Wearable Haptic Alert System for Impaired Driver Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many vehicle accidents are caused by impaired vehicle operators, such as drowsy or distracted driving, which existing technologies fail to effectively address due to the lack of reliable and timely alerts in noisy or complex environments.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using wearable computing devices and sensors to detect operator impairment through data processing and deliver haptic alerts, which can be supplemented with audible or visual alerts, and are effective in noisy environments or when the operator's eyes are closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional audible or visual alerts are used to notify impaired drivers, then the alert can be perceived in normal conditions, but the alert becomes ineffective in noisy environments or when the driver's eyes are closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealert effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wearable device as an intermediary between the alert system and the driver. This wearable device receives alert signals from the vehicle system and converts them into haptic feedback that can be perceived through touch, serving as a reliable mediator that works regardless of auditory or visual channel availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional acoustic and optical alert mechanisms with haptic feedback mechanisms. By using mechanical vibration and tactile stimulation through the wearable device, the system substitutes less reliable sensory channels with a more reliable touch-based communication channel that functions in all environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor types are used to detect impairment, then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpairment detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes) into an integrated monitoring system. By merging these different sensing capabilities into a unified system that processes data collectively, the patent achieves comprehensive impairment detection while managing system complexity through integrated architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device serves multiple functions: it monitors driver state through various sensors, processes sensor data to detect impairment, and delivers haptic alerts. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating detection, processing, and alert delivery capabilities into a single universal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If haptic alerts are used to notify impaired drivers, then alert effectiveness improves in noisy environments, but the alert may be missed if the driver does not feel the vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealert effectivenessVSAvoidalert reception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the wearable device continuously monitors driver response to haptic alerts. By detecting whether the driver has responded to or corrected their impairment state, the system can adjust alert delivery patterns, ensuring that alerts are not lost and effective communication is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively alerts impaired vehicle operators with haptic alerts, improving response times and reducing the risk of accidents by providing timely and reliable notifications, even in challenging conditions.

Implementation Method 1

delivering a haptic alert to the vehicle operator using a wearable computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10569650B1System and method to monitor and alert vehicle operator of impairment

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring a vehicle operator during the course of vehicle operation to determine whether the vehicle operator is impaired (e.g., distracted, drowsy, intoxicated) and alerting the vehicle operator using a haptic alert delivered by a wearable computing device worn by the vehicle operator when impairment is detected. The method, system, and computer-readable medium may monitor the vehicle operator, the environment surrounding the vehicle, and/or forces acting on the vehicle using a variety of sensors, including optical sensors or accelerometers. In particular, optical sensors may monitor the vehicle operator to detect eye blinks, head nods, head rotations, and/or gaze fixation. Optical sensors may also monitor the road ahead of the vehicle to detect lane deviation, lane centering, and time to collision. Accelerometers may detect acceleration in the direction of vehicle travel and/or lateral acceleration.