System and method for identifying alternative routes for a trip

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "System and Method for Identifying Alternative Routes for a Trip." The disclosed embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods for identifying alternative travel routes between an origin and a destination. An exemplary embodiment includes a vehicle data system. The vehicle data system is configured to determine a trip taken by a vehicle from an origin to a destination. The vehicle data system is configured to identify available travel routes for the vehicle from the origin to the destination. The vehicle data system is configured to perform a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route that presents a reduced likelihood that the vehicle will experience a loss-related event. The vehicle data system is configured to present the recommended route to an operator of the vehicle and receive a selection from the operator as to whether the operator accepts the recommended route.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for assisting drivers in benefiting from identifying alternative driving routes.

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Drivers can choose to travel to their destinations via many different routes. Drivers may frequently travel from home to work, to the grocery store, to their children's school, and back again, as well as between these different destinations. In traveling to these destinations, drivers can choose from a variety of alternative routes. Some routes may include highways, freeways, surface streets, or neighborhood streets. Some of these routes may have advantages over others: some may have the shortest distance, some may require the shortest travel time, some may avoid traffic, some may avoid busy intersections, some may avoid toll booths, and so on. Drivers may be faced with many conflicting choices.

[0005] Many automakers offer vehicles with driver-assistance features, including warning the driver when the vehicle strays from its lane; alerting the driver to vehicles in blind spots; changing cruise control speed to match the speed of the car ahead; and automatically applying the brakes when a potential collision is detected. Some automakers are developing autonomous driving systems that will automatically steer the car on highways or other streets. However, driver-assistance and autonomous driving systems may operate better on some types of roads than on others. For example, cruise control may be less useful on residential streets, where frequent stops may be required. Consequently, drivers may face many potentially conflicting choices when deciding which route to take to reach their destination in order to save time, avoid traffic, utilize the autonomous driving system, or satisfy other considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The disclosed embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods for identifying alternative travel routes between an origin and a destination and identifying future automobile insurance premium savings that may be realized by using the alternative routes.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a vehicle data system. The vehicle data system is configured to determine a trip taken by a vehicle from an origin to a destination. The vehicle data system is configured to identify available travel routes for the vehicle from the origin to the destination. The vehicle data system is configured to perform a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route that presents a reduced likelihood of the vehicle experiencing a loss-related event. The vehicle data system is configured to present the recommended route to an operator of the vehicle and receive a selection from the operator as to whether the operator accepts the recommended route.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a cabin configured to accommodate an operator. The drive system is configured to start, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and steer the vehicle. The operator control system is configured to allow the operator to direct the operation of the vehicle. The operator assistance system is configured to perform at least one function selected from autonomously controlling the vehicle without operator assistance and assisting the operator in controlling the vehicle. The vehicle data system is configured to determine a journey taken by the vehicle from a departure point to a destination. The vehicle data system is configured to identify available travel routes for the vehicle from the departure point to the destination. The vehicle data system is configured to perform a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route that presents a reduced likelihood that the vehicle will experience a loss-related event. The vehicle navigation data system is configured to present the recommended route to the operator of the vehicle and receive a selection from the operator as to whether the operator accepts the recommended route.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes determining a trip taken by a vehicle from a departure location to a destination, identifying available travel routes from the departure location to the destination, performing a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route that presents a reduced likelihood of a loss-related event, presenting the recommended route to an operator, and receiving a selection of whether to take the recommended route.

[0010] Other applicable features, advantages, and areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a map showing an alternative route on a trip taken by an operator of a vehicle and a screen display reporting the alternative route;

[0013] Figure 2 Provides additional details Figure 1 The screen display;

[0014] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle having an onboard system for recording a trip and for recommending an alternate route;

[0015] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an onboard computing system that communicates with a remote system to facilitate determination of a route and / or alternative itinerary;

[0016] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a computing system for performing the functions of one or more in-vehicle or remote systems;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Block diagram of the system;

[0018] Figure 7 Can be Figure 3 Block diagram of the sensor system used in the system;

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of vehicle trip data that can be generated and accessed by the system;

[0020] Figure 9 Each operator Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the trip data;

[0021] Figure 10 Can be stored in Figure 8 and Figure 9 Schematic diagram of travel records in travel data;

[0022] Figure 11 Is able to access Figure 3 A perspective view of a vehicle compartment of the system;

[0023] Figure 12 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for identifying a trip taken by a vehicle;

[0024] Figure 13 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for evaluating an operator score for a trip taken by an operator; and

[0025] Figure 14 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of recommending a route. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Note that the first digit of a three-digit reference number and the first two digits of a four-digit reference number correspond to the first digit of a one-digit picture number and the first two digits of the picture number, respectively, when the element first appears.

[0027] The following description explains, by way of illustration only and not limitation, various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods for assisting an operator in benefiting from identifying alternate travel routes.

[0028] See also Figure 1 , various embodiments of the present disclosure include the vehicle data system 100 receiving information from a user about a trip from a departure point 114 to an intended destination 112. The trip may include a trip that the vehicle data system 100 has no record of having previously traveled. Alternatively, if the vehicle data system 100 identifies the route as a previously traveled or frequently traveled route, the vehicle data system 100 may identify a safe route and compare it to the previously traveled route. When the trip is identified as a previously traveled or frequently traveled trip 125, the vehicle data system 100 is configured to recommend an alternative route to the destination 112 that presents a reduced likelihood of a loss-related event compared to the risk posed by the previously taken route or routes taken. Regardless of whether the trip has been previously traveled, the vehicle data system 100 may present a recommended route that presents the lowest likelihood of vehicle-related loss.

[0029] The presented route may include travel on surface streets or local streets 116 and / or roads or highways 118. The recommended route may be identified as presenting a lower likelihood of a loss-related event because, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the advantage of the recommended route (indicated by the vehicle data system 100 with a "+") is that the recommended route is well suited for use in the automated driving mode; in other cases, the vehicle data system 100 may indicate that an advantage exists in that one or more operator assistance features supported by the vehicle are available along the recommended route. A map 110 that may be presented by the vehicle data system 100 may show a departure point 114, a destination 112, a previously traveled route 120, and a recommended route 130. The vehicle data system 100 may present the previously traveled route 120 and / or the recommended route 130 in graphical form and / or textual form. It should be noted that loss-related events may include collisions, damage to the vehicle that may be caused by the condition of poorly maintained road surfaces, theft or vandalism due to a parking location, or any event that may result in some loss to the vehicle.

[0030] See also Figure 2, the display 200 of the vehicle data system 100 presents information to the operator to enable the operator to make an informed decision about taking the recommended route. Once the destination 112 has been specified or otherwise identified by the operator and the vehicle data system 100 has determined the origin 114 for the trip, the system 100 can evaluate the trip taken. The vehicle data system 100 can identify the trip from the origin 114 to the destination 112 as a previously untraveled trip, or it can identify it as a previously taken or frequently taken trip 125. In the latter case, the system 100 can identify the previous route 120 taken on the frequently taken trip 125. The vehicle data system 100 can present route details 222 for the previous route 120, allowing the operator to confirm that the vehicle data system 100 is aware of the previous route 120. The vehicle data system 100 can also provide the travel time and / or distance 224 of the trip if the previous route 120 is followed. The travel time and / or distance 224 may present the actual travel time for a recent trip on the previous route 120 or an average travel time for past trips taken on the previous route 120 .

[0031] In presenting the recommended route 130, the vehicle data system 100 may present route details 232 identifying the recommended route 130. The recommended route may include a specific route to follow to reach the destination and / or minor variations of the final destination, such as going to a parking location, which may reduce the risk of loss due to vandalism, theft, or other factors. A predicted travel time and / or distance 234 may also be presented to help the operator decide which route to follow. The vehicle data system 100 may recommend routes that have predicted travel times that are within a variance of the actual, average, or predicted travel times of other available routes. For example, it may not be desirable to present a recommended route that has a travel time that is twice as long as another available route. The vehicle data system 100 may identify the maximum variance, and the vehicle data system 100 may derive from the operator an acceptable maximum variance. Although Figure 2 130, the system 100 may present turn-by-turn instructions for the recommended route 130 if it has not already been presented. In various embodiments, when the system presents the map 110 ( Figure 1 ), the system 100 may present a legend 236 identifying the recommended route 130 on the map 110 and a legend 226 representing the previous route 120 on the map 110.

[0032] In various embodiments, in presenting the recommended route, the system 100 may present to the operator a reason 240 for traveling along the recommended route 130. The reason 240 may include operator assistance features available to the operator, such as automated driving. Automated driving may be available on roads or highways, but not on surface streets or residential streets, where driving may involve more intermittent stop-and-go driving. The reason 240 may also identify one or more other assistance features, such as lane departure warning or lane keeping assistance features, which may be available on roads and highways. The reason 240 may also include a benefit 242 of selecting the recommended route 130, such as a reduced risk of collision due to automated driving or an operator assistance feature, a better road surface that helps avoid damage to the vehicle's tires or suspension, or other benefits.

[0033] In various embodiments, the system 100 can also present financial benefits 244. For example, when the system 100 communicates with the vehicle's auto insurance provider and / or one or more operators of the vehicle, or in the case where the provider of the system 100 is an auto insurance provider, the system 100 can determine to the operator the potential auto insurance premium savings that could be achieved if the operator used or frequently used the recommended route 130. By collecting and correlating data as further described below, the auto insurance provider can quantify how using the selected route 130 (possibly in conjunction with automated driving or operator assistance features) could have helped the operator potentially avoid an accident. Thus, the auto insurance provider can help determine the cost savings in avoiding a potentially loss-related event and pass on some of these savings in the form of a reduced auto insurance premium or another financial benefit 244.

[0034] See also Figure 3 , vehicle 300 includes an onboard system to identify the route traveled by the vehicle and / or its operator and to identify and recommend alternative routes corresponding to enhanced vehicle capabilities. Vehicle 300 may include a car, truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or similar vehicle for on-road and / or off-road travel. Vehicle 300 includes a body 310 that supports a cabin 320 to accommodate the operator and, optionally, one or more passengers. The body 310 of vehicle 300 also houses a number of systems.

[0035] Vehicle 300 includes a drive system 330 that, in conjunction with front wheels 332 and rear wheels 334, propels, accelerates, decelerates, stops, and steers vehicle 300. In various embodiments, drive system 330 is directed by an operator control system 340 and / or an operator assistance system 360. Operator control system 340 works in conjunction with an operator display and input system 350 within vehicle cabin 320. Operator display and input system 350 includes all operator inputs, including steering controls, throttle and brake controls, and all other operator input controls. Operator display and input system 350 also includes data devices that provide information to the operator, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and other output devices. When vehicle 300 is equipped with operator assistance system 360, operator display and input system 350 also allows the operator to control and interact with operator assistance system 360.

[0036] Operator assistance systems 360 include available automation, self-driving capabilities, or other features that assist the operator, such as forward collision warning systems, automatic emergency braking systems, lane departure warning systems, and other features referred to below. Figure 6 The other features described herein are as follows. Thus, operator assistance system 360 partially or fully controls the operation of vehicle 300 and / or provides warnings to the operator to help the operator avoid accidents. Thus, operator assistance system 360 intervenes with drive system 330 as an alternative to or in addition to operator control system 340 to start, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and steer vehicle 300 and / or provide information and warnings to the operator of vehicle 300.

[0037] In various embodiments, the vehicle 300 also includes a vehicle data system 380. The vehicle data system 380 receives and tracks positioning data, such as global positioning system (GPS) data, to provide navigation assistance to help the operator navigate when the operator controls the vehicle 300 using the operator control system 340. The vehicle data system 380 also provides navigation data to the operator assistance system 360 to allow the operator assistance system 360 to control the vehicle 300. The vehicle data system 380 is operable to receive and store map data and use GPS or other positioning information to track the position of the vehicle 300 relative to the map data. In addition, the vehicle data system 380 can record positioning information about trips being taken and that have been taken. Thus, the vehicle data system 380 can determine that the vehicle 300 has been at various locations such as the departure point 114 and the destination 112 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2). From this list of traveled routes, vehicle data system 380 can identify trips already traveled by vehicle 300. Vehicle data system 380 can be a data system integrated into vehicle 300, or it can include another device, such as a computing device that can be carried on vehicle 300, such as a tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, or another portable computing device. In various embodiments, regardless of whether vehicle data system 380 includes a data system integrated into vehicle 300 or a separate and / or portable device, vehicle data system 300 can communicate with sensors and systems on vehicle 300 through wired or wireless communication with other systems on vehicle 300.

[0038] As further described below, in addition to the location data recorded by the vehicle data system 380, the vehicle data system 380 also records other information received from the operator control system 340 or the operator assistance system 360, including historical data such as speed, rapid acceleration, braking data, and other information that can evaluate or score these previous trips. Thus, the vehicle data system 380 can determine which previous trips and / or frequent trips exhibit risk markers or the absence of risk markers. By evaluating data from previous trips, the vehicle data system 380 can determine whether alternative routes corresponding to the expanded vehicle capabilities are available (possibly through the use of the operator assistance system 360). In turn, this information can be used to present the benefits 242 or financial benefits 244 (that can be achieved by taking a different route) Figure 2 ).

[0039] It should be understood that automobile insurance premiums are calculated based on both the characteristics of the vehicle being driven and the characteristics of the operator. Automobile insurance premiums may vary based on the vehicle's horsepower, the vehicle's crashworthiness, the operator-assistance features equipped on the vehicle, and other attributes. Automobile insurance premiums may also vary based on the operator's age, experience, driving record, and other characteristics. Therefore, in order to be able to determine benefit 242 or financial benefit 244, it may be appropriate to identify who the operator of vehicle 300 is, record the operator's identity information in trip data 382 for past trips, and evaluate what alternative routes may be available for current and future trips. To this end, in various embodiments, vehicle 300 also includes an operator identification system 370 that communicates with vehicle data system 380 and identifies the operator. As further described below, various embodiments of operator identification system 370 may identify the operator based on the operator's seat moving to a position used by a specific operator, by detecting a key fob assigned to a specific operator, by identifying the presence of a cell phone owned by a specific operator in vehicle cabin 320, by using an imaging system to identify the operator, or by other devices and methods.

[0040] In addition to onboard systems, various embodiments may also communicate with remote computing systems to perform the functions described herein. For example, it may be desirable to transmit trip data 382 to a remote computing system in order to analyze data about past trips or identify frequently taken trips. The remote computing system may be used to assess the risk associated with those different trips and assign a score to that risk. The remote computing system may also be used to identify routes where automated driving or operator assistance features are available and may result in a lower likelihood of an incident during travel, alternative routes, benefits that may be realized from using those routes, and financial benefits that may be realized from using a particular recommended route.

[0041] See also Figure 4 , the operating environment 400 of vehicle 300 may include a remote computing system 450 configured to communicate, for example, with a vehicle data system 380 of vehicle 300. Vehicle data system 380 may send trip data 382 to remote computing system 450 and receive data from remote computing system 450 via network 410. Vehicle data system 380 may connect to network 410 via a wireless communication link 412, such as a satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi communication link. When vehicle 300 is parked, it is also possible that vehicle 300 may be coupled to network 400 via a wired network link, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Ethernet connection, which may be part of a wiring harness used to charge the vehicle 300 if it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. Remote computing system 450, which may include a server or server farm, also communicates with network 410 via wired and / or wireless communication links 414. Remote computing system 450 may access the programming and data used to perform its functions in conjunction with data storage 470 via a high-speed bus 460.

[0042] The information maintained in the data store 470 may include travel data 472 across a large area and, therefore, may include data covering the routes in the trip data 382. The remote computing system 450 may therefore use the travel data 472 to evaluate the trip data 382, ​​evaluate the relative likelihood of events such as collisions for previously or frequently used routes, and / or recommend alternative routes corresponding to the expanded vehicle capabilities. In some other embodiments, the remote computing system 450 may access the travel data 472 and may provide relevant portions to the vehicle data system 380 via the network 410 so that the vehicle data system 380 can evaluate previous trips and / or recommend alternative routes. Similarly, the data store 470 may include expected driving condition data 474, which may also be used to identify alternative routes. For example, the expected driving condition data 474 may include road type, road conditions, visibility, weather, or traffic data. The driving condition data 474 may be associated with various seasons, days of the week, times of day, etc., which may be used to identify alternative routes and identify the most appropriate route to travel from the departure point 114 to the destination 112 (at any particular time). Figure 1 and Figure 2 )'s benefits 242( Figure 2 ). Driving condition data 474 may be updateable and updates may be transmitted to vehicle data system 380 via network 410 .

[0043] Additionally, the data store 470 may include automobile insurance rate data 476 that may be used to identify potential financial benefits 244 ( Figure 2 ), such as the savings on automobile insurance premiums that could be realized if the operator took the recommended alternative route. Automobile insurance rate data 476 may include actuarial tables for the operator's specific demographics, historical accident data for various regions and routes, and any other information that can be used to determine risk likelihood. The risk information can then be used to determine the potential savings that the automobile insurance underwriter could realize if the operator took the alternative route and what portion of the savings could be passed on to the operator as an incentive.

[0044] Data storage 470 may also include historical travel data 478 for the vehicle and / or its operator. Historical travel data 470 may be used to identify frequent trips, evaluate the availability of alternative routes, and determine whether alternative routes may reduce accident risk and thus benefit insurance providers and operators. Data storage 470 may also include any other data 480 that may be used to assist in evaluating historical travel data, identifying frequent trips, identifying alternative routes, identifying savings on automobile insurance premiums, or performing related functions.

[0045] By the operator assistance system 360, the vehicle data system 380, such as Figure 3 Other vehicle systems shown or Figure 4The functions performed by the remote computing system 450 shown may be performed by various computing devices executing programming code created to support those functions. These devices may incorporate various embodiments of computing systems as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0046] See also Figure 5 By way of example only and not limitation, some form of computing system 400 may be used in vehicle 300 ( Figure 3 ) or remote computing system 450 ( Figure 4 ) at a computing system. In various embodiments, the computing system 500 typically includes at least one processing unit 520 and system memory 530. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, the system memory 530 may be volatile memory such as random access memory ("RAM"), non-volatile memory such as read-only memory ("ROM"), flash memory, etc., or some combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The system memory 530 typically holds an operating system 532, one or more application programs 534, and program data 536. The operating system 532 may include any number of operating systems that may be executed on a desktop or portable device, including but not limited to Linux, Microsoft Apple or or proprietary operating systems.

[0047] The computing system 500 may also have additional features or functionality. For example, the computing system 500 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, tapes, or flash memory. Such additional storage is Figure 5 500. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 530, removable memory 540, and non-removable memory 550 are all examples of computer storage media. Available types of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory (in removable and non-removable form) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the computing system 500. Any such computer storage media may be part of the computing system 500.

[0048] The computing system 500 may also have input devices 560, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus, a voice input device, a touch screen input device, etc. It may also include output devices 570, such as a display, a speaker, a printer, a short-range transceiver such as a Bluetooth transceiver, etc. The computing system 500 may also include one or more communication systems 580, such as the vehicle data system 380 ( Figure 3 ) allows the computing system 500 to communicate with other computing systems 590 when communicating with the remote computing system 450 and vice versa. As previously mentioned, the communication system 580 may include a system for wired or wireless communication. Available forms of communication media typically convey computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal (such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism) and include any information transmission media. The term "modulated data signal" may include a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in a manner such as encoding information in the signal. By way of illustrative example only and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic media, radio frequency (RF) media, infrared media, and other wireless media. As used herein, the term computer-readable media includes both storage media and communication media.

[0049] Further references Figure 5 , the computing system 500 may include a global positioning system ("GPS") circuit 585 that can automatically discern its location based on its relative position to a plurality of GPS satellites. As further described below, the GPS circuit 585 can be used to determine the vehicle 300 ( Figure 3 )’s location and potentially identify alternative routes.

[0050] In reference Figures 3 to 5 In the described environment, the operator assistance feature is useful for the operator assistance system 360 ( Figure 3 The availability of operator assistance features can be important in determining whether alternative routes may be better than other previously or frequently traveled routes. For example, when automated driving capabilities, automatic braking, or blind spot warnings are available to prevent common types of highway accidents, traveling along highways or freeways may prove to be a better route commensurate with the expanded vehicle capabilities. The availability of these operator assistance features can be important in evaluating the relative vehicle capabilities along different routes.

[0051] See also Figure 6In addition to fully automated driving, the operator assistance system 360 may also have any number of available assistance features whose availability may have an impact on the vehicle's capabilities along a particular route. The output of these systems, whether indicating specific measurements or simply indicating the activation or inactivation of these systems, may be recorded in the trip data 382 ( Figure 3 ) for evaluation or scoring of previous trips. Operator assistance system 360 may include forward collision warning system 602 to alert an operator traveling at normal driving speeds of stopped vehicles or other objects in the road. Intervention of forward collision warning system 602 or repeated intervention of forward collision warning system 602 may indicate operator inattention or indicate a route that may include hazards in the form of sudden vehicle stops. Similarly, operator assistance system 360 may include automatic emergency braking system 604. While forward collision warning system 602 prompts the operator to apply the brakes to avoid a stopped vehicle or other object in the road, automatic emergency braking system 604 actually automatically intervenes to stop vehicle 300 upon detecting a stopped vehicle or other object in the road. Intervention of emergency braking system 604 may also indicate operator inattention or indicate a route that may include hazards in the form of sudden vehicle stops.

[0052] Operator assistance system 360 may also include adaptive cruise control system 606. Adaptive cruise control system 606 automatically adjusts the cruise speed set by the operator or the cruise control system to reflect the speed of traffic ahead. For example, if the operator sets adaptive cruise control system 606 to a posted highway speed of 65 mph, but traffic on the road ahead causes vehicles to vary in speed between 55 and 65 mph, adaptive cruise control system 606 will repeatedly adjust the cruise speed to maintain the desired distance between the vehicle and other vehicles on the road ahead. While adaptive cruise control system 606 may not be particularly useful on surface streets or neighborhood streets, its availability and use on highways or freeways may indicate that driving on highways or freeways represents a better route.

[0053] Operator assistance systems 360 may include a lane departure warning system 608, which alerts the operator when the vehicle approaches or crosses a lane marking, presenting a significant hazard. Activation of operator assistance system 360, as recorded in route trip data 382, ​​may indicate operator inattention or that a particular route is hazardous. Operator assistance systems 360 may include a lane keeping assist system 610, which steers the vehicle to prevent it from approaching or crossing a lane marking. The availability and use of lane keeping assist system 610 may indicate that a route suitable for use of lane keeping assist system 610 represents a preferred driving route corresponding to the expanded vehicle capabilities.

[0054] The operator assistance system 360 may include a blind spot detection system 612, which alerts the operator to vehicles traveling in the blind spot outside the vehicle's rear quarter panels, warning the operator not to change lanes in such situations. The operator assistance system 360 may also include a steering wheel intervention system 614, which detects when the operator has released the steering wheel. This release of the steering wheel may be recorded in the trip data 382 as an indication of operator inattention. Previously traveled routes where the operator frequently released the steering wheel may indicate a degree of distraction along those routes, which may increase the likelihood of incidents such as collisions. The operator assistance system 360 may also include a traffic sign recognition system 616, which recognizes, for example, stop signs or speed limit signs. The availability of the traffic sign recognition system 616 may make driving on surface streets or neighborhood streets more advantageous, as it will help reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by missed signs or driving at inappropriate speeds.

[0055] The operator assistance system 360 may also include a rear traffic alert system 618 to notify the operator of approaching vehicles when the vehicle is exiting a space. Similarly, the operator assistance system 360 may include a back-up warning system 620 to alert the operator when the vehicle is approaching an object behind the vehicle. The operator assistance system 360 may include an automatic high beam control system 622 to deactivate and reactivate the high beams when other cars approach and subsequently pass. The availability of such a system may reduce the likelihood of incidents while driving on poorly lit or unlit highways or surface streets. The operator assistance system 360 also includes a manual parking assist system 624 to assist the operator in parking the vehicle.

[0056] See also Figure 7 In addition to the devices included in the operator assistance system 360, the vehicle data system 380 may also include a plurality of other sensors, the information of which is recorded in the trip data 382 ( Figure 3). Data from these sensors can be used to determine whether a previously taken or frequently traveled route is less desirable than another route. In addition to GPS sensor 730, vehicle data system 380 may also include an accelerometer 732 to detect rapid acceleration or deceleration, which may indicate aggressive driving or braking due to operator inattention or dangerous traffic patterns. Vehicle data system 380 may also include a gyroscope 734 to detect sudden changes in direction indicating dangerous roads, sharp lane changes, or tight turns. Vehicle data system 380 may include at least one following distance sensor 736, which determines how closely vehicle 300 is following other vehicles. Following distance sensor 736 may use any technology that can determine the following distance to another vehicle, such as radar, LIDAR, optical measurement using a camera or other optical sensor, ultrasonic measurement, laser measurement, or any other technology that can be used to determine the following distance to another vehicle. Recording following distance data for specific routes can indicate whether traffic conditions on those roads present a risk or whether operators tend to follow other vehicles too closely on certain routes.

[0057] The vehicle data system 380 may also include equipment sensors, such as tire pressure sensors 738, to monitor whether the tires are inflated to recommended levels. The vehicle data system 380 may also include miscellaneous equipment sensors 740 to determine whether other systems, such as lights, horn, and wipers, are being used throughout a particular route. The vehicle data system 380 may also include seatbelt sensors 742 to indicate whether occupants are wearing seatbelts throughout a particular route. The vehicle data system 380 may also include phone usage sensors 744 (which may take the form of an application executing on a phone) to report whether an operator is handling or operating their phone while along a particular route. Finally, the vehicle data system 380 may include airbag deployment sensors 746 or crash sensors 748 to report catastrophic events that result in a collision and / or severe crash necessitating airbag deployment.

[0058] Data collection from these sensors, along with data from the Operator Assistance System 360 ( Figure 6 ) data collected together can be used to perform a comprehensive analysis of operator performance on a specific route to evaluate the ratings of operators along various routes.

[0059] Table (1) shows the Figure 6 and Figure 7 A list of data presented by the operator assistance system 360 and / or vehicle data system 380 is depicted. Table (1) includes the data fields that may be recorded and, for example, the frequency with which the data is sampled and / or stored.

[0060] Table (1)

[0061]

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] Some or all of the information listed in Table (1), along with other information, may be used to evaluate the trip data 382 to determine an operator score when following a previous route. The trip data 382 may thus be scored to determine a basis for determining whether an alternate route identified by the disclosed embodiments may result in a reduced likelihood of collision and an increased use of vehicle operator assistance capabilities.

[0065] See also Figure 8 , the trip data 382 may include trip records of all trips taken by the vehicle, including trip record 810 of trip 1, trip record 820 of trip 2, trip record 830 of trip 3, trip record 840 of trip 4, and finally trip record 890 of trip N. Figure 9 , separate trip data may be stored for each identified operator of the vehicle, including trip data 982 for operator 1, trip data 984 for operator 2, and finally trip data 986 for operator N. It will be appreciated that if trip data is stored in a Figure 8 In a single set of trip data 382, ​​the trip data may include a record identifying the operator of each trip, such as Figure 10 shown.

[0066] See also Figure 10 , the trip record 810 for trip 1 may include a number of fields for storing information that may be desirable for evaluating the rating of a particular trip. Trip 1 record 810 may include fields identifying the operator 1012, the trip's origin 1014, the departure time 1016, the destination 1018, and the arrival time 1020. Trip 1 record 810 may include route information 1022, which may include a series of GPS locations to identify the complete route taken between the origin 1014 and the destination 1018.

[0067] Based on the information stored in the trip 1 record 810, a score is assigned 1030. As previously described, the score may be assigned by the vehicle data system 380 or by the remote computing system 450 ( Figure 4 ) is performed. The scoring can be based on many different elements or data or braking 1032, acceleration 1034, turning 1036 (which can be identified from gyroscope or accelerometer data as too aggressive manipulation, such as reference Figure 7 described), speeding 1038, phone use while driving 1040, and any other signs (e.g., which may be found in reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7The total score 1030 is tabulated using the system and sensors described herein. Additionally, in various embodiments, the total score 1030 may take into account the extent to which autonomous driving features or other operator assistance features were used, as stored in the operator assistance usage record 1050. Because such features may reduce the likelihood of an incident, the use of operator assistance features may be considered in evaluating the scores of previous trips. The total score 1030 assigned to the Trip 1 record 810 is then used to determine whether a trip or frequent trip along that route is more desirable, preferred, or corresponds to expanded vehicle capabilities compared to trips along other routes between the origin and destination.

[0068] See also Figure 11 In various embodiments, the vehicle compartment 320 ( Figure 3 ) includes an operator display and input system 350 ( Figure 3 ) and for identifying the operator and allowing the operator to select a vehicle data system 380 ( Figure 3 ) presents a route and a plurality of devices for the operation of the operator assistance system 360. As is well known, the vehicle cabin 320 includes a windshield 1110 and an operator's seat 1120 as well as a steering wheel 1126 and other controls such as an accelerator, brake pedals, and switches (not shown) for operating the headlights, wipers, etc.

[0069] To identify the operator, the carriage 320 may include an operator identification system 370 ( Figure 3 ), the operator identification system includes some or all of the multiple identification devices. The camera or other imaging device 1130 is positioned to image an operator that can be identified using image recognition. The operator can also be identified by the operator adjusting the operator's seat 1120 to an adjustment position 1122 preferred by a specific operator. The position can be set by selecting one of a plurality of memory buttons (not shown) that can be assigned to each of the multiple operators. In addition, the vehicle compartment 320 may include a key fob identifier 1142 that not only identifies that the key fob 1144 is authorized to operate the vehicle, but also identifies when the key fob 1144 is a key fob assigned to a specific operator. The key fob 1144 may, for example, include a personalized radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the key fob identifier 1142 may include an RFID reader. In addition, the vehicle compartment 320 may include a phone connection system 1152 that, in addition to enabling the smart phone 1154 to interact with the vehicle's entertainment system or other systems, also identifies whether the smart phone 1154 is associated with a specific operator of the vehicle.

[0070] The carriage 320 further includes a display 200 ( Figure 2), which provides information about the recommended route, as previously described. The display 200 may be a touch screen that enables the operator to choose to navigate to the destination according to the recommended route simply by touching the display 200. In addition, if the recommended route involves the use of autonomous driving or operator assistance features, the operator can intervene in those features by selecting the recommended route by touching the display 200. In some other embodiments, the vehicle cabin 320 may include other controls such as 1170 and 1171 for accepting the recommended route, and other controls such as 1172 and 1173 for intervening in or disengaging autonomous driving or operator assistance features. The controls 1170-1173 may be located on the instrument panel 1190, on the steering wheel 1126, or on another surface in the vehicle cabin 320. It should be understood that the controls 1170-1173 may be only a subset of the controls that are available or required when intervening in autonomous driving or operator assistance features, or that some or all of these features may be controlled via the touch screen display 200. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 Described operator assistance features 240 , benefits 242 of the recommended route, financial benefits 244 of using the recommended route, and other information may also be presented by display 200 .

[0071] See also Figure 12 In various embodiments, an exemplary method 1200 for identifying frequent trips is provided. As previously described, the identification of frequent trips can be used as a basis for recommending alternative routes by analyzing those routes that are most frequently traveled and, therefore, present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk. Method 1200 begins at block 1205. At block 1210, trip data is reviewed to identify the destinations most frequently traveled by a vehicle and / or operator. It will be appreciated that frequent trips may present the greatest number of instances of potential loss-related events, and therefore, it may be desirable to analyze these routes to identify alternative routes that present a reduced risk of loss. At block 1220, for the most frequent destinations, the origin of the trip to the identified destination is identified to prioritize the frequent trips. At block 1230, the most frequent trips are then ranked based on their trip length. It will be appreciated that frequent trips with the longest trip length may present the greatest exposure to potential events, and therefore, the longest trips may be prioritized among the frequent trips for analysis to identify alternative routes. Trip length may be determined based on travel distance and / or travel time. Method 1200 ends at box 1235.

[0072] See also Figure 13 In various embodiments, an exemplary method 1300 for evaluating past trips in trip data is provided. As previously described, a plurality of data elements ( Figure 2) to determine the likelihood of the event risk presented by those trips. In one particular embodiment, in addition to evaluating the provided data elements, the extent to which the operator employed operator assistance features may also be used to evaluate the likelihood of risks associated with previous trips. Method 1300 begins at box 1305. At box 1310, the trip data is reviewed to determine during which portion of the trip the operator assistance features were used and which operator assistance features were used. The use or non-use of operator assistance features may be attributed to the route driven. However, even when the use of operator assistance features may reduce the likelihood of an event, operator assistance features may not be used due to operator preference. At box 1320, data reported by the operator assistance features and / or the vehicle data system (such as listed in Table (1)) is evaluated to determine the likelihood of risks associated with previous trips. At box 1330, an overall score is determined and assigned to the previous trips. This overall score, or an average of such scores for a particular route, may be used to provide a basis for comparison of whether a recommended route may present a better alternative and / or to determine potential insurance premium savings. Method 1300 ends at 1335.

[0073] See also Figure 14 In various embodiments, an exemplary method 1400 for recommending alternative routes is provided. The method 1400 begins at block 1405. At block 1410, it is determined that the vehicle is taking a trip from a departure point to a destination, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 At block 1420, available travel routes from the origin to the destination are identified, as previously described with reference to Figure 4 At block 1430, a comparison of the available routes is performed to determine a recommended route that presents the lowest likelihood of the vehicle experiencing a collision. At block 1440, the recommended route is presented to the operator and a selection is received from the operator as to whether to take the recommended route. Method 1400 ends at block 1445.

[0074] It should be understood that the detailed description set forth above is merely illustrative in nature, and variations that do not depart from the spirit and / or scope of the claimed subject matter are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A device for assisting an operator in benefiting from identifying an alternative travel route, the device comprising: A vehicle data system configured to: Determine the trip the vehicle will take from the origin to the destination; identifying available routes for the vehicle from the origin to the destination; Identify frequent trips and analyze the most frequently traveled routes that present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk; performing a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route presenting a reduced likelihood of the vehicle experiencing a loss-related event based on an analysis of routes that present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk and identifying that the recommended route among the available routes has a greater availability of one or more operator assistance features than other available routes, wherein the operator assistance feature is related to one or more operating features or safety features available to the vehicle; determining a likelihood of an event risk associated with a previous travel route of the determined trip based on data elements presented by the operator assistance feature and / or the extent to which the operator employed the operator assistance feature; concurrently displaying the previously driven route and route details of the previously driven route, and the recommended route and route details of the recommended route for the determined trip to an operator of the vehicle on a map on a display screen; displaying to the operator on the display screen a financial benefit of implementing the one or more operator assistance features when traveling along the recommended route as compared to traveling along the previously traveled route, while displaying the recommended route and the previously traveled route; as well as A selection of the recommended route or the previously traveled route is received from the operator. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle data system comprises a system selected from at least one of a data system integrated into the operation of the vehicle and a portable computing device on the vehicle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the portable computing device comprises at least one of a smartphone, a smartwatch, and a tablet computer.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to present at least one of: The expected travel time of the recommended route; and An expected travel time for at least one previously traveled route between the origin and the destination. 5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to present the recommended route when the expected travel time of the recommended route is within a variance of the expected travel time of the at least one previously traveled route. 6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to receive input from a user specifying a maximum value for the variance.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to, upon determining that the trip from the departure location to the destination is being initiated, determine whether the trip is included in a frequently traveled trip repository in a trip data repository of previous trips taken by at least one of the operator and the vehicle.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to include in the recommended route a recommended parking location near the destination, wherein the recommended parking location has a reduced likelihood of a loss-related event associated with parking.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to perform the comparison of the available routes using historical data selected from at least one of: trip data of previous trips taken by one of the operator and the vehicle; and A database of vehicle event data in an area covering the available routes.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to perform the comparison of the trip data for previous trips traveled by the operator and one of the vehicles using sensor data collected from at least one sensor of the vehicle data system, the at least one sensor comprising at least one of: accelerometer; gyroscope; Following distance sensor; Tire pressure sensor; seatbelt usage sensors; Phones use sensors; collision sensor; airbag deployment sensor; and A device sensor is configured to monitor usage of a device selected from at least one of a vehicle light, a horn, and a windshield wiper. 11 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to determine a driving tendency of the operator stored in the trip data. 12 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the vehicle data system further comprises an operator identifier configured to identify an operator performing the trip.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the operator identifier comprises at least one identifier selected from the group consisting of: a key fob identifier configured to identify a key fob assigned to the operator; a smartphone identifier configured to detect the presence of the operator's smartphone on the vehicle; a seat position detector configured to identify the operator based on a position of an operator seat previously used by the operator; and An imaging system is configured to visually identify the operator.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to perform the comparison of the available routes under the expected driving condition when the expected driving condition is selected from conditions including at least one of: Road type; road conditions; visibility conditions; weather conditions; and Traffic conditions.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to perform the comparison of the available routes using available operator assistance capabilities of the vehicle including at least one of: autonomous driving; and Assisted driving using at least one operator assistance system.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the operator assistance system comprises an assistance system selected from at least one of: forward collision warning system; Automatic emergency braking system; Adaptive cruise control; lane departure warning system; Lane Keeping Assist System; Blind spot detection system; Steering wheel intervention system; Traffic sign recognition system; Rear traffic crossing warning system; Reversing warning system; Automatic high-beam control system; and Manual parking assist system.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to cause a system selected from the group consisting of: said vehicle data system; and Remote computing systems.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle data system is further configured to calculate automobile insurance premium savings attributable to the operator's frequent use of the recommended route and report the automobile insurance premium savings to the operator.

19. A vehicle, comprising: a carriage configured to receive an operator; a drive system configured to move, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and steer the vehicle; an operator control system configured to allow the operator to direct operation of the vehicle; An operator assistance system configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of: autonomously controlling the vehicle without assistance from the operator; and assisting the operator in controlling the vehicle; and A vehicle data system comprising a computing system that is at least one of integrated into the operation of the vehicle and a portable computing device on the vehicle, the vehicle data system being configured to: determining a trip that the vehicle will take from a departure location to a destination; identifying available routes for the vehicle from the origin to the destination; Identify frequent trips and analyze the most frequently traveled routes that present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk; performing a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route presenting a reduced likelihood of the vehicle experiencing a loss-related event based on an analysis of routes that present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk and identifying that the recommended route among the available routes has a greater availability of one or more operator assistance features than other available routes, wherein the operator assistance feature is related to one or more operating features or safety features available to the vehicle; determining a likelihood of an event risk associated with a previous travel route of the determined trip based on data elements presented by the operator assistance feature and / or the extent to which the operator employed the operator assistance feature; concurrently displaying the previously driven route and route details of the previously driven route, and the recommended route and route details of the recommended route for the determined trip to an operator of the vehicle on a map on a display screen; displaying to the operator on the display screen a financial benefit of implementing the one or more operator assistance features when traveling along the recommended route as compared to traveling along the previously traveled route, while displaying the recommended route and the previously traveled route; as well as A selection of the recommended route or the previously traveled route is received from the operator.

20. A computer-implemented method, comprising: Using a vehicle data system configured to monitor movement of a vehicle: determining that the vehicle is taking a trip from a departure location to a destination; identifying available routes from the origin to the destination; Identify frequent trips and analyze the most frequently traveled routes that present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk; performing a comparison of the available routes to determine a recommended route presenting a reduced likelihood of the vehicle experiencing a loss-related event based on an analysis of routes that present the most frequent exposure to potential loss risk and identifying that the recommended route among the available routes has a greater availability of one or more operator assistance features than other available routes, wherein the operator assistance feature is related to one or more operating features or safety features available to the vehicle; determining a likelihood of an event risk associated with a previous travel route of the determined trip based on data elements presented by the operator assistance feature and / or the extent to which the operator employed the operator assistance feature; concurrently displaying the previously driven route and route details of the previously driven route, and the recommended route and route details of the recommended route for the determined trip to an operator of the vehicle on a map on a display screen; displaying to the operator on the display screen a financial benefit of implementing the one or more operator assistance features when traveling along the recommended route as compared to traveling along the previously traveled route, while displaying the recommended route and the previously traveled route; as well as A selection of the recommended route or the previously traveled route is received from the operator.

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