Vehicle occupant emergency monitoring

Abstract

Apparatus, machine-readable media, and methods related to vehicle occupant emergency monitoring are described. According to embodiments of the present invention, information about a person's medical condition may be used while the person is driving a vehicle. A computing device (e.g., a mobile device and / or a module having a computing device) may be configured to run an application (e.g., a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool) to determine whether an occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may receive information about the occupant's medical condition, determine that the occupant is experiencing a medical emergency and that the occupant can no longer safely drive the vehicle, and initiate a response to the medical emergency by providing instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility and / or disable the vehicle, while signaling emergency services (e.g., police and / or ambulance services) for assistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to apparatus, non-transitory machine-readable media, and methods for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring. Background Art

[0002] A computing device is a mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in performing human tasks. Examples include thin clients, personal computers, printing devices, notebook computers, mobile devices (e.g., e-readers, tablets, smartphones, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled devices, and gaming consoles, among others. An IoT-enabled device may refer to a device that has embedded electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and / or network connectivity that enables such a device to connect to a network and / or exchange data. Examples of IoT-enabled devices include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, phablets, computing devices, implantable devices, vehicles, home appliances, smart home devices, monitoring devices, wearable devices, devices that enable smart shopping systems, and other cyber-physical systems.

[0003] A computing device can be used to transmit information to a user via a display to view images and / or text, via a speaker to emit sound, and / or via sensors to collect data. A computing device can receive input from sensors on or coupled to the computing device. The computing device can be coupled to a number of other computing devices and can be configured to communicate (e.g., send and / or receive data) with the other computing devices and / or with a user of the computing device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for vehicle occupant monitoring is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first processing resource of a first computing device via a first application contained on the first computing device, first signaling containing data representing a monitored medical condition of an occupant of a vehicle; determining, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device, using the data of the first signaling to determine that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle; and providing, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device and in response to determining that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle, third signaling containing instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for vehicle occupant monitoring is provided. The system includes: a first computing device including a first processing resource configured to execute instructions stored in a first memory to: receive first signaling including data representing a medical condition of a vehicle occupant; and determine whether the vehicle occupant is able to continue driving the vehicle based on the data representing the medical condition of the vehicle occupant; and a second computing device including a second processing resource configured to execute instructions stored in a second memory to: receive second signaling including data representing the medical condition of the vehicle occupant in response to a determination that the vehicle occupant is unable to continue driving the vehicle; and provide a third signal including instructions to cause the vehicle to travel to a medical facility.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, comprising a first processing resource in communication with a memory resource, the memory resource having instructions executable to: receive, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, data representing a medical emergency of an occupant of a vehicle via first signaling sent over a radio in communication with a second processing resource of a computing device; and transmit, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, instructions to cause the vehicle to travel to a medical facility in response to receiving the data representing the medical emergency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a functional diagram representing an example system for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating examples of inputs for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating examples of outputs for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 is a flow chart representing an example method for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4A is a functional diagram representing a processing resource in communication with a memory resource of a computing device coupled to a vehicle, the memory resource having instructions written thereon, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4Bis a functional diagram representing a processing resource in communication with a memory resource of a computing device for medical monitoring, the memory resource having instructions written thereon, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a flow chart representing an example method for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Apparatus, machine-readable media, and methods related to vehicle occupant emergency monitoring are described. Receiving information regarding a person's medical condition can provide valuable information regarding the person's health to the person, the person's family, or the person's healthcare provider. According to embodiments of the present invention, information regarding a person's medical condition can also be used while the person is driving a vehicle. A computing device (e.g., a mobile device and / or a module having a computing device) can be configured to run an application (e.g., a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool) to determine whether an occupant of a vehicle is no longer able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool can receive information regarding the medical condition of an occupant (e.g., a driver and / or passenger), determine that the occupant can no longer safely drive the vehicle due to a medical emergency or other reason (e.g., the occupant can no longer safely drive the vehicle due to at least partial incapacitation and / or the driver experiencing a medical emergency that distracts the driver and can no longer safely drive the vehicle without distraction), and initiate a response to the medical emergency by providing instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility and / or disable the vehicle while signaling emergency services (e.g., police and / or ambulance services) for assistance. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool can be used to monitor an occupant of a vehicle and initiate a response to a medical emergency of the occupant such that, if the occupant is incapacitated or unaware of the medical emergency, medical attention can be provided to the occupant without intervention. Thus, the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool allows for an immediate response to a medical emergency where time may be of the essence in providing medical attention to the medical emergency.

[0015] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may receive data indicative of a medical condition of an occupant of the vehicle from a medical monitoring device, determine that the occupant of the vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency in response to receiving the data indicative of the medical condition of the occupant of the vehicle, and initiate a response to the medical emergency. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may also receive an indication from the medical monitoring tool that the occupant of the vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency. In response to determining that a response to the medical emergency is required, the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may send an instruction to drive the vehicle to a medical facility. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may also send a notification to the medical facility indicating the occupant's medical condition and the vehicle's expected arrival at the medical facility, along with an estimated time of arrival. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may also send a notification to emergency services (e.g., police and / or ambulance services) of the vehicle's route to the medical facility and / or send a notification of the medical emergency to other vehicles on the road.

[0016] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool can initiate a response to a medical emergency by providing instructions to pull over the vehicle and signal emergency services for help. The signal to emergency services can provide the vehicle's location along with the occupant's medical condition.

[0017] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may include user settings indicating their preferred medical provider, user settings whether the occupant or family member needs to confirm authorization to initiate a response to a medical emergency, user settings whether the occupant would like to notify family members or preferred medical providers of the medical emergency, and other settings.

[0018] In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and which show, by way of illustration, how one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] As used herein, particularly with respect to reference numerals in the drawings, designators such as "N," "M," etc. indicate that the number of the particular features so designated may be included. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, "several," "at least one," and "one or more" (e.g., a number of memory devices) may refer to one or more memory devices, while "multiple" is intended to refer to more than one such thing. Furthermore, throughout this application, the words "may" and "possibly" are used in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to), rather than in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term "including" and its derivatives mean "including, but not limited to." Depending on the context, the term "coupled" or "coupling" means directly or indirectly physically connected or used to access and move (transmit) commands and / or data. The terms "data" and "data value" are used interchangeably herein and may have the same meaning, depending on the context.

[0020] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the figure number and the remaining digits identify the element or component in the figure. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by using similar digits. For example, 120 may refer to Figure 1 2 , and similar elements may be referenced as 220 in FIG. 2 . As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, exchanged, and / or eliminated to provide several additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, the ratios and / or relative proportions of elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a functional diagram illustrating an example system for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The system may include a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 and a medical monitoring device 112. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 and the medical monitoring device 112 may be located on and / or operated by computing devices 102-1 and 102-2, respectively. Computing device 102-1 may be located on a module external to, coupled to, and removable from a control panel, and / or on an onboard diagnostics (OBD) unit of vehicle 100. Computing device 102-2 may be a mobile device of an occupant of vehicle 100. A user of medical monitoring device 112 may be an occupant of vehicle 100. Vehicle 100 may be an autonomous vehicle that can be operated and driven without input from an occupant.

[0022] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 may be an application that runs using processing resources and / or memory resources of a computing device. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 may receive input from a medical monitoring device 112. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 may be wirelessly and / or physically coupled to the medical monitoring device 112.

[0023] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 and the medical monitoring device 112 can be wirelessly coupled, allowing the medical monitoring device 112 to transmit data indicative of a medical condition of an occupant of the vehicle to the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 can use the data indicative of the occupant's medical condition to determine whether the vehicle occupant is experiencing a medical emergency and is no longer able to safely operate the vehicle. If the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 determines that an occupant of the vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency, the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 can provide instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility in autonomous vehicle driving mode. The vehicle can be driven to a medical facility without interacting with the occupant of the vehicle experiencing the medical emergency. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 can include a preferred medical facility setting so that instructions are provided to drive the vehicle to the preferred medical facility during a medical emergency.

[0024] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 may share medical emergency information, including the occupant's medical condition, and / or the vehicle's route to a medical facility, the occupant's family occupants, the occupant's preferred medical provider, and / or emergency service providers, such as police and / or ambulance services.

[0025] The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 and the medical monitoring device 112 may be wirelessly coupled such that the medical monitoring device 112 may transmit data indicative of a medical emergency of an occupant of the vehicle to the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 may use the data indicative of the medical emergency to initiate a response to the medical emergency by providing instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility in an autonomous vehicle driving mode.

[0026] Figure 2A is a diagram showing an example of input to a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 in FIG. 1 may receive a number of inputs 220. The inputs 220 may include a medical emergency indication 222, a medical condition indicator 224, and / or vehicle monitoring information 232. The medical emergency indication 222 may be received from a user's medical monitoring device and may indicate that a response to a medical emergency is required. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may provide instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility in response to receiving the medical emergency indication 222.

[0027] Input 220 may include medical condition indicators 224. Medical condition indicators 224 may include, for example, a vehicle occupant's heart rate 226, blood glucose level 228, and / or respiratory rate 230, as well as other medical condition indicators. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may use the medical condition indicators to determine whether the occupant is experiencing a medical emergency and is no longer able to safely drive the vehicle. For example, if the occupant's heart rate 226, blood glucose level 228, and / or respiratory rate 230 drops below a threshold, the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may initiate a response to the medical emergency based on the received medical condition indicators 224.

[0028] The medical condition indicator 224 may also include input indicating that an occupant of the vehicle is incapacitated. The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may receive this medical condition indicator 224 indicating that the occupant is incapacitated and implement a response to the medical condition indicator 224.

[0029] Input 220 may include vehicle monitoring information 232. Vehicle monitoring information 232 may include input indicating an occupant's eye state 234 (e.g., whether the occupant's eyes are open), input indicating the vehicle's speed 235, and / or input indicating a lane departure state 236. Vehicle monitoring information 232 may be received by the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool and used to determine whether the vehicle is being safely operated by the occupant. If the occupant's eyes are closed or not following the road; the vehicle's speed is erratic, too slow, and / or too fast; and / or the vehicle is unable to maintain its lane on the way to the vehicle service provider, the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool may use vehicle monitoring information 232 in conjunction with or independently of medical condition indicator 224 to determine that the vehicle's occupant is experiencing a medical emergency and initiate a response to the medical emergency.

[0030] Figure 2B is a diagram showing an example of the output of a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 in FIG. 10 may send a number of outputs 240. The outputs 240 may include an instruction to drive to a medical facility 242, notify a medical facility of the medical emergency 244, notify a family member of the person experiencing the medical emergency 246, notify a medical facility to which the vehicle is traveling and / or a preferred medical provider of the person experiencing the medical emergency 248, notify an emergency service provider (e.g., police and / or ambulance service) of the medical emergency 250, an instruction to pull the vehicle over 252, and / or signal to an emergency service provider (e.g., police and / or ambulance service) that help is needed 254 due to the medical emergency.

[0031] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The method includes entering and activating a notification settings and redirection privilege 360 in a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool. The settings may include a list of contacts to be contacted in the event of a medical emergency, such as family members, friends, and / or medical providers, among other contacts, and criteria for initiating contact with the list of contacts, such as the severity of the medical emergency. The settings may also include a preferred medical provider in the event of a medical emergency.

[0032] The method includes the occupant selecting driving in autonomous or manual mode 362. If the occupant selects manual mode, the occupant operates the vehicle 364-1 and can select whether they wish the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool to monitor the health of the driver or another occupant of the vehicle 364-2. If monitoring the occupant's health is desired, the method proceeds to step 365. If monitoring the occupant's health is not desired, the method proceeds to step 364-3, and the method exits the process and ends. If the occupant selects autonomous mode, the driver enters a destination into the vehicle's control panel, and the vehicle autonomously drives the vehicle to the destination 363.

[0033] Once the vehicle is autonomously driven, the method may include receiving a redirect command 391-1 from a user of a home application. The home application may be an application that allows a list of users (e.g., family, friends, and / or authorized users) to interact with the autonomous vehicle. The user list may include people on the user list authorized to send redirect commands to the autonomous vehicle. Authorization for redirect commands may be based on time or location. For example, a driver's parents may be authorized to redirect the autonomous vehicle to school between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. If the redirect command does not come from the home application, the method may include continuing driving 391-3 to the destination entered in step 363. If the redirect command comes from the home application, the method may include checking whether the user sending the redirect command is allowed (e.g., authorized) to redirect the vehicle 391-2. If the redirect command is allowed, the vehicle may be redirected to the new destination 391-5. If the redirect command is not allowed, the redirect command may be ignored, the user of the application may be notified that the redirect command is not allowed, and the vehicle may continue to the destination 391-5. If the redirect command is not allowed, a security feature of the application may be implemented by checking whether the user has the privilege to redirect the vehicle 392-1. The users of the application may be notified of the redirect command and asked to confirm whether any of them sent the redirect command 392-2. If the user of the application did not send the redirect command, the method may include classifying the redirect command as a hack attack and asking whether the hack attack should be reported 392-3. If the hack attack should be reported, a hack report is sent to the application developer and / or the police 392-4. If the hack attack should not be reported, the notification process is closed 392-5.

[0034] Once the vehicle is traveling in manual or autonomous mode, the method may include checking for medical monitoring device input sent to the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 365. The method may include determining whether a medical emergency is occurring or an emergency button is activated 366. By analyzing the medical condition input and / or vehicle monitoring input, it may be determined that a medical emergency is occurring. A medical emergency may also be determined by input from the medical monitoring device indicating that a medical emergency is occurring, such as by activation of an emergency button by the medical monitoring device or a user. If no medical emergency is detected, the vehicle may continue traveling 367 and the method may return to step 365, where the medical monitoring device input is checked.

[0035] If a medical emergency is detected, the method may initiate a response to the medical emergency by disabling the user's ability to redirect the vehicle through the application and pulling the vehicle over 393-1. The method may include detecting whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident and / or whether the vehicle is operable (e.g., the accident has rendered the vehicle inoperable) 393-2. The method may include identifying the nearest medical facility 393-3. The method may include sending a notification to the medical facility indicating the occupant's medical condition (including the occupant's current state and allergies) 393-4. The method may include confirming that the medical facility can treat the occupant's medical condition 393-5. The method may include activating the vehicle's horn and warning lights using instructions generated based on input from the application and / or instructions from the medical facility 393-5. The method may include routing the vehicle to the medical facility and sending an update to the medical facility regarding the occupant's condition, the vehicle's location, and an estimated time of arrival 393-6. The method may include sending a notification to a family member regarding the medical emergency, the occupant's medical condition, and the location of the medical facility to which the vehicle is being driven 393-10.

[0036] If a medical emergency is detected, the method may initiate a response to the medical emergency by sending an instruction to drive the vehicle to a medical facility. The method may include sending a notification to the family members of the medical emergency, the occupant's medical condition, and the location of the medical facility to which the vehicle is being driven. The method may include sending a notification to the medical facility indicating the occupant's medical condition and that the vehicle will arrive at the medical facility, along with an estimated time of arrival. The method may include sending a notification to emergency services (e.g., police and / or ambulance services) of the route the vehicle is taking to the medical facility and / or sending a notification of the medical emergency to other vehicles on the road. The method may include sending a notification of the medical emergency to other vehicles on the route to the medical facility. The notification may be sent to other vehicles so that they can be warned and pulled over when a vehicle with an occupant experiencing a medical emergency is approaching.

[0037] If a medical emergency is detected, the method may initiate a response to the medical emergency by providing instructions to pull over to the roadside 393-1. The method may include determining whether the vehicle is disabled 393-2 and, in response to the vehicle being disabled, signaling emergency services for assistance 393-7. The signal to the emergency services may provide the location of the vehicle along with the occupant's medical condition. The method may include sending a notification to a contact list of the medical emergency, the occupant's medical condition, and the location of the vehicle and / or medical facility to which the occupant experiencing the medical emergency is currently driving 393-8.

[0038] Figure 4Ais a functional diagram showing a processing resource 482-1 in communication with a memory resource 484-1 of a computing device coupled to a vehicle, the memory resource having instructions 485, 486, and 487 written thereon, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the processing resource 482-1 and the memory resource 484-1 comprise a system 480-1, such as a vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool (e.g., Figure 1 The vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool 110 described in FIG.

[0039] System 480-1 may include a computing device having processing resources 482-1. System 480-1 may be coupled (e.g., via a wireless network) to other systems and / or computing devices (e.g., Figure 4B 4. System 480-2 in FIG. 4. System 480-1 may further include memory resources 484-1 (e.g., non-transitory MRMs) on which instructions, such as instructions 485, 486, and 487, may be stored. Although the following description refers to processing resources and memory resources, the description may also apply to systems having multiple processing resources and multiple memory resources. In such examples, the instructions may be distributed (e.g., stored) across the multiple memory resources and the instructions may be distributed (e.g., executed by) the multiple processing resources.

[0040] Memory resource 484-1 may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that stores executable instructions. Thus, memory resource 484-1 may be, for example, nonvolatile or volatile memory. For example, nonvolatile memory can provide persistent data by retaining written data when not powered on, and nonvolatile memory types may include NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and storage-class memory (SCM) that may include resistance variable memory, such as phase-change random access memory (PCRAM), three-dimensional cross-point memory, resistive random access memory (RRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), and programmable conductive memory, among other types of memory. Volatile memory may require power to maintain its data and may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and static random access memory (SRAM), among others.

[0041] In some examples, memory resource 484-1 is a non-transitory MRM, including random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disk, and the like. Memory resource 484 may be located within a controller and / or computing device. In this example, executable instructions 485, 486, and 487 may be "installed" on the device. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory resource 484-1 may be a portable, external, or remote storage medium that, for example, allows the system to download instructions 485, 486, and 487 from the portable / external / remote storage medium. In this case, the executable instructions may be part of an "installation package." As described herein, memory resource 484-1 may be encoded with executable instructions for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring.

[0042] Instructions 485, when executed by a processing resource, such as processing resource 482-1, may include instructions for receiving input from a medical monitoring device at processing resource 482-1, memory resource 484-1, or both. In some examples, the input from the medical monitoring device may include an indication of a medical emergency, an indicator of a medical condition, and / or a vehicle monitoring indicator.

[0043] Instructions 486 , when executed by a processing resource, such as processing resource 482 - 1 , may include instructions to use input from a medical monitoring device to determine that an occupant of the vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency.

[0044] Instructions 487, when executed by a processing resource, such as processing resource 482-1, may include instructions to send output from the vehicle occupant emergency monitoring tool to processing resource 482-1, memory resource 484-1, or both. In some examples, the output may be instructions to drive to a medical facility, notify a medical facility of the medical emergency, notify a family member of the person experiencing the medical emergency of the medical emergency, notify a medical facility to which the vehicle is traveling and / or a preferred medical provider of the person experiencing the medical emergency of the medical emergency, notify an emergency service provider (e.g., police and / or ambulance service) of the medical emergency, instructions to pull the vehicle over, and / or signal to an emergency service provider (e.g., police and / or ambulance service) that the medical emergency requires assistance.

[0045] Figure 4B is a functional diagram illustrating a processing resource 482-2 in communication with a memory resource 484-2 of a computing device for medical monitoring, the memory resource having instructions 488, 489, and 490 written thereon, in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the processing resource 482-2 and the memory resource 484-2 comprise a system 480-2, such as a medical monitoring device (e.g., Figure 1The medical monitoring device 112 described in ).

[0046] System 480-2 may include a computing device having processing resources 482-2. System 480-2 may be coupled (eg, via a wireless network) to other systems and / or computing devices (eg, Figure 4A 4. System 480-1 in FIG. 4. System 480-2 may further include memory resources 484-2 (e.g., non-transitory MRMs) on which instructions, such as instructions 488, 489, and 490, may be stored. Although the following description refers to processing resources and memory resources, the description may also apply to systems having multiple processing resources and multiple memory resources. In such examples, the instructions may be distributed (e.g., stored) across the multiple memory resources and the instructions may be distributed (e.g., executed by) the multiple processing resources.

[0047] Memory resource 484-2 may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that stores executable instructions. Thus, memory resource 484-2 may be, for example, nonvolatile or volatile memory. For example, nonvolatile memory can provide persistent data by retaining written data when not powered on, and nonvolatile memory types may include NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and storage-class memory (SCM) that may include resistance variable memory, such as phase-change random access memory (PCRAM), three-dimensional cross-point memory, resistive random access memory (RRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), and programmable conductive memory, among other types of memory. Volatile memory may require power to maintain its data and may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and static random access memory (SRAM), among others.

[0048] In some examples, memory resource 484-2 is a non-transitory MRM that includes random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disk, and the like. Memory resource 484-2 may be located within a controller and / or computing device. In this example, executable instructions 488, 489, and 490 may be "installed" on the device. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory resource 484-2 may be a portable, external, or remote storage medium that, for example, allows the system to download instructions 488, 489, and 490 from the portable / external / remote storage medium. In this case, the executable instructions may be part of an "installation package." As described herein, memory resource 484-2 may be encoded with executable instructions for monitoring a user's medical condition.

[0049] Instructions 488, when executed by a processing resource, such as processing resource 482-2, may include instructions for receiving input indicating a medical condition of the user at processing resource 482-2, memory resource 484-2, or both. In some examples, the input may include, for example, heart rate 226, blood glucose level 228, and / or respiratory rate 230 of an occupant of the vehicle, as well as other medical condition indicators.

[0050] Instructions 489 , when executed by a processing resource, such as processing resource 482 - 2 , may include instructions to use the input to determine that an occupant of the vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency.

[0051] Instructions 490, when executed by a processing resource such as processing resource 482-2, may include instructions to send an output indicating an indication of a medical condition of the user and / or a medical emergency. In some examples, the output may include, for example, the heart rate, blood sugar level, and / or respiratory rate of an occupant of the vehicle, as well as other medical condition indicators.

[0052] Figure 5 is a flow chart representing an example method for vehicle occupant emergency monitoring according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. At 592, the method includes receiving, at a first processing resource of a first computing device via a first application included on the first computing device, first signaling including data representing a monitored medical condition of an occupant of a vehicle.

[0053] At 594 , the method includes determining, at a first processing resource of a first computing device via a first application included on the first computing device, using data from the first signaling that an occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle.

[0054] At 596 , the method provides, at a first processing resource of the first computing device, via a first application included on the first computing device and in response to determining that an occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle, third signaling including instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility.

[0055] The method may also include sending a notification of the occupant's medical condition to a family member of an occupant of the vehicle, sending a notification to a medical facility indicating the occupant's medical condition and that the vehicle will arrive at the medical facility, sending an estimated time of arrival at the medical facility, sending a notification including a description of the vehicle (e.g., make, model and / or color, among other descriptions), sending a notification to police of the route the vehicle is taking to the medical facility, sending a notification of the medical emergency to other vehicles on the road, sending an instruction to pull over the vehicle and signal emergency services for assistance, sending an instruction to drive the vehicle to the preferred medical facility of an occupant of the vehicle, and / or sending a notification of the medical emergency to a family member of an occupant of the vehicle.

[0056] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that arrangements calculated to achieve the same results may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover modifications or variations to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is provided in an illustrative manner and not in a restrictive manner. Upon reviewing the above description, combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications in which the above structures and processes are used. Therefore, the scope of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0057] In the foregoing detailed description, some features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the disclosure must utilize more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. The appended claims are therefore hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for vehicle occupant monitoring, comprising: receiving, at a first processing resource of a first computing device via a first application contained on the first computing device, first signaling (224, 592) including data representing a monitored medical condition of an occupant of a vehicle; determining, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device, using the data of the first signaling to determine that the occupant of the vehicle cannot continue to drive the vehicle (366, 594); providing, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device and in response to determining that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle, third signaling (242, 596) including instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility; as well as Deactivate, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device, a redirection command sent from a user of a home application to the vehicle in response to determining that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle comprises receiving a medical condition indicator of the occupant and monitoring whether the medical condition indicator falls below a threshold and / or receiving an indication of a medical emergency (366).

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising sending a notification (393-4) at the first computing device to the medical facility via the first application contained on the first computing device indicating the medical condition of the occupant and that the vehicle will arrive at the medical facility.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising sending, at the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device, an estimated time of arrival at a medical facility.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising sending a notification (250) at the first computing device to a police officer via the first application contained on the first computing device of the route the vehicle is taking to the medical facility.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising sending, by the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device, a notification of the medical emergency to other vehicles on the road (393-9).

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising providing, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device, third signaling (393-1, 393-7) including instructions to pull over the vehicle and signal emergency services for assistance.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 further includes providing, at the first processing resource of the first computing device via the first application contained on the first computing device and in response to determining that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle, third signaling (248, 393-6) including instructions to drive the vehicle to a preferred medical facility of the occupant of the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising sending a notification of a medical emergency to a family of the occupant of the vehicle via the first application contained on the first computing device at the first processing resource of the first computing device (393-10).

10. A system for vehicle occupant monitoring, comprising: A first computing device (480-1) comprising a first processing resource (482-1) configured to execute instructions stored in a first memory (484-1) to: receiving first signaling (224, 592) including data representing a medical condition of an occupant of a vehicle; and determining whether the occupant of the vehicle is able to continue driving the vehicle based on the data representing the medical condition of the occupant of the vehicle (366, 594); as well as A second computing device (480-2) comprising a second processing resource (482-2) configured to execute instructions stored in a second memory (484-2) to: receiving second signaling (365) including data representative of the medical condition of the occupant of the vehicle in response to a determination that the occupant is unable to continue driving the vehicle; providing a third signal (393-6) including an instruction to drive the vehicle to a medical facility; and Redirect commands sent from a user of a home application to the vehicle are deactivated in response to determining that the occupant of the vehicle is unable to continue driving the vehicle.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first processing resource is configured to execute instructions to receive signaling including data representative of the medical condition of the occupant of the vehicle at periodic intervals, and wherein the second computing device is located onboard the vehicle.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the second processing resource is configured to execute instructions (393-10) to provide notification of a medical emergency to family members of the occupant of the vehicle.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the second processing resource is configured to execute instructions (393-4) to provide notification of a medical emergency to the medical facility.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the second processing resource is configured to execute instructions (393-7) to provide notification of a medical emergency to police.

15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising a first processing resource in communication with a memory resource, the memory resource having instructions for vehicle occupant monitoring executable to: receiving, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, data representing a medical emergency of an occupant of a vehicle via first signaling sent over a radio in communication with a second processing resource of a computing device (224, 592); transmitting, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, instructions to drive the vehicle to a medical facility in response to receiving the data representing the medical emergency (242, 393-6); and At the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, a redirection command sent from a user of a home application to the vehicle in response to the medical emergency is disabled.

16. The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions (393-10) executable to transmit, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, data to a family member of the occupant indicating notification that the occupant is experiencing the medical emergency.

17. The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions (393-4) executable to transmit, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, data to the medical facility indicating notification that the vehicle is arriving and the occupant is experiencing the medical emergency.

18. The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions (248) executable to transmit, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, data representing instructions to travel to a preferred medical facility for the occupant.

19. The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions (393-9) executable to transmit, at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, data representing a notification of the medical emergency to other vehicles on a road.

20. The medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions (393-1, 393-7) having data executable to transmit at the first processing resource, the memory resource, or both, representing instructions to pull over the vehicle and signal emergency services for assistance.

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