Abstract:
In a vehicle usage monitoring system, the privacy of the user is protected by performing some coding prior to sending the information from the user. Specific details of the user&#39;s driving history are converted to generalized codes that relate to insurance rates. Optionally, different types of vehicle information may be combined into generating the codes to be sent from the user in order to provide even more privacy. The codes may be used to calculate a vehicle insurance rate.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a device and method for recording driving characteristics and diagnosing a condition of the device. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and device for recording driving characteristics utilized to monitor and compile vehicle usage data and diagnosing device condition for determining an insurance premium. 
         [0002]    Some vehicle insurance currently determines price based upon information gathered by in-vehicle sensors that indicate where the vehicle was driven, how fast the vehicle was driven, times of day and days of the week, etc. 
         [0003]    There are some concerns that the amount of detailed information that is given to the insurance companies with these types of systems intrudes on the privacy of the users. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one example embodiment of the present invention, the privacy of the user is protected by performing some coding prior to sending the information from the user. Specific details of the user&#39;s driving history are converted to generalized codes that relate to insurance rates. Optionally, different types of vehicle information may be combined into generating the codes to be sent from the user in order to provide even more privacy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an example system and process for gathering vehicle usage data. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example device for gathering and compiling vehicle usage data. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of another example device gathering and compiling vehicle usage data. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of the risk-coding system and process used in the systems of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0009]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic representation of the system  10  is shown and includes a cradle  14  for installation within a vehicle  12 . The cradle  14  is installed within the vehicle  12  preferably in a location that is easily accessible yet not in plain view such as to cause an obstruction to the operator. Preferably, the cradle  14  will be installed underneath an instrument panel or within a glove compartment. The cradle  14  is attached and connected to receive power from a vehicle power source. Power from the vehicle can originate from a non-switched fuse box, OBD-II port, or other powered connection within the vehicle  12  as known. 
         [0010]    A memory device provides for the extraction of data gathered and stored within the cradle  14 . The memory device illustrated is a USB data key  16  that is insertable and removable from the cradle  14 . The USB data key  16  receives information that is compiled from the cradle  14  for subsequent analysis. In the example embodiment, the USB data key  16  is removed and communicates with a personal computer  18 . The vehicle user removes the USB data key  16  in response to a triggering event such as a lapse of time and downloads the information into the personal computer  18 . The information is then transmitted via the Internet or other data communication link to a central server  22 . The central server  22  interprets the information and generates summary  28  and usage reports  30 . 
         [0011]    The summary  28  may be reviewed by an operator  26  and insurance provider  24  and can contain any desired combination of information gathered by the cradle  14 . The reports  30  for the insurance provider may include more directed and focused usage information directly focused for determining an insurance premium tailored to the specific operator  26 . The data key  16  may also include a microprocessor  15  that enables separate execution of software instructions independent of a personal computer  18 . 
         [0012]    The data key  16  can include a code or other instructions that pairs the data key  16  with a specific vehicle  12  or with the specific cradle  14  disposed within the vehicle. The paired nature of the data key  16  to the cradle  14  provides for the prevention of unauthorized use or download of information from other data keys from other vehicles. 
         [0013]    Data that is saved to the data key  16  is encrypted to prevent the unauthorized modification by a user or other individual. The encrypting is provided to prevent modification of any data stored on the data key  16  such that data stored on the data key  16  can be assured to be actual data indicative of vehicle operation. The data key  16  includes programming that provides information and programming that can discern whether the data key  16  is connected to the cradle  14  within the vehicle or that it is connected to a personal computer  18 . If connected to a personal computer  18 , programming and encryption prevent unauthorized manipulation of stored data. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows an example transmission method where the cradle  14  directly transmits by way of a wireless link  20  to the central server  22 . This provides for the automatic transmission of data indicative of vehicle usage directly to the central server  22  without requiring operator intervention or action. Such a wireless transmission link streamlines data acquisition and processing at the central server  22 . Further, automatic and direct transmission of vehicle usage information can substantially eliminate potential data integrity and verification issues that may arise with the involvement of the operator  26 . 
         [0015]    Another means for communicating information gathered by the cradle  14  to the central server  22  is through a Bluetooth connection  17  with a cellular communication device, such as for example a phone  19 . The Bluetooth connection  17  between the phone  19  and the cradle  14  facilitates communication through a cellular phone network  21  to the central server  22 . The phone  19  includes a resident program that directs the receipt and forwarding of data from the cradle  14  to the central server through the Bluetooth connection  17 . 
         [0016]    The wireless link may also include a connection by way of a local area WiFi link  25  as is known. The wireless link can include any known low frequency transmission format. Further, the path of the transmission may include other paths as are known, not simply those that are illustrated. As appreciated, many different wireless networks or methods of utilizing wireless networks can be utilized to upload vehicle operation data. 
         [0017]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the cradle  14  is shown schematically and includes a memory module  34 , a power module  40 , a location module  36  and a sensor module  44 . Each of these modules is in communication with a microprocessor  32 . The microprocessor  32  communicates with the various modules to receive data and other information as required. 
         [0018]    The memory module  34  includes a volatile memory  52  and a non-volatile memory  54 . Data is stored in the memory module  34  as directed by the microprocessor  32  until transmission to the central server  22 . 
         [0019]    The power module  40  is preferably connected to an always-on vehicle power source  56 . Further, the power module includes a connection to an accessory power signal  58  that provides an indication that the vehicle ignition is on. The cradle  14  is powered by power from the vehicle  12 . The power module  38  includes a rechargeable battery  40  for operation in circumstances where vehicle power is not provided to the cradle  14 . This allows the cradle  14  to operate in some capacity when the vehicle power source is not properly providing power. 
         [0020]    The power module  38  provides continuous main power from the vehicle&#39;s main battery source. In the disclosed example, power is accessed from a non-switched fuse panel, OBD-II or other vehicle power connection location. To ensure that during periods when power is disconnected, the rechargeable battery  40  is able to maintain system critical functionality. In other words, some power is always provided to the cradle  14  such that minimal functions can always be performed. As appreciated, although a rechargeable battery  40  is shown and described, standard non-rechargeable batteries are also within the contemplation for use in providing an alternate and independent power supply to the cradle  14 . 
         [0021]    The sensor module  44  includes an accelerometer  46  for determining an acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle  12 . The accelerometer is preferably capable of measuring acceleration in three axes; however, any accelerometer known in the art is within the contemplation of this invention. Measuring acceleration provides a good indication of driving habits of the operator  26 . Frequent hard braking and hard acceleration can be indicators of operator driving habits. Further, hard cornering is also detected by the accelerometer  46  and provides information indicative of an operator&#39;s driving habits. 
         [0022]    A real time clock  50  provides the time for several purposes including providing a determination of the time of day in which the vehicle is operating. The clock  50  allows the determination of trends of vehicle usage. Further, the clock  50  is utilized to determined the amount of time the vehicle is used, per-day and over the enter data acquisition period. 
         [0023]    The vibration sensor  48  provides an indication as to whether the vehicle is moving or not in the absence of power from the vehicle itself. This provides a validation function to determine if the lack of power from the vehicle is truly indicative of the vehicle not operating or if the vehicle is moving without powering the cradle  14 . 
         [0024]    The localization module  36  includes an antenna  35  and a global positioning system module  37 . The antenna  35  receives signals from satellites to determine a location of the cradle  14 , and thereby the vehicle with regard to a specific longitude and latitude. The position information provides for the determination of the places in which the vehicle is being utilized. Positional information provides for the determination of several valuable types of information including time within a specific geographic region in which a vehicle is operating. Further, the location module provides information that is utilized to determine how much time a vehicle is used within a specific defined region such as a postal code, city or town limit. The system may even provide information as to the type of road the vehicle is used on, for example surface streets or on an expressway. 
         [0025]    The GPS module  37  also provides an alternate means of gathering vehicle acceleration information in the absence of data from the accelerometer. The positional information provided by the GPS module  37  over time provides for the determination of vehicle acceleration in two axes in the event that the sensor module  44  and thereby information from the accelerometer  46  is not available. Additionally, acquisition of time measurements can be facilitated through the GPS module  37  in the event that communication with the real time clock  50  is not available. 
         [0026]    The Bluetooth connection  17  is alternatively utilized in concert with the GPS module  37  to provide a means of remotely obtaining location information of the vehicle. The central server  22  can call the phone  19  associated with the cradle  14  and upload location information obtained by the GPS module  37 . The upload of location information can be triggered remotely by the central server  22  by contacting the phone  19  that in turn through the Bluetooth  17  link will obtain information on the location of the vehicle. This information is then communicated back over the cellular connection  21  to the central server  22 . Further, the communication between the phone  19 , the central server  22  and the cradle  14  provides for real-time location and tracking of a vehicle. The real-time tracking can be triggered according to a desired schedule, or in response to a specific triggering event. 
         [0027]    Further, the resident program within the phone  19  can be utilized to periodically trigger communication as desired to provide an alternate method of uploading information from the cradle  14  to the central server  22 . An operator can be provided with the option to accept or reject communication. Such communication can also be delayed to provide for operation of the phone by the operator as desired. As appreciated, many different triggering events and schedules can be instituted utilizing the Bluetooth communication link  17  to provide desired data on vehicle operation and location. 
         [0028]    The cradle  14  includes instructions that are utilized in the event of a blackout of the OPS system. As appreciated, some areas or other conditions may be blacked out from GPS signals required to determine a position. An example embodiment includes provisions for compensating for such blackouts. During such a blackout the cradle utilizes the last known GPS position along with speed and direction data gathered from other system to determine a general location. The general location determined independent of the GPS system is not as accurate, but can provide information as to the general geographic location. The general geographic location is determined from the available vehicle information that is indicative of vehicle direction and speed. As appreciated, such a system can be utilized when the geographic nature of the area such as a tunnel or mountains prevent a clear OPS signal. 
         [0029]    Further, the vehicle speed and direction information can be utilized in conjunction with the next GPS signal such that the path of the vehicle  12  can be orientated utilizing the two separate GPS signals along with the intervening information indicative of vehicle speed and direction. 
         [0030]    The cradle  14  includes a data extraction module  42  for the transmission and removal of data from the cradle  14 . The example data extraction module  42  includes a USB port  45  for communication with a removable data storage device such as the USE key  16 . The example data extraction module  42  may also comprise a wireless transmission device for sending a transmission to a receiver station and subsequently to the central server  22 . 
         [0031]    The wireless communication can include a wireless USB, an infrared signal or other known wireless transmission device. The data extraction module  42  may also include a carrier based wireless transmission device. The example data extraction module  42  communicates with a WiFi module  25  for communicating information to a WiFi network. Further, the data extraction module  42  can include a peer-to-peer wireless transmission where an intermediate receiver station receives the peer-to-pear communication and passes it onto the central server  22  by a wireless or wired connection. The data extraction module  42  is also in communication with a Bluetooth module  17  for communicating with other Bluetooth enabled devices. Further, communication can then be enabled through a Bluetooth device such as the phone  19  through a cellular communications network  21 . 
         [0032]    The data extraction module  42  may also comprise a data modem transmission device that is attachable to a download station. The data extraction module  42  would comprise in such an embodiment a serial or other connection interface for attachment to a modem or other known connection or port. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , another example cradle  14 A includes a data extraction module  42 A with only the USB port  45 . The USB port  45  can accept various modules along with the data key  16 . The various modules can include a WiFi module  64 , a Bluetooth module  62  and a general packet radio signal (GPRS module  60 . A user determines the method of transmitting or uploading data by the type of module plugged into the USB port  45 . Accordingly, plugging in the GPRS module  60  provides for the transmission of data through an applicable wireless link. Similarly, the Bluetooth module  62  and WiFi modules  64  plugged into the USB ports  45  provide different wireless links for receiving and uploading data. 
         [0034]    Once data has been extracted from the cradle  14  it may be viewable through the personal computer  18 . Typically, viewing on a personal computer  18  is accomplished by utilizing the data key  16 . The information once downloaded from the data key  16  via the personal computer  18  could then be transmitted to the central server  22  where the data could be compiled for viewing and a determination of insurance premiums. Further, initial viewing of information on the personal computer  18  would afford a user an opportunity to review the data prior to submission to an insurance provider. The operator could then determine if the data is indicative of actual vehicle usage and if submission of the data would be beneficial to the user for reducing insurance premiums. 
         [0035]    Another use of the gathered data by a user at the personal computer  18  is to analyze vehicle operating parameters and performance such as fuel mileage, performance, braking operation and driving performance. As appreciated, the fuel mileage is easily determined by providing information indicative of current and actual fuel levels  14 . This information can be utilized by an operator or fleet manager to determine and monitor operation of the vehicle. 
         [0036]    In the example embodiment, data is extracted from the cradle  14  and transmitted to the central server  22  by way of the USB key  16  and personal computer  18 . Once the data is extracted and transmitted to the central server  22 , this data can be consolidated into reports and summaries for the user and insurance provider. 
         [0037]    During normal operation the localization module  36  provides vehicle position in longitude and latitude. The vehicle position is utilized to determine vehicle heading, speed and other information indicative of a vehicle position. Further, combination of the known longitude and latitude of the vehicle with geographic divisions such as postal codes, zip codes, governmental division such as cities or towns can be utilized to determine the amount of usage of a vehicle within a given area. As is appreciated insurance premiums are based in large part on the actual time, location and operation of the vehicle. 
         [0038]    The use of the localization module  36  provides a means for gathering meaningful data on the time, position and operating location of a vehicle. The operational position of a vehicle can be correlated with geographic limits to determine a time in each of the divisions. 
         [0039]    For the embodiments of  FIG. 2  or  3 , the vehicle operation characteristics are gathered and sent as shown in  FIG. 4 . Generally, the risk-coding algorithm  70  receives the vehicle information, such as vehicle location (as determined by GPS or other sensors, such as by the cell towers triangulating the location of the mobile device  19 ), vehicle speed, current speed limit (as determined for the current vehicle location from a map database of speed limits), time of day, day of the week, hard accelerations (including hard braking), etc. The risk-coding algorithm  70  could be performed on the server  22  (after which, the underlying data is discarded), on the cradle  14  or in the user&#39;s computer  18  prior to transmission to the server  22 . 
         [0040]    A risk map database  72  includes risk ratings for a plurality of geographical areas (e.g. zip codes). The risk map database  72  may include more than one risk rating for each geographical area, such that different risk ratings are applicable for different times of day or days of the week. The risk rating mapping is many to one, meaning that many different geographical areas will have the same risk rating. 
         [0041]    In a simplest example, the risk code generated by the risk-coding algorithm could be based solely on time spent in each geographical area and the associated risk ratings for those geographical areas. The risk code could be simply an indication of how much time (or what times of day) the vehicle was in areas of certain risk ratings. For example, the risk code could indicate that the vehicle was in a zone of risk rating  4  between 4:00 and 5:00, in a zone of risk rating  10  between 5:00 and 5:35, and in a zone of risk rating  1  between 5:35 and 6:00. This resultant risk code information could be used by the insurance company to determine insurance rates, while preserving some privacy for the user. Because the risk ratings are many-to-one, it is not possible to determine exactly where the user was during these times. 
         [0042]    In another example, additional information, such as speed (or speed as compared to current speed limit), time of day, day of the week, hard acceleration information, etc. could all be input into the risk-coding algorithm  70 . The durations of each condition affecting insurance cost are also used in the risk-coding algorithm  70 . The resultant risk code output is simply an associated insurance cost factor. The insurance cost charged to the user for the vehicle is then determined by the server  22  as a function of the risk code and optionally any other permanent information stored on the server  22  (such as the user&#39;s age, the type of vehicle, the user&#39;s driving record. etc). By combining several different types of information in the risk-coding algorithm  70  prior to sending the risk code to the server  22  (or, if calculated on the server  22 , prior to storing on the server  22  and discarding the underlying data), the specific information that may intrude on the user&#39;s privacy is obscured. 
         [0043]    In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. Alphanumeric identifiers for steps in method claims are for ease of reference in dependent claims and do not signify a required sequence unless otherwise stated.