WO2019155351A1 - System and method for monitoring driver and/or vehicle performance - Google Patents

System and method for monitoring driver and/or vehicle performance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019155351A1
WO2019155351A1 PCT/IB2019/050887 IB2019050887W WO2019155351A1 WO 2019155351 A1 WO2019155351 A1 WO 2019155351A1 IB 2019050887 W IB2019050887 W IB 2019050887W WO 2019155351 A1 WO2019155351 A1 WO 2019155351A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
indicative
indicator
processing device
parameter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/050887
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Johannes BENEKE
Original Assignee
Beneke Johannes
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2018900396A external-priority patent/AU2018900396A0/en
Application filed by Beneke Johannes filed Critical Beneke Johannes
Publication of WO2019155351A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019155351A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/28—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/21—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using visual output, e.g. blinking lights or matrix displays
    • B60K35/22—Display screens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/16—Type of output information
    • B60K2360/162—Visual feedback on control action
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/16—Type of output information
    • B60K2360/167—Vehicle dynamics information
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/16—Type of output information
    • B60K2360/168—Target or limit values

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring driver and/or vehicle performance, and more specifically, real-time performance.
  • Some motorsport data collection systems provide drivers current performance data on physical gauges or dashboards. These may include purpose built gauges, purpose built displays or software applications running on a phone, tablet, laptop or website (including cloud services). Many products also provide drivers with feedback regarding their relative performance through the display of a “Lap Timer. For example, the Race Logic VBOX Sport works with Harry's LapTimer.
  • Lap Timers show the driver how their current lap time compares to a reference lap and a prediction of the total lap time based on measured performance data. These Lap Timers only provide the driver a temporal indication regarding their improvement with each lap.
  • the present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the drawbacks associated with the prior art, and/or to provide a workable alternative.
  • an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle, the system including: ai least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle;
  • a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location ot the vehicle
  • the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison; and, controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
  • the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
  • the electronic processing device :
  • determining the difference includes calculating, in the electronic processing device, at least one of:
  • the representation includes an indication of: a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the determined difference; and,
  • a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the determined difference.
  • the representation includes:
  • a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value;
  • a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator, wherein an error range is defined by the reference indicator and the pointer.
  • the electronic processing device :
  • the electronic processing device :
  • the display controls, at least in part, the display to display the representation, which is at least in part indicative of the recommendation.
  • the recommendation is indicative of at least one of:
  • the electronic processing device :
  • the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references
  • the comparison is at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
  • the electronic processing device selectively updates the vehicle data model at least partially using the at least one vehicle parameter.
  • the selective update is performed at least in part using a machine learning algorithm.
  • the position determining apparatus includes a position determining receiver.
  • the position determining receiver is in communication with at least one of:
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • GLONASS Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema
  • Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning integrated by Satellite DORIS
  • BeiDou/GOMPASS Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning integrated by Satellite
  • IRS Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
  • QZSS Guasi-Zenith Satellite System
  • the position determining receiver includes a high-rate GPS receiver.
  • the at least one sensor includes at least one ot: an inertial measurement unit;
  • DoF nine Degrees of Freedom
  • IMU Inertial Movement Unit
  • the system includes:
  • a first controller configured to:
  • the first controller controls, at least in part, the first controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information.
  • the first controller substantially synchronises the at least one vehicle parameter with the location information.
  • the electronic processing device includes the first controller.
  • system includes:
  • a second controller in communication with the electronic processing device and the first controller, the second controller for, at least in part, controlling the first controller;
  • the second controller controls, at least in part, the second controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information from the first controller via the second controller.
  • the second controller is configurable to control, at least in part, a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of determining at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters.
  • the second controller includes an analogue to digital converter (ADC).
  • ADC an analogue to digital converter
  • the electronic processing device includes the second controller.
  • the display includes a heads up display (HUD).
  • HUD heads up display
  • the electronic processing device :
  • the system includes retrieving the reference at least partially from a remote electronic processing device.
  • the electronic processing device stores an indication of at least one of the at least one vehicle parameter and the indicator in a store
  • the store is at least partially hosted by a remote electronic processing device.
  • the store is at least partially hosted in at least one of a distributed network and a cloud based architecture.
  • the system is for monitoring driver performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the driver.
  • the system is for monitoring vehicle
  • the display is for displaying the representation to the operator.
  • determining the at least one reference includes at least one of:
  • the reference is at least one of: a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location; derived from a target population; and,
  • the representation is displayed on the display using a graphical user interface.
  • an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle, the method including, in an electronic processing device:
  • the vehicle parameter being at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle; determining location information indicative of a location of the vehicle; determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
  • the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison
  • the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
  • the method includes, in an electronic processing device: determining a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference; and,
  • determining the difference includes calculating, in the electronic processing device, at least one of:
  • the representation includes an indication of: a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the determined difference; and,
  • a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the determined difference.
  • the representation includes:
  • a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value;
  • a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator, wherein an error range is defined by the reference indicator and the pointer.
  • the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
  • the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
  • the recommendation is indicative of at least one of:
  • the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
  • the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references
  • the comparison is at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
  • the method includes, in the electronic processing device, selectively updating the vehicle data model at least partially using the at least one vehicle parameter.
  • selective updating is performed at least in part using a machine learning algorithm.
  • the method is for monitoring driver performance, and the representation is displayed to the driver.
  • the method is for monitoring vehicle
  • the method includes determining the at least one reference by at least one of:
  • the reference is at least one of:
  • the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
  • the at least one indicator is at least partially indicative of at least one of:
  • an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a system for providing real-time performance coaching of a driver of a vehicle, the system including:
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle
  • a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle
  • the display controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the recommendation to thereby provide real-time performance coaching of the driver, the representation including:
  • a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
  • the system includes any one or more of the features described herein.
  • an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a method for providing real-time performance coaching of a driver of a vehicle, the method including, in an electronic processing device:
  • determining location information indicative of a location of the vehicle determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter
  • the representation including:
  • a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
  • the method includes any one or more of the features described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Figure 1 is a flow diagram of an example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface of one or more indicators according to one or more of the embodiments herein;
  • Figures 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of a further example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figures 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of an electronic processing device and/or controller according to one or more of the embodiments herein;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figure 8 is an image of a further example of a graphical user interface of indicators indicative of real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figure 9 is an image of a further example of a graphical user interface of indicators indicative of real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figure 10 is an image of a further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • Figures 1 1A, 1 1 B and 1 1 C are schematic diagrams of further examples of systems for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle; and, [0081] Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are schematic diagrams of further examples of systems for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
  • one or more vehicle parameters at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle are determined. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, and typically includes receiving the parameter(s) from one or more sensors associated with, attached to, positioned in/around the vehicle, either directly or via one or more controllers, as will be described in more detail below in some embodiments and examples herein, reference to“vehicle parameters” and “performance parameters” may be used interchangeably.
  • Reference to the“state” of the vehicle includes the condition, circumstances or attributes of the vehicle at a particular instance in time. Typically, reference to state does not Include parameters indicative of time or elapsed time (such as time elapsed between commencing a drive and the current time). Rather, the one or more parameters may include any suitable parameters indicative of the state of the vehicle, such as acceleration (also referred to as“g-force”), forward- backward acceleration, left-right acceleration, tilt, force, vibrational energy, pressure, revolutions per minute (RPM), vehicle load, heading, gearing, brake actuation, angular displacement, turn rate, vehicle stress, vehicle health parameters, and the like, and this will be discussed in more detail below.
  • acceleration also referred to as“g-force”
  • RPM revolutions per minute
  • Location information indicative of a location of the vehicle is determined at step 1 10. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, such as using position determining apparatus capable ot determining the vehicle’s position, as will be described in more detail below. Accordingly, the location information includes any suitable information to indicate the location and/or position of the vehicle, for example, an absolute or relative location, such as a latitude/longitude and/or altitude, a displacement, distance, or the like.
  • references associated with the parameter are determined. Suitable references may include, In some examples, previously measured parameters, targets, optimal values or ranges and/or health values or ranges for the vehicle parameters determined at step 100, and this will be discussed further below. Moreover, the reference(s) may also be determined in any suitable way, including for example retrieving the reference(s) from a store, such as a database, a cloud based architecture, or the like.
  • the vehicle parameter(s) and the reference(s) are compared using the location information at step 130.
  • the comparison includes generating a differential performance parameter(s) from the parameter(s) and the reference(s) at the same location, as indicated by the location information; namely a difference between the parameter(s) and reference(s).
  • the location information allows the comparison to be performed on data relating to the same location.
  • any suitable comparison may be performed and this will be described in more detail below.
  • the method includes generating an indicator in real time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison.
  • the indicator may be at least partially indicative of acceleration, forward-backward acceleration, left-right acceleration, tilt, force, vibrational energy, pressure, revolutions per minute (RPM), heading (for example, actual and/or differential heading determined using data from GPS and/or magnetometer), lateral track position (actual and/or differential), gearing, brake actuation (such as brake activation or deactivation), vehicle load, vehicle stress, angular displacement, turn rate, vehicle health parameters, or the like.
  • a representation of the indicator is displayed, to thereby provide real-time monitoring of the vehicle.
  • the representation may include any suitable information indicative of indicator(s) such as being indicative of differential speed, angular displacement, turn rate and acceleration (forward/reverse and right/left).
  • differential tilt may be included, for example, for motorbikes and boats.
  • Additional representations may include a gear up-down
  • the representation may include a couni-down bar and/or timer to a gear change (or other suitable driver action such as brake activation/de-activation or the like).
  • this provides the driver a recommendation/advance indicator of an upcoming gear change.
  • a lean representation may be included which is indicative of whether the vehicle is leaning more or less than in the corresponding reference at that location. This could be achieved, for instance, by a representation of an icon in a circle, and may be calculated, for example from gyroscopes and/or dual GPS receivers or the like.
  • the representation may include an indication of brake activation indicating where braking was initiated in relation to the reference, and if the driver of fhe vehicle is braking early or late at any given brake point.
  • brake activation e.g. brake applied, or brake not applied
  • brake activation may be sensed on most modern cars, for example, with access to the CAN bus.
  • a drift representation may be included which is indicative of any variation in vehicle heading (i.e. where the vehicle heading differs from the direction of travel).
  • an RPM representation may, where gear selection is available, allow a driver to configure fhe display to show deviations to engine rpm instead of speed.
  • the representation(s) may include any suitable indicator(s) and this will be discussed in more detail below.
  • Reference to“real-time” in the embodiments herein refers to the indicator and/or a representation thereof being displayed, at substantially the same time as the parameter(s) and location information are sensed/determined, or shortly thereafter. Accordingly,“real-time” is a term known in the art of electronics, and its ordinary meaning is employed here. [0095]
  • the above-mentioned method allows performance allows for the real-time capture of vehicle performance and health data together with the real-time display of any deviations in performance as compared to the reference (namely, providing situational awareness).
  • the reference may include a reference lap including a plurality of performance parameters of the vehicle (or of a similar vehicle) for a prior lap. Accordingly, the motorsports driver is presented with current performance metrics as compared to the reference lap including speed, gear, engine RPM, acceleration (including braking), angular displacement and turn rate. If, for example, the vehicle is performing within an acceptable range of the ideal (or reference) lap, the relative indicators may not move. Where vehicle parameters deviate from those of the reference lap, the driver, in one instance, is shown in real time how the results of their driving actions differ from the target, both in magnitude and direction, via the representation(s) of the indicator(s).
  • the reference lap may include a lap driven by the best driver in the club.
  • the current reference lap may provide an indication of the top of a club’s“ieaderboard”, such that other drivers are able to understand the vehicle parameters/indicators/performance adjustments required in order to match (and/or surpass) the current reference lap.
  • driver are provided with feedback regarding their vehicle performance, and in some examples, using differential performance metrics (and this will be discussed further below).
  • the real time display of differential performance data may aid amateur drivers in achieving more competitive iap times faster as they are provided with real-time feedback regarding how much further they can safely push their car
  • driver, vehicle owners, operators and/or other service providers are able to access real-time feedback regarding vehicle performance, which in one instance may include differential health metrics of the vehicle. This may include parameters such as engine or vehicle stresses under load as compared to the reference. This allows for owners and service providers to act early to avoid costly maintenance or safety issues.
  • differential performance and health metrics may enhance the transmission of real-time data to remote processing devices, such as via one or more web sites, or Cloud services, by reducing the amount of data transmitted. Rather, than communicating full vehicle parameters for every location, the system may, in some instances, only need transmit those parameters and/or indicators where the deviation from the reference iap has changed.
  • the abovementioned method is performed in a system for monitoring real-time performance of at least one of a driver of a vehicle and the vehicle, and an example of a suitable system will now be described with reference to Figure 2.
  • the system 200 includes one or more sensors S configured to sense one or more parameters at least partially indicative of the state of the vehicle.
  • Any suitable sensor(s) may be included, for example, gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), magnetometers, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more transducers, and the like.
  • the sensors may be capable of sensing one or more respective parameters in any suitable number of independent directions, or Degrees of Freedom (DoF), depending upon the application.
  • DoF Degrees of Freedom
  • sensors S includes a nine Degrees of Freedom (DoF) IMU.
  • sensors may include digital and/or analogue sensors, for examples, sensors or transducers which sense engine, or part thereof, function, health status and/or vehicle function, or the like.
  • the system includes a position determining apparatus P configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle.
  • the positioning determining apparatus may include any suitable apparatus capable of determining the vehicle’s position, including for example a position determining capable of communicating with one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS), Giobainaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), Doppler
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • GLONASS Giobainaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya
  • Doppler Doppler
  • DORIS Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite
  • the position determining receiver includes a GPS (single and/or dual and/or the like), and more typically, a high-speed GPS. This is particularly beneficial for high speed driving applications, where the location of the vehicle changes rapidly. Therefore, a high-speed GPS may be desirable in order to improve the accuracy of the indicators displayed.
  • the system further includes a display 230 for displaying information to the driver and/or an operator. Whilst the display 230 in this example is included in an electronic processing device 200, it will be appreciated that any internal or external display may be provided, including for example configurable gauges or dashboards, remote displays, or the like.
  • the system also includes the electronic processing device 200.
  • the electronic processing device 200 described provides one example of a client device, and this will be discussed in more detail below.
  • the electronic processing device 200 performs, like functionality in accordance with the method disclosed above.
  • the processing system 200 includes a processor 240, such as one or more commercially available Central Processing Units (CPUs) in the form of one-chip microprocessors or a multi-core processor, coupled to a communication device 210 configured to communicate via one or more communication networks to other devices, sensors and/or system, such as the sensors S and position determining apparatus P described in the embodiments herein.
  • CPUs Central Processing Units
  • communication device 210 configured to communicate via one or more communication networks to other devices, sensors and/or system, such as the sensors S and position determining apparatus P described in the embodiments herein.
  • the communication network may be of any appropriate form, such as wired or wireless networks, or bus(es), USB, the Internet and provides connectivity between the processing device 200 and the sensors S, position determining apparatus P, and other the processing systems it will however be appreciated that this configuration is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing system 200 can communicate via any one or more appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.1 1 network, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.
  • wired or wireless connections including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.1 1 network, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.
  • the processing system 200 may also include a local memory 250, such as RAM memory modules.
  • the processing system 200 optionally further includes an input device 220 (e.g. a touchscreen, mouse and/or keyboard to enter content) and an output device 230 (e.g. a touchscreen, a computer monitor display, a LCD display).
  • an input device 220 e.g. a touchscreen, mouse and/or keyboard to enter content
  • an output device 230 e.g. a touchscreen, a computer monitor display, a LCD display.
  • One of more of the components of the processing system 200 may be interconnected by a bus.
  • the processor 240 communicates with a storage device 260, which may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g. hard disk drive), optical storage devices, solid state drives, and/or semiconductor memory devices.
  • storage devices 260 may comprise a store such as a database system 280.
  • the store may store one or more references, indicator values, configuration data or the like.
  • the storage device 260 may store program code or instructions 270 that may provide computer executable instructions in accordance with the processes herein.
  • the processor 240 thus may perform the instructions of the program code 270 to thereby operate in accordance with any of the
  • the program instructions 270 may be store in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format, and may include other program elements, such as an operating system, database management system, device drivers used by the processor 240 to interface with, for example, peripheral devices.
  • the processing system 200 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed computer system, PC, web server, network server, or the like in the preferred embodiment, the processing system 200 includes a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like, where at least some of the functionality of the device is operated via an application (“App”).
  • App an application
  • the processing system 200 is a standard processing system, such as a 32-bit or 64-bit Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential.
  • the processing systems 200 could be or could include any electronic processing device, such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
  • processing system 200 Whilst a single processing system 200 is shown in this example, it will be appreciated that functions may be split among multiple processing systems 500 in geographically separate locations, and in some examples may be performed by distributed networks of processing systems 200 and/or processing systems provided as part of a cloud-based architecture and/or environment.
  • the processing system 200 includes a client device supporting the functions of the abovementioned method, including receiving the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor S, receiving the location information from the position determining apparatus P, and determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter.
  • determining the reference may include retrieving the reference from a remote processing device or store R, for example, in accordance with input commands received from the driver or operator.
  • the electronic processing device compares the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information, generates an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially Indicative of the results of the comparison, and controls, at least in part, the display 230 to display a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
  • the sensors S and position determining apparatus P are shown external to the electronic processing system 200, in some examples one of more of the sensors S and/or position determining apparatus P may be included in the client device 200, as will be described in further detail below.
  • the one or more vehicle parameters are indicative of a force on at least part of the vehicle, a directional displacement of at least part of the vehicle, a rate of turn of at least part of the vehicle, an angular displacement of at least part of the vehicle, and/or a parameter associated with an infernal actuator of the vehicle.
  • internal actuators may be associated with the vehicle engine, such as throttle, valve timing, water correction temperature, gear control, or the like.
  • the vehicle parameter(s) may be selectively configurable according to a particular application. In this regard, an amateur driver may be concerned with the display of a limited number of indicators relating to, for instance, speed and acceleration, however a professional driver may require more
  • vehicle parameters may be configured according to a particular vehicle, such as tilt or lean being used for a motorbike, or boat.
  • the electronic processing device 200 determines a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference, and generates the indicator, at least in part, using the determined difference.
  • the difference may be calculated according to any suitable manner, including calculating a relative difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference, an absolute difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference and/or a ratio using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference.
  • the difference may be represented according to the units of the vehicle parameter (for absolute differences), such as km/hr, km/hr/hr, psi, or the like, and/or may be unit-less or a percentage (for example, a relative difference).
  • the determined difference may include a magnitude and a direction.
  • the representation may include an indication a magnitude indicator indicative of the magnitude and a direction indicator indicative of the direction. This can be particularly beneficial, as it allows a driver and/or operator to readily understand in which direction the vehicle parameter differs from the reference, as well as by how much. As vehicle can be operated at significant speeds, where reaction times can have a significant impact on performance, the ability to differentiate in real-time between the direction and magnitude of the difference provides a representation which the driver (or operator) can readily assimilate and utilize to fake appropriate action.
  • the representation includes a scale, a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value, and a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator.
  • the scale may include any suitable indication of a scale, including a numeric scale, a linear scale, a scale defined by the perimeter of shape, such as an elongate rectangle.
  • the reference indicator is scaled according to the reference itself, and thus the reference indicator may be positioned on the numeric scale in accordance with the numeric value zero.
  • indicator value may be scaled and/or normalized as appropriate.
  • the indicator value may indicate the relative difference of the vehicle parameter from the reference, which is scaled using the reference.
  • the pointer may be of any suitable form to indicate the position of the indicator value on the scale, include an arrow, line, point, colour, numeral, or the like.
  • an error range may be defined by the reference indicator and the pointer. That is, an error range is included in the representation, typically as a range between the reference indicator and the pointer. Accordingly, a range may provide a representation which is more easily and quickly read and interpreted by a driver or operator, as opposed to for example a numeric indicator.
  • a position of the error range relative to the reference may be indicative of the direction of a recommendation (or determined difference) and the pointer may be indicative of the magnitude of a recommendation (or determined difference).
  • the position of the error range may be at least partially indicative of a recommended physical movement of the driver. For example, if lateral acceleration is less than the reference, the error bar may be positioned on the representation to the left of the reference, therefore indicating to the driver that they need to physically turn the vehicle to the right and from the pointer“toward” the reference. Alternatively, the error bar may be positioned in on the opposing side of the reference (in this example to the right), indicating that the driver need to physically turn toward the pointer in order to align with the reference.
  • the error range may be coloured, for example to enhance readability and/or to indicate the magnitude, as will be discussed in more detail below
  • the processing system 200 generates a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison.
  • the recommendation may be indicative of any suitable action, for example, being indicative of vehicle handling and/or vehicle maintenance. Suggestions for the driver to increase acceleration or breaking, directional steering, when and what gear to select, how to handle cornering, or the like. Vehicle maintenance, may include rotating or changing one or more tyres, filling or changing oil, maintaining or replacing a part of the vehicle, tightening or replacing bearings, or the like.
  • the representation may be at least in part indicative of the recommendation, in any suitable manner.
  • the representation includes a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the recommendation, and a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
  • the magnitude and direction of the recommendation may include the magnitude and direction of the determined difference.
  • providing both a magnitude indicator and a direction indicator allows the driver or operator to visually assimilate both aspects of the recommendation faster, enabling them to act upon the recommendation faster. This is particularly advantageous in terms of vehicle operation, as vehicles may be operated at significant speeds, where fast reaction times are desirable.
  • the magnitude and direction indicators may be of any suitable form, for example, they may indicate the magnitude and direction in which to accelerate (for example, whether or not to accelerate or decelerate, and by how much), turn, change gears, and the like.
  • the magnitude indicator may include, for example, a pointer, scale, numerical value, or the like, indicative of the magnitude of the recommendation
  • the direction indicator may include, for example, an arrow, slider, or relative positioning of the magnitude indication with respect to the reference.
  • the indicator includes the recommendation.
  • a colour of the error bar is indicative of the recommendation and/or a direction of the recommendation.
  • the error bar for speed may be“blue” indicating an increase in speed is recommended.
  • the representation may include a numeric countdown and/or progress bar to performing an action, such as a gear change, initiating cornering, or the like.
  • the representation may include a discrete indication of the recommendation and/or direction of the recommendation, such as an arrow indicating an up and/or down gear change is recommended.
  • the representation may in some examples include an indication of the determined difference and an indication of the vehicle parameter.
  • the representation displays both a differential metric, such as a difference in vehicle turn rate (or any other suitable parameter) with regard to the reference, as well as an indication of the current vehicle turn rate. This beneficially allows an operator or driver to ensure that they are aware not only of any difference in their driving technique to the reference, but also what the absolute target values are - enabling them to understand what targets are desirable when, for instance, they are driving without the system.
  • the processing system 200 may determine a vehicle data model, the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references, compares the at least one vehicle parameter to the vehicle data model, and generates the recommendation based upon the results of the comparison in one instance, the vehicle data model is indicative of a model which has been trained via supervised learning or unsupervised learning.
  • indicator(s), vehicle parameter(s) and/or references may be manually or semi-manual!y annotated with recommendations by an expert, and this dataset used to train a vehicle data model, which can
  • the vehicle data model may include a classifier, regression or clustering model.
  • the comparison may be performed in any suitable manner, including at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
  • the processing system 200 may include an application which functions to provide an artificial intelligence (Al) coach.
  • the vehicle data model is selectively updated at least partially using one or more vehicle parameters. As discussed above, this may be achieved at least in part using a machine learning algorithm, such as semi- supervised training, unsupervised training, training the classifier, supervised training, or the like.
  • a machine learning algorithm such as semi- supervised training, unsupervised training, training the classifier, supervised training, or the like.
  • the system Includes a first controller configured to receive at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters from the at least one sensor, and receive the location information from the position determining apparatus. Accordingly, the processing system 200 controls, at least in part, the first controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information. In this regard, the first controller may substantially synchronise the at least one vehicle parameter with the location information and/or format data in a standardized file format
  • the first controller may include and/or control higher specification sensors and/or position determining apparatus, enabling greater accuracy.
  • the electronic processing device 200 is described as separate to the first controller, it will be appreciated that in other examples the client device 200 may include the first controller.
  • the system includes a second controller in communication with the electronic processing device and the first controller, the second controller for, at least in part, controlling the first controller. Additionally, the processing system 200 controls, at least in part, the second controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information from the first controller via the second controller.
  • the second controller may be optimized to perform specific tasks, e.g through custom hardware, freeing resources on the client device to perform more customizable or processor intensive tasks.
  • the second controller may include custom hardware, firmware or software which is optimized to provide lower level functions, such as data conversion to standardized file formats, and the like.
  • the second controller is configurable to control, at least in part, a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of determining at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters.
  • the sensor(s) may include digital and/or analog sensors.
  • the second controller may include an analog to digital converter (ADC) and/or a digital to analog converter (DAC).
  • ADC analog to digital converter
  • DAC digital to analog converter
  • the second controller may control one or more analog sensors through control signals which are converted via the DAC into sensor drive signals. The resultant signals from the sensors are received by the second controller via the ADC.
  • the second controller may communicate with one or more sensors via a bus, and this will be described in more detail below.
  • the electronic processing device 200 is described as separate to the second controller, it will be appreciated that in other examples the client device 200 may include the second controller.
  • the display includes a heads-up display (HUD).
  • HUD heads-up display
  • a HUD can enable a driver to continue to navigate the vehicle using the system 200 whilst maintaining at least partial visibility through the display.
  • the electronic processing device 200 determines at least one metadata parameter, and uses the metadata parameter to retrieve the at least one reference.
  • the metadata includes any suitable information such as vehicle type (car, motorbike, boat), lap type (track, drift, rally), vehicle make, model, engine, transmission, driver identifier, location and channels recorded, and/or the like.
  • the metadata parameter may be used for any other suitable purpose, such as classifying or categorizing the reference(s), vehicle parameter(s) and/or indicator(s) for storage and/or retrieval.
  • the metadata may facilitate making friend recommendations on social media to people who are driving similar vehicles, identify laps or vehicle parameters recorded by similar cars for use in the compilation of one or more reference laps, targeted advertising on websites and social media, and/or customizing the display and/or representations according to specific use cases.
  • targeted advertising may be provided to vendors attending events in which the system is utilized by at least one driver, and/or to drivers participating in an event or utilizing the system, where the advertising is targeting at least partially based upon at least some of the metadata.
  • the reference is at least partially received from a remote electronic processing device and/or from a store, and in one example this may be achieved using at least part of the metadata.
  • This is typically achieved via a communications network, such as a wireless network and/or the Internet, however any suitable communications network may be used.
  • a database of references may be available for purchase/download, for example, from a server or cloud based service, such that drivers are able to select a reference from a comprehensive list.
  • a store of references may be maintained by an amateur or professional driving club, or the like.
  • references, meta-data, and the like may be registered using a distributed ledger technology, and in some examples, blockchain technology.
  • licensing of references in relation to permissible uses may be registered using the distributed ledger technology.
  • registering references (optionally including related meta-data), and or managing licensing using such a ledger provides a public and immutable record regarding ownership, permissible usage, and the like, thereby diminishing the likelihood that references may be pirated or otherwise mis-used.
  • the processing device 200 stores an indication of at least one of the at least one vehicle parameter and the indicator in a store.
  • one or more of the stores may be at least partially hosted by a remote electronic processing device, and/or a distributed network and/or a cloud based architecture. This can allow a driver or operator to upload their vehicle parameters or differential performance metrics for later review, and/or to allow other users to access their performance, for example via messaging or social media Apps.
  • the system is tor monitoring driver performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the driver. Additionally or alternatively, the system is for monitoring vehicle performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the operator. This may be beneficial, for example, where real-time monitoring of the health of the vehicle in order to ensure maintenance is timely performed, or the like.
  • the reference may include any suitable reference, including a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location, derived from a target population (such as a number of references), and/or generated based upon a target outcome.
  • the reference may be generated by aggregating segments of different references together (such as cutting and splicing) in order to produce a target reference. This may be performed in any suitable manner, include manually by an operator, or automatically on the basis of a set of rules or heuristics regarding desired vehicle performance.
  • the system may, in some instances, store vehicle performance, indicators and/or health metrics in accordance with location information, sections of different references may be cut out and spliced together with minimal requirement for post processing. This ability to cut and splice laps to form a reference may be used to automatically build up an ideal lap from a series of laps.
  • a driver could start driving a circuit and this first lap could become a reference lap. As the driver completes subsequent laps, each lap may be automatically cut and spliced to form a new reference lap, incorporating, for example, more desirable elements of each lap into the reference. In this manner, a driver could build up a desired reference simply by driving a circuit multiple times.
  • the representation is displayed on the display using a graphical user interface.
  • the processing device provides and/or stores the reference(s), vehicle parameter(s) and/or indicator(s) in one or more standardised formats.
  • the device 200 may provide a protocol converter function which converts the abovementioned data acquired over a variety of wire protocols (for example, from different sensor(s) and/or position determining apparatus), from different manufacturers using a variety of propriety protocols and converts it to one or more single consistent wire protocols. This may be achieved in any appropriate manner, for example, using an NMEA data protocol, or a substantially similar protocol to NMEA, that is human readable, easy to understand, and easy to process using techniques commonly in use for GPS.
  • the processing device 200 may receive Adaptronic Engine Control Unit (ECU) data over a serial port using modbus, and/or Haltech ECU data over CAN using Haitech CAN broadcast protocol and convert the data of both systems in the NMEA like format in identical or substantially similar sentences.
  • ECU Adaptronic Engine Control Unit
  • Haltech ECU data over CAN using Haitech CAN broadcast protocol
  • to use telemetry on a vehicle you may install a processing device 200, connect it to one or more configurable sensors, and process the sentences the same way as you would GPS NMEA data.
  • the system synchronises with a video recorder, enabling replay of videos synchronised with indicators, such as differential performance metrics and/or health metrics.
  • a video recorder as a sensor, which captures video data which is synchronised to the location of the indicator(s) in real-time (or as a post-processing activity).
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the GUI 300 of this example in some examples may form part of a display visible to the driver, for example, the display of a client device.
  • the GUI includes 5 representations 310, 320, 330, 340, 350.
  • representation 310 corresponds to differential turn rate
  • representation 320 to differential left/right acceleration
  • representation 330 to differential forward/backward acceleration
  • representation 340 to differential speed
  • representation 350 to gear.
  • this is not essential and representations may be configurable to different vehicle parameters / indicators as appropriate.
  • (forward/backward) 330 and speed 340 each include a scale as shown by the arcuate and linear perimeters, respectively.
  • they include a reference indicator 31 1 , 321 , 331 , 341 indicative of a reference value of the reference.
  • the indicators in this example include differential metrics, however, the reference values 31 1 , 321 , 331 , 341 are scaled according to the reference and therefore are equivalent to a central pointer on each one of the scales.
  • acceleration (left/right) 320 acceleration (left/right) 320
  • (forward/backward) 330 and speed 340 include a pointer 323, 333, 343 indicative of an indicator value of the respective differential metrics.
  • the reference indicators 321 , 331 , 341 and indicator pointers 323, 333, 343 of each of these representations 320, 330, 340 each define respective error ranges 322, 332, 342.
  • the error ranges 322, 332, 342 are indicative of the difference between the measured acceleration (left/right), (forward/backward), and speed and the references at the same location.
  • the colour of each of the error bands may be indicative of a recommendation, such as accelerate, brake, turn, and this will be discussed in more detail below.
  • a recommendation such as accelerate, brake, turn
  • this is indicative that the measured parameter is consistent with the reference at that location. Whilst this example displays a reference value pointer 31 1 , this is not essential and in other examples where the differential parameter is zero, it may be desirable to omit a pointer.
  • the gear representation 350 include a numeric indicator indicative of a recommendation to change gears.
  • a numeric indicator may be used as a countdown to perform other actions, based upon a comparison between current vehicle parameters and the reference lap. This will be described further below.
  • representations which convey information regarding current performance, a comparison to previous performance, together with optional recommendations for tangible actions to improve lap times in real-time.
  • FIGS 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of a further example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a driver of a vehicle.
  • respective steps of the method are performed by a client device, a first controller and a second controller.
  • An example of a suitable client device 200 is included above, and examples of suitable controllers will be described in more detail below.
  • the use of three electronic processing device is, however, for illustration only and in other examples the respective steps of the method may be performed by any appropriate electronic processing device.
  • the method includes the client device retrieving a reference lap (or other suitable reference) corresponding to the lap to be driven.
  • the reference lap (also referred to as reference track) is retrieved from a remote processing device or server (such as will be described in more detail below) via a communications network, such as the Internet, in response to the driver selecting the reference lap using the client device.
  • the first controller (in this example, also referred to as the !MU unit) samples vehicle parameters using the IMU, ensuring sampling is synchronised with the receipt of location information from an external GPS receiver.
  • the sampled vehicle parameters include acceleration (backwards and forwards), acceleration (left and right), speed and, turn rate. Preliminary data conversion is performed, and the vehicle parameters and location information is transmitted in a standardised file format to the second controller.
  • the second controller receives the standardised vehicle parameters and location information at step 420.
  • logging unit senses additional vehicle parameters at substantially the same time, at step 430.
  • Additional vehicle parameters may include analogue parameters such as vibrations or heat which may be indicative of driver performance and/or vehicle health performance.
  • the second controller optionally filters any additional vehicle parameters, and transmits these in addition to the vehicle parameters and location information in a standardised file format.
  • the client device receives the vehicle parameters and location from the second controller.
  • the client device determines whether previous location information is available for this lap at step 410. If no previous location is available, the reference lap is searched from the beginning of the data file to match the received location information with a location on the reference lap, at step 430. Otherwise, if a previous location is available, at step 420 the reference lap is searched for a matching location in an abbreviated search from fhe previous iocafion.
  • differential metrics are generated for each vehicle parameter (and additional vehicle parameter) by determining the difference between the reference parameters at the same location in some examples, the differential metrics are absolute, however in others they are relative (that is, normalised).
  • a representation of each of the differential metrics including acceleration (backwards and forwards), acceleration (left and right), speed and, turn rate, are generated and displayed in real time to the driver on a display of the client device.
  • recommendations are also displayed on the representations using colours or countdowns which indicate what the driver should do in order to try to align performance with the reference lap.
  • step 410 This method is repeated from step 410 as the driver travels around the track, such that they are aware in real-time of their performance, and additionally, how they are able to improve over the course of each lap.
  • the differential metrics are saved to the remote processing device. This is advantageous as it allows the driver (and or a
  • FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an electronic processing device 500 according to some of the embodiments described herein.
  • System 500 may be, for example, associated with any of the devices described herein, including for example the remote processing systems and like functionality in accordance with processes disclosed herein.
  • the processing system 500 includes a processor 540, such as one or more commercially available Central Processing Units (CPUs) in the form of one-chip microprocessors or a multi-core processor, coupled to a processor 540, such as one or more commercially available Central Processing Units (CPUs) in the form of one-chip microprocessors or a multi-core processor, coupled to a
  • CPUs Central Processing Units
  • communication device 510 configured to communicate via a communication network (not show in Figure 5) to another device or system, such as the system or client device described in the embodiments herein.
  • the communication network may be of any appropriate form, such as the Internet and/or a number of local area networks (LANs) and provides connectivity between the server 500 and other the processing systems it will however be appreciated that this configuration is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing systems and server 500 can communicate via any appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.1 1 networks, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point
  • connections such as Bluetooth, or the like.
  • the processing system 500 includes a server (e.g. supporting the functions of receiving, storing and/or retrieving vehicle parameter(s), indicators and/or indicator values, reference(s), and/or configuration data).
  • a server e.g. supporting the functions of receiving, storing and/or retrieving vehicle parameter(s), indicators and/or indicator values, reference(s), and/or configuration data.
  • One of more of the components of the processing system 500 may be interconnected by a bus.
  • the processing system 500 may also include a local memory 550, such as RAM memory modules.
  • the processing system 500 optionally further includes an input device 520 (e.g. a touchscreen, mouse and/or keyboard to enter content) and an output device 530 (e.g. a touchscreen, a computer monitor display, a LCD display)
  • an input device 520 e.g. a touchscreen, mouse and/or keyboard to enter content
  • an output device 530 e.g. a touchscreen, a computer monitor display, a LCD display
  • the processor 540 communicates with a storage device 560, which may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g. hard disk drive), optical storage devices, solid state drives, and/or semiconductor memory devices in some embodiments, storage devices 560 may comprise a store such as a database system 580.
  • the store may store one or more references, indicator values, configuration data or the like.
  • the storage device 560 may store program code or instructions 570 that may provide computer executable instructions in accordance with the processes herein.
  • the processor 540 thus may perform the instructions of the program code 570 to thereby operate in accordance with any of the
  • the program instructions 570 may be store in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format, and may include other program elements, such as an operating system, database management system, device drivers used by the processor 540 to interface with, for example, peripheral devices.
  • the processing system 500 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed computer system, PC, web server, network server, or the like.
  • the processing system 500 is a standard processing system, such as a 32-bit or 64-bit Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential.
  • the processing systems 500 could be or could include any electronic processing device, such as a
  • microprocessor microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
  • FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
  • processing system 500 Whilst a single processing system 500 is shown in this example, it will be appreciated that functions may be split among multiple processing systems 500 in geographically separate locations, and in some examples may be performed by distributed networks of processing systems 500 and/or processing systems provided as part of a cloud-based architecture and/or environment.
  • the first and/or second controller 580 of any of the embodiments herein includes an electronic processing device, such as at least one microprocessor 581 , a memory 582, and an external interface 583, interconnected via a bus 584, as shown.
  • the external interface 583 can be utilized for connecting the processing system 580 to peripheral devices, such as communications networks, wireless communication connections, databases, other storage devices, or the like.
  • peripheral devices such as communications networks, wireless communication connections, databases, other storage devices, or the like.
  • a single external interface 583 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e.g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) may be provided
  • communication networks may be of any appropriate form, such as the Internet and/or a number of local area networks (LANs) and provides inter-connectivity between the controllers and/or connectivity between the controller 580 and other the processing systems, such as the system or client device of examples herein. It will however be appreciated that this configuration is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing systems and controller 580 can communicate via any appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.11 networks, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.
  • LANs local area networks
  • the microprocessor 581 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 582 to perform required processes, for example, to allow communication with other processing systems.
  • actions performed by the controller 580 are performed by the processor 581 in accordance with instructions stored as applications software in the memory 582 and/or input commands received via the communications network.
  • the applications software may include one or more software modules, and may be executed in a suitable execution environment, such as an operating system environment, or the like.
  • controllers 580 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed PC, Internet terminal, lap-top, hand-held PC, smart phone, PDA, tablet, or the like.
  • processing system 580 is a standard processing system, such as a 32-bit or 84-bit Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential.
  • processing systems 580 can be any electronic processing device, such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
  • a microprocessor microchip processor
  • logic gate configuration firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
  • FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
  • FIG. 6 A further example of a controller used in monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 6.
  • this example provides a block diagram of the controller, which is another example of the second controller described above.
  • the controller 600 includes one or more power supplies 613 and power supply protection 612. in some examples, power may be drawn form a client device, such as a smart phone or tablet and/or from the vehicle itself, depending upon power requirements. Additionally, the controller 600 includes an input/output interface, which in this instance includes a USB port 614. This allows the controller 600 to communicate with other electronic processing devices, such as a client device, or the like.
  • the controller 600 includes a microprocessor 601 , which operates according to any of the examples herein.
  • the microprocessor 601 may be any form of electronic processing device capable of performing appropriate control, and could include an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a
  • the microprocessor 601 communicates via a RS-485 61 1 bus to/from one or more of an IMU GPS Unit (or a first controller), and/or engine control unit, such as an RS-232 Modbus ECU 608, a CAN ECU 609, and/or a CAN OBDII 610, and/or any optional displays such as electronic configurable dashboards or gauges.
  • an IMU GPS Unit or a first controller
  • engine control unit such as an RS-232 Modbus ECU 608, a CAN ECU 609, and/or a CAN OBDII 610, and/or any optional displays such as electronic configurable dashboards or gauges.
  • the microprocessor 601 is in communication with one or more analogue sensors via an analogue to digital converter (ADC)/ digital to analogue converter (DAC) 601.1.
  • Analog sensors are typically controlled by the microprocessor 601 via sensor drivers 606, which include a voltage reference 607 and sensor driver protection 605.
  • sensor drivers 606 which include a voltage reference 607 and sensor driver protection 605.
  • measurements from sensors are typically filtered through sensor input protection 604, sensor input buffering 603 and additional sensor input filtering 602. in use, the microprocessor 601 applies control signals to the sensors via the DAC 601.1 and sensor drivers 606, and measures the resulting signals via the sensor input protection, buffering and filtering 602 circuits and ADC 601 .1.
  • Analog sensors could include any suitable sensors for sensing appropriate vehicle parameters.
  • analogue sensors may include vibrational sensors which sense the vibration of engine parts, such as bearings, under stress. Such signals may be indicative of a deterioration of vehicle health.
  • the controller 600 may be configurable according to the respective sensors used in a particular application.
  • This is particularly beneficial as it allows a single controller to be adapted to different vehicles, such as motorbikes, cars, go-karts, and the like, different experience levels, different driving conditions, and the like.
  • Figure 7 includes an example of system architecture for the system 700
  • the system 700 includes a server 701 in this example.
  • a communication network 702 such as the Internet.
  • the processing systems may include any suitable device(s) for accessing the server 702, for example via a website, including PCs 71 1 ,
  • the processing systems are able to access, retrieve, upload and store information including telemetry and automatic vehicle location (AVL) data 721 , and configuration data 722 for configuring client devices, first and second controllers.
  • VLL automatic vehicle location
  • social media 723 and e-commerce services 724 are particularly useful in fostering collaboration and online coaching among drivers, which can be beneficial in achieving performance goals.
  • a system 730 provided in the vehicle typically includes client devices such as one or more smartphones 731 and/or tablets 733 connected to the server 701 via a communication network 703, such as the Internet or any other suitable wireless connection.
  • client devices such as one or more smartphones 731 and/or tablets 733 connected to the server 701 via a communication network 703, such as the Internet or any other suitable wireless connection.
  • the tablet 733 may be tethered to the smartphone 731 via a communication network, in order to provide the tablet 733 with Wi-Fi 732 functionality.
  • the tablet 733 may either have the capability to connect directly to the server 701 and/or the client device may include the smartphone 731 .
  • the client device - in this example, the tablet 733 - is in connected to the logging unit 735 via USB 734.
  • the logging unit 735 is in connected to the logging unit 735 via USB 734.
  • an RS-485 bus 736 to a plurality of sensors and displays, including a GPS receiver and IMU unit 737.
  • the logging unit 735 may control an electronic configuration dashboard 738 and/or electronic configurable gauges 739 via the RS-485 bus 736 This provides the ability for the driver to utilise bespoke gauges and dashboards rather than a tablet or smartphone display whilst driving.
  • the tablet 733 also includes one or more applications (Apps) capable of providing track guidance processes 741 according to any one or more of the methods described in the examples herein.
  • App(s) provides messaging functionality 742, and facilitates configuration of the system 730 via access to configuration information and guidance 743.
  • GUI 800 Is shown, such as a GUI displayed on a smartphone or tablet.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the GUI 800 in this example includes a header bar 807 which can include any suitable information, or metadata, such as reference track type or track name selected, date and time, vehicle make, or the like. Additionally, there are areas 808 and 809 on the GUI 800 for visual indicia (such as logos, metadata, or the like), or other representations, as appropriate.
  • the GUI 800 is displaying six representations 801 , 802, 803, 804, 805, and 808, referring to indicators indicative of differential speed, g-force left/right, g-force forward/reverse, RPM, tilt, and turn rate,
  • differential tilt 805 may be an optional representation for vehicles include motorbikes and boats, and accordingly may not be required on cars, or the like.
  • Representations 801 , 802, 803, 805, and 808 include a numeric scale, such as shown in the numeric scale 806.2, and a deviation from the target reference, such as shown by error range 806.1.
  • the error range 806.1 is a range between zero (that is, the where the reference and sampled parameters match), and a numeric indicator value 806.2 which represents the indicator.
  • the indicator may be calculated in any suitable manner as described in the examples herein.
  • the error ranges 808.1 are located on one side of zero or the other, depending upon the course of action the driver needs to take in order to align with the reference.
  • the error range 806.1 is also coloured in order to provide the driver with a recommendation for aligning their performance with the reference.
  • the use of colour is to facilitate rapid assimilation of the information for the driver, who typically has in the order of milliseconds to respond at speed.
  • the display colours are derived from a colour palette suitable for all forms of colour blindness.
  • the colours of error ranges for speed 801 are, in this example, the same as for acceleration/braking 803. Colours for turn rate 808 are the same as for g force left/right 802.
  • the error range colour is green, whereas for the representations 801 , 803 of speed and forward/reverse acceleration the error ranges are blue.
  • the colours of the error ranges alter according to the value of the indicator, and in particular, in accordance with whether the deviation from the reference is one direction or another.
  • speed and acceleration error bands will both be coloured blue.
  • speed and acceleration error bands are both orange. This provides intuitive colouring, as blue is typically associated with“cold” (i.e. slow), and orange with“hot” (i.e. fast). Beneficially, this ensures that the representations are intuitive to the driver, such that they are able to internalize and rapidly alter their driving
  • the g-force left/right and turn rate error ranges 802, 806 are both green and left of the zero line. If the driver needs to turn right, g force and turn rate error ranges are both blue and right of the zero (or reference) line.
  • representations 801 , 803 of speed and acceleration will reinforce one another with the side of the line they are on. That is, they will reinforce one another both by both include error ranges above/below line as well as the same colours associated with slow/fast.
  • the target reference range in this example is not represented by a numeric scale, rather the arcuate scale 804 is differentially coloured, with the target reference 804.1 indicated in green.
  • the differential indicator 804 2 is represented by pointer on the scale.
  • GUI 900 includes five representations 901 , 902, 903, 904 and 905.
  • a numeric scale is absent from the representations 901 , 902, 903, 904 and 905, meaning the scale provided is graphical in nature.
  • Representation 901 displays the difference in speed between the vehicle and reference lap, where above line 901.1 is indicative of being faster than the reference, and below the line is slower.
  • Representation 902, 904 includes an inert dial background, where the blue sections 902.1 , 904.1 include the vehicle heading error (relative to the reierence).
  • the driver is recommended to turn "into" the slice 902 1 , 904 1 until it is gone, in order to match the heading of the reference lap.
  • Left-right (lateral) track position is shown in representation 903
  • the left-right track position of the vehicle on the track is provided to assist the driver in setting up for a corner.
  • the yellow rectangles 903.1 , 903.2 represent the sides of the track, the blue one 903.3 the vehicle, such that the location of the blue rectangle 903 3 relative to the yellow ones 903 1 , 903.2 represents the relative lateral location of the vehicle on the track.
  • the representation 903 provides an absolute rather than differential indicator, as the representation 903 is indicative of the track and the actual vehicle position.
  • Representation 905 includes an indication of forward-backward acceleration relative to the reference lap.
  • the green rectangle 905 2 indicates the vehicle is braking too hard relative to the reference line 905.1.
  • GUI 900 of the above example is shown on a client device, the client device including any of the features described in the examples herein.
  • the system 1000 includes a heads up display (HUD) which is formed from the reflection of the GUI 900 projected onto glass 1010 overlayed with a partially reflective film 1020.
  • HUD heads up display
  • the HUD may be included in the vehicle by installing a partially reflective film over at least part of the windscreen, or by providing an at least partially reflective plane extending outwardly from the client device which can provide a similar HUD function.
  • the background of the GUI 900 may be at least partially coloured to conform with external/outdoor luminescence.
  • the background may in some instances be coloured to about 16% grey.
  • the use of a semi-transparent HUD is particularly beneficial as it allows the driver to at least partially see hazards, oncoming road and traffic, through the display itself, rather than having the display occupy a significant portion of windshield real-estate.
  • the HUD can, in some examples,
  • AUD augmented reality display
  • the system 1 101 includes a client device 1 1 10, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like which includes an integrated IME 1 130 and integrated GPS receiver, controlled by an application (or App) 1 120.
  • client device 1 1 such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like which includes an integrated IME 1 130 and integrated GPS receiver, controlled by an application (or App) 1 120.
  • the system 1 101 operates in accordance with the methods described herein.
  • the App 1 120 is used to retrieve a reference lap or track corresponding to the track to be driven on. Typically, this is achieved via the user selecting the appropriate track via the client device 1 100.
  • the App 1 120 samples parameters from the gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers in the internal IMU, as well as corresponding location information from the GPS receiver.
  • the parameters include speed, acceleration [including braking), turn rate and g- forces.
  • the selected reference track is searched, in order to find the reference parameters which were obtained at the same location as the sampled location information.
  • differentials also referred to as differential metrics
  • the App 1 120 on the client device 1 1 10 display in real-time.
  • the client device 1 1 10 may be mounted in the vehicle such that the driver is aware, in real-time, of their differential performance in relation to the selected reference track.
  • the displayed differential metrics include differences in, for example, acceleration, turn rate, speed, and g-forces compared to the targets provided in the reference track.
  • the differential metrics are presented in a fast and easy-to-read format, to facilitate real-time, proactive performance interventions, such as changing acceleration, braking, steering, and the like.
  • a client device 1 1 10 such as a smart phone, with internal !MU 1 130 and GPS capabilities, the functionality of the system can be provided at lower overhead cost.
  • an external IMU module 1 131 is provided which is provided in communication with the client device 1 1 10 via a USB cable. Whilst the IMU module is capable of being powered via the client device 1 1 10, optionally it may draw external power 1 153, for example from the vehicle. Additionally, the IMU module is in communication with an external powered GPS antenna 1 140 via cable 1 152.
  • the system 1 102 operates similar to any of the examples described above.
  • it offers superior performance to an internal IMU and GPS module, as the IMU module 1 131 and GPS antenna 1 140 may be manufactured from higher technical specifications. This may include, for example, higher speed sampling, higher accuracy, and the like.
  • the implementation in this example may be particularly beneficial for vehicles, such as small cars, motorbikes and go-karts, which require accurate differential metrics, however with simple installation requirements.
  • the system 1 103 of this example includes a logging unit 1 180 which interfaces between the client device 1 1 10 and the IMU module 1 131.
  • the logging unit 1 160 is typically powered by an external power source 1 154, such as the vehicle, and communicates with the client device 11 10 via a USB cable.
  • the logging unit 1 160 may power 1 154 the IMU unit 1 131 , or alternatively the IMU 1 131 may draw external power 1 153 from an external source, such as the vehicle.
  • the IMU unit 1 131 synchronizes sampling of the IMU 1 131 parameters with receipt of location information from the GPS antenna 1 140, optionally performs data filtering and conversion, and transmits the information in a standardized format to the logging unit 1 160 via an RS-485 bus 1 155.
  • the logging unit 1 160 accepts sensor inputs from other sensors, including the ECU, performs ADC filtering, and converts inputs into a standardized format. These are communicated to the client device 1 1 10 along with the parameters and location information received from the IMU unit 1 131 .
  • this embodiment enables differential metrics to be calculated from both parameters collected using the IMU (such as acceleration, and the like), as well as from the ECU (such as gearing, RPM, and the like).
  • the App 1 121 on the client device 1 1 10 is able to display differential and performance metrics for a comprehensive ranges of parameters.
  • the App 1 121 uses the differentials to provide recommendations, such as counting down the time to change gears, accelerate, brake, corner, or the like.
  • the system 1 131 provides an active method for coaching an improvement in driving performance.
  • the system 1200 of this example includes a logging unit 1260 which interfaces between the client device 1210 and an IMU module 1240, as shown while not in use in Figure 12B.
  • the client device 1210 in this example includes a small 7 inch table! displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) shown in Figure 12A.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the device 1210 is displaying four representations 1201 , 1206, 1203, 1202 which correspond to differential speed, turn rate, forward- backward acceleration, and lateral acceleration respectively.
  • the device 1210 displays both a magnitude (15km/h) and direction (slower) in terms of the speed differential.
  • the turn rate bar 1206 in this example Includes both a differential indicator (reference 1206.1 and 1206.2) and the absolute turn rate indicator 1206.3. Thus, in this instance, the turn rate bar 1206 indicates that the vehicle is currently turning right at 7 degrees/second (1206.3) and that turn rate is low by 1 1
  • the needle 1206.3 would move right as the bar 1206.2 decreases in size left to indicate 19 degrees per second, which is the reference turn rate at this location (as the needle 1206.3 and bar 1206.2 together always sums to the reference value, they really work very nicely on a human perception level to reinforce the information to be presented along with the colour).
  • the forward-backward acceleration bar 1203 also includes an absolute acceleration 1203.3 and a relative acceleration indicated by the reference 1203.1 and magnitude and direction of the difference 1203.2.
  • the lateral acceleration bar 1202 in this example includes a differential indicator composed of a reference line 1202.1 and error bar 1202.2, as well as an absolute lateral acceleration needle 1202.3.
  • Figure 12C shows the system 1200, and in particular the client device 1210, in use and mounted to a vehicle windscreen.
  • the system and method of this example allow for the real-time capture of motorsport performance and health data together with the real-time display of any deviations in performance as compared to a reference lap (also referred to as situational awareness). Accordingly, the system or method of this example may include any one or more of the features of the above examples, as appropriate, with the addition of any one or more of the following features.
  • the reference lap includes performance metrics of the vehicle (or of a similar vehicle) for a prior lap. Accordingly, the driver is presented with current performance metrics as compared to the reference lap including speed, gear, engine RPM, acceleration (including braking), g-forces and turn rate.
  • the relative indicators do not move. Where performance metrics deviate from those of the reference lap, the system shows the driver in real time how the results of their driving actions differ from the target, both in magnitude and direction. This enables the driver to adjust their driving actions to force the indicated differences to zero, thereby enabling them to match the driving actions of the reference lap. Should the driver succeed in keeping the indicated deviations to zero over a lap, their performance will match that of the reference lap for practical purposes.
  • the reference lap could include a standard lap driven by a professional driver. Additionally or alternatively, for an amateur car club the reference lap could include a lap driven by the best driver in the club. Optionally, for beginning drivers the reference lap may be set to a slower and more achievable pace.
  • the system includes an Artificial Intelligence (Al) coach to automatically advise as to best strategies for increasing lap times based on the analysis of the differential performance data. Recommendations may include to increase acceleration on straights, accelerate sooner while cornering, shift gears sooner (or later), flatten corners by turning into corners later or start braking later.
  • the A! coach is trained to recognise specific driving patterns through training data indicative of differential track data for laps illustrating known driver errors.
  • the Ai coach provides recommendations on-board in real time and/or off-line based on replays.
  • the system includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) health monitor that compares current health metrics to a reference lap.
  • AI Artificial Intelligence
  • differential health metrics this AI Health Metrics is able to detect variations in performance under load before they develop into costly maintenance or safety issues.
  • the system allows drivers and/or operators to review differential performance data through all layers of the system. They will see differential performance and health data on-board while they are driving laps (possibly on a HUD), they will be able to review the differential performance data on their phone, tablet or laptop (replay), and they will be able to review their differential performance data though a web site (or Cloud service).
  • the system provides drivers with real-time feedback regarding differential performance metrics.
  • the real-time display of differential performance data aids amateur drivers in achieving competitive lap times taster because they will get immediate feedback regarding how much further they can safely push their car.
  • differential performance and health metrics facilitates the transmission of real-time data to web sites (or Cloud services) by reducing the amount of data transmitted. Instead of transmitting full metrics for every location, the system may only need to transmit those metrics where the deviation from the reference lap has changed.
  • use of an Artificial Intelligence (Al) coach to analyse differential performance data aids amateur drivers to improve their driver skills by providing specific advice regarding opportunities for improvement.
  • use of an Artificial intelligence (Al) health monitor will allow for vehicle owners and service providers to reduce the cost of maintaining their race cars in good working order.
  • the system provides amateur drivers another form of on-board coaching by showing them in real -time how their performance is deviating from an ideal (professional) reference lap.
  • This real-time dashboard may be captured on an in-car video as added value for drivers that choose to purchase a video of their V8 experience.
  • Track data may be automatically uploaded to a web-site through a cellular or WIFI network with a unique identifier. The service manager may then sell tokens to their customers so that they could log onto the website to replay or retrieve their telemetry data.
  • track data may be uploaded automatically through a cellular or WIFI network to member accounts where it could be shared with other club members for replay or for use as a reference lap.
  • the differential performance and health data could be streamed live to a web-site (or Cloud based service) so that other club members (family, friends, coaches ...) could monitor the differential performance and health metrics in real-time.
  • the system may collect metadata for each lap, including for example service manager, venue, track, track configuration, car make/modei and car accessories.
  • This metadata may be used to identify appropriate reference lap recordings (recordings for similar cars at the same track/track configuration).
  • the metadata will also be used to target advertising to customers either directly or through third parties such as Google, Facebook, and the like.
  • An example of track (also referred to as lap) recording and prediction workflows are provided below.
  • track recording and prediction includes three or four devices, including:
  • a GPS IMU module which includes a microprocessor based device that controls and receives data from a high rate GPS receiver and a 9 DOF IMU device.
  • the firmware on the microprocessor performs ail necessary calculations and data conversion and transmits "(National Marine Electronics Association) NMEA like” updates (namely updates which are in a data format similar to NMEA) synchronised on the arrival of a GPS updafe over the RS-485 bus;
  • a logger unit which includes a microprocessor based device that performs ADC conversion of sensor inputs, retrieves Engine Control Unit (ECU) data over multiple HW interfaces and transmits the data in a "NMEA like" format over USB to a connected android device;
  • ECU Engine Control Unit
  • the application processes the current location and data sourced from sensors, GPS IMU module and ECU.
  • the application also stores, records, upload and download track guidance files and recorded lap data; and,
  • a 3G or similar device providing a Wi-Fi access point to device 3 (the android tablet/phone) if that device does not have an built wireless data capability.
  • the track prediction workflow is instantiated after the user has selected a track guidance file in a guidance application on the android tablet/phone.
  • the track prediction workflow proceeds as follows:
  • the GPS IMU module transmits a location and IMU update
  • the Logger receives the update and forwards it over the USB connection to the guidance application; ®
  • the logger may also transmit data sourced from the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) connected sensors or ECU;
  • ADC Analog to Digital Converter
  • the guidance application If the guidance application has no record of a last passed location, it performs a search from the start of the track guidance data until a match is found for the current location;
  • the guidance application If the guidance application has a record of a last passed location, it performs an abbreviated search from that point until the current location is found; and,
  • the guidance application formats and displays the target information and actual in a format that enables the user to easily internalise what corrections are needed to follow the ideal racing line including but not limited to heading error, braking acceleration required and turn rate required.
  • the track recording workflow in this example is instantiated by the user using the application to start a session, which is used to name and group the lap data files to be recorded.
  • the track recording workflow proceeds as follows:
  • track guidance file may be used in some examples, as typically not all recorded lap data is required for guidance, and guidance files may be extended, for example, to initiate playback of pre-recorded spoken instructions that a user can use during a training session.
  • guidance tracks may be generated by splicing together sections of a number of different lap files to build an ideal track file from the best parts of recorded laps.
  • the logger device may provide up to 15 sensor inputs that can use 0-5V, 0-12V and varistor type sensors.
  • a user when a user wishes to install a sensor, they can check on a website that a profile in the preferred units (for example, bar, kpa, psi) is available and mark it as a favourite in their profile. The user can then open the ADC configuration page in the guidance application. This page has a line for each of the configurable ADC channels. The configuration information is stored on remote servers under the user's profile for the device. Ail configured devices and vacant channels will be displayed.
  • a profile in the preferred units for example, bar, kpa, psi
  • the user is able to select any ADC channel entry and a list of the user's favourite sensors will be presented for the user to choose from. This list will indicate the suitability of the specific sensor to be connected to the selected channel.
  • To configure the device the user selects the sensors to be configured on all appropriate channels. The user then requests that the device configuration be constructed. This is calculated on the remote servers, using the calibration profile stored during manufacture and then downloaded to the guidance application. The guidance application can then send the configuration to the logger and once it has been confirmed as being correctly transferred to logger memory, issue a command to the logger to store it to flash.
  • the above advantageously provides examples of systems and methods for use in monitoring vehicle and/or driver performances.
  • the proposed systems and methods allow the driver to proactively enhance their performance through the display of real-time indicators which the driver can readily utilize to modify their driving.
  • the real-time indicators are advantageous in facilitating pro-active vehicle maintenance, by comparing vehicle and target parameters which are determined while the vehicle is under load/stress.
  • the articles“a” and“an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
  • “an element” means one element or more than one element.
  • the term“device” also includes a plurality of devices.
  • the term“about”, as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, dose, time, temperature, activity, level, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight, position, length and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ⁇ 20%, ⁇ 10%, ⁇ 5%, ⁇ 1%, ⁇
  • Ail methods and processes discussed herein may be embodied in program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable, processor-executable media.
  • Such media may include, for example, a solid state drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD- ROM, magnetic tape, and a solid state Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM) storage units.
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • a memory storage unit may be associated with access patterns and may be independent from the device (e.g. magnetic, optoelectronic, semiconductor/solid-state, etc.).
  • in-memory technologies may be used such that databases, and the like may be completely operated In RAM memory at a processor. Embodiments are therefore not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

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Abstract

A system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle that includes at least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle, a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle, a display for displaying information, and an electronic processing device that receives the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor, receives the location information from the position determining apparatus, determines at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter; compares the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information, generates an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison; and controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DRIVER AND/OR VEHICLE PERFORMANCE”
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring driver and/or vehicle performance, and more specifically, real-time performance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Any reference in this specification to any known matter, prior publication (or information derived from it), is not an acknowledgement, admission or suggestions that the known matter, prior publication, or any information therefrom forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.
[0003] The collection and analysis of data to improve motorsport performance has been a core objective of moforsports enthusiasts for decades. The simple stopwatch was perhaps the earliest technology to measure circuit lap times. The first automatically operating lap timer was invented in 1978 (see, for example, US 4,245.334). Over the years, professional race tracks have used trip wires, receiving wires and timing beacons to measure lap times. In recent years, the availability of low cost sensors including high rate GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers and a 9 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) devices has led to the development of a variety of moforsports performance and analysis products.
[0004] Today, it is common for people to carry a cell phone, tablet or other device with built-in GPS and IMU devices. Some companies now offer low cost Apps for phones and tablets that use the built in GPS and IMU devices to log vehicle performance and lap times (for example, RaceTime developed by Roberto Morini). These low-cost products are limited by the features and performance of the selected device. These general-purpose devices are not well suited for high speed real-time data collection from multiple sources (GPS, IMU, analogue sensors and Engine Control Unit (ECU) data). [0005] A wide range of hardware products are currently available on the market which augment the capabilities of general-purpose devices (phones, tablets and laptops) to enable high speed real-time data collection from multiple sources. Companies offering such products include Autosports Labs, Race Technologies, Race Logic, and AIM Technologies. Each of these companies offer products that include a high-speed data capture device, an App (or other software), gauges (or dashboards), and/or online platforms. In most cases, performance data is collected on-board the vehicle and then saved as“lap” files for subsequent analysis (on a phone, tablet, laptop, web site or Cloud service)
[0006] Some motorsport data collection systems provide drivers current performance data on physical gauges or dashboards. These may include purpose built gauges, purpose built displays or software applications running on a phone, tablet, laptop or website (including cloud services). Many products also provide drivers with feedback regarding their relative performance through the display of a “Lap Timer. For example, the Race Logic VBOX Sport works with Harry's LapTimer.
[0007] Lap Timers show the driver how their current lap time compares to a reference lap and a prediction of the total lap time based on measured performance data. These Lap Timers only provide the driver a temporal indication regarding their improvement with each lap.
[0008] Existing products have also failed to capture the amateur racing market which consists of a patch-work of local, regional and national car enthusiast clubs (Mazda, Lotus). Existing products have failed to capture this market because they are difficult to install and use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the drawbacks associated with the prior art, and/or to provide a workable alternative.
[0010] in one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle, the system including: ai least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle;
a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location ot the vehicle;
a display for displaying information; and,
an electronic processing device that:
receives the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor; receives the location information from the position determining apparatus;
determines at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
compares the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information;
generates an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison; and, controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
a force on at least part of the vehicle;
a directional displacement of at least part of the vehicle; a rate of turn of at least part of a vehicle;
an angular displacement of at least part of the vehicle; and, a parameter associated with an internal actuator of the vehicle.
[0012] in one embodiment, the electronic processing device:
determines a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference; and,
generates the indicator, at least in part, using the determined difference. [0013] In one embodiment, determining the difference includes calculating, in the electronic processing device, at least one of:
a relative difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
an absolute difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
a ratio using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference.
[0014] in one embodiment, the representation includes an indication of: a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the determined difference; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the determined difference.
[0015] in one embodiment, the representation includes:
a scale;
a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value; and,
a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator, wherein an error range is defined by the reference indicator and the pointer.
[0016] In one embodiment, the electronic processing device:
generates a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and,
controls, at least in part, the display to display the representation, wherein a colour of the error bar is indicative of the recommendation.
[0017] In one embodiment, the electronic processing device:
generates a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and,
controls, at least in part, the display to display the representation, which is at least in part indicative of the recommendation. [0018] In one embodiment, the recommendation is indicative of at least one of:
vehicle maintenance; and,
vehicle handling.
[0019] In one embodiment, the electronic processing device:
determines a vehicle data model, the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references;
compares the at least one vehicle parameter to the vehicle data model; and, generates the recommendation based upon the results of the comparison
[0020] in one embodiment, the comparison is at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
[0021] in one embodiment, the electronic processing device selectively updates the vehicle data model at least partially using the at least one vehicle parameter.
[0022] in one embodiment, the selective update is performed at least in part using a machine learning algorithm.
[0023] in one embodiment, the position determining apparatus includes a position determining receiver.
[0024] In one embodiment, the position determining receiver is in communication with at least one of:
Global Positioning System (GPS);
Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS);
Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning integrated by Satellite (DORIS); BeiDou/GOMPASS;
Galileo; and,
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Guasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)
[0025] In one embodiment, the position determining receiver includes a high-rate GPS receiver. [0026] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor includes at least one ot: an inertial measurement unit;
a gyroscope;
a magnetometer;
an accelerometer; and,
a transducer.
[0027] A system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one nine Degrees of Freedom (DoF) Inertial Movement Unit (IMU).
[0028] In one embodiment, the system includes:
a first controller configured to:
receive at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters from the at least one sensor; and,
receive the location information from the position determining apparatus; and,
wherein the electronic processing device:
controls, at least in part, the first controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information.
[0029] in one embodiment, the first controller substantially synchronises the at least one vehicle parameter with the location information.
[0030] in one embodiment, the electronic processing device includes the first controller.
[0031] in one embodiment, system includes:
a second controller in communication with the electronic processing device and the first controller, the second controller for, at least in part, controlling the first controller; and,
wherein the electronic processing device:
controls, at least in part, the second controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information from the first controller via the second controller. [0032] In one embodiment, the second controller is configurable to control, at least in part, a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of determining at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters.
[0033] In one embodiment, the second controller includes an analogue to digital converter (ADC).
[0034] In one embodiment, the electronic processing device includes the second controller.
[0035] in one embodiment, the display includes a heads up display (HUD).
[0036] In one embodiment, the electronic processing device:
determines at least one metadata parameter; and,
uses the metadata parameter to retrieve the at least one reference.
[0037] In one embodiment, the system includes retrieving the reference at least partially from a remote electronic processing device.
[0038] in one embodiment, the electronic processing device stores an indication of at least one of the at least one vehicle parameter and the indicator in a store
[0039] In one embodiment, the store is at least partially hosted by a remote electronic processing device.
[0040] in one embodiment, the store is at least partially hosted in at least one of a distributed network and a cloud based architecture.
[0041] In one embodiment, the system is for monitoring driver performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the driver.
[0042] In one embodiment, the system is for monitoring vehicle
performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the operator.
[0043] in one embodiment, determining the at least one reference includes at least one of:
receiving the reference from a remote processing device; and, retrieving the reference from a store. [0044] In one embodiment, the reference is at least one of: a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location; derived from a target population; and,
generated based upon a target outcome.
[0045] In one embodiment, the representation is displayed on the display using a graphical user interface.
[0046] in one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle, the method including, in an electronic processing device:
determining the at least one vehicle parameter, the vehicle parameter being at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle; determining location information indicative of a location of the vehicle; determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
comparing the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information;
generating an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison; and,
displaying a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
[0047] In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
a force on at least part of the vehicle;
a directional displacement of at least part of the vehicle; a rate of turn of at least part of the vehicle;
an angular displacement of at least part of the vehicle; and, a parameter associated with an infernal actuator of the vehicle.
[0048] In one embodiment, the method includes, in an electronic processing device: determining a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference; and,
generating the indicator, at least in part, using the determined difference.
[0049] In one embodiment, determining the difference includes calculating, in the electronic processing device, at least one of:
a relative difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
an absolute difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
a ratio using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference.
[0050] in one embodiment, the representation includes an indication of: a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the determined difference; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the determined difference.
[0051] In one embodiment, the representation includes:
a scale;
a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value; and,
a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator, wherein an error range is defined by the reference indicator and the pointer.
[0052] in one embodiment, the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
generating a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and,
controlling, at least in part, the display to display the representation, wherein a colour of the error bar is indicative of the recommendation. [0053] In one embodiment, the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
generating a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and,
displaying the representation, which is at least in part indicative of the recommendation.
[0054] In one embodiment, the recommendation is indicative of at least one of:
vehicle maintenance; and,
vehicle handling.
[0055] in one embodiment, the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
determining a vehicle data model, the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references;
comparing the at least one vehicle parameter to the vehicle data model; and,
generating the recommendation based upon the results of the comparison.
[0056] in one embodiment, the comparison is at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
[0057] In one embodiment, the method includes, in the electronic processing device, selectively updating the vehicle data model at least partially using the at least one vehicle parameter.
[0058] In one embodiment, selective updating is performed at least in part using a machine learning algorithm.
[0059] In one embodiment, the method is for monitoring driver performance, and the representation is displayed to the driver.
[0060] in one embodiment, the method is for monitoring vehicle
performance, and the representation is displayed to the operator. [0061] In one embodiment, the method includes determining the at least one reference by at least one of:
receiving the reference from a remote processing device; and, retrieving the reference from a store.
[0062] In one embodiment, the reference is at least one of:
a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location; derived from a target population; and,
generated based upon a target outcome.
[0063] In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
acceleration;
forward-backward acceleration;
left-right acceleration:
tilt;
force;
vibrational energy;
pressure;
revolutions per minute (RPM);
heading;
gearing;
brake actuation;
vehicle load;
vehicle stress;
angular displacement; and,
turn rate.
[6064] In one embodiment, the at least one indicator is at least partially indicative of at least one of:
acceleration;
forward-backward acceleration;
left-right acceleration; tilt;
force;
vibrational energy;
pressure;
revolutions per minute (RPM);
heading;
lateral track position;
gearing;
brake actuation;
vehicle load;
vehicle stress;
angular displacement; and,
turn rate.
[0065] in one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a system for providing real-time performance coaching of a driver of a vehicle, the system including:
at least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle;
a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle;
a display for displaying information; and,
an electronic processing device that:
receives the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor; receives the location information from the position determining apparatus;
determines at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
determines a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the at least one reference;
generates a recommendation in real-time at least partially based upon the determined difference; and, controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the recommendation to thereby provide real-time performance coaching of the driver, the representation including:
a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the recommendation; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
[0066] in some embodiments, the system includes any one or more of the features described herein.
[0067] In one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a method for providing real-time performance coaching of a driver of a vehicle, the method including, in an electronic processing device:
determining at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle
determining location information indicative of a location of the vehicle; determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
determining a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the at least one reference;
generating a recommendation in real-time at least partially based upon the determined difference; and,
displaying a representation of the recommendation to thereby provide real-time performance coaching of the driver, the representation including:
a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the recommendation; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
[0068] in some embodiments, the method includes any one or more of the features described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0070] Figure 1 is a flow diagram of an example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0072] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface of one or more indicators according to one or more of the embodiments herein;
[0073] Figures 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of a further example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0074] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of an electronic processing device and/or controller according to one or more of the embodiments herein;
[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0077] Figure 8 is an image of a further example of a graphical user interface of indicators indicative of real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0078] Figure 9 is an image of a further example of a graphical user interface of indicators indicative of real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0079] Figure 10 is an image of a further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle;
[0080] Figures 1 1A, 1 1 B and 1 1 C are schematic diagrams of further examples of systems for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle; and, [0081] Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are schematic diagrams of further examples of systems for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0082] An example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a driver of a vehicle and/or a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 1. Reference to performance of a vehicle also includes performance of a driver of a vehicle.
[0083] For fhe purpose of illustration, it is assumed that the following method/processes are performed at least in part using one or more electronic processing devices forming part of one or more processing systems, an example of which will be described in more detail below.
[0084] At step 100, one or more vehicle parameters at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle are determined. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, and typically includes receiving the parameter(s) from one or more sensors associated with, attached to, positioned in/around the vehicle, either directly or via one or more controllers, as will be described in more detail below in some embodiments and examples herein, reference to“vehicle parameters” and “performance parameters” may be used interchangeably.
[0085] Reference to the“state” of the vehicle includes the condition, circumstances or attributes of the vehicle at a particular instance in time. Typically, reference to state does not Include parameters indicative of time or elapsed time (such as time elapsed between commencing a drive and the current time). Rather, the one or more parameters may include any suitable parameters indicative of the state of the vehicle, such as acceleration (also referred to as“g-force”), forward- backward acceleration, left-right acceleration, tilt, force, vibrational energy, pressure, revolutions per minute (RPM), vehicle load, heading, gearing, brake actuation, angular displacement, turn rate, vehicle stress, vehicle health parameters, and the like, and this will be discussed in more detail below.
[0086] Location information indicative of a location of the vehicle is determined at step 1 10. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, such as using position determining apparatus capable ot determining the vehicle’s position, as will be described in more detail below. Accordingly, the location information includes any suitable information to indicate the location and/or position of the vehicle, for example, an absolute or relative location, such as a latitude/longitude and/or altitude, a displacement, distance, or the like.
[0087] At step 120, one or more references associated with the parameter are determined. Suitable references may include, In some examples, previously measured parameters, targets, optimal values or ranges and/or health values or ranges for the vehicle parameters determined at step 100, and this will be discussed further below. Moreover, the reference(s) may also be determined in any suitable way, including for example retrieving the reference(s) from a store, such as a database, a cloud based architecture, or the like.
[0088] The vehicle parameter(s) and the reference(s) are compared using the location information at step 130. In one example, the comparison includes generating a differential performance parameter(s) from the parameter(s) and the reference(s) at the same location, as indicated by the location information; namely a difference between the parameter(s) and reference(s). Accordingly, the location information allows the comparison to be performed on data relating to the same location. However, in other examples, any suitable comparison may be performed and this will be described in more detail below.
[0089] At step 140, the method includes generating an indicator in real time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison. In this regard, the indicator may be at least partially indicative of acceleration, forward-backward acceleration, left-right acceleration, tilt, force, vibrational energy, pressure, revolutions per minute (RPM), heading (for example, actual and/or differential heading determined using data from GPS and/or magnetometer), lateral track position (actual and/or differential), gearing, brake actuation (such as brake activation or deactivation), vehicle load, vehicle stress, angular displacement, turn rate, vehicle health parameters, or the like. A representation of the indicator is displayed, to thereby provide real-time monitoring of the vehicle. [0090] For example, the representation may include any suitable information indicative of indicator(s) such as being indicative of differential speed, angular displacement, turn rate and acceleration (forward/reverse and right/left). Optionally, differential tilt may be included, for example, for motorbikes and boats.
[0091] Additional representations may include a gear up-down
representation where indicates (for example using an arrow) whether the driver is in a higher or lower gear than the reference in some instances, the representation may include a couni-down bar and/or timer to a gear change (or other suitable driver action such as brake activation/de-activation or the like). Advantageously, this provides the driver a recommendation/advance indicator of an upcoming gear change. Additionally or alternatively, a lean representation may be included which is indicative of whether the vehicle is leaning more or less than in the corresponding reference at that location. This could be achieved, for instance, by a representation of an icon in a circle, and may be calculated, for example from gyroscopes and/or dual GPS receivers or the like.
[0092] Optionally, for example, the representation may include an indication of brake activation indicating where braking was initiated in relation to the reference, and if the driver of fhe vehicle is braking early or late at any given brake point. In some examples, brake activation (e.g. brake applied, or brake not applied) may be sensed on most modern cars, for example, with access to the CAN bus.
[0093] Optionally, a drift representation may be included which is indicative of any variation in vehicle heading (i.e. where the vehicle heading differs from the direction of travel). And/or an RPM representation may, where gear selection is available, allow a driver to configure fhe display to show deviations to engine rpm instead of speed. Indeed, the representation(s) may include any suitable indicator(s) and this will be discussed in more detail below.
[0094] Reference to“real-time" in the embodiments herein, refers to the indicator and/or a representation thereof being displayed, at substantially the same time as the parameter(s) and location information are sensed/determined, or shortly thereafter. Accordingly,“real-time” is a term known in the art of electronics, and its ordinary meaning is employed here. [0095] Advantageously, the above-mentioned method allows performance allows for the real-time capture of vehicle performance and health data together with the real-time display of any deviations in performance as compared to the reference (namely, providing situational awareness).
[0096] For moforsports, for example, the reference may include a reference lap including a plurality of performance parameters of the vehicle (or of a similar vehicle) for a prior lap. Accordingly, the motorsports driver is presented with current performance metrics as compared to the reference lap including speed, gear, engine RPM, acceleration (including braking), angular displacement and turn rate. If, for example, the vehicle is performing within an acceptable range of the ideal (or reference) lap, the relative indicators may not move. Where vehicle parameters deviate from those of the reference lap, the driver, in one instance, is shown in real time how the results of their driving actions differ from the target, both in magnitude and direction, via the representation(s) of the indicator(s). This enables the driver to adjust their driving actions to force the indicated differences to zero, thereby enabling them to attempt to match the driving actions of the reference lap. Should the driver succeed in keeping the indicated deviations to zero over a lap, their performance is likely match that of the reference lap for practical purposes.
[0097] Beneficially, for a professional experiential service, such as offered by V8 Experience, enthusiasts may in some instances be offered the opportunity to drive a racing car, where the reference lap includes a standard lap driven by a professional and/or celebrity driver. This allows enthusiasts the opportunity to pit their driving against the professionals, whilst also obtaining in real-time a sense of the capabilities of car performance.
[0098] Additionally, for amateur car club, the reference lap may include a lap driven by the best driver in the club. Thus, the current reference lap may provide an indication of the top of a club’s“ieaderboard”, such that other drivers are able to understand the vehicle parameters/indicators/performance adjustments required in order to match (and/or surpass) the current reference lap.
[0099] However, these examples are for illustration, and any suitable application for monitoring vehicle performance may be utilised. For example, beginner drivers may utilise a reference iap which is at a slower and more achievable pace.
[0100] Further advantages of the method include that drivers are provided with feedback regarding their vehicle performance, and in some examples, using differential performance metrics (and this will be discussed further below). The real time display of differential performance data may aid amateur drivers in achieving more competitive iap times faster as they are provided with real-time feedback regarding how much further they can safely push their car
[0101] Beneficially, drivers, vehicle owners, operators and/or other service providers are able to access real-time feedback regarding vehicle performance, which in one instance may include differential health metrics of the vehicle. This may include parameters such as engine or vehicle stresses under load as compared to the reference. This allows for owners and service providers to act early to avoid costly maintenance or safety issues.
[0102] In some examples, the use of differential performance and health metrics may enhance the transmission of real-time data to remote processing devices, such as via one or more web sites, or Cloud services, by reducing the amount of data transmitted. Rather, than communicating full vehicle parameters for every location, the system may, in some instances, only need transmit those parameters and/or indicators where the deviation from the reference iap has changed.
[0103] In some examples, the abovementioned method is performed in a system for monitoring real-time performance of at least one of a driver of a vehicle and the vehicle, and an example of a suitable system will now be described with reference to Figure 2.
[0104] in this example, the system 200 includes one or more sensors S configured to sense one or more parameters at least partially indicative of the state of the vehicle. Any suitable sensor(s) may be included, for example, gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), magnetometers, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more transducers, and the like. Moreover, the sensors may be capable of sensing one or more respective parameters in any suitable number of independent directions, or Degrees of Freedom (DoF), depending upon the application. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the sensors S includes a nine Degrees of Freedom (DoF) IMU. Optionally, sensors may include digital and/or analogue sensors, for examples, sensors or transducers which sense engine, or part thereof, function, health status and/or vehicle function, or the like.
[0105] in addition, the system includes a position determining apparatus P configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle. The positioning determining apparatus may include any suitable apparatus capable of determining the vehicle’s position, including for example a position determining capable of communicating with one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS), Giobainaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), Doppler
Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS),
BeiDou/COMPASS, Galileo, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), or the like in the preferred embodiment, the position determining receiver includes a GPS (single and/or dual and/or the like), and more typically, a high-speed GPS. This is particularly beneficial for high speed driving applications, where the location of the vehicle changes rapidly. Therefore, a high-speed GPS may be desirable in order to improve the accuracy of the indicators displayed.
[0106] The system further includes a display 230 for displaying information to the driver and/or an operator. Whilst the display 230 in this example is included in an electronic processing device 200, it will be appreciated that any internal or external display may be provided, including for example configurable gauges or dashboards, remote displays, or the like.
[0107] In any event, the system also includes the electronic processing device 200. in some further examples, herein, the electronic processing device 200 described provides one example of a client device, and this will be discussed in more detail below.
[0108] The electronic processing device 200 performs, like functionality in accordance with the method disclosed above. The processing system 200 includes a processor 240, such as one or more commercially available Central Processing Units (CPUs) in the form of one-chip microprocessors or a multi-core processor, coupled to a communication device 210 configured to communicate via one or more communication networks to other devices, sensors and/or system, such as the sensors S and position determining apparatus P described in the embodiments herein.
[0109] The communication network may be of any appropriate form, such as wired or wireless networks, or bus(es), USB, the Internet and provides connectivity between the processing device 200 and the sensors S, position determining apparatus P, and other the processing systems it will however be appreciated that this configuration is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing system 200 can communicate via any one or more appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.1 1 network, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.
[0110] The processing system 200 may also include a local memory 250, such as RAM memory modules. The processing system 200 optionally further includes an input device 220 (e.g. a touchscreen, mouse and/or keyboard to enter content) and an output device 230 (e.g. a touchscreen, a computer monitor display, a LCD display). One of more of the components of the processing system 200 may be interconnected by a bus.
[0111] The processor 240 communicates with a storage device 260, which may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g. hard disk drive), optical storage devices, solid state drives, and/or semiconductor memory devices. In some embodiments, storage devices 260 may comprise a store such as a database system 280. For example, the store may store one or more references, indicator values, configuration data or the like.
[0112] Furthermore, the storage device 260 may store program code or instructions 270 that may provide computer executable instructions in accordance with the processes herein. The processor 240 thus may perform the instructions of the program code 270 to thereby operate in accordance with any of the
embodiments described herein. In this regard, the program instructions 270 may be store in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format, and may include other program elements, such as an operating system, database management system, device drivers used by the processor 240 to interface with, for example, peripheral devices.
[0113] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the processing system 200 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed computer system, PC, web server, network server, or the like in the preferred embodiment, the processing system 200 includes a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like, where at least some of the functionality of the device is operated via an application (“App”).
[0114] However, in order examples, the processing system 200 is a standard processing system, such as a 32-bit or 64-bit Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the processing systems 200 could be or could include any electronic processing device, such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
[0115] Whilst a single processing system 200 is shown in this example, it will be appreciated that functions may be split among multiple processing systems 500 in geographically separate locations, and in some examples may be performed by distributed networks of processing systems 200 and/or processing systems provided as part of a cloud-based architecture and/or environment.
[0116] In any event, in this instance the processing system 200 includes a client device supporting the functions of the abovementioned method, including receiving the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor S, receiving the location information from the position determining apparatus P, and determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter. Optionally, determining the reference may include retrieving the reference from a remote processing device or store R, for example, in accordance with input commands received from the driver or operator.
[0117] Additionally, the electronic processing device compares the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information, generates an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially Indicative of the results of the comparison, and controls, at least in part, the display 230 to display a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
[0118] Whilst in this example, the sensors S and position determining apparatus P are shown external to the electronic processing system 200, in some examples one of more of the sensors S and/or position determining apparatus P may be included in the client device 200, as will be described in further detail below.
[0119] A number of further features of the abovementioned method and system will now be described.
[0120] In one example, the one or more vehicle parameters are indicative of a force on at least part of the vehicle, a directional displacement of at least part of the vehicle, a rate of turn of at least part of the vehicle, an angular displacement of at least part of the vehicle, and/or a parameter associated with an infernal actuator of the vehicle. For example, internal actuators may be associated with the vehicle engine, such as throttle, valve timing, water correction temperature, gear control, or the like. In some instances, the vehicle parameter(s) may be selectively configurable according to a particular application. In this regard, an amateur driver may be concerned with the display of a limited number of indicators relating to, for instance, speed and acceleration, however a professional driver may require more
comprehensive indicators such as RPMs, and the like. Moreover, the vehicle parameters may be configured according to a particular vehicle, such as tilt or lean being used for a motorbike, or boat.
[0121] In a further example, the electronic processing device 200 determines a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference, and generates the indicator, at least in part, using the determined difference. The difference may be calculated according to any suitable manner, including calculating a relative difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference, an absolute difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference and/or a ratio using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference. Thus, the difference may be represented according to the units of the vehicle parameter (for absolute differences), such as km/hr, km/hr/hr, psi, or the like, and/or may be unit-less or a percentage (for example, a relative difference).
[0122] in some instances, the determined difference may include a magnitude and a direction. Optionally, the representation may include an indication a magnitude indicator indicative of the magnitude and a direction indicator indicative of the direction. This can be particularly beneficial, as it allows a driver and/or operator to readily understand in which direction the vehicle parameter differs from the reference, as well as by how much. As vehicle can be operated at significant speeds, where reaction times can have a significant impact on performance, the ability to differentiate in real-time between the direction and magnitude of the difference provides a representation which the driver (or operator) can readily assimilate and utilize to fake appropriate action.
[0123] in some examples, the representation includes a scale, a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value, and a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator.
[0124] In this regard, the scale may include any suitable indication of a scale, including a numeric scale, a linear scale, a scale defined by the perimeter of shape, such as an elongate rectangle. In some instances, the reference indicator is scaled according to the reference itself, and thus the reference indicator may be positioned on the numeric scale in accordance with the numeric value zero.
However, this is not essential, and any suitable reference value indicative of the reference may be used. Accordingly, indicator value may be scaled and/or normalized as appropriate. For example, the indicator value may indicate the relative difference of the vehicle parameter from the reference, which is scaled using the reference. The pointer may be of any suitable form to indicate the position of the indicator value on the scale, include an arrow, line, point, colour, numeral, or the like.
[0125] Optionally, an error range may be defined by the reference indicator and the pointer. That is, an error range is included in the representation, typically as a range between the reference indicator and the pointer. Accordingly, a range may provide a representation which is more easily and quickly read and interpreted by a driver or operator, as opposed to for example a numeric indicator. In some instances, a position of the error range relative to the reference may be indicative of the direction of a recommendation (or determined difference) and the pointer may be indicative of the magnitude of a recommendation (or determined difference).
[0126] Additionally or alternatively, the position of the error range may be at least partially indicative of a recommended physical movement of the driver. For example, if lateral acceleration is less than the reference, the error bar may be positioned on the representation to the left of the reference, therefore indicating to the driver that they need to physically turn the vehicle to the right and from the pointer“toward” the reference. Alternatively, the error bar may be positioned in on the opposing side of the reference (in this example to the right), indicating that the driver need to physically turn toward the pointer in order to align with the reference.
[0127] in some examples, the error range may be coloured, for example to enhance readability and/or to indicate the magnitude, as will be discussed in more detail below
[0128] In a further embodiment, the processing system 200 generates a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison. The recommendation may be indicative of any suitable action, for example, being indicative of vehicle handling and/or vehicle maintenance. Suggestions for the driver to increase acceleration or breaking, directional steering, when and what gear to select, how to handle cornering, or the like. Vehicle maintenance, may include rotating or changing one or more tyres, filling or changing oil, maintaining or replacing a part of the vehicle, tightening or replacing bearings, or the like. [0129] In this regard, the representation may be at least in part indicative of the recommendation, in any suitable manner. In one example, the representation includes a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the recommendation, and a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation. Optionally, the magnitude and direction of the recommendation may include the magnitude and direction of the determined difference. Beneficially, providing both a magnitude indicator and a direction indicator allows the driver or operator to visually assimilate both aspects of the recommendation faster, enabling them to act upon the recommendation faster. This is particularly advantageous in terms of vehicle operation, as vehicles may be operated at significant speeds, where fast reaction times are desirable. The magnitude and direction indicators may be of any suitable form, for example, they may indicate the magnitude and direction in which to accelerate (for example, whether or not to accelerate or decelerate, and by how much), turn, change gears, and the like.
[0130] As discussed above, the magnitude indicator may include, for example, a pointer, scale, numerical value, or the like, indicative of the magnitude of the recommendation, and the direction indicator may include, for example, an arrow, slider, or relative positioning of the magnitude indication with respect to the reference.
[0131] In one example, the indicator includes the recommendation.
[0132] in a further example, a colour of the error bar is indicative of the recommendation and/or a direction of the recommendation. For example, the error bar for speed may be“blue” indicating an increase in speed is recommended.
Additionally or alternatively, the representation may include a numeric countdown and/or progress bar to performing an action, such as a gear change, initiating cornering, or the like. In further example, the representation may include a discrete indication of the recommendation and/or direction of the recommendation, such as an arrow indicating an up and/or down gear change is recommended.
[0133] Optionally, the representation may in some examples include an indication of the determined difference and an indication of the vehicle parameter. In this regard, for example, the representation displays both a differential metric, such as a difference in vehicle turn rate (or any other suitable parameter) with regard to the reference, as well as an indication of the current vehicle turn rate. This beneficially allows an operator or driver to ensure that they are aware not only of any difference in their driving technique to the reference, but also what the absolute target values are - enabling them to understand what targets are desirable when, for instance, they are driving without the system.
[0134] Additionally or alternatively, the processing system 200 may determine a vehicle data model, the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references, compares the at least one vehicle parameter to the vehicle data model, and generates the recommendation based upon the results of the comparison in one instance, the vehicle data model is indicative of a model which has been trained via supervised learning or unsupervised learning. In the case of supervised (or semi-supervised) learning, indicator(s), vehicle parameter(s) and/or references may be manually or semi-manual!y annotated with recommendations by an expert, and this dataset used to train a vehicle data model, which can
consequently be used to predict recommendations based upon one or more indicators, locations, etc. However, in other examples, the vehicle data model may include a classifier, regression or clustering model.
[0135] in this regard, the comparison may be performed in any suitable manner, including at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm. For example, the processing system 200 may include an application which functions to provide an artificial intelligence (Al) coach.
[0136] in some instances, the vehicle data model is selectively updated at least partially using one or more vehicle parameters. As discussed above, this may be achieved at least in part using a machine learning algorithm, such as semi- supervised training, unsupervised training, training the classifier, supervised training, or the like.
[0137] In one example, the system Includes a first controller configured to receive at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters from the at least one sensor, and receive the location information from the position determining apparatus. Accordingly, the processing system 200 controls, at least in part, the first controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information. In this regard, the first controller may substantially synchronise the at least one vehicle parameter with the location information and/or format data in a standardized file format
[0138] Advantageously, separating such functionality between the first controller and client device 200 enables the first controller to be optimized to perform specific tasks, e.g. through custom hardware, freeing resources on the client device to perform more customizable or processor intensive tasks. Additionally, the first controller may include and/or control higher specification sensors and/or position determining apparatus, enabling greater accuracy.
[0139] Whilst in this regard, the electronic processing device 200 is described as separate to the first controller, it will be appreciated that in other examples the client device 200 may include the first controller.
[0140] in a further example, the system includes a second controller in communication with the electronic processing device and the first controller, the second controller for, at least in part, controlling the first controller. Additionally, the processing system 200 controls, at least in part, the second controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information from the first controller via the second controller.
[0141] As discussed above, separating functionality between the second controller and client device 200 enables the second controller to be optimized to perform specific tasks, e.g through custom hardware, freeing resources on the client device to perform more customizable or processor intensive tasks. Additionally, the second controller may include custom hardware, firmware or software which is optimized to provide lower level functions, such as data conversion to standardized file formats, and the like.
[0142] In one instance, the second controller is configurable to control, at least in part, a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of determining at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters. In some instances, the sensor(s) may include digital and/or analog sensors. [0143] Accordingly, the second controller may include an analog to digital converter (ADC) and/or a digital to analog converter (DAC). For example, the second controller may control one or more analog sensors through control signals which are converted via the DAC into sensor drive signals. The resultant signals from the sensors are received by the second controller via the ADC.
[0144] Additionally or alternatively, the second controller may communicate with one or more sensors via a bus, and this will be described in more detail below.
[0145] Whilst in this regard, the electronic processing device 200 is described as separate to the second controller, it will be appreciated that in other examples the client device 200 may include the second controller.
[0146] Additionally, whilst the above examples refer to specific functionality being performed by the electronic processing system 200, first and second controllers, it will be appreciated that the processes and functionality may be distributed between these devices in any suitable manner.
[0147] In one example, the display includes a heads-up display (HUD).
This may be achieved by projecting an image onto a reflective coating applied to a transparent screen and/or directly to at least part of the windscreen of the vehicle. Beneficially, a HUD can enable a driver to continue to navigate the vehicle using the system 200 whilst maintaining at least partial visibility through the display.
[0148] In a further example, the electronic processing device 200 determines at least one metadata parameter, and uses the metadata parameter to retrieve the at least one reference. In some examples, the metadata includes any suitable information such as vehicle type (car, motorbike, boat), lap type (track, drift, rally), vehicle make, model, engine, transmission, driver identifier, location and channels recorded, and/or the like.
[0149] Additionally or alternatively, the metadata parameter may be used for any other suitable purpose, such as classifying or categorizing the reference(s), vehicle parameter(s) and/or indicator(s) for storage and/or retrieval. For example, the metadata may facilitate making friend recommendations on social media to people who are driving similar vehicles, identify laps or vehicle parameters recorded by similar cars for use in the compilation of one or more reference laps, targeted advertising on websites and social media, and/or customizing the display and/or representations according to specific use cases.
[0150] For example, targeted advertising may be provided to vendors attending events in which the system is utilized by at least one driver, and/or to drivers participating in an event or utilizing the system, where the advertising is targeting at least partially based upon at least some of the metadata.
[0151] in one example, the reference is at least partially received from a remote electronic processing device and/or from a store, and in one example this may be achieved using at least part of the metadata. This is typically achieved via a communications network, such as a wireless network and/or the Internet, however any suitable communications network may be used. A database of references may be available for purchase/download, for example, from a server or cloud based service, such that drivers are able to select a reference from a comprehensive list. Alternatively, a store of references may be maintained by an amateur or professional driving club, or the like.
[0152] Additionally or alternatively, at least one of one or more references, meta-data, and the like, may be registered using a distributed ledger technology, and in some examples, blockchain technology. Optionally, licensing of references in relation to permissible uses may be registered using the distributed ledger technology. Advantageously, registering references (optionally including related meta-data), and or managing licensing using such a ledger provides a public and immutable record regarding ownership, permissible usage, and the like, thereby diminishing the likelihood that references may be pirated or otherwise mis-used.
[0153] in some examples, the processing device 200 stores an indication of at least one of the at least one vehicle parameter and the indicator in a store. For example, one or more of the stores may be at least partially hosted by a remote electronic processing device, and/or a distributed network and/or a cloud based architecture. This can allow a driver or operator to upload their vehicle parameters or differential performance metrics for later review, and/or to allow other users to access their performance, for example via messaging or social media Apps. [0154] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the system is tor monitoring driver performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the driver. Additionally or alternatively, the system is for monitoring vehicle performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the operator. This may be beneficial, for example, where real-time monitoring of the health of the vehicle in order to ensure maintenance is timely performed, or the like.
[0155] The reference may include any suitable reference, including a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location, derived from a target population (such as a number of references), and/or generated based upon a target outcome.
[0156] For example, the reference may be generated by aggregating segments of different references together (such as cutting and splicing) in order to produce a target reference. This may be performed in any suitable manner, include manually by an operator, or automatically on the basis of a set of rules or heuristics regarding desired vehicle performance. In this regard, as the system may, in some instances, store vehicle performance, indicators and/or health metrics in accordance with location information, sections of different references may be cut out and spliced together with minimal requirement for post processing. This ability to cut and splice laps to form a reference may be used to automatically build up an ideal lap from a series of laps.
[0157] In one example, a driver could start driving a circuit and this first lap could become a reference lap. As the driver completes subsequent laps, each lap may be automatically cut and spliced to form a new reference lap, incorporating, for example, more desirable elements of each lap into the reference. In this manner, a driver could build up a desired reference simply by driving a circuit multiple times.
[0158] In some instances, the representation is displayed on the display using a graphical user interface.
[0159] In some examples, the processing device provides and/or stores the reference(s), vehicle parameter(s) and/or indicator(s) in one or more standardised formats. For example, the device 200 may provide a protocol converter function which converts the abovementioned data acquired over a variety of wire protocols (for example, from different sensor(s) and/or position determining apparatus), from different manufacturers using a variety of propriety protocols and converts it to one or more single consistent wire protocols. This may be achieved in any appropriate manner, for example, using an NMEA data protocol, or a substantially similar protocol to NMEA, that is human readable, easy to understand, and easy to process using techniques commonly in use for GPS.
[0160] in one particular example, the processing device 200 may receive Adaptronic Engine Control Unit (ECU) data over a serial port using modbus, and/or Haltech ECU data over CAN using Haitech CAN broadcast protocol and convert the data of both systems in the NMEA like format in identical or substantially similar sentences. In other words, to use telemetry on a vehicle you may install a processing device 200, connect it to one or more configurable sensors, and process the sentences the same way as you would GPS NMEA data.
[0161] This is particularly beneficial, as all data collected from various sensors may subsequently be communicated to client device 200, remote processing devices, and the like, in a consistent format, freeing available resources in the client device to be able to focus on presenting the differential performance or health metrics, running an Al Coach and/or Health Monitor or the like.
[0162] in one example, the system synchronises with a video recorder, enabling replay of videos synchronised with indicators, such as differential performance metrics and/or health metrics. This may be achieved in any suitable manner, for example, by include a video recorder as a sensor, which captures video data which is synchronised to the location of the indicator(s) in real-time (or as a post-processing activity).
[0163] in order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, particular preferred embodiments will now be described by way of the following non-!imiting examples.
[0164] An example of a graphical user interface (GUI), including a plurality of representations, will now be described with reference to Figure 3. The GUI 300 of this example in some examples may form part of a display visible to the driver, for example, the display of a client device.
[0165] Whilst this example shows representations on a GUI 300, it will be appreciated that this is for illustration only, and in other examples the representations may be included in one or more gauges, dashboard indicators, or the like, for example, electronic configurable gauges or electronic configurable dashboards.
[0166] In this example, the GUI includes 5 representations 310, 320, 330, 340, 350. In this instance, representation 310 corresponds to differential turn rate, representation 320 to differential left/right acceleration, representation 330 to differential forward/backward acceleration, representation 340 to differential speed, and representation 350 to gear. However, this is not essential and representations may be configurable to different vehicle parameters / indicators as appropriate.
[0167] Turn rate 310, acceleration (left/right) 320, acceleration
(forward/backward) 330 and speed 340 each include a scale as shown by the arcuate and linear perimeters, respectively. In addition, they include a reference indicator 31 1 , 321 , 331 , 341 indicative of a reference value of the reference. As the indicators in this example include differential metrics, however, the reference values 31 1 , 321 , 331 , 341 are scaled according to the reference and therefore are equivalent to a central pointer on each one of the scales.
[0168] Additionally, acceleration (left/right) 320, acceleration
(forward/backward) 330 and speed 340 include a pointer 323, 333, 343 indicative of an indicator value of the respective differential metrics. Thus, the reference indicators 321 , 331 , 341 and indicator pointers 323, 333, 343 of each of these representations 320, 330, 340 each define respective error ranges 322, 332, 342. In this regard, the error ranges 322, 332, 342 are indicative of the difference between the measured acceleration (left/right), (forward/backward), and speed and the references at the same location.
[0169] Optionally, the colour of each of the error bands may be indicative of a recommendation, such as accelerate, brake, turn, and this will be discussed in more detail below. [0170] As the turn rate representation 310 in this example does not include an error range, this is indicative that the measured parameter is consistent with the reference at that location. Whilst this example displays a reference value pointer 31 1 , this is not essential and in other examples where the differential parameter is zero, it may be desirable to omit a pointer.
[0171] The gear representation 350 include a numeric indicator indicative of a recommendation to change gears. In other examples, a numeric indicator may be used as a countdown to perform other actions, based upon a comparison between current vehicle parameters and the reference lap. This will be described further below.
[0172] Beneficially, this example provides simple yet powerful
representations which convey information regarding current performance, a comparison to previous performance, together with optional recommendations for tangible actions to improve lap times in real-time.
[0173] Figures 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of a further example of a method for monitoring real-time performance of a driver of a vehicle. In this example, respective steps of the method are performed by a client device, a first controller and a second controller. An example of a suitable client device 200 is included above, and examples of suitable controllers will be described in more detail below. The use of three electronic processing device is, however, for illustration only and in other examples the respective steps of the method may be performed by any appropriate electronic processing device.
[0174] At step 400, the method includes the client device retrieving a reference lap (or other suitable reference) corresponding to the lap to be driven.
This may be achieved in any appropriate way, including retrieving the reference lap from a database, or the like. However, in this particular example, the reference lap (also referred to as reference track) is retrieved from a remote processing device or server (such as will be described in more detail below) via a communications network, such as the Internet, in response to the driver selecting the reference lap using the client device. [0175] Once the driver has commenced driving the lap, at step 410 the first controller (in this example, also referred to as the !MU unit) samples vehicle parameters using the IMU, ensuring sampling is synchronised with the receipt of location information from an external GPS receiver. In this example, the sampled vehicle parameters include acceleration (backwards and forwards), acceleration (left and right), speed and, turn rate. Preliminary data conversion is performed, and the vehicle parameters and location information is transmitted in a standardised file format to the second controller.
[0176] The second controller (in this example, also referred to as the logging unit) receives the standardised vehicle parameters and location information at step 420. Optionally, logging unit senses additional vehicle parameters at substantially the same time, at step 430. Additional vehicle parameters may include analogue parameters such as vibrations or heat which may be indicative of driver performance and/or vehicle health performance. The second controller optionally filters any additional vehicle parameters, and transmits these in addition to the vehicle parameters and location information in a standardised file format.
[0177] At step 440, the client device receives the vehicle parameters and location from the second controller.
[0178] The client device determines whether previous location information is available for this lap at step 410. If no previous location is available, the reference lap is searched from the beginning of the data file to match the received location information with a location on the reference lap, at step 430. Otherwise, if a previous location is available, at step 420 the reference lap is searched for a matching location in an abbreviated search from fhe previous iocafion.
[0179] Either way, at step 440 differential metrics are generated for each vehicle parameter (and additional vehicle parameter) by determining the difference between the reference parameters at the same location in some examples, the differential metrics are absolute, however in others they are relative (that is, normalised). [0180] At step 450, a representation of each of the differential metrics, including acceleration (backwards and forwards), acceleration (left and right), speed and, turn rate, are generated and displayed in real time to the driver on a display of the client device. Optionally, recommendations are also displayed on the representations using colours or countdowns which indicate what the driver should do in order to try to align performance with the reference lap.
[0181] This method is repeated from step 410 as the driver travels around the track, such that they are aware in real-time of their performance, and additionally, how they are able to improve over the course of each lap.
[0182] In some examples, the differential metrics are saved to the remote processing device. This is advantageous as it allows the driver (and or a
coach/operator) to review the metrics and/or to use the differential metrics as at least part of a future reference lap.
[0183] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of an electronic processing device 500 according to some of the embodiments described herein. System 500 may be, for example, associated with any of the devices described herein, including for example the remote processing systems and like functionality in accordance with processes disclosed herein. The processing system 500 includes a processor 540, such as one or more commercially available Central Processing Units (CPUs) in the form of one-chip microprocessors or a multi-core processor, coupled to a
communication device 510 configured to communicate via a communication network (not show in Figure 5) to another device or system, such as the system or client device described in the embodiments herein.
[0184] The communication network may be of any appropriate form, such as the Internet and/or a number of local area networks (LANs) and provides connectivity between the server 500 and other the processing systems it will however be appreciated that this configuration is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing systems and server 500 can communicate via any appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.1 1 networks, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point
connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.
[0185] In this instance, the processing system 500 includes a server (e.g. supporting the functions of receiving, storing and/or retrieving vehicle parameter(s), indicators and/or indicator values, reference(s), and/or configuration data). One of more of the components of the processing system 500 may be interconnected by a bus.
[0186] The processing system 500 may also include a local memory 550, such as RAM memory modules. The processing system 500 optionally further includes an input device 520 (e.g. a touchscreen, mouse and/or keyboard to enter content) and an output device 530 (e.g. a touchscreen, a computer monitor display, a LCD display)
[0187] The processor 540 communicates with a storage device 560, which may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g. hard disk drive), optical storage devices, solid state drives, and/or semiconductor memory devices in some embodiments, storage devices 560 may comprise a store such as a database system 580. For example, the store may store one or more references, indicator values, configuration data or the like.
[0188] Furthermore, the storage device 560 may store program code or instructions 570 that may provide computer executable instructions in accordance with the processes herein. The processor 540 thus may perform the instructions of the program code 570 to thereby operate in accordance with any of the
embodiments described herein in this regard, the program instructions 570 may be store in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format, and may include other program elements, such as an operating system, database management system, device drivers used by the processor 540 to interface with, for example, peripheral devices.
[0189] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the processing system 500 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed computer system, PC, web server, network server, or the like. In one particular example, the processing system 500 is a standard processing system, such as a 32-bit or 64-bit Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the processing systems 500 could be or could include any electronic processing device, such as a
microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
[0190] Whilst a single processing system 500 is shown in this example, it will be appreciated that functions may be split among multiple processing systems 500 in geographically separate locations, and in some examples may be performed by distributed networks of processing systems 500 and/or processing systems provided as part of a cloud-based architecture and/or environment.
[0191] As shown in Figure 5B, in one example, the first and/or second controller 580 of any of the embodiments herein includes an electronic processing device, such as at least one microprocessor 581 , a memory 582, and an external interface 583, interconnected via a bus 584, as shown. In this example, the external interface 583 can be utilized for connecting the processing system 580 to peripheral devices, such as communications networks, wireless communication connections, databases, other storage devices, or the like. Although a single external interface 583 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (e.g. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) may be provided
[0192] Moreover, communication networks may be of any appropriate form, such as the Internet and/or a number of local area networks (LANs) and provides inter-connectivity between the controllers and/or connectivity between the controller 580 and other the processing systems, such as the system or client device of examples herein. It will however be appreciated that this configuration is for the purpose of example only, and in practice the processing systems and controller 580 can communicate via any appropriate mechanism, such as via wired or wireless connections, including, but not limited to mobile networks, private networks, such as an 802.11 networks, the Internet, LANs, WANs, or the like, as well as via direct or point-to-point connections, such as Bluetooth, or the like.
[0193] In use, the microprocessor 581 executes instructions in the form of applications software stored in the memory 582 to perform required processes, for example, to allow communication with other processing systems. Thus, actions performed by the controller 580 are performed by the processor 581 in accordance with instructions stored as applications software in the memory 582 and/or input commands received via the communications network. The applications software may include one or more software modules, and may be executed in a suitable execution environment, such as an operating system environment, or the like.
[0194] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the controllers 580 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed PC, Internet terminal, lap-top, hand-held PC, smart phone, PDA, tablet, or the like. Thus, in one example, the processing system 580 is a standard processing system, such as a 32-bit or 84-bit Intel Architecture based processing system, which executes software applications stored on non-volatile (e.g., hard disk) storage, although this is not essential. However, it will also be understood that the processing systems 580 can be any electronic processing device, such as a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.
[0195] A further example of a controller used in monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 6. In particular, this example provides a block diagram of the controller, which is another example of the second controller described above.
[0196] In this example, the controller 600 includes one or more power supplies 613 and power supply protection 612. in some examples, power may be drawn form a client device, such as a smart phone or tablet and/or from the vehicle itself, depending upon power requirements. Additionally, the controller 600 includes an input/output interface, which in this instance includes a USB port 614. This allows the controller 600 to communicate with other electronic processing devices, such as a client device, or the like.
[0197] The controller 600 includes a microprocessor 601 , which operates according to any of the examples herein. Accordingly, the microprocessor 601 may be any form of electronic processing device capable of performing appropriate control, and could include an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a
combination of a programmed computer system and specialised hardware, or the like. The microprocessor 601 communicates via a RS-485 61 1 bus to/from one or more of an IMU GPS Unit (or a first controller), and/or engine control unit, such as an RS-232 Modbus ECU 608, a CAN ECU 609, and/or a CAN OBDII 610, and/or any optional displays such as electronic configurable dashboards or gauges.
[0198] Additionally, the microprocessor 601 is in communication with one or more analogue sensors via an analogue to digital converter (ADC)/ digital to analogue converter (DAC) 601.1. Analog sensors are typically controlled by the microprocessor 601 via sensor drivers 606, which include a voltage reference 607 and sensor driver protection 605. Moreover, measurements from sensors are typically filtered through sensor input protection 604, sensor input buffering 603 and additional sensor input filtering 602. in use, the microprocessor 601 applies control signals to the sensors via the DAC 601.1 and sensor drivers 606, and measures the resulting signals via the sensor input protection, buffering and filtering 602 circuits and ADC 601 .1.
[0199] Analog sensors could include any suitable sensors for sensing appropriate vehicle parameters. For example, analogue sensors may include vibrational sensors which sense the vibration of engine parts, such as bearings, under stress. Such signals may be indicative of a deterioration of vehicle health.
[0200] As discussed in the examples herein, the controller 600 may be configurable according to the respective sensors used in a particular application.
This may be achieved in any suitable manner, such as using the client device to upload configuration data associated with the sensors to be used. This is particularly beneficial as it allows a single controller to be adapted to different vehicles, such as motorbikes, cars, go-karts, and the like, different experience levels, different driving conditions, and the like.
[0201] A further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 7. in particular, Figure 7 includes an example of system architecture for the system 700
[0202] in this example, the system 700 includes a server 701 in
communication with one or more processing systems on via a communication network 702, such as the Internet.
[0203] The processing systems may include any suitable device(s) for accessing the server 702, for example via a website, including PCs 71 1 ,
smartphones 713, tablets 712, and the like, such as discussed above. The processing systems are able to access, retrieve, upload and store information including telemetry and automatic vehicle location (AVL) data 721 , and configuration data 722 for configuring client devices, first and second controllers.
[0204] Other features provided on the website 720 include messaging 725, social media 723 and e-commerce services 724, for example, for purchasing systems, client devices, sensors, and/or parts thereof, and/or services. Accordingly, social media 723 and messaging 725 features are particularly useful in fostering collaboration and online coaching among drivers, which can be beneficial in achieving performance goals.
[0205] Furthermore, a system 730 provided in the vehicle, such as one of the systems described in any of the examples herein, typically includes client devices such as one or more smartphones 731 and/or tablets 733 connected to the server 701 via a communication network 703, such as the Internet or any other suitable wireless connection.
[0206] Optionally, the tablet 733 may be tethered to the smartphone 731 via a communication network, in order to provide the tablet 733 with Wi-Fi 732 functionality. However, in other examples, the tablet 733 may either have the capability to connect directly to the server 701 and/or the client device may include the smartphone 731 . [0207] In any event, the client device - in this example, the tablet 733 - is in connected to the logging unit 735 via USB 734. The logging unit 735
communicates via an RS-485 bus 736 to a plurality of sensors and displays, including a GPS receiver and IMU unit 737. Optionally, the logging unit 735 may control an electronic configuration dashboard 738 and/or electronic configurable gauges 739 via the RS-485 bus 736 This provides the ability for the driver to utilise bespoke gauges and dashboards rather than a tablet or smartphone display whilst driving.
[0208] The tablet 733 also includes one or more applications (Apps) capable of providing track guidance processes 741 according to any one or more of the methods described in the examples herein. In addition, the App(s) provides messaging functionality 742, and facilitates configuration of the system 730 via access to configuration information and guidance 743.
[0209] A further example of a graphical user interface of indicators indicative of real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described.
[0210] In this example, the graphical user interface (GUI) 800 Is shown, such as a GUI displayed on a smartphone or tablet. However, as discussed above, this is not essential and in other examples the representations may be provided on custom gauges or screens mounted in a vehicle.
[0211] The GUI 800 in this example includes a header bar 807 which can include any suitable information, or metadata, such as reference track type or track name selected, date and time, vehicle make, or the like. Additionally, there are areas 808 and 809 on the GUI 800 for visual indicia (such as logos, metadata, or the like), or other representations, as appropriate.
[0212] In this embodiment, the GUI 800 is displaying six representations 801 , 802, 803, 804, 805, and 808, referring to indicators indicative of differential speed, g-force left/right, g-force forward/reverse, RPM, tilt, and turn rate,
respectively. That is, these representations 801 , 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 indicate the deviation of these parameters from the reference parameters. In some examples, differential tilt 805 may be an optional representation for vehicles include motorbikes and boats, and accordingly may not be required on cars, or the like.
[6213] Representations 801 , 802, 803, 805, and 808 include a numeric scale, such as shown in the numeric scale 806.2, and a deviation from the target reference, such as shown by error range 806.1. In this regard, the error range 806.1 is a range between zero (that is, the where the reference and sampled parameters match), and a numeric indicator value 806.2 which represents the indicator. The indicator may be calculated in any suitable manner as described in the examples herein.
[0214] In particular, in this example the error ranges 808.1 are located on one side of zero or the other, depending upon the course of action the driver needs to take in order to align with the reference.
[0215] For example, if the driver is turning right, g force (left/right) and turn rate will be shown to the right. If the driver needs to turn harder to the right, the error range will show on the right of zero if, however, the driver is steering too hard to the right and needs to back off, the error range will be on the left hand side of zero.
[0216] in this example, the error range 806.1 is also coloured in order to provide the driver with a recommendation for aligning their performance with the reference. The use of colour (as opposed to numerical indicators, and the like) is to facilitate rapid assimilation of the information for the driver, who typically has in the order of milliseconds to respond at speed. Advantageously, in this example the display colours are derived from a colour palette suitable for all forms of colour blindness. The colours of error ranges for speed 801 are, in this example, the same as for acceleration/braking 803. Colours for turn rate 808 are the same as for g force left/right 802.
[0217] in the instance of range 806.1 , the error range colour is green, whereas for the representations 801 , 803 of speed and forward/reverse acceleration the error ranges are blue. However, the colours of the error ranges alter according to the value of the indicator, and in particular, in accordance with whether the deviation from the reference is one direction or another. [0218] Accordingly, if the vehicle is currently too slow, speed and acceleration error bands will both be coloured blue. Conversely, if the vehicle is too fast, speed and acceleration error bands are both orange. This provides intuitive colouring, as blue is typically associated with“cold" (i.e. slow), and orange with“hot” (i.e. fast). Beneficially, this ensures that the representations are intuitive to the driver, such that they are able to internalize and rapidly alter their driving
performance.
[0219] Additionally, if the driver needs to turn left, the g-force left/right and turn rate error ranges 802, 806 are both green and left of the zero line. If the driver needs to turn right, g force and turn rate error ranges are both blue and right of the zero (or reference) line.
[0220] in view of the above, in most cases the opposing lateral
representations 801 , 803 of speed and acceleration (forward/backward), will reinforce one another with the side of the line they are on. That is, they will reinforce one another both by both include error ranges above/below line as well as the same colours associated with slow/fast.
[0221] Regarding the RPM representation 804, the target reference range in this example is not represented by a numeric scale, rather the arcuate scale 804 is differentially coloured, with the target reference 804.1 indicated in green. The differential indicator 804 2 is represented by pointer on the scale.
[0222] A further example of a GUI will now be described with reference to Figure 9. In this example, the GUI 900 includes five representations 901 , 902, 903, 904 and 905. Notably, a numeric scale is absent from the representations 901 , 902, 903, 904 and 905, meaning the scale provided is graphical in nature.
[0223] Representation 901 displays the difference in speed between the vehicle and reference lap, where above line 901.1 is indicative of being faster than the reference, and below the line is slower.
[0224] Representation 902, 904 includes an inert dial background, where the blue sections 902.1 , 904.1 include the vehicle heading error (relative to the reierence). In this regard, the driver is recommended to turn "into" the slice 902 1 , 904 1 until it is gone, in order to match the heading of the reference lap.
[0225] Left-right (lateral) track position is shown in representation 903 In this regard, the left-right track position of the vehicle on the track is provided to assist the driver in setting up for a corner. The yellow rectangles 903.1 , 903.2 represent the sides of the track, the blue one 903.3 the vehicle, such that the location of the blue rectangle 903 3 relative to the yellow ones 903 1 , 903.2 represents the relative lateral location of the vehicle on the track. In this respect, the representation 903 provides an absolute rather than differential indicator, as the representation 903 is indicative of the track and the actual vehicle position.
[0226] Representation 905 includes an indication of forward-backward acceleration relative to the reference lap. In this example, the green rectangle 905 2 indicates the vehicle is braking too hard relative to the reference line 905.1.
[0227] in representation 906, a side-to-side acceleration as a differential relative to the reference is included, where the blue rectangle 906.2 indicates too much acceleration to the right relative to the reference line 906.1.
[0228] A further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 10. In this example, the GUI 900 of the above example is shown on a client device, the client device including any of the features described in the examples herein.
[0229] In particular, in this example, the system 1000 includes a heads up display (HUD) which is formed from the reflection of the GUI 900 projected onto glass 1010 overlayed with a partially reflective film 1020. Accordingly, in use the HUD may be included in the vehicle by installing a partially reflective film over at least part of the windscreen, or by providing an at least partially reflective plane extending outwardly from the client device which can provide a similar HUD function.
[0230] In some examples, the background of the GUI 900 may be at least partially coloured to conform with external/outdoor luminescence. For example, the background may in some instances be coloured to about 16% grey. [0231] In any event, the use of a semi-transparent HUD is particularly beneficial as it allows the driver to at least partially see hazards, oncoming road and traffic, through the display itself, rather than having the display occupy a significant portion of windshield real-estate. Moreover, the HUD can, in some examples,
Include augmented reality display (AUD) elements, such as including
recommendations.
[0232] A further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 1 1 A.
[0233] in this example, the system 1 101 includes a client device 1 1 10, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like which includes an integrated IME 1 130 and integrated GPS receiver, controlled by an application (or App) 1 120.
[0234] The system 1 101 operates in accordance with the methods described herein. For example, in use, the App 1 120 is used to retrieve a reference lap or track corresponding to the track to be driven on. Typically, this is achieved via the user selecting the appropriate track via the client device 1 100.
[0235] Whilst the user drives around the track, the App 1 120 samples parameters from the gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers in the internal IMU, as well as corresponding location information from the GPS receiver. Typically, the parameters include speed, acceleration [including braking), turn rate and g- forces.
[0236] The selected reference track is searched, in order to find the reference parameters which were obtained at the same location as the sampled location information. Once retrieved, differentials (also referred to as differential metrics) between the reference parameters and sampled parameters are calculated.
[0237] These are displayed by the App 1 120 on the client device 1 1 10 display in real-time. For example, typically the client device 1 1 10 may be mounted in the vehicle such that the driver is aware, in real-time, of their differential performance in relation to the selected reference track. The displayed differential metrics include differences in, for example, acceleration, turn rate, speed, and g-forces compared to the targets provided in the reference track. Typically, the differential metrics are presented in a fast and easy-to-read format, to facilitate real-time, proactive performance interventions, such as changing acceleration, braking, steering, and the like.
[0238] Beneficially, by using a client device 1 1 10 such as a smart phone, with internal !MU 1 130 and GPS capabilities, the functionality of the system can be provided at lower overhead cost.
[0239] A further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 1 1 B. Features with similar numeric references in previous examples refer to correspondingly similar features in the following example.
[0240] in this system 1 102, an external IMU module 1 131 is provided which is provided in communication with the client device 1 1 10 via a USB cable. Whilst the IMU module is capable of being powered via the client device 1 1 10, optionally it may draw external power 1 153, for example from the vehicle. Additionally, the IMU module is in communication with an external powered GPS antenna 1 140 via cable 1 152.
[0241] In practice, the system 1 102 operates similar to any of the examples described above. Advantageously, in some examples it offers superior performance to an internal IMU and GPS module, as the IMU module 1 131 and GPS antenna 1 140 may be manufactured from higher technical specifications. This may include, for example, higher speed sampling, higher accuracy, and the like.
[0242] Accordingly, the implementation in this example may be particularly beneficial for vehicles, such as small cars, motorbikes and go-karts, which require accurate differential metrics, however with simple installation requirements.
[0243] A further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figure 1 1 C. Features with similar numeric references in previous examples refer to correspondingly similar features in the following example.
[0244] The system 1 103 of this example includes a logging unit 1 180 which interfaces between the client device 1 1 10 and the IMU module 1 131. in this regard, the logging unit 1 160 is typically powered by an external power source 1 154, such as the vehicle, and communicates with the client device 11 10 via a USB cable.
[6245] The logging unit 1 160 may power 1 154 the IMU unit 1 131 , or alternatively the IMU 1 131 may draw external power 1 153 from an external source, such as the vehicle.
[0246] In use, the IMU unit 1 131 synchronizes sampling of the IMU 1 131 parameters with receipt of location information from the GPS antenna 1 140, optionally performs data filtering and conversion, and transmits the information in a standardized format to the logging unit 1 160 via an RS-485 bus 1 155.
[0247] The logging unit 1 160 accepts sensor inputs from other sensors, including the ECU, performs ADC filtering, and converts inputs into a standardized format. These are communicated to the client device 1 1 10 along with the parameters and location information received from the IMU unit 1 131 .
[6248] Accordingly, this embodiment enables differential metrics to be calculated from both parameters collected using the IMU (such as acceleration, and the like), as well as from the ECU (such as gearing, RPM, and the like). Thus the App 1 121 on the client device 1 1 10 is able to display differential and performance metrics for a comprehensive ranges of parameters.
[6249] In some examples, the App 1 121 uses the differentials to provide recommendations, such as counting down the time to change gears, accelerate, brake, corner, or the like. Thus, rather than providing a passive gauge for monitoring each individual parameter, the system 1 131 provides an active method for coaching an improvement in driving performance.
[6250] A further example of a system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle will now be described with reference to Figures 12A, 12B and 12C. Features with similar numeric references in previous examples refer to
correspondingly similar features in the following example.
[0251] The system 1200 of this example includes a logging unit 1260 which interfaces between the client device 1210 and an IMU module 1240, as shown while not in use in Figure 12B. In particular, the client device 1210 in this example includes a small 7 inch table! displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) shown in Figure 12A.
[0252] in this example, the device 1210 is displaying four representations 1201 , 1206, 1203, 1202 which correspond to differential speed, turn rate, forward- backward acceleration, and lateral acceleration respectively.
[0253] In relation to the representation of speed 1201 , it includes a line indicative of the reference 1201 1 and a yellow error bar 1201.2 positioned underneath the line 1201 .1 indicating that the speed of the vehicle is 15 km/h slower than the reference lap. in this regard, the device 1210 displays both a magnitude (15km/h) and direction (slower) in terms of the speed differential.
[0254] The turn rate bar 1206 in this example Includes both a differential indicator (reference 1206.1 and 1206.2) and the absolute turn rate indicator 1206.3. Thus, in this instance, the turn rate bar 1206 indicates that the vehicle is currently turning right at 7 degrees/second (1206.3) and that turn rate is low by 1 1
degrees/second (1206.3) relative to the reference line 1206.1. Should the driver act on the differential bar and Increase the turn rate until the bar indicates 0
degrees/second differential, the needle 1206.3 would move right as the bar 1206.2 decreases in size left to indicate 19 degrees per second, which is the reference turn rate at this location (as the needle 1206.3 and bar 1206.2 together always sums to the reference value, they really work very nicely on a human perception level to reinforce the information to be presented along with the colour).
[0255] The forward-backward acceleration bar 1203 also includes an absolute acceleration 1203.3 and a relative acceleration indicated by the reference 1203.1 and magnitude and direction of the difference 1203.2.
[0256] The lateral acceleration bar 1202 in this example includes a differential indicator composed of a reference line 1202.1 and error bar 1202.2, as well as an absolute lateral acceleration needle 1202.3.
[0257] Figure 12C shows the system 1200, and in particular the client device 1210, in use and mounted to a vehicle windscreen. FURTHER EXAMPLES
[0258] The system and method of this example allow for the real-time capture of motorsport performance and health data together with the real-time display of any deviations in performance as compared to a reference lap (also referred to as situational awareness). Accordingly, the system or method of this example may include any one or more of the features of the above examples, as appropriate, with the addition of any one or more of the following features.
[0259] In particular, in this example, the reference lap includes performance metrics of the vehicle (or of a similar vehicle) for a prior lap. Accordingly, the driver is presented with current performance metrics as compared to the reference lap including speed, gear, engine RPM, acceleration (including braking), g-forces and turn rate.
[0260] If the vehicle is performing within an acceptable range of the ideal (or reference) lap, the relative indicators do not move. Where performance metrics deviate from those of the reference lap, the system shows the driver in real time how the results of their driving actions differ from the target, both in magnitude and direction. This enables the driver to adjust their driving actions to force the indicated differences to zero, thereby enabling them to match the driving actions of the reference lap. Should the driver succeed in keeping the indicated deviations to zero over a lap, their performance will match that of the reference lap for practical purposes.
[0261] For a professional service like the V8 Experience, the reference lap could include a standard lap driven by a professional driver. Additionally or alternatively, for an amateur car club the reference lap could include a lap driven by the best driver in the club. Optionally, for beginning drivers the reference lap may be set to a slower and more achievable pace.
[0262] Optionally, the system includes an Artificial Intelligence (Al) coach to automatically advise as to best strategies for increasing lap times based on the analysis of the differential performance data. Recommendations may include to increase acceleration on straights, accelerate sooner while cornering, shift gears sooner (or later), flatten corners by turning into corners later or start braking later. In some instances, the A! coach is trained to recognise specific driving patterns through training data indicative of differential track data for laps illustrating known driver errors. Optionally, the Ai coach provides recommendations on-board in real time and/or off-line based on replays.
[0263] Additionally or alternatively, the system includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) health monitor that compares current health metrics to a reference lap. By using differential health metrics, this AI Health Metrics is able to detect variations in performance under load before they develop into costly maintenance or safety issues.
[0264] In some instances, the system allows drivers and/or operators to review differential performance data through all layers of the system. They will see differential performance and health data on-board while they are driving laps (possibly on a HUD), they will be able to review the differential performance data on their phone, tablet or laptop (replay), and they will be able to review their differential performance data though a web site (or Cloud service).
[0265] Advantageously the system provides drivers with real-time feedback regarding differential performance metrics. The real-time display of differential performance data aids amateur drivers in achieving competitive lap times taster because they will get immediate feedback regarding how much further they can safely push their car.
[0266] Beneficially, vehicle owners and other service providers may also be provided with real-time feedback regarding differential health metrics. This allows for owners and service providers to act early to avoid costly maintenance or safety issues.
[6267] Moreover, use of differential performance and health metrics facilitates the transmission of real-time data to web sites (or Cloud services) by reducing the amount of data transmitted. Instead of transmitting full metrics for every location, the system may only need to transmit those metrics where the deviation from the reference lap has changed. [0268] In this example, use of an Artificial Intelligence (Al) coach to analyse differential performance data aids amateur drivers to improve their driver skills by providing specific advice regarding opportunities for improvement. Additionally or alternatively, use of an Artificial intelligence (Al) health monitor will allow for vehicle owners and service providers to reduce the cost of maintaining their race cars in good working order.
[0269] Accordingly, for professional motorsport services such as motorsport services typically referred to as the VS Experience, the system provides amateur drivers another form of on-board coaching by showing them in real -time how their performance is deviating from an ideal (professional) reference lap. This real-time dashboard may be captured on an in-car video as added value for drivers that choose to purchase a video of their V8 experience. Track data may be automatically uploaded to a web-site through a cellular or WIFI network with a unique identifier. The service manager may then sell tokens to their customers so that they could log onto the website to replay or retrieve their telemetry data.
[0270] In another instance, for motorsport clubs, track data may be uploaded automatically through a cellular or WIFI network to member accounts where it could be shared with other club members for replay or for use as a reference lap. Alternatively, the differential performance and health data could be streamed live to a web-site (or Cloud based service) so that other club members (family, friends, coaches ...) could monitor the differential performance and health metrics in real-time.
[0271] Optionally, in addition to recording raw telemetry data, the system may collect metadata for each lap, including for example service manager, venue, track, track configuration, car make/modei and car accessories. This metadata may be used to identify appropriate reference lap recordings (recordings for similar cars at the same track/track configuration). The metadata will also be used to target advertising to customers either directly or through third parties such as Google, Facebook, and the like. [0272] An example of track (also referred to as lap) recording and prediction workflows are provided below. In this example, track recording and prediction includes three or four devices, including:
1 . a GPS IMU module, which includes a microprocessor based device that controls and receives data from a high rate GPS receiver and a 9 DOF IMU device. The firmware on the microprocessor performs ail necessary calculations and data conversion and transmits "(National Marine Electronics Association) NMEA like" updates (namely updates which are in a data format similar to NMEA) synchronised on the arrival of a GPS updafe over the RS-485 bus;
2. a logger unit, which includes a microprocessor based device that performs ADC conversion of sensor inputs, retrieves Engine Control Unit (ECU) data over multiple HW interfaces and transmits the data in a "NMEA like" format over USB to a connected android device;
3. an android tablet/phone, which hosts an Android application that
processes the current location and data sourced from sensors, GPS IMU module and ECU. The application also stores, records, upload and download track guidance files and recorded lap data; and,
4. optionally a 3G or similar device providing a Wi-Fi access point to device 3 (the android tablet/phone) if that device does not have an built wireless data capability.
[0273] In one instance, the track prediction workflow is instantiated after the user has selected a track guidance file in a guidance application on the android tablet/phone. The track prediction workflow proceeds as follows:
* The guidance file is loaded and the application indicates that it is in the ready state;
* The GPS IMU module transmits a location and IMU update;
* The Logger receives the update and forwards it over the USB connection to the guidance application; ® The logger may also transmit data sourced from the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) connected sensors or ECU;
® If the guidance application has no record of a last passed location, it performs a search from the start of the track guidance data until a match is found for the current location;
® If the guidance application has a record of a last passed location, it performs an abbreviated search from that point until the current location is found; and,
® The guidance application formats and displays the target information and actual in a format that enables the user to easily internalise what corrections are needed to follow the ideal racing line including but not limited to heading error, braking acceleration required and turn rate required.
[0274] The track recording workflow in this example is instantiated by the user using the application to start a session, which is used to name and group the lap data files to be recorded. The track recording workflow proceeds as follows:
® The user is on the track to be recorded
® The user presses the start/stop mark button to store the location of the lap start stop line.
® The user then proceeds to drive one or more laps
® The application will determine when the start stop line has been crossed, safe the lap file and create the next.
® The user presses the stop record button to end the recording process
[0275] In some embodiments, there may be no difference in file format (or file) between a recorded lap file and a track guidance file. The term track guidance file may be used in some examples, as typically not all recorded lap data is required for guidance, and guidance files may be extended, for example, to initiate playback of pre-recorded spoken instructions that a user can use during a training session.
[0276] Additionally or alternatively, guidance tracks may be generated by splicing together sections of a number of different lap files to build an ideal track file from the best parts of recorded laps. [0277] In a further instance of this example, the logger device may provide up to 15 sensor inputs that can use 0-5V, 0-12V and varistor type sensors.
Previous systems enabling users to connect and configure sensors may be considered convoluted and confusing for users that are not from an electronic background. However, advantageously this embodiment incorporates an approach intended to enable users to configure and use ADC connected sensors with ease.
[0278] in this regard, during manufacture the ADC hardware is measured and calibration compensation data is stored based on the device serial number. Accordingly, rapid and error free generation of sensor configuration files from device data sheets is enabled.
[0279] Thus, when a user wishes to install a sensor, they can check on a website that a profile in the preferred units (for example, bar, kpa, psi) is available and mark it as a favourite in their profile. The user can then open the ADC configuration page in the guidance application. This page has a line for each of the configurable ADC channels. The configuration information is stored on remote servers under the user's profile for the device. Ail configured devices and vacant channels will be displayed.
[0280] The user is able to select any ADC channel entry and a list of the user's favourite sensors will be presented for the user to choose from. This list will indicate the suitability of the specific sensor to be connected to the selected channel. To configure the device the user selects the sensors to be configured on all appropriate channels. The user then requests that the device configuration be constructed. This is calculated on the remote servers, using the calibration profile stored during manufacture and then downloaded to the guidance application. The guidance application can then send the configuration to the logger and once it has been confirmed as being correctly transferred to logger memory, issue a command to the logger to store it to flash.
[0281] Accordingly, the above advantageously provides examples of systems and methods for use in monitoring vehicle and/or driver performances. Beneficially the proposed systems and methods allow the driver to proactively enhance their performance through the display of real-time indicators which the driver can readily utilize to modify their driving. Moreover, the real-time indicators are advantageous in facilitating pro-active vehicle maintenance, by comparing vehicle and target parameters which are determined while the vehicle is under load/stress.
[0282] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, preferred methods and materials are described. For the purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.
[0283] The articles“a” and“an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example,“an element” means one element or more than one element. Thus, for example, the term“device” also includes a plurality of devices.
[0284] As used herein,“and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (or).
[0285] Further, the term“about”, as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, dose, time, temperature, activity, level, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight, position, length and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ± 20%, ± 10%, ± 5%, ± 1%, ±
0 5%, or even ± 0.1% of the specified amount, dose, time, temperature, activity, level, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight, position, length and the like.
[0286] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the invention.
[0287] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words“comprise”,“comprises” and“comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements. Thus, use of the term“comprising” and the like indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. By “consisting of” is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase “consisting of. Thus, the phrase“consisting of indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. By“consisting essentially of” is meant including any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase“consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect the activity or action of the listed elements
[0288] Ail methods and processes discussed herein may be embodied in program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable, processor-executable media. Such media may include, for example, a solid state drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD- ROM, magnetic tape, and a solid state Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM) storage units.
According to some embodiments, a memory storage unit may be associated with access patterns and may be independent from the device (e.g. magnetic, optoelectronic, semiconductor/solid-state, etc.). Moreover, in-memory technologies may be used such that databases, and the like may be completely operated In RAM memory at a processor. Embodiments are therefore not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.
[0289] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. Ail such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to tall within the spirit and scope of the invention broadly before described.
[0290] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated that features from different examples above may be used interchangeably where appropriate.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle, the system including:
at least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle;
a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle;
a display for displaying information; and,
an electronic processing device that:
receives the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor; receives the location information from the position determining apparatus;
determines at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
compares the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information;
generates an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison; and, controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
a force on at least part of the vehicle;
a directional displacement of at least part of the vehicle;
a rate of turn of at least part of a vehicle;
an angular displacement of at least part of the vehicle; and, a parameter associated with an internal actuator of the vehicle.
3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electronic processing device:
determines a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference; and, generates the indicator, at least in part, using the determined difference.
4. A system according to claim 3, wherein determining the difference includes calculating, in the electronic processing device, at least one of:
a relative difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
an absolute difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
a ratio using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference.
5. A system according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the representation includes an indication of:
a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the determined difference; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the determined difference.
6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the representation includes:
a scale;
a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value; and,
a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator, wherein an error range is defined by the reference indicator and the pointer.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the electronic processing device:
generates a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and,
controls, at least in part, the display to display the representation, wherein a colour of the error bar is indicative of the recommendation.
8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electronic processing device:
generates a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and, controls, at least in part, the display to display the representation, which is at least in part indicative of the recommendation.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the recommendation is indicative of at least one of:
vehicle maintenance; and,
vehicle handling.
10. A system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the electronic processing device:
determines a vehicle data model, the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references;
compares the at least one vehicle parameter to the vehicle data model; and, generates the recommendation based upon the results of the comparison.
1 1 . A system according to claim 10, wherein the comparison is at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
12. A system according to claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein the electronic processing device selectively updates the vehicle data model at least partially using the at least one vehicle parameter.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the selective update is performed at least in part using a machine learning algorithm.
14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the position determining apparatus includes a position determining receiver.
15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the position determining receiver is in communication with at least one of:
Global Positioning System (GPS);
Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS);
Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS); BeiDou/COMPASS;
Galileo; and,
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the position determining receiver includes a high-rate GPS receiver.
17. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of:
an inertial measurement unit;
a gyroscope;
a magnetometer;
an accelerometer; and,
a transducer.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one nine Degrees of Freedom (DoF) Inertial Movement Unit (IMU).
19. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the system includes:
a first controller configured to:
receive at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters from the at least one sensor; and,
receive the location information from the position determining apparatus; and,
wherein the electronic processing device:
controls, at least in part, the first controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information.
20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the first controller substantially synchronises the at least one vehicle parameter with the location information.
21 . A system according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the electronic processing device includes the first controller.
22. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein system includes:
a second controller in communication with the electronic processing device and the first controller, the second controller for, at least in part, controlling the first controller; and,
wherein the electronic processing device:
controls, at least in part, the second controller to receive the at least one vehicle parameter and the location information from the first controller via the second controller.
23. A system according to claim 22, wherein the second controller is configurable to control, at least in part, a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of determining at least one of the at least one vehicle parameters.
24. A system according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the second controller includes an analogue to digital converter (ADC).
25. A system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the electronic processing device includes the second controller.
26. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the display includes a heads up display (HUD).
27. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the electronic processing device:
determines at least one metadata parameter; and,
uses the metadata parameter to retrieve the at least one reference.
28. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the system includes retrieving the reference at least partially from a remote electronic processing device.
29. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the electronic processing device stores an indication of at least one of the at least one vehicle parameter and the indicator in a store.
30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the store is at least partially hosted by a remote electronic processing device.
31 . A system according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the store is at least partially hosted in at least one of a distributed network and a cloud based architecture.
32. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 31 , wherein the system is for monitoring driver performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the driver.
33. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the system is for monitoring vehicle performance, and the display is for displaying the representation to the operator.
34. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein determining the at least one reference includes at least one of:
receiving the reference from a remote processing device; and, retrieving the reference from a store.
35. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the reference is at least one of:
a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location;
derived from a target population; and,
generated based upon a target outcome.
36. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the representation is displayed on the display using a graphical user interface.
37. A method for monitoring real-time performance of a vehicle, the method including, in an electronic processing device:
determining the at least one vehicle parameter, the vehicle parameter being at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle;
determining location information indicative of a location of the vehicle; determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
comparing the vehicle parameter and the reference using the location information;
generating an indicator in real-time, the indicator being at least partially indicative of the results of the comparison; and,
displaying a representation of the indicator, thereby providing real-time performance monitoring of the vehicle.
38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
a force on at least part of the vehicle;
a directional displacement of at least part of the vehicle;
a rate of turn of at least part of the vehicle;
an angular displacement of at least part of the vehicle; and, a parameter associated with an internal actuator of the vehicle.
39. A method according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the method includes, in an electronic processing device:
determining a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference; and, generating the indicator, at least in part, using the determined difference.
40. A method according to claim 39, wherein determining the difference includes calculating, in the electronic processing device, at least one of:
a relative difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
an absolute difference using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference;
a ratio using the at least one vehicle parameter and the reference.
41 . A method according to any one of claims 39 and 40, wherein the representation includes an indication of:
a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the determined difference; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the determined difference.
42. A method according to any one of claims 38 to 41 , wherein the representation includes:
a scale;
a reference indicator indicative of at least one reference value of the reference, the at least one reference indicator being positioned on the scale in accordance with the reference value; and,
a pointer positioned on the scale in accordance with an indicator value indicative of the indicator, wherein an error range is defined by the reference indicator and the pointer.
43. A method according to any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
generating a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and,
controlling, at least in part, the display to display the representation, wherein a colour of the error bar is indicative of the recommendation.
44. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
generating a recommendation at least partially based upon the results of the comparison; and, displaying the representation, which is at least in part indicative of the recommendation.
45. A method according to claim 44, wherein the recommendation is indicative of at least one of:
vehicle maintenance; and,
vehicle handling.
46. A method according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the method includes, in the electronic processing device:
determining a vehicle data model, the vehicle data model being indicative of a plurality of the at least one references;
comparing the at least one vehicle parameter to the vehicle data model; and,
generating the recommendation based upon the results of the comparison.
47. A method according to claim 46, wherein the comparison is at least partially performed using an artificial intelligence algorithm.
48. A method according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the method includes, in the electronic processing device, selectively updating the vehicle data model at least partially using the at least one vehicle parameter.
49. A method according to claim 48, wherein selective updating is performed at least in part using a machine learning algorithm.
50. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 49, wherein the method is for monitoring driver performance, and the representation is displayed to the driver.
51 . A method according to any one of claim 37 to 50, wherein the method is for monitoring vehicle performance, and the representation is displayed to the operator.
52. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 51 , wherein the method includes determining the at least one reference by at least one of:
receiving the reference from a remote processing device; and, retrieving the reference from a store.
53. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 52, wherein the reference is at least one of:
a previously recorded vehicle parameter at the location; derived from a target population; and,
generated based upon a target outcome.
54. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 53, wherein the at least one vehicle parameter is indicative of at least one of:
acceleration;
forward-backward acceleration;
left-right acceleration;
tilt;
force;
vibrational energy;
pressure;
revolutions per minute (RPM);
heading;
gearing;
brake actuation;
vehicle load;
vehicle stress;
angular displacement; and,
turn rate.
55. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 54, wherein the at least one indicator is at least partially indicative of at least one of:
acceleration;
forward-backward acceleration;
left-right acceleration;
tilt;
force;
vibrational energy;
pressure;
revolutions per minute (RPM);
heading;
lateral track position;
gearing; brake actuation;
vehicle load;
vehicle stress;
angular displacement; and,
turn rate.
56. A system for providing real-time performance coaching of a driver of a vehicle, the system including:
at least one sensor configured to sense at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle;
a position determining apparatus configured to determine location information indicative of a location of the vehicle;
a display for displaying information; and,
an electronic processing device that:
receives the at least one vehicle parameter from the sensor; receives the location information from the position determining apparatus;
determines at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
determines a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the at least one reference;
generates a recommendation in real-time at least partially based upon the determined difference; and,
controls, at least in part, the display to display a representation of the recommendation to thereby provide real-time performance coaching of the driver, the representation including:
a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the recommendation; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
57. A method for providing real-time performance coaching of a driver of a vehicle, the method including, in an electronic processing device: determining at least one vehicle parameter at least partially indicative of a state of the vehicle
determining location information indicative of a location of the vehicle; determining at least one reference associated with the vehicle parameter;
determining a difference between the at least one vehicle parameter and the at least one reference;
generating a recommendation in real-time at least partially based upon the determined difference; and,
displaying a representation of the recommendation to thereby provide real-time performance coaching of the driver, the representation including:
a magnitude indicator indicative of a magnitude of the recommendation; and,
a direction indicator indicative of a direction of the recommendation.
PCT/IB2019/050887 2018-02-08 2019-02-05 System and method for monitoring driver and/or vehicle performance WO2019155351A1 (en)

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