Abstract:
A method for monitoring operation of a vehicle. The method includes the following: setting a gravitational force (g-force) threshold for operation of the vehicle; measuring a g-force onboard the vehicle; and conveying to an operator of the vehicle that operation of the vehicle has resulted in the measured g-force exceeding the g-force threshold.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/936,647, filed on Feb. 6, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring operation of a vehicle and graphically conveying g-force to a driver. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art. Teenage drivers are more likely to be in an automobile accident than any other segment of the population. One factor contributing to automobile accidents involving teenagers is that teenage drivers are generally inexperienced with, or lack knowledge of, the dynamics of driving. For example, teenage drivers typically do not yet fully understand how speed management affects high gravitational force (g-force) events, such as linear acceleration, turning, and deceleration or braking. While parents and other experienced drivers can coach teenage drivers regarding driving dynamics, they are not always present. On-board coaching applications that provide additional training would therefore be desirable. The present teachings include onboard coaching methods, systems, and devices that can provide teenage drivers with additional training, and alert third parties (such as parents or guardians) when the vehicle is being operated inappropriately. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     The present teachings provide for a method for monitoring operation of a vehicle. The method includes the following: setting a gravitational force (g-force) threshold for operation of the vehicle; measuring a g-force onboard the vehicle; and conveying to an operator of the vehicle that operation of the vehicle has resulted in the measured g-force exceeding the g-force threshold. 
     The present teachings further provide for a method for monitoring operation of a vehicle. The method includes the following: setting a gravitational force (g-force) threshold for operation of the vehicle; measuring a g-force onboard the vehicle; graphically conveying direction and magnitude of the measured g-force to an operator of the vehicle; graphically conveying to the operator that operation of the vehicle has resulted in the measured g-force exceeding the g-force threshold; measuring the operator&#39;s historical driving performance based on how many times the measured g-force has exceeded the g-force threshold; and conveying the number of times that the measured g-force has exceeded the g-force threshold visually to the driver with a historical driving performance gauge. 
     The present teachings also provide for a system configured to monitor operation of a vehicle. The system includes an accelerometer, a controller, and a driving performance display. The accelerometer is configured to be mounted to the vehicle to measure a gravitational force (g-force) onboard the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive an input setting a g-force threshold for operation of the vehicle, and to measure the operator&#39;s historical driving performance based on how many times the measured g-force has exceeded the g-force threshold. The driving performance display is configured to be operated by the controller to: graphically convey to an operator of the vehicle direction and magnitude of the measured g-force; graphically convey to the operator that operation of the vehicle has resulted in the measured g-force exceeding the g-force threshold; and convey to the driver with a historical driving performance gauge including a plurality of indicators the number of times the measured g-force has exceeded the g-force threshold. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of select embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a passenger cabin of a vehicle including a system according to the present teachings for monitoring operation of the vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a driving performance display according to the present teachings for monitoring operation of the vehicle, the display showing that gravitational force (g-force) measured onboard the vehicle is minimal or zero; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates the driving performance display according to the present teachings showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than zero and less than or equal to a predetermined g-force threshold during acceleration of the vehicle; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than the predetermined g-force threshold during acceleration of the vehicle resulting in loss of a driving performance indicator from a historical driving performance gauge; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than zero and less than or equal to the predetermined g-force threshold during deceleration or braking of the vehicle; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than the predetermined g-force threshold during deceleration or braking of the vehicle resulting in loss of a driving performance indicator from a historical driving performance gauge; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than zero and less than or equal to the predetermined g-force threshold during non-linear acceleration of the vehicle when the vehicle is turned to the left; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than the predetermined g-force threshold during non-linear acceleration of the vehicle when the vehicle is turned to the left, resulting in loss of a driving performance indicator from a historical driving performance gauge; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than zero and less than or equal to the predetermined g-force threshold during non-linear acceleration of the vehicle when the vehicle is turned to the right; and 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates the driving performance display showing that g-force measured onboard the vehicle is greater than the predetermined g-force threshold during non-linear acceleration of the vehicle when the vehicle is turned to the right, resulting in loss of a driving performance indicator from a historical driving performance gauge. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle passenger cabin according to the present teachings is generally illustrated at reference numeral  10 . The passenger cabin  10  can be of any suitable vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), van, station wagon, etc. 
     The passenger cabin  10  can include any suitable surveillance equipment, such as a video camera  20  and a microphone  22 . The video camera  20  and the microphone  22  can be mounted at any suitable position within the passenger cabin  10 , such as on a rear view mirror  24 . The video camera  20  and the microphone  22  can monitor events within the passenger cabin  10  in any suitable manner, such as continuously or upon detection of the vehicle being operated inappropriately, as described in further detail herein. The video camera  20  and the microphone  22  can be connected to any suitable transmitter to transmit images and sound of events taking place within the passenger cabin  10  to one or more third parties, such as parents or guardians of those occupying the passenger cabin  10 . 
     The passenger cabin  10  further includes a gravitational force (g-force) sensor  30 . The g-force sensor  30  can be any sensor suitable for measuring g-force, such as an accelerometer. The g-force sensor  30  is configured to measure any suitable type of g-force, such as g-force during liner acceleration, linear deceleration (braking), and turning, for example. The g-force sensor  30  can be arranged at any suitable location of the vehicle. 
     The present teachings further provide for a controller  32 . The controller  32  can be any suitable controller or processing device. For example, the controller  32  can be configured to receive an input including a g-force threshold for operation of the vehicle. The g-force threshold can be any suitable threshold, and can vary depending on the driver or operator of the vehicle. For example, the g-force threshold can be set higher for more experienced operators or drivers, such as at 0.6 g&#39;s or about 0.6 g&#39;s, and set lower for less experienced operators or drivers, such as at 0.4 g&#39;s or about 0.4 g&#39;s. The g-force threshold can be input into the controller  32  in any suitable manner. For example, the g-force threshold can be input using any suitable input device present in the passenger cabin  10 , such as controls  38  present on a steering wheel  36  or controls present on a dashboard  34 . The controller  32  can be configured such that the g-force threshold can be changed only by authorized personnel, such as parents or guardians of the vehicle operator, having proper credentials, such as a valid passkey. The g-force threshold can also be input remotely, such as by parents or guardians of the vehicle operator, in any suitable manner, such as by using a smartphone application. The controller  32  can be located at any suitable location of the vehicle, such as behind the dashboard  34 . 
     The passenger cabin  10  further includes a center display  40  and an instrument cluster  42 . The center display  40  can be any suitable display for conveying information to occupants of the passenger cabin  10 , and/or to permit control of various systems of the passenger cabin  10 , as well as to permit entry of the g-force threshold. For example, the center display  40  can be configured to permit operation of a vehicle entertainment system, a navigation system, a communication system, a climate control system, permit internet access, etc. 
     The instrument cluster  42  can be configured to provide any suitable type of information to the operator. For example, the instrument cluster  42  can include an information display  44 , a situational awareness display  46 , and/or a driving performance display  50 . The information display  44  can be configured to provide any suitable information to the operator, such as weather, road conditions, speed, engine RPMs, battery status (such as in the case of a hybrid or all electric vehicle), navigation information, etc. This information may also be displayed to the driver using a heads-up display. The situational awareness display  46  can be any suitable display for informing the operator of surrounding hazards, such as other vehicles and position of the vehicle relative to the road and/or obstacles. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1  and additional reference to  FIG. 2 , the driving performance display  50  can be any suitable display configured to show g-forces measured by the g-force sensor  30  during operation of the vehicle. The driving performance display  50  can be configured to visually convey the measured g-forces in any suitable manner, such as by using any suitable graphics. The display  50  can also be configured to display historical driving performance of the operator in any suitable manner, such as by using any suitable graphics. The display  50  is operated by the controller  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , for example, the display  50  can include a g-force indicator  52  and a historical driving performance gauge or meter  54 . The g-force indicator  52  can include a sphere or ball  60 , and a recess or basket  62 . The basket  62  can include a front or proximal end  64 , a rear or distal end  66 , a left side  68 , and a right side  70 . The basket  62  further includes a base portion  72 , an intermediate portion  74  surrounding the base portion  72 , and an outer rim or lip portion  76  surrounding the intermediate portion  74 . The driving performance display  50  is driven by the controller  32  such that the ball  60  moves about the basket  62  in a direction and magnitude corresponding to the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30 . In this exemplary configuration, movement of the ball  60  relative to the basket  62  is generally similar to movement of a ball in a glass of water seated on the dashboard  34 . As described below, magnitude of the measured g-force can also be graphically illustrated with any suitable g-force strength or intensity signal  80 , which can include illumination of portions of the basket  62 , such as the base portion  72 , the intermediate portion  74 , or the outer rim or lip portion  76 , as described in detail below. 
     The historical driving performance gauge  54  includes one or more driving performance indicators  90 . For example, the gauge  54  can include six indicators  90 A- 90 F. The indicators  90  can be any suitable graphical indicators, such as a plurality of balls as illustrated. The balls can be stacked vertically as illustrated. The balls may optionally be stacked within a tube. The gauge  54  provides a visual indicator of the operator&#39;s performance of the vehicle. For example and as explained further below, when the controller  32  receives an input from the g-force sensor  30  indicating that the operator has driven the vehicle in a manner such that the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is greater than the predetermined g-force threshold input to the controller  32 , the controller  32  will remove one of the indicators  90 A- 90 F. On the other hand, if the controller  32  receives inputs from the g-force sensor  30  indicating that the operator has operated the vehicle for a predetermined time and/or distance without exceeding the g-force threshold, the controller  32  may be configured to add an indicator  90 A- 90 F, such as to replace a previously subtracted indicator  90 A- 90 F. 
     If the operator drives the vehicle in a manner whereby all of the indicators  90 A- 90 F have been subtracted due to repeatedly exceeding the g-force threshold, the controller  32  can be configured to take any suitable action, such as limiting the vehicle&#39;s top speed, shutting down the vehicle&#39;s engine after giving the operator proper advance warning, generating a report of driving behavior or driving trends for self-awareness, and/or informing a third party (such as the operator&#39;s parents or guardian, or law enforcement authorities) in any suitable manner, such as with a text message or alert sent through a smartphone application. Video and audio of events taking place in the passenger cabin  10  captured using the video camera  20  and the microphone  22  may also be sent to the third party. The video camera  20  and the microphone  22  can be configured to continuously capture video and audio data, or can be controlled by the controller  32  to only activate when the controller  32  receives an input from the g-force sensor  30  indicating that the predetermined g-force threshold has been exceeded. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and continued reference to  FIGS. 3A-6B , exemplary operation of the driving performance display  50  will now be described. With initial reference to  FIG. 2 , the controller  32  controls the display  50  such that the ball  60  remains within the basket  62  at the base portion  72  thereof when the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is zero or about zero, such as when the vehicle is stationary, nearly stationary, or at a constant speed such that the vehicle is not substantially accelerating or decelerating. The controller  32  also controls the g-force strength signal  80  such that the base portion  72  is illuminated in any suitable manner with any suitable color, such as green to indicate that the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is below the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , when the g-force sensor  30  measures a g-force greater than zero but less than or equal to the g-force threshold during acceleration of the vehicle, the controller  32  moves the ball towards the proximal end  64  of the basket  62 , and from the base portion  72  to the intermediate portion  74  to convey the acceleration and measured g-force visually to the operator. The controller  32  will control the g-force strength signal  80  so that the intermediate portion  74  of the basket  62  will illuminate, such as in green or yellow for example to notify the operator that the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is approaching the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3B , when the g-force sensor  30  measures a g-force greater than the g-force threshold during operation of the vehicle, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  out from within the basket  62  at the proximal end  64  of the basket  62 . The controller  32  provides the g-force strength signal  80  at the outer rim or lip portion  76  by illuminating the portion  76  in any suitable color, such as red to indicate that the g-force threshold has been exceeded. The controller  32  will also subtract one of the driving performance indicators  90  from the historical driving performance gauge  54 , such as the indicator ball  90 A, because the operator impermissibly exceeded the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , when the g-force sensor  30  measures a g-force greater than zero but less than or equal to the g-force threshold during deceleration or braking, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  towards the rear or distal end  66  of the basket  62 , and from the base portion  72  to the intermediate portion  74  to convey the deceleration and measured g-force visually to the operator. The controller  32  will control the g-force strength signal  80  so that the intermediate portion  74  of the basket  62  will illuminate, such as in green or yellow for example to notify the operator that the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is approaching the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4B , when the g-force sensor  30  measures a g-force greater than the g-force threshold during deceleration or braking, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  out from within the basket  62  at the rear or distal end  66  of the basket  62 . The controller  32  provides the g-force strength signal  80  at the outer rim or lip portion  76  by illuminating the portion  76  in any suitable color, such as red to indicate that the g-force threshold has been exceeded. The controller  32  will also subtract one of the driving performance indicators  90  from the historical driving performance gauge  54 , such as the indicator ball  90 B, because the operator impermissibly exceeded the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , when the g-force sensor measures a g-force greater than zero but less than or equal to the g-force threshold when the vehicle is turned to the left, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  towards the right side  70  of the basket  62 , and from the base portion  72  to the intermediate portion  74  to convey the left-hand turn and the measured g-force visually to the operator. The controller  32  will control the g-force strength signal  80  so that the intermediate portion  74  of the basket  62  will illuminate, such as in green or yellow for example to notify the operator that the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is approaching the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5B , when the g-force sensor  30  measures a g-force greater than the g-force threshold when the vehicle is turning left, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  out from within the basket  62  at the right side  70  of the basket  62 . The controller  32  provides the g-force strength signal  80  at the outer rim or lip portion  76  by illuminating the portion  76  in any suitable color, such as red to indicate that the g-force threshold has been exceeded. The controller  32  will also subtract one of the driving performance indicators  90  from the historical driving performance gauge  54 , such as the indicator ball  90 C, because the operator impermissible exceeded the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6A , when the g-force sensor measures a g-force greater than zero but less than or equal to the g-force threshold when the vehicle is turned to the right, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  towards the left side  68  of the basket  62 , and from the base portion  72  to the intermediate portion  74  to convey the right-hand turn and the measured g-force visually to the operator. The controller  32  will control the g-force strength signal  80  so that the intermediate portion  74  of the basket  62  will illuminate, such as in green or yellow for example to notify the operator that the g-force measured by the g-force sensor  30  is approaching the g-force threshold. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6B , when the g-force sensor  30  measures a g-force greater than the g-force threshold when the vehicle is turning right, the controller  32  moves the ball  60  out from within the basket  62  at the left side  68  of the basket  62 . The controller  32  provides the g-force strength signal  80  at the outer rim or lip portion  76  by illuminating the portion  76  in any suitable color, such as red to indicate that the g-force threshold has been exceeded. The controller  32  will also subtract one of the driving performance indicators  90  from the historical driving performance gauge  54 , such as the indicator ball  90 F because the operator impermissible exceeded the g-force threshold (the indicator balls  90 D and  90 E having been previously removed due to the operator having exceeded the g-force threshold). 
     When all of the driving performance indicators  90 A- 90 F have been removed, the controller  32  will take any suitable predetermined action. For example and as described above, the controller  32  can be configured to limit the vehicle&#39;s top speed, shut down the vehicle&#39;s engine after giving the operator proper advance warning, inform a third party (such as the operator&#39;s parents or guardian, or law enforcement authorities) in any suitable manner, such as with a text message or alert sent through a smartphone application. Video and audio of events taking place in the passenger cabin  10  captured using the video camera  20  and the microphone  22  may also be sent to the third party. The video and audio can be sent to the third party not only when the g-force threshold has been exceeded, but also when the vehicle is operated below the g-force threshold for a predetermined period of time or distance of travel such that the controller  32  adds a driving performance indicator  90  to the gauge  54 . 
     The present teachings thus advantageously provide a graphic in a vehicle instrument cluster that indicates how appropriately a driver is handling high gravity events. The present teachings improve speed management when performing high gravity events in an automobile, such as accelerating, turning, and stopping (decelerating) by coaching drivers through the use of graphics that are displayed in an instrument cluster  42  of the vehicle. The graphics can include the ball  60  floating in the basket-like enclosure  62  as illustrated in the figures, or any other suitable graphics. It will be the operator&#39;s goal to keep the ball  60  in the basket  62 , which happens as long as gravity events do not exceed the predetermined g-force threshold, such as 0.6 g or 0.4 g, for example. If the vehicle exceeds the predetermined g-force threshold, the ball  60  will roll out of the basket  62 , signaling that the operator has taken undesirable or inappropriate action. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.