached to the vehicle, 15 electronic device sensors, an input device of the electronic device, and data received from a remote electronic device using one or more wireless technologies. The system may include an interface unit which is installed into a vehicle with which the at least one user is undertaking the current driver session; and 20 wherein the interface unit is adapted to communicate wirelessly to the electronic device data produced by vehicle sensors. The vehicle sensors may be selected from any one all combination of the following: odometer readings, speedometer readings, wiper activity, headlight activity, brake light activity, safety belt usage, vehicle warning signs, and 25 engine revolutions. Authorisation from the authoriser may be required before the software application is allowed to log information of the current driving session.

-8 At least part of the logged information of the current driving session may be uploaded to a remote location for at least storage. The uploaded, logged information may be further processed at the remote location through an assessing entity. 5 The invention further extends to a recording, tracking and evaluation apparatus for use in at least a current vehicle driving session in one or more vehicle driving sessions of at least one user; the apparatus includes at least one electronic device which includes an input means, an output means, an evaluation means, and a receiving means; the input means is adapted to 10 receive input data from one or more sources to log information of the current driving session; the evaluation means is adapted to analyse the logged information of the driving sessions of the at least one user to track and evaluate the current driving session of the at least one user thereby to produce output data; the output means is adapted to communicate the output data for visual 15 display thereby to aid an authoriser to track and evaluate the current driving session of the at least one user; and the input means receives authorisation from the authoriser, in response to the visual display, required by the receiving means to cause the storing of information of the current driving session as an authorised driving session. 20 The at least one electronic device may include a communication means; the communication means is adapted to communicate at least part of key data of the driver session to the authoriser for review and validation of the communicated key data; and the output means is adapted to cause output of the produced output data which allows for the assessment of the driving ability 25 of the driver. The authoriser may receive a request for authorisation on an authorisation electronic device; and wherein the authoriser submits authorisation data from the authorisation electronic device to the software application thereby causing a authorisation log to be produced on the authorisation electronic device. 30 The authorisation electronic device may be in the form of a cellphone, PDA or the like.

-9 The request for authorisation may be in the form of an SMS which is sent from the electronic device to the authorisation electronic device. A client software application may be installed on the authorisation electronic device; and wherein the software application is adapted to communicate 5 wirelessly with the client software application thereby to send the request for authorisation and to receive authorisation data from the authorisation electronic device. The software application and client software application may interface wirelessly with a remote server which facilitates the communication of the 10 request for authorisation and authorisation data. The invention also extends to a recording, tracking and evaluation method for a vehicle driving session; the method including the steps of: receiving, with an electronic device, input data from one or more sources to log information of the driving session; allowing for processing of the logged information in light of one 15 or more criteria which are selected to assess driver experience and ability; providing to an output the produced output data for display allowing for the tracking and evaluation of the experience and ability of a driver in the driving session. The recording, tracking and evaluating method may include the steps of: 20 receiving input data by the electronic device from one or more sources through an input means for receiving a combination of data of at least one practice route performed by a learner driver in the driving session; receiving a confirmation input in the form of a practice route confirmation by a qualified driver; storing the input data on the electronic device wherein the input data is 25 recorded onto a memory device; analysing the input data on the electronic device wherein the electronic device interprets, tracks and evaluates and calculates the input data in specific combinations to provide output of output data identifying to the qualified driver the capabilities and weaknesses of the learner driver; and outputting the analysed input data on the electronic device 30 wherein the output data is able to be provide a visual comparative data on the - 10 output means; whereby the successful practice of a learner driver over a range of criteria are determined The invention provides for a recording, tracking and evaluating system comprising the steps of: 5 a) receiving input data by a determining apparatus from one or more sources through an input means for receiving a combination of data of at least one practice route performed by a learner driver and a confirmation input in the form of a practice route confirmation by a qualified driver; b) storing the input data on the determining apparatus wherein the input 10 data is recorded onto a memory device; c) analysing the input data on the determining apparatus wherein the determinator interprets, tracks and evaluates and calculates the input data in specific combinations to provide output of output data identifying to the qualified driver the capabilities and weaknesses of the learner 15 driver; d) outputting the analysing the input data on the determining wherein the output data is able to be provided by an output means in the form of a visual comparative data; whereby the successful practice of a learner driver over a range of criteria 20 are determined. The range of criteria can include one or more of: " Total Hours practiced; e One or more weather conditions; e Road types; and 25 e One or more traffic conditions.

- 11 The receiving of input data by the determining apparatus from one or more sources through an input means can be a manual input and/or an automatic input. Automatic input can be achieved by one or more of: 5 o Clock input upon activation of system; o Geographical input by GPS; o Road input from sensors; o Weather input from sensors; o Speed input from vehicle or GPS/time analysis; and 10 o Driver error detection by infringement notices or sudden braking or acceleration detection. The invention also provides a learner driver mechanism for a determining recording, tracking and evaluating apparatus which includes: a) an input means for receiving input data from one or more sources and of 15 at least one practice route performed by a learner driver and for receiving a confirmation input in the form of a practice route confirmation by a qualified driver; b) a determining means for receiving input data from one or more sources through the input means, the determining apparatus including: 20 a. a memory device for storing the input data on the apparatus wherein the input data is recorded; b. an analysing means for analysing the input data on the apparatus wherein the analysing means interprets, tracks and evaluates and calculates the input data in specific combinations; 25 and c. an output means to provide output of output data identifying to a qualified driver the capabilities and weaknesses of the learner driver; -12 c) a display means for outputting the analysing the input data on the determining wherein the output data is able to be provided by an output means in the form of a visual comparative data whereby the successful practice of a learner driver over a range of criteria 5 are determined. The apparatus can be a car mounted unit or a unit connectable to a car or transportable in a car. The apparatus can include one or more sensors or determiners such as a GPS unit, a clock, motion detectors etc. The apparatus may collate information stored during a practice session for later 10 download to a determining means. The determining means can be a website. In another form the determining means can be a smart card entry means for collating, analysing and entry into a smart card for usage when applying for full licence. The determining means can be an online forum such that the driver licence 15 authority or the like can have direct feed of training. The apparatus can be directly connected to the determining means through wireless telecommunication or the like. Preferably the apparatus includes a reader for receiving and reading smart cards of a practice driver and/or the qualified driver. The smart cards can be 20 the full or provisional licenses of the drivers. The insertion of the smart card into the reader at least provides an element of verification of the drivers being present. In one form of the invention there is provided a self contained recording, tracking and evaluating apparatus including: 25 a) an input means for receiving input data from one or more sources and of at least one practice route performed by a learner driver and a confirmation input in the form of a practice route confirmation by a qualified driver; - 13 b) a determining apparatus for receiving input data from one or more sources through the input means, the determining apparatus including: a. a memory device for storing the input data on the apparatus wherein the input data is recorded; 5 b. an analysing means for analysing the input data on the apparatus wherein the analysing means interprets, tracks and evaluates and calculates the input data in specific combinations; and c. an output means to provide output of output data identifying to the 10 qualified driver the capabilities and weaknesses of the learner driver; c) a display means for outputting the analysed input data wherein the output data is in the form of a visual comparative data whereby the successful practice of a learner driver over a range of criteria 15 are determined. The determining apparatus is rectangular having a front portion, a back portion, two side portions, a top portion and a bottom portion. The input means may be in the form of a touch screen. The input means can also be in the form of a key pad or sensors. The input means can be a 20 combination of a key pad, sensors or touch screen. The memory device may be in the form of a licence. Where the memory device is a licence, the apparatus includes a licence entry point. The input data is any one or combination of speed, types of roads, kilometres 25 travelled, route travelled, time, date, weather and road conditions. The determinator provides an average of kilometres travelled and time per practice session.

- 14 The determinator provides a calculation of the status of the learner driver in light of the government requirements. The determinator evaluates the routes travelled to identify the types of roads requiring further practice. 5 The output data is a graphical representation of the input data. The invention further provides a method of recording, tracking and evaluating a driving session comprising: a) Inserting a learner driver's licence into a licence entry point of an apparatus; 10 b) Inputting the date, time, starting and end location and route to be followed in between the start and end locations; c) Recording the input data of the driving session; d) using the apparatus to interpret, track, evaluate and calculate the input data; and 15 e) Receiving the output data. In another embodiment, the invention also extends to a recording, tracking and evaluation method for a vehicle driving session; the method including the steps of: receiving, with an electronic device, input data from one or more sources to log information of the driving session; allowing for processing of the logged 20 information in light of one or more criteria which are selected to assess driver experience and ability; communicating, by the electronic device, at least part of key data of the driver session to an authoriser for review and validation of the communication key data; receiving authorisation input data from the authoriser; and recording, upon receipt of authorisation input data, information of the 25 current driving session as an authorised driving session; providing to an output the produced output data for display allowing for the tracking and evaluation of the experience and ability of a driver in the driving session.

- 15 Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for recording, tracking 5 and evaluating according to the invention. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the system in use. Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of steps taken during operation of the system. Figure 4 is a front diagrammatic view of an apparatus in accordance with 10 one embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a back diagrammatic view of the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a top diagrammatic view of the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 15 Figure 7 is a bottom diagrammatic view of the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention The invention provides a recording, tracking and evaluating system, method of operation and an apparatus for use therein. 20 Referring to the accompanying presentations, Figure 1 illustrates a system 10 according to the invention. A determining apparatus or electronic device 12 is used to log data of a vehicle driving session 14 of a driver 16 thereby allowing, upon authorisation 18 by an authoriser 20 of the logging of data or information of the driving session, the recording of the driving session data as an 25 authorised driver session thereby allowing for the tracking and evaluation of driving abilities of the driver. Referring in particular to Figure 4, the determining apparatus 12 can be an independent electronic unit, a GPS, a mobile phone, PDA or another telecommunication device.

- 16 The electronic device 12 has a microprocessor or microprocessor 22 and at least one software application of the system 10 installed on the electronic device for execution by the microprocessor. The electronic device is adapted to allow the software application to receive input data 24 from one or more 5 sources 26. The input data is logged on the electronic device 12 and is stored on a memory 28 for processing by the microprocessor at an appropriate time. Although driving session information in the form of the input data 24 is stored on the electronic device 12 for later processing, the input data is only recorded as an authorised driving session upon receiving of authorisation 18 by the 10 software application of the electronic device 12 from the authoriser 20. Output data 28 is produced by the electronic device 12 to assist the authoriser to provide validation of the information of the driving session. In one example, at least part of key data of the driver session may be communicated to the authoriser 20 for review and authorisation. The authoriser may then submit 15 authorisation input data 24 to the electronic device 12. The authorisation input data is required to cause the electronic device to record the logged information of the driving session. The key data of the driving session may include a unique key assigned to the learner driver such as a security pin, drivers license, or unique password. The key data may further include one or more data 20 components drawn from the driver session including date of the driving session, length, destination, weather conditions, etc. The one or more data components may be drawn from a number of predefined criteria which may be specified by law by the relevant traffic authority. For example, it may be required that the authoriser validates the name of the user, type of car driven, 25 duration and kilometres travelled. As such these data components of the driving session are communicated together with the unique key to the authoriser for review of the key data. When the key data has been approved as being correct by the authoriser, the authoriser submits/communicates to the electronic device authorisation input data 28 which, upon receipt thereof, 30 authorises the electronic device to record the logged information of the driver session as an authorised driving session.

- 17 Referring in particular to Figure 3, the electronic device 12 through the software application is programmed to log information 34 from the start of the driving session 36 or even as early as when the driver launch the software application. This would typically involve the driver 16 at least starting the software 5 application, if not already running, on the electronic device 12. This will cause the software application to prompt the driver with a number of questions relating to the current driving session. Questions which may be asked include whether the driver would like to record the current driving session and destination of the driving session. 10 Other details of the driving session may be automatically received by the software application as input data 24. For example, the electronic device 12 may automatically obtain from a third-party website details relating to the driving session including weather details and road, speed zone and other appropriate details for providing an accurate representation of the driving 15 conditions of the driving session. The road and speed zone details may be obtained from GP software which may be installed on the electronic device or which may be downloaded from a third-party provider such as GoogleTM maps. Nonetheless, the user 16 may be prompted to confirm or to enter details surrounding the driving conditions of the user. 20 A number of predefined criteria 38 are used to log the driving session data or input data 24 with the electronic device 12. The criteria relates one or more key areas which are relevant to the driver 16 obtaining or exhibiting sufficient driving ability, for example as when competing the learner driver training period. For example, the criteria may relate to route information, driver habitual 25 information, vehicle information, and weather condition information. Other criteria may be added as needed and as may be selected at the appropriate time by local or national legislation. Apart from the input data 24 including information or data entered by the driver 16, the input data 24 further includes information produced by one or more 30 sensors 40.

- 18 Referring in particular to Figures 2, 3 and 7, the sensors 40 may form part of the electronic device, such as motion detectors and a microphone 58 (see Figure 7), may be selected from the sensory equipment installed on a motor vehicle 44, or may be installed on the motor vehicle. An interface unit 46 may 5 be used to communicate input data 24 obtained from sensors installed on the vehicle to the electronic device 12. It may be required for the interface unit to be electrically connected to electrical wiring of the motor vehicle in order to gain access to electrical signals produced by the sensory componentry of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the interface unit also may be connected to the sensors 10 40 installed into the motor vehicle. The interface unit 44 may communicate wirelessly, for example using Bluetooth

TM

, with the electronic device 12. The determining apparatus 12 is rectangular in shape though the shape can be altered as desired. The determining apparatus 12 has a front portion 56, a 15 back portion 52 a top portion 54 and a bottom portion 56 in addition to 2 side portions. The determining apparatus can be adapted to allow the determining apparatus with various attachment mechanisms a dashboard, or driver's window, or various other features of the motor vehicle 44. The front portion is presented in Figure 4. The front portion includes an input 20 means or key pad 60 allowing for the input of input data 24 by the user 16. The input data can include, but is by no means limited to, starting and end destinations of the practice sessions, time, speed, traffic conditions, weather, road types, distance travelled, dates, average speed etc. The key pad 60 may be presented on a touch screen 62 or sensors (not shown) or a combination 25 thereof. Therefore, the determining apparatus 12, is able to receive input data at least from the driver 16 as a sources through the key pad. The use of such sensors, which can be mounted or connected to a car, provides an automatic input as opposite to a mechanical input detailed hereinabove. In doing so, the automatic input data can comprise of clock 30 whereby the time can be provided upon the activation of system and - 19 geographical input using GPS technology in the form of maps. This provides several advantages to learner drivers 16: " They are assisted in being provided timely instructions and directions regarding their practice route; 5 * The maps are stored onto the system 10 thereby allowing a record to determine the routes taken; " Further, the system 10 can use the stored maps to identify the type of roads practiced along and thereby determine which roads the leaner has sufficient practice and which roads the learner will require further 10 practice; and " Present such determination in the form of graphs or statistics. Additional automatic input will comprise of road input from sensors to identify such factors as the terrain or the wetness or presence of snow or ice, weather input from sensors, speed input from vehicle or GPS/time analysis and driver 15 error detection by infringement notices or sudden braking or acceleration detection. Particularly as the GPS may provide for the speed limit on a particular road, where the driver is above the speed limit it can be warned by an alarm or penalised through a point system governed by a relevant government department. 20 The key pad 60 can allow the mechanical input of numbers or words to assist the driver 16 in inputting their details such as street names of starting or end points of a practice session, start time, comments as to their confidence level, a journal to identify points they found difficult or easy to identify further areas of practice. 25 The key pad 60 will further allow the authoriser 20, for example in the form of a guardian/ parent, to input details of their drivers licence to certify that the learner has conducted the recorded practice session. This can be further provided by a signature of the guardian/parent on the touch screen 62 or a method of verification including the sliding of their own licence in the licence - 20 entry point, use of passwords, or signing up to a registration system organised by the government department. The touch screen 62 can allow input of selection factors, which may be drawn from the criteria 38, such as selecting the route which the learner 16 or 5 guardian/parent 20 would like to take. The touch screen can also be used to display the route the learner driver is driving on to give them advanced warning of streets they must turn into and driving speeds. The touch screen 62 can also be used to display output data 28. The input data 24 is stored and tracked onto the determining apparatus 56 10 where the determining apparatus 56 provides for an internal memory device 28. However, the invention also provide for the use of an external memory drive which can include a licence, a smart card, a USB key, CD, or sent by telecommunications means such as message, email or WI-FI to a secondary device such as an external computer or directly to a printer which will provide a 15 paper form of the recorded data. Such an external memory will not always require linkage as it is envisaged that the data can be stored and tracked wirelessly. Such a feature will allow an independent third party, such as the relevant government official, to observe the input data as the learner driver is driving 20 and may even allow for the third party to physically track and follow the learner driver as an additional mechanism to ensure that it is the learner driver driving. Alternatively, it can prompt additional securing means such as, when the government department is viewing the learner drivers details and identifies that the learner driver is currently undergoing a practice session, this can be 25 followed up by a phone call to the parent/guardian 20 who is listed on the registration system of the government department. Where the learners licence is utilised to act as the external memory device, the licence can also act as a verification of the driver. Such a verification system can be enhanced with additional options such as passwords, private questions 30 or finger scans.

-21 In the embodiment, the input data 24 is stored on the learner driver's licence (not shown). The top portion 54 of the determining apparatus provides a slot in the form of a licence entry point 64 allowing the learner to slide in their licence for recording the input data. In addition, the parent/guardians licence can also 5 be slotted for validation of the practice session. However, the slot can be altered to provide a port for different electronic devices such as a USB key, or adapted to form a CD player or provide a means in which to attach MP3 players. Alternatively, the body of the determining apparatus 12 can be modified to act as a mobile phone holder or 10 provide for the attachment of speakers etc. The bottom portion 56 of the determining apparatus 12 provides a recharging slot 66 which allows the determining apparatus 12 to be recharged whilst in use using the features of the car or can be recharged when not in use through a mobile type battery. In contrast, the determining apparatus 12 can be battery 15 operated. The back portion 52 of the determining apparatus 12 can further include speakers 58 which will direct the learner driver as to which streets to turn into, whether they are speeding, when their session time is over etc. Alternatively, the determining apparatus 12 can be connected to the radio of the car so that 20 the speakers of the car act as speakers for the determining apparatus 12. It is envisaged however, that each of the components can be displayed on different portions of the determining apparatus 12. For example, the licence entry point 64 can be provided on the back portion or the bottom portion of the determining apparatus 12. 25 The determining apparatus 12 can have the relevant hardware and software in order to function as a determinator and provide output data. It can therefore be a universal device with software that can be downloaded from an internet source according to particular country requirements or licence to be obtained. Alternatively, the determining apparatus 12 can contain a socket to allow for - 22 such software to be downloaded onto the apparatus from an external source such as a computer. Further to this the input data 24 and the output data 28 presented by the determinator 12 can be uploaded onto a website, such as a government 5 website, with log in details where each learner driver can upload such data, compare statistics with other learner drivers and obtain useful information and provide useful discussions on how to overcome shared driving problems. The determining apparatus 12 is able to analyse the input data by interpreting, tracking, evaluating and calculating the input data 24 in specific combinations 10 to provide the output data 28 in such a manner that the qualified driver or authoriser 20 or a third party can easily assess the capabilities and weaknesses of the learner driver. In short, the determinator can provide an output of a range of criteria including the total hours practiced, the road type practiced on, the weather conditions and/or traffic conditions or a combination 15 thereof. The determinator apparatus 12 provides for the accumulative value of the hours and kilometres driven. In doing so the determinator apparatus is able to provide the learner driver seen with a calculation and display as a percentage the completion of their target. For example if the requirement is 120 hours and 20 the learner driver has completed 60 hours, the percentage of 50% will be displayed. This can be displayed in a graph form, for example a column or pie graph, or numeric form. The determinator apparatus 12 further provides a listing of the roads travelled on and, from this listing that can be obtained from the route map travelled by 25 the learner 16, identify the types of roads travelled. This will then be provided to a user 16 in easy to follow table to illustrate what roads have been travelled on and which roads have not been. A similar table is performed for driving conditions and weather conditions such as peak hour traffic and wet weather. Such tables can also be represented as statistical data for example in 54 min 30 practice time, the determinator apparatus can identify that 80% of the users 16 practice time was spent on residential streets.

-23 It is therefore a benefit of the system to provide for data representative accumulatively and/or after the conclusion of each individual practice route. The determinator apparatus 12 with the recording of the determining apparatus 12 will be able to identify the average speed undertaken by the user 16 to 5 further identify whether the user 16 will require more experience at higher speeds. In addition it will identify whether, for how long the user has been speeding. In situations such as speeding, the government department may request that the user undertake an additional number of kilometres or time to make up for the speeding kilometres to illustrate the capabilities of the learner 10 to follow road rules. Alternatively, this can be used as a penalty scheme to deduct points, provide a fine or other penalties such as a delay in which the learner 16 can proceed to receiving their full licence. The output data 28 is therefore a percentage of the time travelled, an identification of the learner driver's 16 weak points or areas which require 15 further practice. This output data 28 can be provided to the government department simply by providing them with the learner driver's licence (or other external memory device) or by entering their licence no. at a location remote from the determining apparatus 12 or wirelessly from the determining apparatus having an internal memory. 20 Referring to Figures1, 2 and 3, as an example of use the driver 16 will climb into the motor vehicle 44. The user will then activate the software application on the electronic device 12 and provide as input data 24 a number of criteria of the driving session, for example destination, type of motor vehicle, etc. The software application will then start logging information of the driving session 25 such as the time taken to reach the destination. Once the driving session is complete, i.e. the destination has been reached, the software application will require authorisation 18 from the authoriser 20. This will typically require the authoriser to scrutinise the output data 28 produced by the electronic device. The aim of the output data is to be the authoriser in the position to check and 30 verify the correctness of the log information which is represented, at least in part, in the output data. For example, the output data could include details of - 24 route and destination, driver and date of driving as well as driving conditions. Once these details have been verified by the authoriser, the authoriser will submit, as input data, confirmation data to the software application. Once the logged information 34 has been verified and authorised 18, the 5 electronic device 12 records the information as an authorised driving session 70. Thus, the logged information does not automatically get recorded as an authorised driving session. This will allow each driving session of the driver sitting to be recorded for processing author only authorised driving sessions will be recorded as authorised driving sessions. 10 The microprocessor 22 will process 74 the current driving session data using the criteria 38 as well as other driving session data 72. This allows the electronic device to track and evaluate 76 progress of the driver 16 in the learner driver program or to provide an indication of the driving ability of the driver. For example, the criteria may dictate the driver 16 obtaining experience 15 under night-time, overcast, rainy, and peak hour traffic conditions. Also, the criteria may dictate that the user of a certain amount of hours of experience using large and small vehicles and having strong and weak engines, for example a V8 engine against a weaker four-cylinder engine. The microprocessor will then be able to calculate how many of these criteria have 20 been met and to what extent, for example as a percentage. The capability of the electronic device 12 to interface with the electrical circuitry of the motor vehicle 44 allows the input data 24 to receive motor vehicle operational parameters, for example the use of a seatbelt or headlights during time driving, the amount of break usage in non-peak hour traffic, and the like. 25 This is primarily achieved through the interface unit 56 which is hardwired with the wiring of the motor vehicle 44. The electronic device 12 will be then able to obtain information in the form of input data 24 from the vehicle, for example when the driver has not fastened the seatbelt when the seatbelt warning light is activated. 30 Nonetheless, use may be made of the microphone 52 of the electronic device 12 to monitor warning signals issued by the motor vehicle 44. This will allow - 25 the electronic device to pick up the beeping sound of a seat belt warning signal, a door or boot open warning signs issued by the motor vehicle 44. The learner driver 16 may be required to wear a laser pointing device, not shown. One or more laser detection units or sensors 40 may be installed on a 5 rear-view mirror and side view mirrors 80 of the motor vehicle 44. The laser detection unit is designed to interface via Bluetooth with the electronic device 12 of the learner driver 16 thereby allowing the software application on the electronic device 12 to record observation habits of the learner driver 16. For example, the learner driver may be required to look at least once every minute 10 at each of the rear-view and side view mirrors. The software application will then record each instance in which the learner driver failed to look at the rear view mirrors and side view mirrors within the specified time period. The laser detection unit may be secured using suitable straps to the respective mirrors at positions which will not obstruct visibility. 15 The software application of the electronic device 12 may require authorisation from a registered primary or even secondary supervisor or authoriser 20. Authorisation may be achieved by way of text messaging or SMS, MMS, Bluetooth in the event that the primary/secondary supervisor is in close proximity to the electronic device 12. Authorisation may also be received via a 20 server which opens a secure communication between the electronic device of the learner driver and with the primary/secondary supervisor at a remote location, for example a remote authorisation electronic device 82. The remote authorisation electronic device may be a cellphone, PDA, or the like. The primary/secondary supervisor will have a client application installed on his/hers 25 remote authorisation electronic device which will allow the primary/secondary supervisor to enter a pin or some other authorisation code. This pin will be communicated via the server to the learner driver electronic device which, upon receipt, will allow the software application on the learner drivers PDA to record the driving time as learner driver time (i.e. an authorised driving session). 30 Failure to receive the pin will prevent the software application from recording the time and will accordingly be wasted time as far as obtaining the mandatory learner driver time. The learner driver may also be required to obtain -26 authorisation every single time that the software application, as far as logging learner driver time, has been inactive. This will therefore require the learner driver to obtain authorisation again after the learner driver has, for example had lunch and wishes to drive back home. 5 A primary authoriser 20 may be recorded on the software application. Additionally, a secondary authoriser may be recorded on the software application, such as a learner driver instructor. The learner driver may be required to authorise learner driver time initially when the learner driver starts, for example, with a journey. To obtain this authorisation the learner driver may 10 have to obtain authorisation from the primary authoriser, for example the owner of the car. However, the secondary authoriser may be allowed to authorise subsequent journeys of the learner driver in the same day, or within a predefined period of time, or journey. Authorisation may therefore be required from the primary authoriser before the software application will record learner 15 driver time during their journey. Authorisation from the primary authoriser may be obtained by SMS or via the server/client applications. However, the software application may be required to receive additionally local authorisation requiring the secondary authoriser 20 to be present inside the car. Such local authorisation would therefore only be able to provide local authorisation via 20 Bluetooth or infrared. The software application may require the odometer reading to be manually entered or entered by SMS by the local authoriser 20 at the end of each journey in order to complete the learner driver time recordal. The software application may be programmed to record sudden changes in 25 speeding, for example quickly slowing down from 80 km/h to 20 km/h, or regularly exceeding the speed limit. The software application may draw from the speed zone date of a suitable electronic mapping, such as GoogleTM maps or the like, in order to assess whether the current speed is in breach of the proved speed limit. Additionally, the software application of the electronic 30 device 12 may be able to detect motion through the motion detectors of the electronic device. This will allow the software application to detect the angle of -27 inclination or the connection for example during acceleration of the acceleration. The software application would then be able to determine whether the motor vehicle 44 has accelerated rapidly or has decelerated rapidly. These driver habits can be recorded as input data which is processed 5 74 to track and evaluate the driver 16 progress. Referring to Figure 3, the output data 28 has a number of functions. Firstly, output data can be sent in a form of a SMS or data packet to a client software application on the remote authorisation electronic device for review by the authoriser 20. This will allow the authoriser to assess the correctness of the 10 recorded information. In order to save costs the output data can be sent via infrared or Bluetooth mechanisms to the authoriser as typically the authoriser will be required to be present during the authorised driving session. Furthermore, the output data 28 can be in the form of one or more graphs or an analytical form which is displayed on the screen 62 of the determining 15 apparatus 12. This will allow the driver to discuss the level of training which the driver 16 has obtained as far. For example, the graphs may show that the amount of time that the driver has obtained driving time as night-time driving or driving in congested traffic conditions. The authoriser or another person such as a parent of the driver can then readily identify areas in which the learner 20 driver 16 will still obtain further experience. The output data 28 can also be communicated to an institution such as a transport part of a government for logging and further analysis. The output data 28 is therefore helpful in determining or assessing progress or drivability 84 of the driver 16. The use of multiple sensors to provide input data 25 to the electronic device also improves the accuracy with which the tracking and evaluation of the improvement or ability of the driver 16 can be assessed. The system 10 allows the use of motor vehicle sensors and other installed sensors on the vehicle and the electronic device to obtain feedback from the environment, for example when it is raining or when the driver neglects to 30 fasten seatbelt.

- 28 Alternatively, the determining apparatus can be linked or have information transferred to a secondary device such as a computer or directly to a printer to print out the relevant tables, graphs or information. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a recording, 5 tracking and evaluating system, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications which can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof are included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A recording, tracking and evaluation apparatus for use in at least a current vehicle driving session in one or more driving sessions of at least one user; the apparatus includes at least one electronic device which includes an input means, an output means, an evaluation means, and a receiving means; the input means is adapted to receive input data from one or more sources to log information of the current driving session; the evaluation means is adapted to analyse the logged information of the driving sessions of the at least one user to track and evaluate the current driving session of the at least one user thereby to produce output data; the output means is adapted to communicate the output data for visual display thereby to aid an authoriser to track and evaluate the current driving session of the at least one user; and the input means receives authorisation from the authoriser, in response to the visual display, required by the receiving means to cause the storing of information of the current driving session as an authorised driving session.

2. A recording, tracking and evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one electronic device includes a communication means; the communication means is adapted to communicate at least part of key data of the driver session to the authoriser for review and validation of the communicated key data; and the output means is adapted to cause output of the produced output data which allows for the assessment of the driving ability of the driver.

3. A recording, tracking and evaluation method for a vehicle driving session, the method including the steps of: receiving, with an electronic device, input data from one or more sources to log information of the driving session; allowing for processing of the logged information in light of one or more criteria which are selected to assess driver experience and ability; communicating, by the electronic device, at least part of key data of the logged information of the driver session to an authoriser for review and validation of the communicated key data; receiving - 30 authorisation input data from the authoriser; and recording, upon receipt of the authorisation input data, at least a portion of the logged information of the current driving session as an authorised driving session; and providing to an output the recorded logged information thereby allowing for the tracking and evaluation of the experience and ability of a driver in an authorised driving session.

4. The recording, tracking and evaluating method according to claim 3 wherein the input data is received through an input means for receiving a combination of data of at least one practice route performed by a learner driver in the driving session; the method further including the steps of receiving a confirmation input in the form of a practice route confirmation by a qualified driver; storing the input data on the electronic device wherein the input data is recorded onto a memory device upon receipt of the authorisation input data; wherein the processing step includes analysing the input data on the electronic device wherein the electronic device interprets, tracks and evaluates and calculates the input data in specific combinations to provide output of output data identifying to the qualified driver the capabilities and weaknesses of the learner driver; and wherein the output step includes outputting the analysed input data on the electronic device wherein the output data is able to be provide a visual comparative data on an output means of the electronic device; whereby the successful practice of a learner driver over a range of criteria are determined.

5. A recording, tracking and evaluation apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying representations.