GB2556410A

GB2556410A - System for managing alertness of a driver

Info

Publication number: GB2556410A
Application number: GB1714910.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: lam Albert
Original assignee: DE Innovation Lab Ltd
Current assignee: DE Innovation Lab Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-15
Filing date: 2017-09-15
Publication date: 2018-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-15
Also published as: GB201714910D0; GB2556410B

Abstract

An alertness level of a driver is determined, a periodic stimulus is provided to the driver based on that level, and the drivers periodic response to that stimulus is analysed to maintain the drivers alertness. The drivers alertness level may be determined using biometric parameters such as heart rate or blood pressure. In some embodiments the stimulus is provided only if the determined alertness level is below a threshold. The stimulus may be audio, visual or physical, and may vary as a function of the vehicles location, the time of day or earlier responses by the driver to earlier stimuli. The drivers response may be an audio or physical response. If an unfavourable response from the driver is detected, then the periodic response may be provided iteratively, or possibly a reduced power delivered to the vehicles drive train. A database of historical accidents may be used to warn the driver.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

DE Innovation Lab Limited Detroit Electric, Spa Park, 5-6 Harrison Way, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3HJ, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Albert Lam (56) Documents Cited:

EP 2988285 A1 US 20170080856 A1 US 20140125474 A1

US 5694116 A US 20150269829 A1 US 20080231461 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A61B, B60K, B60W, G06K, G08B Other: EPODOC, WPI (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Basck Ltd

Saxon Road, CAMBRIDGE, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8HS, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: System for managing alertness of a driver

Abstract Title: Managing the alertness of a driver by monitoring their response to a periodic stimulus

An alertness level of a driver is determined, a periodic stimulus is provided to the driver based on that level, and the driver’s periodic response to that stimulus is analysed to maintain the driver’s alertness. The driver’s alertness level may be determined using biometric parameters such as heart rate or blood pressure. In some embodiments the stimulus is provided only if the determined alertness level is below a threshold. The stimulus may be audio, visual or physical, and may vary as a function of the vehicle’s location, the time of day or earlier responses by the driver to earlier stimuli. The driver’s response may be an audio or physical response. If an unfavourable response from the driver is detected, then the periodic response may be provided iteratively, or possibly a reduced power delivered to the vehicle’s drive train. A database of historical accidents may be used to warn the driver.

FIG. 3

ί/2

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

300

2/2

DETERMINE ALERTNESS LEVEL OF DRIVER BY ALERTNESS TRACKING DEVICE 302

OPERATE DATA PROCESSING ARRANGEMENT TO PROVIDE PERIODIC STIMULUS TO DRIVER BASED UPON DETERMINED ALERTNESS LEVEL 304

RECEIVE DRIVER’S PERIODIC RESPONSE TO PERIODIC STIMULUS 306

FIG. 3

SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ALERTNESS OF A DRIVER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a system for managing alertness of a driver, for example by determining alertness of the driver. Moreover, the present disclosure is concerned with a method of operating a system for managing alertness of a driver.

BACKGROUND

In recent times, accidents due to drivers of vehicles being distracted have increased considerably. Typically, the drivers are distracted because of monotonous driving, mental preoccupation, drowsiness, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and so forth. Injuries and deaths resulting from aforementioned accidents involving inattentive drivers are of increasing concern. Consequently, governments spend millions of dollars (USD) to keep drivers awake during long journeys; for example, in a case of the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway, to keep drivers alert through an associated 20-minute-long monotonous drive, lights along the tunnel are arranged in such a manner to give the illusion of driving into daylight. However, such techniques do not provide an indication of the alertness of the driver.

Conventionally, to overcome the aforementioned problems, the vehicles are provided with a mercury switch. The mercury switch is placed on a driver's head. When a driver's head is in the normal position the mercury switch remains open, but when the driver falls asleep the driver's head rolls forward, with the driver's chin coming to rest on chest. This change in switch position causes the switch to close and an alarm to sound. However, this method is merely utilized after the driver is unconscious and may not be able to control the vehicle for several seconds, namely far too late to avoid an accident. Furthermore, in another example, the vehicles are provided with imaging devices which determine the alertness level based on the eyes of the driver; if the eyes of the driver are closed for a period of time, an alarm signal will be transmitted. However, in such an example, if the driver is unconscious but externally appears to be awake (with eyes open), the aforementioned imaging devices are not able to determine correctly the alertness of the driver.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exist problems associated with conventional alertness detection system.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide an improved method of using a system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, characterized in that the system includes:

an alertness tracking device operable to determine an alertness level of the driver; and a data processing arrangement that is operable to:

provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based upon the determined alertness level, receive a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus, and analyze the driver's periodic response for maintaining the alertness of the driver.

The improved system for managing alertness of the driver is configured to determine efficiently the alertness of the driver; moreover, the system for managing alertness of the driver allows for providing an auxiliary task, to the driver, to maintain the alertness of the driver.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of using a system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, wherein the system includes an alertness tracking device and a data processing arrangement, characterized in that the method includes:

determining, by the alertness tracking device, an alertness level of the driver;

operating the data processing arrangement to provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based on the determined alertness level;

receiving a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus, and analysing the driver's periodic response for maintaining the alertness of the driver.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is included in the general business context, which aims to substitute vehicles powered by traditional fuels, for example gasoline or diesel, by electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in electric vehicles used within cities, which can be highly beneficial to the local environment due to significant reduction of gaseous emissions as well as significant reduction of noise. Overall environmental benefits can also be significant when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of architecture of a system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of architecture of the data processing arrangement, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 illustrates steps of a method of managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of an architecture of a system 100 for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle described herein may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an internal combustion (IC) engine vehicle and the like. Throughout the present disclosure, the term alertness used herein, relates to a state of high sensory awareness such as being attentive and react promptly in a given situation. As shown, the system 100 includes an alertness tracking device

102. The alertness tracking device 102 is operable to determine an alertness level of the driver.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term alertness level used herein relates to an extent of attentiveness of the driver while driving the vehicle. In an embodiment, the alertness tracking device 102 may be arranged in the vehicle for determining the alertness level of the driver. In such an embodiment, the alertness tracking device 102 may be positioned (or arranged) on a driver's seat or on a steering wheel of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the alertness tracking device 102 may be a wearable device. In such an embodiment, the alertness tracking device 102 may be worn on a driver's wrist or may be other electronic devices available in different forms including clips, necklaces, glasses, lens and medallions (placed in a pocket).

Optionally, the alertness tracking device 102 is operable to monitor at least one biometric parameter including a heart rate, a pulse rate, and/or a blood pressure of the driver to determine the alertness level of the driver. Optionally, in such a case, the alertness tracking device 102 may include sensors to detect biometric parameters including the heart rate, the pulse rate, the blood pressure, a body temperature, or a respiration rate. Based on the biometric parameters, the alertness tracking device

102 determines the alertness level of the driver. In such a case, the alertness tracking device 102 may have a pre-stored values of the biometric parameters of a person in an inattentive state (namely, unconscious state or sleeping). In an example, if the alertness tracking device 102 detects that the heart rate of the driver, while driving the vehicle, is nearly equal to the heart rate of the person in the inattentive state, the alertness tracking device 102 determines that there is a high risk that the driver is in the inattentive state or the alertness level of the driver is low. More optionally, by monitoring driver's heart rates and/or respiration rates, a determination can be made as to whether or not the driver is drowsy, at risk of falling asleep and/or whether the driver is experiencing a health event that could interfere with the driver's ability to operate the vehicle. Additionally, optionally, the alertness tracking device 102 may also determine hours of sleep the driver has had within a predetermined period and a sleep quality index of the sleep over a period of time. Moreover, optionally, the alertness tracking device 102 continuously tracks and monitors the biometric parameters of the driver of the vehicle.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a data processing arrangement 104. The data processing arrangement 104 is operable to provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based upon the aforementioned determined alertness level. Specifically, the data processing arrangement 104 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, that is operable to analyze the driver's periodic response for maintaining the alertness of the driver. Throughout the present disclosure, the term periodic stimulus used herein relates to a set of instructions, provided in a periodic manner by the data processing arrangement 104, that are to be followed by the driver of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 104 may be communicably coupled with the alertness tracking device 102. In another embodiment, the data processing arrangement 104 may be wired with the alertness tracking device 102. The data processing arrangement 104 receives the determined alertness level from the alertness tracking device 102. Based on the determined alertness level, the data processing arrangement 104 provides periodic stimulus to the driver.

Optionally, the periodic stimulus includes at least one of an audio stimulus, a physical stimulus, and/or a visual stimulus. More optionally, the periodic stimulus includes a combination of the audio stimulus, the physical stimulus, and/or the visual stimulus. In an example, the audio stimulus may include the set of instruction in audio format. In such examples, the data processing arrangement 104 is operable to provide an oral (namely, spoken) statement requesting a response from the driver. In another example, the data processing arrangement 104 may generate an alarm signal to alert the driver.

Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 104 is operable to receive a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus. Throughout the present disclosure, the term driver's periodic response used herein relates to an action of the driver in response to the periodic stimulus provided by the data processing arrangement 104. Furthermore, optionally, the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus includes at least one of audio response and/or physical response. In an example, the physical response to the periodic stimulus may include a physical activity to be done by the driver. In such examples, if the periodic stimulus provided by the data processing arrangement 104 is to press a button for five times with an interval of five seconds, then the driver has to press physically the button five times within interval of five seconds to inform the data processing arrangement 104 that he/she is alert. In another example, the audio response to the periodic stimulus may include a response in audio format. In such examples, if the data processing arrangement 104 provides the audio stimulus to the driver (for example, such as are you awake), the driver has to provide the audio response (for example, such as yes! I am awake) to inform the data processing arrangement 104 that he/she is alert.

Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 104 analyzes the driver's periodic response for maintaining the alertness of the driver. Specifically, the data processing arrangement 104 receives and evaluates the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus. For example, the data processing arrangement 104 may provide the periodic stimulus in a form of a question, such as do you want to take a break?. In such an example, if the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus is not provided within 5 seconds, the data processing arrangement 104 analyzes that the driver may not be alert enough to drive the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of an architecture of the data processing arrangement 104, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, optionally, the data processing arrangement 104 includes a receptor 202, a transmitter 204, a processor 206, and a memory unit 208. More optionally, the receptor 202, the transmitter 204, the processor 206, and the memory unit 208 are communicably coupled with the alertness tracking device (for example, such as alertness tracking device 102, shown in FIG.l).

Furthermore, optionally, the receptor 202, the transmitter 204, and the processor 206 are communicably coupled with auxiliary systems (such as an audio system, a sensor arrangement configured to control the vehicle).

In an embodiment, the receptor 202 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, that is operable to receive the determined alertness level from the alertness tracking device (for example, such as the alertness tracking device 102, shown in FIG.l). Optionally, the receptor 202 is further operable to transmit the determined alertness level to the processor 206. More optionally, the receptor 202 is operable to receive the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus. In an example, the receptor 202 may include an audio input device such as a microphone for receiving audio responses from the driver. In another example, the receptor may include an imaging device for receiving physical responses from the driver, for example head movements, facial movements, finger movements and so forth. In an example, the imaging device may be a camera operable to capture the physical response. In such example, the physical response may include physical movement of the driver hands, as aforementioned. In yet another example, the receptor 202 may include a combination of the audio input device and visual device for receiving the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus.

In an embodiment, the transmitter 204 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, operable to provide the periodic stimulus to the driver, based on the determined alertness level. In an embodiment, the transmitter 204 is operable to provide the audio stimulus to the driver. In such embodiment, the transmitter 204 may be communicably coupled with the audio system to provide the audio stimulus. In another embodiment, the transmitter 204 is operable to provide the visual stimulus to the driver. In such embodiment, the system (such as system 100, shown in FIG. 1) may include a user interface that is communicably coupled with the transmitter 204, to provide the visual stimulus to the driver. In this regard, in such embodiments, the visual stimulus may also be provided on a windscreen of the vehicle, via a projector. In yet another embodiment, the transmitter 204 is operable to provide the physical stimulus to the driver. In such embodiment, the transmitter 204 may vibrate the steering wheel or the driver's seat to alert the driver.

Optionally, as described in the foregoing, the data processing arrangement 104 may further include the processor 206. In an embodiment, the processor 206 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, operable to analyze the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus. Optionally, the processor 206 is further operable to determine when to provide periodic stimulus to the driver.

Optionally, the periodic stimulus to the driver is provided when the determined alertness level of the driver is below a threshold level. In such an instance, the processor 206 is communicably coupled with a memory unit 208. The memory unit 208 is operable to store a threshold level of the biometric parameters of a person in the inattentive state (namely, unconscious state or sleeping). Throughout the present disclosure, the term threshold level of biometric parameters used herein relates to the values of the biometric parameters which indicates that the alertness level of the driver is low or the driver is about to lose his/her consciousness. In an example, the alertness tracking device (for example, such as alertness tracking device 102, shown in FIG.l) determines the body temperature of the driver, driving the vehicle, and transmits the determined body temperature to the processor 206. The processor 206 compares the determined body temperature with the threshold level of the corresponding biometric parameter. If the determined body temperature is nearly equal to threshold level of the body temperature (stored in memory unit 208), the processor 206 provides the periodic stimulus to the driver. Optionally, threshold level is dynamically varied depending upon how long the driver has been driving, time-of-day, weather conditions and so forth.

Optionally, the periodic stimulus to the driver is temporarily ceased when the determined alertness level of the driver is above the threshold level. It will be appreciated that the term determined alertness level of the driver is above the threshold level, relates to high alertness level of the driver. In such a case, if the alertness tracking device (for example, such as alertness tracking device 102, shown in FIG.l) determines the body temperature of the driver, driving the vehicle, and transmits the determined body temperature to the processor 206. The processor 206 compares the determined body temperature with the threshold level of the corresponding biometric parameter. Optionally, in an event, wherein the processor 206 determines that the body temperature of the driver is significantly above the threshold level of the body temperature, the processor 206 may avoid providing the periodic stimulus to the driver.

Furthermore, optionally, the data processing arrangement 104 is communicably coupled with a database 210, wherein the database 210 stores a historical accident data associated with a given location, and wherein the data processing arrangement is operable to warn the driver when driving along the given location; for example, the aforesaid threshold level is dynamically varied depending upon aforesaid historical accident data associated with the given location. In an embodiment, the database 210 is included in the data processing arrangement 104. In another embodiment, the database 210 is located at a remote location. More optionally, the database 210 may include a storage unit operable to store the historical accident data associated with the given location.

In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 104 may comprise a software application management and infotainment system (SAMI) for receiving the historical accident data associated with the given location. The software application management and infotainment system further analyze the current position of the vehicle and provides a warning to the driver if the vehicle is driving along the given location that has associated historical accident data. Furthermore, the software application management and infotainment system may be operable to provide navigation routes, display information associated with condition of roads through which the electric vehicle is being driven. Additionally, optionally, the software application management and infotainment system may determine the sleeping pattern of the driver and transmits the determined sleeping pattern to the processor 206. In an example, if the driver is driving the electric vehicle at a time period in which the driver generally sleeps, the processor 206 may increase the frequency of providing periodic response to the driver.

Optionally, the periodic stimulus to the driver is varied as a function of at least one of: a spatial location of the vehicle, a time-of-day of driving, earlier responses provided by the driver to earlier periodic stimulus. In an example, the software application management and infotainment system may determine the spatial location of the vehicle. In such a case, if the driver is driving the vehicle through a congested route, the data processing arrangement 104 may provide the periodic stimulus which does not require physical response. In such an example, the data processing arrangement 104 may provide the audio stimulus (for example, such as press horn for 6 seconds).

Furthermore, optionally, the data processing arrangement 104 is operable to provide the periodic stimulus to the driver iteratively in an event that the system detects an unfavorable driver's periodic response based on the analyzed driver's response. Throughout the present disclosure, the term unfavorable driver's periodic response used herein relates to an inappropriate driver's periodic response for a corresponding periodic stimulus provided by the data processing arrangement 104. It will be appreciated that the unfavorable driver's periodic response indicates drowsiness or momentary shutdown of the driver's brain; it will be appreciated that the human brain naturally shuts down momentarily when spatial neuron stimulation concentration exceeds a sustainable threshold, namely the human brain momentarily performs a reset when there is excessive stimulation of its plurality of pseudo-analog variable state machines formed by groups of neurons in the human brain, in a stacked layered configuration, and wherein human consciousness (required for safe driving) is provided by pseudo-analog variable state machines substantially in a middle portion of the aforesaid stacked layered configuration. In one example, if the driver fails to respond to the audio stimulus appropriately, the periodic stimulus can be changed to a more complex periodic stimulus such as if you are alright, press the horn button. If the driver fails to respond appropriately to this more complex request, several other periodic stimuli may be provided iteratively. Furthermore, if the system 100 keeps on detecting unfavorable driver's periodic response, one or more actions can be taken by the system 100 depending on an assessment on the vehicle as to what is most appropriate; for example, the system 100 may reduce a maximum restricted speed that the driver is able to drive the vehicle, wherein the maximum restricted speed is progressively reduced in an event that the driver persists in providing unsatisfactory responses.

Additionally, optionally, the system (such as the system 100, shown in FIG. 1) is operable to reduce electric power delivered to a drive train of the vehicle in an event that the system detects the unfavorable response to the periodic stimulus based on the analyzed driver's response. In an event, the system detects the unfavorable response to the periodic stimulus, for example if the driver presses the horn for 3 seconds, the data processing arrangement 104 may reduce the electric power delivered to the drive train of the vehicle. In an example, the data processing arrangement 104 may stop the electric power delivered to the drive train of the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated are steps of a method 300 of managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the system includes an alertness tracking device and a data processing arrangement. At a step 302, an alertness level of the driver is determined by the alertness tracking device. At a step 304, a data processing arrangement is operated to provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based on the determined alertness level. At a step 306, a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus is received. Furthermore, at the step 308, the driver's periodic response is analyzed for maintaining the alertness of the driver.

The steps 302 to 308 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 300 includes arranging for the data processing arrangement to be operable to provide the periodic stimulus to the driver iteratively in an event that the system detects unfavorable driver's periodic response based on the analyzed driver's response. Optionally, the method 300 includes arranging for the periodic stimulus to include at least one of audio stimulus, physical stimulus, and/or visual stimulus. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus to include at least one of an audio response and/or a physical response. Optionally, in the method 300, the periodic stimulus to the driver is varied as a function of at least one of a spatial location of the vehicle, a time-of-day of driving, earlier responses provided by the driver to earlier periodic stimulus. In another example, in the method 300, the alertness tracking device is operable to monitor at least one biometric parameter of the driver including a heart rate, a pulse rate, and a blood pressure of the driver to determine the alertness level of the driver. Optionally, the method 300 includes the periodic stimulus to the driver being provided when the alertness level of the driver is below a threshold level. Additionally, optionally, in the method 300, the periodic stimulus to the driver is temporarily ceased when the alertness level of the driver is above the threshold level. Furthermore, optionally, the system is operable to reduce electric power delivered to a drive train of the vehicle in an event that the system detects unfavorable response to the periodic stimulus based on the analyzed driver's response. In yet another example, in the method 300, the data processing arrangement is communicably coupled with a database, wherein the database stores historical accidental data associated with a given location or portion of road, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to warn the driver when driving along the given location or portion of road.

The system and method provides an optimal way of determining the alertness of the driver while driving the vehicle. Furthermore, the system provides an efficient technique to determine when the driver is about to lose his or her consciousness. Moreover, the system provides a sequence of periodic stimulus to maintain the alertness of the driver. Additionally, the system also controls the operation of the vehicle if the driver's response to the periodic stimulus is unfavourable.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including, comprising, incorporating, consisting of, have, is used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims

1. A system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, characterized in that the system includes:

an alertness tracking device that is operable to determine an

5 alertness level of the driver; and a data processing arrangement that is operable to:

provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based upon the determined alertness level, receive a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus, io and analyze the driver's periodic response for maintaining the alertness of the driver.

2. A system of claim 1, characterized in that the characterized in that the data processing arrangement is operable to provide the periodic

15 stimulus to the driver iteratively in an event that the system detects an unfavourable driver's periodic response based on the analyzed driver's response.

3. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the periodic stimulus includes at least one of an audio stimulus, a physical

20 stimulus, and/or a visual stimulus.

4. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus includes at least one of an audio response and/or a physical response.

5. A system of claim of any one of the preceding claims, characterized

25 in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is varied as a function of at least one of: a spatial location of the vehicle, a time-of-day of driving, earlier responses provided by the driver to earlier periodic stimulus .

6. A system of claim 1, characterized in that the alertness tracking device is operable to monitor at least one biometric parameter including a heart rate, a pulse rate, and a blood pressure of the driver to determine the alertness level of the driver.

5

7. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is provided when the determined alertness level of the driver is below a threshold level.

8. A system of claim 7, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is temporarily ceased when the determined alertness level of

10 the driver is above the threshold level.

9. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is operable to reduce electric power delivered to a drive train of the vehicle in an event that the system detects an unfavourable response to the periodic stimulus based upon the analyzed driver's

15 response.

10. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing arrangement is communicably coupled with a database, wherein the database is operable to store historical accident data associated with a given location, and wherein the processing

20 arrangement is operable to warn the driver when driving along a portion of road including the given location.

11. A method of using a system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, wherein the system includes an alertness tracking device and a data processing arrangement, characterized in that the method

25 includes:

operating the data processing arrangement to provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based upon the determined alertness level; receiving a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus, and analysing the driver's periodic response for maintaining the

5 alertness of the driver.

12. A method of claim 11, characterized in that the the method includes arranging for the data processing arrangement to be operable to provide the periodic stimulus to the driver iteratively in an event that the system detects an unfavourable driver's periodic response based upon the

10 analyzed driver's response.

13. A method of any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the periodic stimulus to include at least one of an audio stimulus, a physical stimulus, and/or a visual stimulus.

14. A method of any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the 15 method includes arranging for the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus to include at least one of an audio response and/or a physical response.

15. A method of any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is varied as a function of at least one of: a

20 spatial location of the vehicle, a time-of-day of driving, earlier responses provided by the driver to earlier periodic stimulus.

16. A method of any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the data processing arrangement to be communicably coupled with a database, wherein the database stores historical accident data associated with a given location, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to warn the driver when driving along portion of road including the given location.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1714910.5

1-20

16. A method of claim 11, characterized in that the alertness tracking device is operable to monitor at least one biometric parameter including a heart rate, a pulse rate, and a blood pressure of the driver to determine

25 the alertness level of the driver.

17. A method of any one of the preceding claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is provided when the alertness level of the driver is below a threshold level.

18. A method of claim 17, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is temporarily ceased when the alertness level of the driver is above the threshold level.

19. A method of any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the 5 method includes arranging for the system to be operable to reduce electric power delivered to a drive train of the vehicle in an event that the system detects unfavourable response to the periodic stimulus based on the analyzed driver's response.

20. A method of any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the 10 method includes arranging for the data processing arrangement to be communicably coupled with a database, wherein the database stores historical accident data associated with a given location, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to warn the driver when driving along portion of road including the given location.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

We claim:

an alertness tracking device that is operable to determine an alertness level of the driver; and a data processing arrangement that is operable to:

provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based upon the determined alertness level, receive a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus, analyze the driver's periodic response, and provide the periodic stimulus to the driver iteratively in an event that the system detects an unfavourable driver's periodic response based on the analyzed driver's response for maintaining the alertness of the driver, wherein the periodic stimulus to the driver is provided only when the determined alertness level of the driver is below a threshold level, and wherein the threshold level is dynamically varied depending upon how long the driver has been driving, time-of-day, weather conditions.

2. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the periodic stimulus includes at least one of an audio stimulus, a physical stimulus, and/or a visual stimulus.

3. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus includes at least one of an audio response and/or a physical response.

4. A system of claim of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is varied as a function of at least one of: a spatial location of the vehicle, a time-of-day of driving, earlier responses provided by the driver to earlier periodic stimulus.

5. A system of claim 1, characterized in that the alertness tracking device is operable to monitor at least one biometric parameter including a heart rate, a pulse rate, and a blood pressure of the driver to determine the alertness level of the driver.

6. A system of claim 1, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is temporarily ceased when the determined alertness level of the driver is above the threshold level.

7. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is operable to reduce electric power delivered to a drive train of the vehicle in an event that the system detects an unfavourable response to the periodic stimulus based upon the analyzed driver's response.

8. A system of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing arrangement is communicably coupled with a database, wherein the database is operable to store historical accident data associated with a given location, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to warn the driver when driving along a portion of road including the given location.

9. A method of using a system for managing an alertness of a driver of a vehicle, wherein the system includes an alertness tracking device and a data processing arrangement, characterized in that the method includes:

operating the data processing arrangement to provide a periodic stimulus to the driver, based upon the determined alertness level; receiving a driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus, analysing the driver's periodic response, and arranging for the data processing arrangement to be operable to provide the periodic stimulus to the driver iteratively in an event that the system detects an unfavourable driver's periodic response based upon the analyzed driver's response for maintaining the alertness of the driver, wherein the periodic stimulus to the driver is provided only when the alertness level of the driver is below a threshold level, and wherein the threshold level is dynamically varied depending upon how long the driver has been driving, time-of-day, weather conditions.

10. A method of any one of claims 9, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the periodic stimulus to include at least one of an audio stimulus, a physical stimulus, and/or a visual stimulus.

11. A method of any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the driver's periodic response to the periodic stimulus to include at least one of an audio response and/or a physical response.

12. A method of any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is varied as a function of at least one of: a spatial location of the vehicle, a time-of-day of driving, earlier responses provided by the driver to earlier periodic stimulus.

13. A method of claim 9, characterized in that the alertness tracking device is operable to monitor at least one biometric parameter including a heart rate, a pulse rate, and a blood pressure of the driver to determine the alertness level of the driver.

14. A method of claim 9, characterized in that the periodic stimulus to the driver is temporarily ceased when the alertness level of the driver is above the threshold level.

15. A method of any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the system to be operable to reduce electric power delivered to a drive train of the vehicle in an event that the system detects unfavourable response to the periodic stimulus based on the analyzed driver's response.