Driver Distraction Detection by Location Using In-Vehicle Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems and environments contribute to increased driver distractions at particular geographic locations, necessitating methods and systems for generating data representative of these distractions.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that includes a vehicle interior data receiving module, location data receiving module, and distraction data generation module, using sensors and processors to determine vehicle operator distractions at specific locations, with a mobile application for data connection and reporting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle systems include more complex entertainment and operator interfaces, then vehicle functionality is improved, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle functionalityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors driver behavior through sensors (cameras, microphones, seat sensors) and provides real-time feedback by identifying distracted states and generating alerts. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when the increased vehicle functionality is causing distraction and intervene to restore driver attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that acts as a mediator between the complex vehicle interfaces and the driver. This intermediary layer (comprising sensors, processors, and alert generation modules) observes driver behavior and intervenes when necessary, buffering the direct impact of complex interfaces on driver attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle operating environments include more complex roadways and traffic conditions, then transportation capability is improved, but driver distraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation capabilityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors driver responses to complex roadway conditions and provides feedback when distraction is detected. The monitoring continues through varying traffic conditions, allowing the system to adaptively respond to environments with roundabouts, multi-lane roads, and heavy traffic that inherently require more driver attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the monitoring function into multiple independent sensor modules (visual sensors, auditory sensors, seat sensors) that can independently detect different aspects of driver behavior. This segmentation allows the system to effectively monitor driver state across diverse and complex roadway conditions without being overwhelmed by environmental complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If driver monitoring systems use detailed sensor data to accurately identify distractions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistraction detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules: visual sensors for eye tracking, microphones for audio monitoring, seat sensors for posture detection, and a central processor that integrates these inputs. This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific detection tasks, improving overall measurement precision while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple types of distraction indicators simultaneously. For example, camera systems can track both eye position and facial expressions, while seat sensors can detect both posture and movement patterns. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260077771A1Apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining vehicle operator distractions at particular geographic locations
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
  • US20260077771A1 patent drawing
  • US20260077771A1 patent drawing
  • US20260077771A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining vehicle driver distractions. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining distractions at particular geographic locations.