US6154123A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Driver alertness monitoring system
Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology Inc
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Filing: 1997-09-05
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Granted: 2000-11-28
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Expires: 2017-09-05
Abstract
Abstract A driver alertness monitoring system for motor vehicles which issues visual or audible signals to the driver, and which monitors visual, audible or mechanical responses received from the driver to determine driver alertness. An electronic control unit, preferably incorporated in the circuitry of existent vehicle safety systems, controls the activation of these visual or audible signals and determines appropriate actions based on the response of the driver. The system includes auxiliary sensors which can be used to control and modify the function of the system to reduce unnecessary activation.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond Kleinberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 01:51
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S367/00; Y10S367/909
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A driver alertness monitoring system (14) for motor vehicles including: first means for generating at least one interrogation signal to a driver of a vehicle; second means for monitoring the driver reactions to the interrogation signal; third means for determining if the driver is sufficiently alert to drive the vehicle; and fourth means for at least interacting with the driver to generate a warning signal to inform the driver of his or her state of alertness; and a collision warning system capable of providing a pending collision signal indicative of the existence of a potential roadway hazard and wherein the second means includes means for monitoring the reaction of the driver in response to the pending collision signal and for causing the alertness monitoring systems to interrogate the driver if his reaction time is below a predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A driver alertness monitoring system (14) for motor vehicles including: first means for generating at least one interrogation signal to a driver of a vehicle; second means for monitoring the driver reactions to the interrogation signal; third means for determining if the driver is sufficiently alert to drive the vehicle; and fourth means for at least interacting with the driver to generate a warning signal to inform the driver of his or her state of alertness; and a collision warning system capable of providing a pending collision signal indicative of the existence of a potential roadway hazard and wherein the second means includes means for monitoring the reaction of the driver in response to the pending collision signal and for causing the alertness monitoring systems to interrogate the driver if his reaction time is below a predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
97 words
A driver alertness monitoring system (14) for motor vehicles including: first means for generating at least one interrogation signal to a driver of a vehicle; second means for monitoring the driver reactions to the interrogation signal; a collision warning system capable of providing a pending collision signal indicative of the existence of a potential roadway hazard and wherein the second means includes means for monitoring the reaction of the driver in response to the pending collision signal and for causing the alertness monitoring systems to interrogate the driver if his reaction time is below a predetermined level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
97 words
A driver alertness monitoring system (14) for motor vehicles including: first means for generating at least one interrogation signal to a driver of a vehicle; second means for monitoring the driver reactions to the interrogation signal; a collision warning system capable of providing a pending collision signal indicative of the existence of a potential roadway hazard and wherein the second means includes means for monitoring the reaction of the driver in response to the pending collision signal and for causing the alertness monitoring systems to interrogate the driver if his reaction time is below a predetermined level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-11-28 | 2004-05-29 | 2004-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-11-28 | 2008-05-29 | 2008-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-11-28 | 2012-05-29 | 2012-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |