Recording and reporting of driving characteristics

a technology for driving characteristics and recording, applied in the field of recording driving characteristics, can solve the problems of not being able to verify the operator may exaggerate or underestimate the actual use of the vehicle, and the insurance provider is at a disadvantage in applying a premium based on predicted or non-verifiable information, so as to increase the risk factor and increase the insurance premium

US20050174217A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-08-11INTELLIGENT MECHANTRONIC SYST INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2005-08-11
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A system for recording, transmitting and compiling information indicative of actual vehicle operation and usage includes a device installed within a vehicle. Sensors communicate with the device to provide information relating to operation of the vehicle. A location module utilizes satellite signals to determine the current location of a vehicle. A data extraction module sends data to a central process server. The central processor compiles and summarizes the information from the device for determination of vehicle usage for use in determining an insurance premium.
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Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 540,165, which was filed on Jan. 29, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a device and method for recording driving characteristics. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and device for recording driving characteristics utilized to monitor and compile vehicle usage data for determining an insurance premium.

[0003] Vehicle insurance is currently determined substantially through the use of historical data combined with information from other sources concerning the vehicle owner and operator. The information concerning the operator typically includes general vehicle usage information such as how the operator typically uses the vehicle, such as for going back and forth to work. The places and locations in which the vehicle is utilized by the operator are also considered in the determination of the vehicle insurance premium.

[0004] A principal disadvantages with thi...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of the system 10 is shown and includes a device 14 for installation within a vehicle 12. The device 14 is installed within the vehicle 12 preferably in a location that is easily accessible yet not in plain view such as to cause an obstruction to the operator. Preferably, the device 14 will be installed underneath an instrument panel or within a glove compartment. The device 14 is attached and connected to receive power from a vehicle power source. Power from the vehicle can originate from a fuse box or other powered connection within the vehicle 12 as known.

[0019] A memory device provides for the extraction of data gathered and stored within the device 14. The memory device illustrated is a USB data key 16 that is insertable and removable from the module 14. The USB data key 16 receives information that is compiled from the device 14 for subsequent analysis. In the example embodiment, the USB data key 16 is removed and communic...