Safety system configured to determine when a vehicle has made an unwanted stop

A method for monitoring a vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is stopped and determining a location where the vehicle is stopped. Traffic congestion corresponding to the location where the vehicle is stopped may also be determined. A safety action may be taken based at least in part on whether the vehicle is stopped on a highway and whether the traffic congestion is causing the vehicle to be stopped.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicles travel at speeds much faster than humans can walk. Humans use motor vehicles for many different purposes, including commuting to and from work, traveling for vacations, and running errands.

Motor vehicles generally travel on roads. There are different types of roads. Motor vehicles may use local roads to travel around a neighborhood. Local roads may include traffic control devices such as stop lights or stop signs. Motor vehicles may also travel on freeways. Freeways may have speed limits higher than local roads. Freeways may also have on-ramps and off-ramps.

Safety is important when motor vehicles travel on a road. Accidents involving motor vehicles may cause significant harm and even death to drivers and passengers of motor vehicles.

Semi-trailer trucks may utilize roads to transport goods over long distances, often traveling for several days. Other vehicles, including delivery vans, passenger vehicles, and trucks, may also utilize roads to transport people, freight, or goods. These vehicles often move goods from manufacturers and suppliers to distribution and retail locations. These vehicles may be part of a fleet of vehicles. A carrier may manage a fleet from one or more locations. A carrier may be a company that transports goods for another company. The trucking industry in particular hauls a large percentage of freight in the United States. By some estimates, trucks move more than 10 billion tons of freight every year.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Vehicles use roads, including highways, to transport people, freight, or goods. Some vehicles that transport freight, including semi-trailer trucks, are often larger than other motor vehicles travelling on a highway. A collision between a motor vehicle and a semi-trailer truck may cause damage to the motor vehicle and may cause injury to a driver or passenger of the motor vehicle.

Vehicles transporting people, freight, or goods may be doing so for an individual or carrier. An accident involving a vehicle hauling freight for a carrier may create liability against the individual or carrier. An accident may also create liability for an owner or insurer of a vehicle. Thus, a carrier may want to monitor when a vehicle transporting people, freight, or goods on its behalf takes an action that increases the potential that the vehicle may be involved in an accident.

A vehicle that stops on a road may create a danger to other motor vehicles. For example, a vehicle that stops on a road when traffic is light and no traffic light or traffic sign requires a stop may create an accident because other drivers may not expect a stop in that situation. Another example may be when a vehicle stops on a side of a highway. Motor vehicles may travel at high speeds when travelling on a highway. Due to distracted driving, adverse weather or visibility conditions, lack of familiarity with a road, or for other reasons, a motor vehicle may veer outside its lane and collide with a vehicle stopped on a side of a highway.

It may be beneficial for an individual or carrier to know when a vehicle transporting people, freight, or goods on the individual or carrier's behalf has stopped on a road, including on a side of a highway. An individual or carrier may cause a fleet manager to contact a driver or occupant of a stopped vehicle. An individual or carrier may associate a stop with a driver for use in performance reviews and advancement and pay decisions. An individual or carrier may take other actions with respect to a vehicle that has made a potentially dangerous, unplanned, or unauthorized stop.

There may be instances where a vehicle has stopped on a highway, and an individual or carrier does not need or want to know about the stop. For example, heavy traffic may have caused a vehicle to stop. A vehicle may also be stopped on an on-ramp or off-ramp. It may be desirable to notify an individual or carrier about only certain stops in order to preserve resources of a carrier and to allow an individual or carrier to prioritize situations that may require a more immediate or urgent response.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a system100in which aspects of the present disclosure may be used. The system100may include a computing device102, a central management location106, and a vehicle108. The computing device102may be located in the central management location106, in the vehicle108, or in another location. Although one computing device102, one central management location106, and one vehicle108are shown, the system100may include more than one of each of these elements. The system100may also contain additional elements not shown and may contain fewer than the elements shown.

The computing device102may be configured to receive information from a global positioning system (GPS)104and one or more data services120. The computing device102may include a communication interface114. The communication interface114may be configured to enable the computing device102to exchange information with the GPS104, the data services120, the vehicle108, the central management location106, and other persons, entities, systems, and devices.

The GPS104may provide geographic coordinates for the vehicle108and enable the computing device102to determine a geographic location of the vehicle108. The GPS104may also enable the computing device102to determine speed and movement of the vehicle108. The GPS104may provide information about locations of objects other than the vehicle108.

The data services120may provide data and information useful to a person driving on a road or to a person responsible for a person driving on a road. For example, the data services120may provide information about, among other items, traffic, accidents, weather, road construction, location of traffic control devices, estimated travel times, road conditions, speed limit, location of roads and highways, location of on-ramps and off-ramps, location of rest stops, location of fuel stops, time of day, visibility, road closures, road grade, and road windiness. The data services120may provide data and information that correspond to the location of the vehicle108.

The computing device102may be configured to receive information from the vehicle108. The vehicle108may provide information about the vehicle, including make, model, year, location, speed, destination, fuel, freight, ignition status, parking brake status, gear status, mechanical or engine problems, flasher data, tire pressure, and maintenance record. The vehicle108may also provide information about a road on which the vehicle108is traveling. The vehicle108may also provide information to the central management location106and to other motor vehicles.

The computing device102may include one or more of a processor110and memory112. The memory112may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The processor110may process and execute instructions stored on the computing device102or the memory112. The memory112may contain one or more applications116, one or more maps118, and one or more files117.

The application116may contain instructions for determining whether the vehicle108has stopped. The application116may contain instructions that determine the vehicle108is stopped if the vehicle108is not moving. The application116may contain instructions that determine the vehicle108is stopped if the vehicle has not moved for at least a threshold period of time.

The application116may contain instructions for determining a type of location where the vehicle108has stopped. The vehicle108may stop in a variety of different types of locations, including a road, including a highway (such as a controlled-access highway designed for high-speed vehicular traffic), a parking lot, a residence, a loading dock, a fuel station, and a weigh station.

The maps118may contain information about geographic locations. The maps118may contain information about locations of roads, traffic control devices, on-ramps, and off-ramps. The data services120may provide information about geographic locations. The application116may include instructions for using information about the location of the vehicle108and information from the maps118and the data services120to determine a type of location where the vehicle108is located.

The application116may contain instructions for determining potential reasons the vehicle108has stopped. The application116may contain instructions for determining whether traffic congestion, a traffic control device, engine problems, a flat tire, a border inspection, a weigh station, construction, or weather may have caused the vehicle108to stop.

The application116may contain instructions for determining whether the vehicle108has made a stop of a type that warrants a safety action. A safety action may include any action intended to improve safety, either immediately or in the future. A safety action may include an alert to a driver, a manager, an insurance agent, emergency services, or data services. A safety action may include making a note in a driver file regarding a stop.

A stop warranting a safety action may be one or more of the following: a stop of a type that an individual or carrier or insurance agent wants to receive notice of; a stop of a type that an individual or carrier has not authorized; a stop that increases the potential for an accident involving a vehicle; a stop that is dangerous; a stop that indicates a vehicle needs assistance; a vehicle stopped on a road when circumstances do not require the vehicle to stop; or a vehicle stopped on a shoulder of a road. A stop warranting a safety action may be a stop that the computing device102determines has more than a threshold probability of being a stop of a certain type.

Determining whether the vehicle108has made a stop warranting a safety action may be based in part on one or more factors or criteria, including whether the vehicle108may be stopped on a road, whether the vehicle108may be stopped on a highway, whether traffic congestion may have caused the vehicle108to be stopped, whether a traffic control device may have caused the vehicle108to be stopped, whether issues with the vehicle108may have caused the vehicle108to be stopped, whether weather conditions may have caused the vehicle108to be stopped, or whether the vehicle108may be stopped on an on-ramp or off-ramp. For example, the application116may contain instructions that determine the vehicle108has made a stop warranting a safety action where the vehicle108has stopped on a highway and traffic congestion is not causing the vehicle108to be stopped. The application116may contain instructions that determine the vehicle108has not made a stop warranting a safety action where the vehicle108has stopped on a highway and traffic congestion is causing the vehicle108to be stopped. The application116may also contain instructions that determine a vehicle has made a stop warranting a safety action where the vehicle has stopped on a road and neither traffic congestion nor traffic control devices have caused the vehicle to stop.

The computing device102may contain files117for organizing information. The files117may be configured to contain information regarding multiple vehicles and multiple drivers and to organize the information by driver and/or vehicle. The files117may contain information regarding the vehicle108and a driver128of the vehicle108. Information contained in the files117may include historical information about trips the vehicle108and the driver128have taken, past accidents involving the vehicle108and the driver128, problems the vehicle108has had, employment history of the driver128, and previous stops of the vehicle108and the driver128that warranted a safety action.

The central management location106may include a manager122. The manager122may be associated with a carrier or an insurance provider. The manager122may have access to a communication device124and an input/output device126. The manager122may have responsibility to oversee one or more vehicles. The communication device124may be configured to enable the manager122to communicate with the driver128of the vehicle108. The communication device124may be configured to enable the manager122to communicate with other persons and entities. The input/output device126may be configured to enable the manager122to receive information and alerts from the internet, the computing device102, the data services120, the vehicle108, and the GPS104. The input/output device126may be configured to enable the manager122to send information to the internet, the computing device102, the data services120, the vehicle108, or the GPS104.

The vehicle108may be any motor vehicle or motorized vehicle. The vehicle108may have a GPS device130. The GPS device130may enable the GPS104to determine a geographic location of the vehicle108.

The vehicle108may travel on a highway134. One or more motor vehicles132may travel on the highway134. The highway134may include one or more lanes138. The highway134may include a shoulder136. The highway134may include on-ramps and off-ramps (not shown). The vehicle108may also travel on roads other than the highway134.

The vehicle108may also have one or more cameras configured to capture images or video of an area in front of, adjacent to, or behind the vehicle108. The one or more cameras or the vehicle108may transmit video or images from the one or more cameras to the computing device102. The computing device102may use video or images from the one or more cameras to determine whether the vehicle108is stopped, to determine a location of the vehicle108, to determine whether the vehicle108is on the shoulder136of the highway134, or to determine traffic congestion corresponding to a location of the vehicle108.

There may be one or more cameras associated with the highway134. The one or more cameras associated with the highway134may capture images or video of the highway134. The one or more cameras associated with the highway134may transmit images or video to the computing device102or to the data services120. The computing device102may use video or images from the one or more cameras associated with the highway134to determine whether the vehicle108is stopped, to determine a location of the vehicle108, to determine whether the vehicle108is on the shoulder136of the highway134, or to determine traffic congestion corresponding to a location of the vehicle108.

The application116may contain instructions for causing the computing device102to take one or more actions when the computing device102determines that the vehicle108has made a stop warranting a safety action. The application116may contain instructions that cause the computing device102to send an alert to one or more of the driver128and the manager122. The application116may also cause the computing device102to note the stop in a file associated with the driver128. The application116may also cause the computing device102to make a maintenance call or a call to emergency services.

The application116may contain instructions for determining what type of safety action to take. For example, the application116may contain instructions to take an urgent safety action if the computing device102determines that the vehicle108is stopped on a road, there is no traffic congestion, there is no traffic control device within a threshold distance of the vehicle108, and there is no on-ramp or off-ramp within a threshold distance of the vehicle108. The application116may contain instructions to take a less urgent safety action if the computing device102determines that the vehicle108is stopped on a road but there is an on-ramp or off-ramp within a threshold distance of the vehicle108or there is a traffic control device within a threshold distance of the vehicle108.

FIG. 2illustrates one example of a method200that may be implemented for monitoring a vehicle. The method200may be practiced using one or more of the components in the system100shown inFIG. 1, including the computing device102. It may also be practiced using other systems or devices capable of performing the method200.

A system may first determine202that a vehicle is stopped. A system may use one or more methods to determine202that a vehicle is stopped. In determining whether a vehicle is stopped, a system may use information about a vehicle's location, a vehicle's speed, a vehicle's speed over time, whether a vehicle is in park, whether a vehicle's emergency brake is engaged, and whether a vehicle's ignition is on or off. A system may determine that a vehicle is stopped when the vehicle is not moving. A system may determine that a vehicle is stopped if the vehicle is in park, the vehicle's emergency brake is engaged, or the vehicle's ignition is turned off. A system may determine that a vehicle is stopped if the vehicle's location has not changed for a threshold period of time. A system may determine that a vehicle is stopped if the vehicle has not moved for a threshold period of time. A threshold period of time may be any measure of time such as one second or one minutes. A system may use various methods to determine that a vehicle is not moving, including GPS, electronic countermeasure, radar, and LIDAR. A system may also use information from one or more cameras to determine that a vehicle is not moving.

A system may then determine204a location where a vehicle is stopped. Determining204a location where a vehicle is stopped may include determining a geographic location of the vehicle. A system may use a GPS to determine204a location where a vehicle is stopped. A GPS may provide coordinates for a geographic location of a vehicle. Determining204a location where a vehicle is stopped may include comparing coordinates where a vehicle is stopped to information contained in a map or received from a data service about an area corresponding to coordinates where the vehicle is stopped. A system may also use video or images from one or more cameras to determine a location where a vehicle is stopped.

Determining204a location where a vehicle is stopped may include determining a type of location where the vehicle is stopped. A system may compare a geographic location of a vehicle with data from one or more maps, databases, or data services to determine a type of location that corresponds to the geographic location of the vehicle. For example, where a geographic location of a vehicle is identical to a geographic location of a road, a system may determine the vehicle is stopped on a road. A system may also determine a type of location where a vehicle is stopped by using video or images from one or more cameras. For example, a system may use video or images from one or more cameras to determine that a vehicle is stopped on a shoulder of a road, including a shoulder of a highway.

A system may also determine that a vehicle is stopped on a road, including a highway, even though a geographic location of a vehicle does not correspond exactly to a geographic location of a road. For example, a system may determine that a vehicle is on a road where a GPS indicates a location of the vehicle that is within a threshold distance (such as 5 feet, 10 feet, or 20 feet) of a road. It may be desirable for a system to determine that a vehicle is on a road even though a GPS indicates a location of the vehicle that is not on a road because the GPS may not return coordinates that perfectly represent the actual geographic location of the vehicle or because data regarding locations of roadways contained in maps or data services may not be perfectly accurate.

A system may determine206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle. Traffic congestion may be one or both of a quantitative measure of traffic or a qualitative measure of traffic. A system may exchange information with data services to determine traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle. A system may provide information to a data service regarding a location of a vehicle and the data service may provide information to the system regarding one or more of traffic speed, traffic density, traffic volume, traffic flow, or level of service corresponding to that location. Traffic speed may be a measure of how fast motor vehicles are traveling in a particular area or across a particular point. Traffic density may be a measure of a number of vehicles that occupy an area. Traffic volume may be a measure of how many motor vehicles travel through an area or across a point over a period of time. Traffic flow may include a measure of how vehicles are interacting with each other on a road. Level of service may be a qualitative measure of traffic ranging from congestion-free to congested. Level of service may be based on one or more inputs, including speed, travel time, density, maneuverability, and delay. These measures may be based on average or instantaneous data. Similarly, a data service may provide to a system information about traffic congestion on all highways, and the system may use information about a location of a vehicle to determine traffic congestion for an area or point corresponding to the location of the vehicle. A system may determine206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle based on real-time data and/or historical data. A system may use video or images captured by one or more cameras to determine206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle. A system may use information from a radar or a LIDAR to determine206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle.

Determining206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle may include determining traffic congestion for an area in front of a vehicle, around a vehicle, or within a threshold distance of a vehicle. Determining206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle may include determining traffic congestion at a point in front of a vehicle, adjacent to a vehicle, or within a threshold distance of a vehicle. Determining206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle may be based on one or more of traffic speed, traffic density, traffic volume, traffic flow, or level of service. Determining206traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle may be based on other information, calculations, or factors such as time of day, whether traffic is increasing or decreasing, number of lanes on a road, or day of the week.

A system may determine208whether a traffic control device is present. A traffic control device may be any marker, sign, or signal device used to control or guide traffic. Traffic control devices may include traffic signs, electronic message boards, cones, road markings, traffic lights, or speed bumps. A system may use a location of a vehicle and information received from a data service to determine whether a traffic control device is present. A system may determine that a traffic control device is present if a traffic control device is within a threshold distance of a vehicle.

A system may take210a safety action based at least in part on one or more of whether a vehicle is stopped on a road, a type of road on which a vehicle is stopped, whether traffic congestion is causing a vehicle to be stopped, and presence of a traffic control device.

A safety action may include one or more of sending an alert to a vehicle, causing the hazard lights of a vehicle to turn on, sending an alert to a manager of a vehicle, sending an alert to a representative of a carrier of a driver of a vehicle, sending an alert to an insurance agent, adding a note to a file of a driver of a vehicle, sending an alert to a data service, or sending an alert to motor vehicles near a vehicle. A safety action may include other actions meant to improve safety of a driver, a vehicle, a road, a location, or other motor vehicles.

A system may use one or more methods, criteria, or standards to determine whether to take a safety action and what type of safety action to take. A system may take a safety action if a vehicle makes a stop that a carrier has not authorized or that increases the probability a vehicle will be involved in an accident. A system may take a safety action if a vehicle has made a dangerous stop. A system may take a safety action if a vehicle has made an illegal stop. A system may take a safety action if a vehicle has stopped in a place where other motor vehicles do not expect a stopped vehicle. A system may take a safety action if the probability that a vehicle has made a certain type of stop is greater than a threshold probability.

By way of example, a system may take210a safety action where a vehicle is stopped on a road and neither traffic congestion nor a traffic control device is causing the vehicle to be stopped. A system may take201a safety action in that situation because in those circumstances the vehicle may be stopped on the side of a road or be stopped in the middle of a road in a situation that other drivers do not expect (which may be types of stops that increase the likelihood that the vehicle will be involved in an accident). A system may not take a safety action where a vehicle is stopped on a road and traffic congestion has caused the vehicle to be stopped because in those circumstances the vehicle may be stopped in a traffic jam. A system may not take a safety action where a vehicle is stopped but not on a road because the vehicle may be stopped at a place where vehicles are expected to be stopped (such as at a fuel station). A system may not take a safety action where a vehicle is stopped and a traffic control device is present because the vehicle may be stopped at a traffic light.

A system may use one or more methods to determine whether traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to stop. A system may determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to stop if one or more quantitative measurements of traffic congestion meet certain threshold standards. A system may determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to stop based on determining one or more of the following for an area or point corresponding to a location of the vehicle: that traffic speed is less than a threshold speed; that traffic density is greater than a threshold density; that traffic volume is greater than a threshold volume; that traffic flow is less than a threshold flow; or that level of service is less than a threshold level. A system may determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to stop based on information received from data services. For example, a data service may rate traffic congestion on a scale from 0 (no traffic) to 10 (traffic jam). A system may be configured to determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to be stopped where a data service reports traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle of between 7 and 10.

A system may determine what safety action to take based on how likely it is that a vehicle has made an unauthorized stop. A system may determine what safety action to take based on how urgent a response is needed. A system may determine what safety action to take based on whether a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a traffic control device, whether a vehicle is within a threshold distance of an on-ramp or off-ramp, whether a vehicle is out of fuel, whether a vehicle is having mechanical problems, whether a vehicle has a flat tire, whether it is dark where a vehicle is located, whether driver visibility may be impaired where a vehicle is located, whether adverse weather conditions are present where a driver is located, and whether a driver of a vehicle has previously made a dangerous or unauthorized stop.

FIG. 3Aillustrates one example of a method300athat may be implemented for determining a type of alert to send regarding a vehicle. In accordance with the method300a, a system may first determine302athat a vehicle is stopped. A system may use methods and criteria like those described in reference toFIG. 2in determining302awhether a vehicle is stopped.

A system may determine304athat a location of a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway. A system may compare a geographic location of a vehicle with data from one or more maps, databases, or data services to determine whether a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway.

A system may determine306atraffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle. A system may use methods and criteria like those described in reference toFIG. 2in determining306atraffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle.

A system may determine308athat traffic congestion has not caused a vehicle to be stopped. A system may use one or more methods to determine308athat traffic congestion has not caused a vehicle to be stopped. A system may determine that traffic congestion has not caused a vehicle to stop based on determining one or more of the following corresponding to a location of the vehicle: that traffic speed is greater than a threshold speed; that traffic density is less than a threshold density; that traffic volume is less than a threshold volume; that traffic flow is greater than a threshold flow; or that level of service is greater than a threshold level. A system may determine that traffic congestion has not caused a vehicle to stop based on information received from data services.

A system may then determine309awhether a location of a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway on-ramp or a highway off-ramp. A system may use information from maps and data services to determine locations of on-ramps and off-ramps.

If a location of a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway on-ramp or a highway off-ramp, a system may send310a-1a first type of alert. If the location of a vehicle is not within a threshold distance of a highway on-ramp or a highway off-ramp, a system may send310a-2a second type of alert indicating higher urgency than the first type of alert.

The first type of alert may be different from the second type of alert. The second type of alert may indicate higher urgency than the first type of alert. For example, the second type of alert may be sent to a manager and instruct the manager to immediately contact a driver of a vehicle while the first type of alert may be sent to a manager and instruct the manager to check a vehicle's location on a map within a specified period of time (such as two minutes). The second type of alert may be sent to more or different places than the first type of alert. For example, the second type of alert may be sent to a manager and a supervisor of the manager while the first type of alert may be sent only to the manager.

FIG. 3Billustrates one example of a method300bthat may be implemented for determining whether to send an alert to a fleet manager. A fleet manager may be a person with responsibility to oversee two or more vehicles that form a fleet.

A system may first determine302bthat a vehicle is stopped. A system may use methods and criteria like those described in reference toFIG. 2in determining302bwhether a vehicle is stopped.

A system may determine304ba location of a vehicle using a GPS. A GPS may provide coordinates for a geographic location of a vehicle. Determining304ba location where a vehicle is stopped may include comparing coordinates where a vehicle is stopped to information contained in a map or received from a data service about an area corresponding to the coordinates where the vehicle is stopped.

A system may determine305bwhether a vehicle is stopped on a highway. Determining305bwhether a vehicle is stopped may include comparing a geographic location of a vehicle with data from one or more maps, databases, or data services. For example, where a geographic location of a vehicle is identical to a geographic location of a highway, a system may determine a highway as a type of location where the vehicle is stopped. A system may also determine that a vehicle is stopped on a highway even though a geographic location of a vehicle is not identical to a geographic location of a highway. For example, a system may determine that a vehicle is on a highway where a GPS indicates a location of the vehicle that is within a threshold distance (such as 5 feet, 10 feet, or 20 feet) of a highway.

If a vehicle has not stopped on a highway, a system may not send314an alert. For example, a system may not send314an alert if a vehicle has stopped at a residential address, at a fuel station, or at a distribution center. If a vehicle has stopped on a highway, a system may determine306bone or more of traffic speed, traffic density, traffic volume, traffic flow, or level of service corresponding to the location of the vehicle.

A system may then determine307bwhether traffic congestion is causing the vehicle to be stopped. A system may use one or more methods to determine307bwhether traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to be stopped. A system may determine307bthat traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to be stopped based on determining one or more of the following corresponding to a location of the vehicle: that traffic speed is less than a threshold speed; that traffic density is greater than a threshold density; that traffic volume is greater than a threshold volume; that traffic flow is less than a threshold flow; or that level of service is less than a threshold level.

If traffic congestion is causing a vehicle to be stopped, a system may not send314an alert. If traffic congestion is not causing a vehicle to be stopped, a system may send310ban alert to a fleet manager. A fleet manager may be a person responsible for overseeing a vehicle. An alert to a fleet manager may instruct the fleet manager to take certain actions with respect to a vehicle. For example, an alert may instruct a fleet manager to immediately call a driver of a vehicle.

FIG. 3Cillustrates one example of a method300cthat may be implemented for determining a type of alert to send regarding a vehicle. In accordance with the method300c, a system may first determine302cthat a vehicle is stopped. A system may use methods and criteria like those described in reference toFIG. 2in determining302cwhether a vehicle is stopped.

A system may determine311whether a vehicle is stopped on a road. A system may compare a geographic location of a vehicle with data from one or more maps, databases, or data services to determine whether a vehicle is stopped on a road. If a vehicle is not stopped on a road, a system may determine314cto not send an alert regarding the vehicle.

If a system determines that a vehicle is stopped on a road, the system may determine307cwhether traffic congestion corresponding to a location of the vehicle is causing the vehicle to be stopped. A system may use methods and criteria like those described in reference toFIG. 2in determining307cwhether traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle is causing the vehicle to be stopped. If traffic congestion corresponding to a location of a vehicle is causing the vehicle to be stopped, a system may determine314cto not send an alert regarding the vehicle.

If a system determines that traffic congestion has not caused a vehicle to be stopped, a system may determine313whether a location of a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a traffic control device. A system may use information from maps and data services to determine locations of traffic control devices. If a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a traffic control device, a system may determine314cto not send an alert regarding the vehicle.

If a location of a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a traffic control device, a system may determine305cwhether the vehicle is stopped on a highway. If a vehicle is not stopped on a highway, a system may send310c-1a first type of alert. If a vehicle is stopped on a highway, a system may send310c-2a second type of alert indicating higher urgency than the first type of alert.

The first type of alert may be different from the second type of alert. The second type of alert may indicate higher urgency than the first type of alert. For example, the second type of alert may be sent to a manager and instruct the manager to immediately contact a driver of a vehicle while the first type of alert may be sent to a manager and instruct the manager to check a vehicle's location on a map within a specified period of time (such as two minutes). The second type of alert may be sent to more or different places than the first type of alert. For example, the second type of alert may be sent to a manager and a supervisor of the manager while the first type of alert may be sent only to the manager.

FIG. 4illustrates examples of situations in which the methods disclosed herein may be implemented. A first situation440ashows a vehicle408aon a highway434a. The vehicle408ais traveling in a lane438of the highway434a. One or more motor vehicles432are on the highway434a. The highway434ahas a shoulder436a. The vehicle408amay be considered for purposes of this illustration to not be moving.

A system may determine that the vehicle408ais stopped because the vehicle408ais not moving. A system may then determine a location of the vehicle408a. A GPS may determine a geographic location of the vehicle408a. A GPS may determine a geographic location of the vehicle408athat is on the highway434a.

A system may then determine traffic congestion corresponding to a location of the vehicle408a. An area442arepresents one possible area corresponding to a location of the vehicle408a. One potential measure of traffic congestion may be traffic density. One potential way to calculate traffic density may be to count a number of motor vehicles in an area. There are six motor vehicles432a,432b,432c,432d,432e,432fin the area442a. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine that the area442ahas a traffic density of six motor vehicles per area. Another potential measure of traffic congestion may be traffic flow. One way to calculate traffic flow may be to determine an average speed of motor vehicles in an area. Assume for purposes of this illustration that the average speed of the motor vehicles432a,432b,432c,432d,432e,432fin the area442ais one mile per hour. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine traffic congestion for the area442athat includes a traffic density of six motor vehicles per area and a traffic flow of one mile per hour.

The first situation440adoes not show a traffic control device. Thus, in the first situation440a, a system may determine that a traffic control device is not present.

Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to take a safety action when the vehicle408ais stopped on a highway and traffic congestion has not caused the vehicle408ato be stopped. Also assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to determine that a vehicle is stopped on a highway if a vehicle is not moving and its geographic location corresponds to a location of a highway. In addition, assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to be stopped if, for an area or point corresponding to a location of the vehicle, traffic density is greater than five motor vehicles per area and traffic flow is less than two miles per hour.

With these assumptions, a system may determine that a safety action is not needed in the first situation440a. Even though a system may determine that the vehicle408ais stopped on the highway434a, a system may determine that traffic congestion caused the vehicle408ato be stopped because the area442ahas a traffic density greater than five motor vehicles per area and a traffic flow less than two miles per hour.

FIG. 4also shows a second situation440b. The second situation440bshows a vehicle408bon a highway434b. In the second situation, the vehicle408bis on a shoulder436bof the highway434b. Motor vehicles432i,432j,432kare on the highway434b. The vehicle408bmay be considered for purposes of this illustration to not be moving.

A system may determine that the vehicle408bis stopped because the vehicle408bis not moving. A system may then determine a location of the vehicle408b. A GPS may determine a geographic location of the vehicle408bthat is on the highway434b.

A system may then determine traffic congestion corresponding to a location of the vehicle408b. An area442brepresents one possible area corresponding to a location of the vehicle408b. There are two motor vehicles432i,432jin the area442b. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine that the area442bhas a traffic density of two motor vehicles per area. Assume for purposes of this illustration that the average speed of the motor vehicles432i,432jin the area442bis 65 miles per hour. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine traffic congestion for the area442bthat includes a traffic density of two and a traffic flow of 65 miles per hour.

The second situation440bdoes not show a traffic control device. Thus, a system may determine that a traffic control device is not present.

Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to take a safety action when the vehicle408bis stopped on a highway and traffic congestion has not caused the vehicle408bto be stopped. Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to determine that a vehicle is stopped on a highway if a vehicle is not moving and its geographic location corresponds to a location of a highway. Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to be stopped if, for an area or point corresponding to a location of the vehicle, traffic density is greater than five motor vehicles per area and traffic flow is less than two miles per hour.

With these assumptions, a system may take a safety action in the second situation440b. A system may determine that the vehicle408bis stopped on the highway434bbecause the vehicle408bis not moving and the vehicle408bhas a geographic location corresponding to a location of the highway434b. A system may determine that traffic congestion did not cause the vehicle408bto be stopped because the area442bhas a traffic density less than five motor vehicles per area and a traffic flow greater than two miles per hour.

A system may take a safety action that includes sending an alert to a fleet manager. A system may also take a safety action that includes sending an alert to a driver of the vehicle408b.

FIG. 5illustrates a situation540in which the methods disclosed herein may be implemented. In the situation540, a highway534is shown. The highway534has an off-ramp548. The off-ramp548has a traffic control device544. In this illustration, the traffic control device544is a traffic signal. Three motor vehicles532a,532b,532care at least partially on the off-ramp548. The motor vehicles532a,532b,532care not moving. A first vehicle508a, a second vehicle508b, a third vehicle508cand a fourth vehicle508dare shown on the highway534. The third vehicle508cis on a shoulder536of the highway534. Assume for purposes of this illustration that the first vehicle508ais not moving and has not been moving for 25 seconds, the second vehicle508bis moving at 60 miles per hour, the third vehicle508chas not been moving for 30 seconds, and the fourth vehicle508dis moving at 70 miles per hour. A motor vehicle532dis traveling at 80 miles per hour on the highway534.

Assume for purposes of this illustration that a GPS returns locations for the first vehicle508a, the second vehicle508b, and the fourth vehicle508dthat correspond to the highway534. Assume that a GPS returns a location for the third vehicle508cthat is 15 feet away from the highway534.

Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to determine that a vehicle is stopped when it has not moved for at least 10 seconds. Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to use a threshold distance of 20 feet in determining whether a vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway. Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to use a threshold distance of 30 feet in determining whether a vehicle is within a threshold distance of an off-ramp. A distance546is shown inFIG. 5. For purposes of this illustration, the distance546represents a length of 30 feet from the off-ramp548.

Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to determine that traffic congestion has caused a vehicle to be stopped if, for an area or point corresponding to a location of the vehicle, traffic density is greater than five motor vehicles per area and traffic flow is less than two miles per hour.

With respect to the first vehicle508a, a system may determine that the first vehicle508ais stopped because the first vehicle508ahas not moved for 25 seconds (which is longer than 10 seconds). A system may determine that the first vehicle508ais within a threshold distance of a highway because the first vehicle508ahas a GPS location corresponding to the highway534.

For purposes of this illustration, a first area542amay represent an area corresponding to a location of the first vehicle508a. A system may determine traffic congestion corresponding to the first area542a. One potential component of traffic congestion may be traffic density. One potential way to calculate traffic density may be to count a number of motor vehicles in an area. There are 1.5 motor vehicles in the first area542a(half of motor vehicle532band all of motor vehicle532c). For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine that the first area542ahas a traffic density of 1.5 motor vehicles per area. Another potential measure of traffic congestion may be to determine traffic flow. One way to calculate traffic flow may be to determine an average speed of motor vehicles in an area. Assume for purposes of this illustration that the average speed of the motor vehicles532c,532bin the first area542ais zero miles per hour. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine traffic congestion for the first area542athat includes a traffic density of 1.5 and a traffic flow of zero.

A system may determine that traffic congestion has not caused the first vehicle508ato stop because traffic density for the first area542ais not greater than five motor vehicles per area. As a result, a system may determine to take a safety action that may include sending an alert.

A system may determine that the first vehicle508ais within a threshold distance of the off-ramp548because the first vehicle508ais within the distance546of the off-ramp548. Because the first vehicle508ais within a threshold distance of the off-ramp548, a system may send a first type of alert. A first type of alert may be sent to a fleet manager. A first type of alert may indicate to a fleet manager that the first vehicle508ahas stopped but that urgent action is not necessary because the first vehicle508amay be stopped on an off-ramp.

For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine that the traffic control device544is present. A system may be configured to not send an alert when a traffic control device is present. A system so configured may not send a first type of alert with respect to the first vehicle508a.

With respect to the second vehicle508b, a system may determine that the second vehicle508bis not stopped because the second vehicle508bis traveling at 60 miles per hour (which is a speed greater than two miles per hour). As a result, a system may not send any type of alert with respect to the second vehicle508b.

With respect to the third vehicle508c, a system may determine that the third vehicle508cis stopped because the third vehicle508chas not been moving for at least 10 seconds. A system may determine that the third vehicle508cis within a threshold distance of a highway because the third vehicle508chas a GPS location within 20 feet of the highway534.

For purposes of this illustration, a second area542bmay represent one possible area corresponding to a location of the third vehicle508c. A system may determine traffic congestion corresponding to the second area542b. One potential component of traffic congestion may be traffic density. One potential way to calculate traffic density is to count a number of motor vehicles in an area. There are three motor vehicles in the second area542b(the first vehicle508a, the second vehicle508b, and motor vehicle532d). For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine that the second area542bhas a traffic density of three motor vehicles per area. Another potential measure of traffic congestion may be to determine traffic flow. One way to calculate traffic flow may be to determine an average speed of motor vehicles in an area. Assume for purposes of this illustration that the average speed of the first vehicle508a, the second vehicle508b, and the motor vehicle532din the second area542bis approximately 47 miles per hour. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine traffic congestion for the second area542bthat includes a traffic density of three and a traffic flow of 47.

A system may determine that traffic congestion has not caused the third vehicle508cto stop because traffic density for the second area542bis not greater than five motor vehicles per area and because traffic flow for the second area542bis not less than two miles per hour.

A system may determine that the third vehicle508cis not within a threshold distance of the off-ramp548because the third vehicle508cis not within the distance546of the off-ramp548. Because the third vehicle508cis not within a threshold distance of the off-ramp548, a system may send a second type of alert. A second type of alert may be sent to a fleet manager. A second type of alert may indicate to a fleet manager that the third vehicle508chas made a dangerous or unauthorized stop and that urgent action is required because the third vehicle508cmay be stopped on a side of a highway.

With respect to the fourth vehicle508d, a system may determine that the fourth vehicle508dis not stopped because the fourth vehicle508dis moving. Accordingly, a system may not take a safety action with respect to the fourth vehicle508d.

FIG. 6illustrates a situation in which the methods disclosed herein may be implemented. A situation640shows a vehicle608on a road634. A motor vehicle632is shown on the road634. The road634has a shoulder636. The vehicle608may be considered for purposes of this illustration to not be moving.

A system may determine that the vehicle608is stopped because the vehicle608is not moving. A system may then determine a location of the vehicle608. A GPS may determine a geographic location of the vehicle608. A GPS may determine a geographic location of the vehicle608that is on the road634.

A system may then determine whether traffic congestion has caused the vehicle608to be stopped. A system may determine traffic congestion corresponding to a location of the vehicle608. An area642represents one possible area corresponding to a location of the vehicle608. For purposes of this illustration, a system may determine that traffic congestion has not caused the vehicle608to be stopped because the area642does not contain any motor vehicles.

A system may then determine whether the vehicle608is within a threshold distance646of a traffic control device644. For purposes of this illustration, the traffic control device644is not within the threshold distance646of the vehicle608.

A system may then determine whether the road634on which the vehicle608is stopped is a highway. For purposes of this illustration, the road640is not a highway.

Assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to send a first type of alert when the vehicle608is stopped on a road that is not a highway and traffic congestion has not caused the vehicle to be stopped and the vehicle is not within a threshold distance of a traffic control device. Also assume for purposes of this illustration that a system is configured to send a second type of alert indicating a higher urgency than a first type of alert when the vehicle608is stopped on a road that is a highway and traffic congestion is not causing the vehicle to be stopped and the vehicle is not within a threshold distance of a traffic control device.

With these assumptions, a system may determine to send a first type of alert the situation640because the vehicle608is stopped on the road634that is not a highway, traffic congestion is not causing the vehicle608to be stopped, and the vehicle608is not within the threshold distance646of the traffic control device644.

FIG. 7illustrates certain components that may be included within a computer system700. One or more computer systems700may be used to implement methods and systems disclosed herein.

The computer system700includes a processor701. The processor701may be a general purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an Advanced RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine (ARM)), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor701may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Although just a single processor701is shown in the computer system700ofFIG. 7, in an alternative configuration, a combination of processors (e.g., an ARM and DSP) could be used.

The computer system700also includes memory703. The memory703may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. For example, the memory703may be embodied as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, and so forth, including combinations thereof.

Instructions705and data707may be stored in the memory703. The instructions705may be executable by the processor701to implement some or all of the methods disclosed herein. Executing the instructions705may involve the use of the data707that is stored in the memory703. When the processor701executes the instructions705, various portions of the instructions705amay be loaded onto the processor701, and various pieces of data707amay be loaded onto the processor701.

Any of the various examples of modules and components described herein may be implemented, partially or wholly, as instructions705stored in memory703and executed by the processor701. Any of the various examples of data described herein may be among the data707that is stored in memory703and used during execution of the instructions705by the processor701.

A computer system700may also include one or more communication interfaces709for communicating with other electronic devices. The communication interfaces709may be based on wired communication technology, wireless communication technology, or both. Some examples of communication interfaces709include a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an Ethernet adapter, a wireless adapter that operates in accordance with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless communication protocol, a Bluetooth® wireless communication adapter, and an infrared (IR) communication port.

A computer system700may also include one or more input devices711and one or more output devices713. Some examples of input devices711include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, remote control device, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, and lightpen. Some examples of output devices713include a speaker, printer, etc. One specific type of output device that is typically included in a computer system is a display device715. Display devices715used with embodiments disclosed herein may utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), gas plasma, electroluminescence, or the like. A display controller717may also be provided, for converting data707stored in the memory703into text, graphics, and/or moving images (as appropriate) shown on the display device715.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a method for monitoring a vehicle may include determining that the vehicle is stopped, determining a location where the vehicle is stopped, and determining traffic congestion corresponding to the location where the vehicle is stopped. A safety action may then be taken based at least in part on one or more of whether the vehicle is stopped on a road and whether the traffic congestion is causing the vehicle to be stopped.

In some implementations, the act of taking a safety action may be based at least in part on whether the vehicle is stopped on a highway. The safety action may include sending an alert.

In some implementations, a first type of alert may be sent if the location of the vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway on-ramp or a highway off-ramp. Otherwise a second type of alert may be sent. The second type of alert may indicate higher urgency than the first type of alert.

In some implementations, a global positioning system may be used to determine the location where the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle may be determined to be stopped on the highway if data from the global positioning system indicates that the location where the vehicle is stopped is on or within a threshold distance of the highway.

In some implementations, the vehicle may belong to a fleet. Sending the alert may include sending the alert to a manager of the fleet.

In some implementations, determining the traffic congestion may include determining one or more of traffic speed, traffic density, traffic volume, traffic flow, or level of service.

In some implementations, the vehicle may be determined to be stopped if the vehicle has not moved for a threshold period of time.

In some implementations, the method may also include determining whether a traffic control device is present at the location of the vehicle. The act of taking the safety action may be based at least in part on absence of the traffic control device.

In some implementations, the vehicle may have at least one associated driver. The safety action may include entering a note in a file associated with the at least one associated driver.

In some implementations, information captured by a camera may be used to determine one or more of that the vehicle is stopped, the location where the vehicle is stopped, or traffic congestion corresponding to the location where the vehicle is stopped.

In some implementations, information from one or more of a radar system or a LIDAR system may be used to determine that the vehicle is stopped.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for monitoring a vehicle may include one or more processors and memory comprising instructions that are executable by the one or more processors to perform certain operations. The operations may include determining that the vehicle is stopped, determining a location where the vehicle is stopped, and determining traffic congestion corresponding to the location where the vehicle is stopped. A safety action may be taken based at least in part on one or more of whether the vehicle is stopped on a road and whether the traffic congestion is causing the vehicle to be stopped.

In some implementations, the act of taking a safety action may be based at least in part on whether the vehicle is stopped on a highway. The safety action may include sending an alert.

In some implementations, a first type of alert may be sent if the location of the vehicle is within a threshold distance of a highway on-ramp or a highway off-ramp. Otherwise a second type of alert may be sent. The second type of alert may indicate higher urgency than the first type of alert.

In some implementations, a global positioning system may be used to determine the location where the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle may be determined to be stopped on the highway if data from the global positioning system indicates that the location where the vehicle is stopped is on or within a threshold distance of the highway.

In some implementations, determining the traffic congestion may include determining one or more of traffic speed, traffic density, traffic volume, traffic flow, or level of service.

In some implementations, the vehicle may belong to a fleet. Sending the alert may include sending the alert to a manager of the fleet.

In some implementations, the system may additionally include a camera. Information captured by the camera may be used to determine one or more of that the vehicle is stopped, the location where the vehicle is stopped, or traffic congestion corresponding to the location where the vehicle is stopped.