Driver experience-based vehicle routing and insurance adjustment

Providing routing based on driver experience is provided. Aspects include receiving a destination from a user, calculating a plurality of routes from an origin to the destination, and comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user. Aspects also include calculating an associated risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison and providing, to the user, a listing of the plurality of routes having the associated risk level indicated. Aspects further include receiving a selected route from the user and providing the selected route and the associated risk level to an insurance provider of the user.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to navigation and, more specifically, to a vehicle routing system that based on the experience of a driver and to adjusting the insurance rates of the driver based on their route selection.

Increasingly, global positioning systems (GPSs), handheld devices, and online map routing services provide mechanisms to navigate from one point to another by calculating paths based on information derived from roadway maps. These routing services typically have added features to automatically calculate the type of directions desired. For example, added features may allow an operator to specify routing objectives such as: shortest distance (using an algorithm to determine the shortest distance from one point to the next); least amount of travel time (using an algorithm to determine the shortest distance based on the roads speed limit and distance, and calculating the resulting driving time); least use of freeways; least use of energy (gasoline and/or electricity); and least use of toll roads.

Routing systems typically include cartographic maps and map databases to determine an appropriate driving route. The map databases represent a network of roads and often include information about toll roads, speed limits, highway exit points, and points of interest (POIs). The map databases also include points on a map represented in the form of latitudes and longitudes, universal transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, and/or geospatial coordinates. Some examples of final destinations and/or waypoints include POIs (e.g., museums, restaurants, railways, exit points, etc.), user-entered destinations, and fixed reference points along a route. A typical routing system resolves the starting point and the destination point and/or waypoints on the network and then uses an algorithm to determine a route between two points. Typical route calculations are based on finding shortest or cheapest route between two points.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a navigation system is provided. The system includes a memory having computer readable computer instructions, and a processor for executing the computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions include receiving a destination from a user, calculating a plurality of routes from an origin to the destination, and comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user. The computer readable instructions also include calculating an associated risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison and providing, to the user, a listing of the plurality of routes having the associated risk level indicated. The computer readable instructions further include receiving a selected route from the user and providing the selected route and the associated risk level to an insurance provider of the user.

According to another embodiment, a method for providing routing based on driver experience is provided. The method includes receiving a destination from a user, calculating a plurality of routes from an origin to the destination, and comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user. The method also includes calculating an associated risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison and providing, to the user, a listing of the plurality of routes having the associated risk level indicated. The method further includes receiving a selected route from the user and providing the selected route and the associated risk level to an insurance provider of the user.

According to a further embodiment, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a computer processor to cause the computer processor to perform a method. The method includes receiving a destination from a user, calculating a plurality of routes from an origin to the destination, and comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user. The method also includes calculating an associated risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison and providing, to the user, a listing of the plurality of routes having the associated risk level indicated. The method further includes receiving a selected route from the user and providing the selected route and the associated risk level to an insurance provider of the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Characteristics are as follows:

Service Models are as follows:

Deployment Models are as follows:

Turning now to a more detailed description of aspects of the present invention,FIG. 3illustrates a high-level block diagram showing an example of a computer-based system300useful for implementing one or more embodiments of the invention. Although one exemplary computer system300is shown, computer system300includes a communication path326, which connects computer system300to additional systems and may include one or more wide area networks (WANs) and/or local area networks (LANs) such as the internet, intranet(s), and/or wireless communication network(s). Computer system300and additional systems are in communication via communication path326, (e.g., to communicate data between them).

Computer system300includes one or more processors, such as processor302. Processor302is connected to a communication infrastructure304(e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Computer system300can include a display interface306that forwards graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure304(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit308. Computer system300also includes a main memory310, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory312. Secondary memory312may include, for example, a hard disk drive314and/or a removable storage drive316, representing, for example, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or an optical disk drive. Removable storage drive316reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit318in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Removable storage unit318represents, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, a magnetic tape, or an optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to by a removable storage drive316. As will be appreciated, removable storage unit318includes a computer readable medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In some alternative embodiments of the invention, secondary memory312may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit320and an interface322. Examples of such means may include a program package and package interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units320and interfaces322which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit320to computer system300.

Computer system300may also include a communications interface324. Communications interface324allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. Examples of communications interface324may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, or a PCM-CIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface324are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface324. These signals are provided to communications interface324via communication path (i.e., channel)326. Communication path326carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, and/or other communications channels.

In the present disclosure, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as main memory310and secondary memory312, removable storage drive316, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive314. Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory310, and/or secondary memory312. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface324. Such computer programs, when run, enable the computer system to perform the features of the present disclosure as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when run, enable processor302to perform the features of the computer system. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system.

Navigation systems offer useful directions to drivers who require assistance in locating a desired destination address in an area that is unfamiliar to them or for helping a user in selecting an optimal route to the desired destination address. As discussed above, vehicle routing systems typically allow a user to select a routing objective such as shortest distance; least amount of travel time; least use of freeways; and least use of toll roads.

In exemplary embodiments, a routing system is provided that considers a driver's experience level when evaluating routes for the driver. The routing system is configured to rank the routes based on the personalized risks level for the driver and to report the routes selected by the driver to the insurance company of the driver. In exemplary embodiments, the insurance company can use this information to set or adjust the premium charged to the driver. For example, if a driver chooses lower risk routes, their rate would be lower than someone who chooses higher risk (but potentially faster) routes. In some embodiments, insurance companies may present drivers with an instantaneous increase in premium when the user chooses a riskier route. For example, a user may receive a pop up in a routing application that the selection of this route will increase their premium by a set amount.

In exemplary embodiments, the routing system is also configured to consider an experience level of a driving coach in the vehicle with a driver when evaluating routes for the driver. The routing system is configured to rank the routes based on a learning level for the driver based on the route, the driver's experience level and the driving coach's experience level. The selected routes and the presence of the coach can be to the insurance company of the driver. In exemplary embodiments, the insurance company can use this information to set or adjust the premium charged to the driver. In addition, the experience level of the driver is updated upon the driver completing the selected route.

Turning now toFIG. 4, a system400upon which the vehicle routing and navigation processes may be implemented will now be described in an embodiment. The system400shown inFIG. 4includes components of a navigation system420, which in turn includes a processor402, a display device404, a memory406, a user input unit408, a GPS unit409, a route generation engine410, and a transceiver412. These components may be communicatively coupled via one or more communication buses413, e.g., a data bus.

The navigation system420may be communicatively coupled to one or more communication networks418via, e.g., a wireless network interface. In an embodiment, the transceiver412is configured to receive signals from a global positioning system (GPS) unit409and to communicate with various other systems via the networks418. The various other systems can include, but are not limited to, a user profile database430, a road characteristic and historical accident database system440and an insurance system450.

The processor402is configured to receive inputs (e.g., the desired destination location) from a user via the user input unit408and execute the route generation engine410as described herein. In an embodiment, the processor402may be integrated into a vehicle control module such as, for example, an infotainment control module or a navigation control module.

The user input unit408may be implemented as a keypad or a keyboard for allowing a user to input information, such as a destination address. In an embodiment, the display device404may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that is used to display graphics and text. The display screen404displays routes generated by the route generation engine410. AlthoughFIG. 4illustrates the user input unit408and the display device404as separate components, it is understood that the user input unit408and the display device404may be a combined unit. For example, in an embodiment the display device404is a touchscreen that detects the presence and location of a user's touch.

In an embodiment, the memory406stores a database of maps for generating routes. The memory406also stores previously generated routes that have been driven by a user of the vehicle as well as previous locations that the user has visited that are recognized by overlaying GPS data onto a map when the user did not use a generated route by the navigation system to reach said locations. In a further embodiment, the memory406may store a profile of a user that includes an experience level that the user has in driving. The experience level can include experience in navigating roads and intersections having certain characteristics, such as a limited access highway, a roundabout intersection, a reversible lane road, a diverging diamond interchange, and the like. In addition, the experience level can include experience driving in various road conditions, such as snow, ice, high wind, fog, or the like.

The route generation engine410includes a mapping tool that takes as input a starting location (e.g., address) and a destination location and returns, as output, one or more routes to follow to get from the starting location to the destination location subject to routing objectives. The route generation engine410accesses a database of maps (e.g., stored in the memory406for generating the routes). The route generation engine410receives characteristics about the roads and intersections along the route as well as the driver's experience level and uses this information to calculate a risk level associated with each route to be provided to the user. These features are described further herein.

The transceiver412may be in communication with a satellite (not shown) for providing information regarding a current (or starting) location of the vehicle. Alternatively, the current (or starting) location of the vehicle is determined by obtaining user input. Specifically, the user may input current location information into a keypad, keyboard, or touch screen of the user input unit408. The networks418may be any type of known networks in the art. For example, the networks418may be a combination of public (e.g., Internet), private (e.g., local area network, wide area network, virtual private network), and may include wireless and wireline transmission systems (e.g., satellite, cellular network, terrestrial networks, etc.).

The user profile database430stores a profile for each driver and driving coach that include an experience level that the driver and driving coach has in driving. The experience level can include experience in navigating roads and intersections having certain characteristics, such as a limited access highway, a roundabout intersection, a reversible lane road, a diverging diamond interchange, and the like. In addition, the experience level can include experience driving in various road conditions, such as snow, ice, high wind, fog, or the like. Furthermore, the experience level can include experience driving at various times of the day.

The road characteristic and historical road condition database440is configured to store data that relates to the characteristics of roadways and intersections, such as a limited access highway, a roundabout intersection, a reversible lane road, a diverging diamond interchange, and the like. In addition, the road characteristic and historical road condition database440is configured to store accident data for the roads and intersections. The accident data can be accumulated from insurance companies, police reports, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the insurance system450is a computing system used by an insurance provide to determine an insurance premium that will be charged to a driver based on the risk associated with the routes that the user drives.

While the navigation system420is described as being integrated with a vehicle, e.g., in a vehicle control module such as, for example, an infotainment control module or a navigation control module, it will be understood that the navigation system420may be implemented by alternative means. For example, aspects of the navigation system420may be implemented on a personal digital device such as, but not limited to, a smart phone or tablet computer.

Turning now toFIG. 5, a flow diagram of a method500for providing routing based on driver experience in accordance with an embodiment is shown. The method500begins at block502where a destination is received from a user. Next, as shown at block504, the method500includes calculating a plurality of routes from an origin to the destination. The method500also includes comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user, as shown at block506. In exemplary embodiments, the characteristics of each of the plurality of routes include a listing of road types, intersection types, and maneuvers required along each route. In exemplary embodiments, comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user includes identifying routes that do not include characteristics for which the user does not have experience navigating. Next, as shown at block508, the method500includes calculating an associated risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison. In exemplary embodiments, the risk level of a route is positively correlated with a number of characteristics for which the user does not have experience navigating. For example, if a user has never, or less than a threshold number of times, navigated through a roundabout intersection, routes with roundabouts will have a higher risk level.

Continuing with reference toFIG. 5, as shown at block510, the method500includes providing, to the user, a listing of the plurality of routes having the associated risk level indicated. In one embodiment, the routes can be provided with a rating that ranges from 1-10 where 1 indicates lowest risk and 10 indicates highest risk. In another embodiment, the routes can be displayed along with an expected impact on a user's insurance rate for driving an indicated route (i.e., save 25 cents, costs an extra dollar). Next, as shown at block512, the method500includes receiving a selected route from the user. The method500also includes providing the selected route and the associated risk level to an insurance provider of the user, as shown at block514. In exemplary embodiments, once a driver completes the selected route this information could be stored locally on a device and/or transmitted in real time to the insurance company.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a map600of routes generated by a routing system based on driver experience is illustrated and will now be described. In the map600, an origin602and a destination608are shown. As illustrated, multiple routes exist between the origin602and the destination608. Each route includes multiple path segments606. As illustrated, there are a variety of potential routes that a user may take to travel between the origin602and the destination608. In exemplary embodiments, the routing system obtains driver experience data and characteristic data about each path segment606a,606b,606c,606d,606e, and606fand about intersection608aand608b. The characteristic data about each path segment606indicates the type of road, limited access highway, one-way street, reversible lane street, the speed limit of the road, etc. Likewise, the characteristic data about each intersection608includes the type of the intersection, such as a roundabout interchange, a turn across multiple lanes of traffic, a diverging diamond intersection, and the like. In one embodiment, the shortest route from the origin602to the destination604is across segment606a, through intersection608b, and across segment606f. Assume that route segment606fincludes a reversible lane system and the intersection606bis a roundabout intersection. Accordingly, drivers that do not have experience with either roundabouts or reversible lane system may be routed across segment606c, through intersection608a, and across segment606e. Likewise, drivers that do not have experience with reversible lane systems but that do have experience with roundabouts may be routed across segment606a, through intersection608b, and across segment606b.

Turning now toFIG. 7, a flow diagram of a method700for providing routing based on driver experience will now be described in an embodiment. As shown at block702, the method700includes finding multiple routes from an origin (A) to a destination (B). Next, as shown at block704, the method700also includes obtaining driver experience data. The method700also includes determining if a driving coach is in the vehicle with the driver, as shown at decision block706. If there is a driving coach in the vehicle with the driver, the method proceeds to block712and obtains the experience data of the driving coach. Next, as shown at block714, the method700includes comparing characteristics of the routes to both the driver experience data and the driving coach experience data. In exemplary embodiments, comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the driving coach and of the user includes identifying routes that include characteristics for which the driving coach has experience navigating and that the user does not have experience navigating. Next, as shown at block716, the method700includes calculating a learning level for each route based on the comparison. In exemplary embodiments, the learning level of a route is positively correlated with a number of characteristics for which the driving coach has experience navigating and that the user does not have experience navigating. For example, a route that includes an intersection type that the driver has little or no experience navigating and which the driving coach has experience navigating will have a high learning score.

Continuing with reference toFIG. 7, if there is not a driving coach in the vehicle with the driver, the method700proceeds to block708and compares the characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the driver. In exemplary embodiments, the characteristics of each of the plurality of routes include a listing of road types, intersection types, and maneuvers required along each route. In exemplary embodiments, comparing characteristics of each of the plurality of routes with previous driving experience information of the user includes identifying routes that do not include characteristics for which the user does not have experience navigating. Next, as shown at block710, the method700includes calculating a risk level for each of the plurality of routes based on the comparison. In exemplary embodiments, the risk level of a route is negatively correlated with a number of characteristics for which the user does not have experience navigating. For example, if a user has never, or less than a threshold number of times, navigated through a roundabout intersection, routes with roundabouts will have a higher risk level.

The method700also includes providing a listing of routes to the driver along with associated risk/learning score(s), as shown at block718. In addition, the listing can include an estimation of the effect that selection of that route will have on the insurance premium of the driver. For example, selection of a low risk route may decrease their next premium by fifty cents and selection of a high risk route may increase their premium by a dollar. Next, as shown at block720, the method700includes receiving a selected route from the user. The method700also includes providing the selected route to an insurance provider of the user, as shown at block721. Next, as shown at block722, upon completion of the trip, the actual route is recorded and a final score is generated based on the actual route driven before sharing with the insurance company and updating the driver experience. The method700concludes at block724by updating the experience data of the driver based on driver completing the route traveled.