Patent Publication Number: US-11036222-B2

Title: Autonomous analysis of the driver&#39;s behavior

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of computing, and more particularly to electronically implemented vehicle safety and traffic measures. 
     One of the most common causes of vehicle accidents are vehicles operated by drivers who are driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving under the influence (DUI) (i.e., impaired drivers). According to the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the United States, approximately 28 people die per day (or one death every 53 minutes) from vehicle accidents involving an impaired driver. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer system, and a computer program product for implementing a plurality of actions associated with an impaired driver to prevent vehicle accidents. The present invention may include collecting, from a plurality of existing vehicle sensors and a plurality of existing portable user device sensors, a plurality of data associated with a driver of a vehicle. The present invention may also include analyzing the collected plurality of data from the plurality of existing vehicle sensors and the plurality of existing portable user device sensors. The present invention may then include determining an impairment state associated with the driver based on the analyzed plurality of data. The present invention may further include implementing the plurality of actions, based on the determined impairment state of the driver, to prohibit the driver from operating the vehicle in the determined impairment state. The present invention may then include storing the implemented plurality of actions, the analyzed plurality of data from the plurality of existing vehicle sensors and the plurality of existing portable user device sensors, and the determined impairment state associated with the driver in a historical database. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. The various features of the drawings are not to scale as the illustrations are for clarity in facilitating one skilled in the art in understanding the invention in conjunction with the detailed description. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a networked computer environment according to at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a vehicle sensor environment according to at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an operational flowchart illustrating a process for autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis according to at least one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are an operational flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis according to at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of internal and external components of computers and servers depicted in  FIG. 1  according to at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an illustrative cloud computing environment including the computer system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of functional layers of the illustrative cloud computing environment of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed embodiments of the claimed structures and methods are disclosed herein; however, it can be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the claimed structures and methods that may be embodied in various forms. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of this invention to those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language, Python programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The following described exemplary embodiments provide a system, method and program product for implementing a plurality of actions associated with an impaired driver to prevent vehicle accidents. As such, the present embodiment has the capacity to improve the technical field of electronically implemented vehicle safety and traffic measures by leveraging existing sensors in modern vehicles to prevent a vehicle accident when the driver of the vehicle is impaired. More specifically, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may collect data from existing sensors associated with the vehicle and portable user device located in the vehicle. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may then determine whether the driver of the vehicle exhibits behavior indicative of a low or high level of impairment. Then, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may trigger actions based on the level of impairment exhibited by the driver to prevent a vehicle accident due to the driver&#39;s impaired state. 
     As previously described, one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents are vehicles operated by drivers who are driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving under the influence (DUI) (i.e., impaired drivers). According to the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the United States, approximately 28 people die per day (or one death every 53 minutes) from vehicle accidents involving an impaired driver. Drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are seven times more likely than drivers with no alcohol in their systems to be involved in fatal vehicle accidents. As such, the annual cost of alcohol related vehicle accidents total more than $44 billion annually. 
     The NHTSA compiled over 100 visual cues for spotting an impaired driver. The list of visual cues of DUI/DWI are categorized into four major signs: (1) problems maintaining proper lane position; (2) speed and braking difficulties; (3) vigilance problems; and (4) judgment problems. These four signs indicate at least a 35% chance of a motor vehicle operator being impaired. 
     While all vehicle accidents cannot be avoided, a majority of vehicle accidents involving impaired drivers often can be avoided. Currently, education and external systems or devices (e.g., preventing a vehicle from starting if the driver is intoxicated, analyzing a driver&#39;s condition) are utilized to detect impaired drivers and thereby prevent vehicle accidents. Additionally, police officers may utilize various methods, such as vehicle speed, tailgating (e.g., following a vehicle in the front too closely), failure to follow traffic rules (e.g., illegal turns or driving in an improper lane), or erratic or unsafe lane changes, to detect impaired drivers. However, there is a need for a solution that automatically evaluates if a driver is impaired without the need to install specialized hardware or sensors in a vehicle. 
     Therefore, it may be advantageous to, among other things, leverage the existing sensors presented in modern vehicles along with smart phone technologies thereby allowing for instant mass adoption. Such a method would consume the available sensor&#39;s data to determine the probability of impairment of the driver, and use passive or active actions to prevent the impaired driver from continuing to operate the vehicle. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may include utilizing different types of inputs (e.g., existing vehicle sensors, global positioning system (GPS), smart phone information, driver&#39;s historical data), which may be analyzed by the vehicle&#39;s existing onboard computer that already exists in modern vehicles and a device associated with the driver (e.g., smart phone) without the need to install third-party devices in the vehicle. The data analyzed by the vehicle&#39;s existing onboard computer may be ranked and, depending on the results, actions ranging from a simple warning to the driver to a forced stopping of the vehicle may be applied. 
     The present embodiment may include the use of GPS to obtain the geo-location of a vehicle. By the location, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may learn specific venues for bars, night clubs or social events in which people consume alcohol, which may be utilized to analyze the driver&#39;s behavior. For example, if the driver is temporarily in an area where several bars are located and exhibits erratic behavior after the driver resumes to drive the vehicle, then, based on the location of the stop and data analyzed by the vehicle&#39;s onboard computer, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may create a ranking with the probabilities that the driver is impaired. Then, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may take the appropriate action based on the identified behavior. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may include alerting the driver of a possible impairment state and asking the driver for a verbal confirmation. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may then utilize voice detection algorithms to confirm if the driver is impaired or not. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may send a notification to at least one predefined phone number of a relative or friend to notify the driver&#39;s relative or friend of the identified behavior of the driver. The present embodiment may include reducing the vehicle&#39;s speed or even stopping the vehicle, when the impairment rate crosses a predefined threshold. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may detect the impaired driver&#39;s behavior by utilizing sensors and features already available in modern vehicles without the need for installing extra devices. The information collected from the vehicles may be analyzed and enriched with other data (e.g., geo location (GPS) to determine nearby events and locations that are attention zones, such as bars, lounges and night clubs). In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may create and utilize a historical database to assist with the detection of similar situations when the driver was impaired. 
     According to at least one embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program may utilize an algorithm to detect the impairment state of the driver based on a list of visual cues used by police officers throughout the United States to detect drivers under the influence (e.g., impaired drivers) without the need for a blood test. The visual cues may include (1) problems maintaining proper lane position (i.e., failure to stay within one&#39;s driving lane on the road); (2) speed and braking difficulties (i.e., failure to maintain proper speed, sudden acceleration and braking); (3) judgment problems (i.e., inability to judge the road and proximity to objects, such as jerky or sharp turns, sudden movements and over-correction of steering); and (4) vigilance problems (i.e., failure to pay attention to the surroundings and changing driving conditions). 
     The present embodiment may include a set of sensors that may assist with the determination that a driver is impaired. For example, the sensors that may be available include speed signal, engine revolution per mile (RPM) signal, accelerator pedal position signal, anti-lock brake sensor, steering angle signal, changing lane detection, crash sensor, front and back position sensor, GPS and onboard computer (i.e., may be utilized to perform the data analysis and apply the necessary action to the driver to prevent an accident). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary networked computer environment  100  in accordance with one embodiment is depicted. The networked computer environment  100  may include a computer  102  with a processor  104  and a data storage device  106  that is enabled to run a software program  108  and an autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a . The networked computer environment  100  may also include a server  112  that is enabled to run an autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   b  that may interact with a database  114  and a communication network  116 . The networked computer environment  100  may include a plurality of computers  102  and servers  112 , only one of which is shown. The communication network  116  may include various types of communication networks, such as a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), a telecommunication network, a wireless network, a public switched network and/or a satellite network. It should be appreciated that  FIG. 1  provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made based on design and implementation requirements. 
     The client computer  102  may communicate with the server computer  112  via the communications network  116 . The communications network  116  may include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables. As will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 5 , server computer  112  may include internal components  902   a  and external components  904   a , respectively, and client computer  102  may include internal components  902   b  and external components  904   b , respectively. Server computer  112  may also operate in a cloud computing service model, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Analytics as a Service (AaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Server  112  may also be located in a cloud computing deployment model, such as a private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, or hybrid cloud. Client computer  102  may be, for example, a mobile device, a telephone, a personal digital assistant, a netbook, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or any type of computing devices capable of running a program, accessing a network, and accessing a database  114 . According to various implementations of the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may interact with a database  114  that may be embedded in various storage devices, such as, but not limited to a computer/mobile device  102 , a networked server  112 , or a cloud storage service. 
     According to the present embodiment, a user using a client computer  102  or a server computer  112  may use the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  (respectively) to detect an impaired driver and trigger predefined actions to the vehicle operated by the impaired driver. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis method is explained in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2-4C . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary vehicle sensor environment  200  in accordance with one embodiment is depicted. As shown, the vehicle sensor environment  200  comprises a vehicle  202  and portable user device  206  (i.e., existing portable driver device). The existing vehicle sensors  204  associated with the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  (i.e., onboard vehicle sensors) may be located inside each vehicle  202 . The specific location or acceptable types of existing vehicle sensors  204  within the vehicle  202  may depend on the specific manufacturer of the vehicle  202  associated with the existing vehicle sensor  204 . While the vehicle  202  is in motion, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may collect real-time information, via the existing vehicle sensors  204 , on the behavior of the driver within the vehicle  202  and roads travelled by the vehicle  202 . 
     Additionally, existing user device sensors  208  associated with the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may be installed in each portable user device  206  (e.g., smart phone). The portable user device  206  may be associated with the user (i.e., driver) of the vehicle  202 . The specific location or acceptable types of existing user device sensors  208  utilized by the portable user device  206  may depend on the type of portable user device  206  and the specific manufacturer of the portable user device  206 . To properly utilize the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b , the portable user device  206  may be located or installed inside of the vehicle  202 . While the vehicle  202  is in motion, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may collect real-time information, via the existing user device sensors  208 , on the behavior of the driver within the vehicle  202  and roads travelled by the vehicle  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an operational flowchart illustrating the exemplary autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis process  300  used by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  according to at least one embodiment is depicted. 
     At  316 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  analyzes the data associated with a driver&#39;s behavior that is received from the existing vehicle sensors  204 , the existing user device sensors  208  and a historical database  318 . The data received from existing vehicle sensors  204  includes sharp turn detector  304 , detection of objects in the surrounding area  306 , lane detector  308 , car speed pattern  310  and over-correction of steering  312 . The data from existing user device sensors  208  includes voice detector  302  and geo-location analysis  314 . Additionally, the data associated with the historical database  318  may include historical data associated with a specific driver on past events in which the driver may or may not have been impaired. The historical database  318  may include the determination of the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b , as well as the data collected and analyzed that is associated with the driver during a specific past event or instance. 
     For example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  analyzes data collected on Driver A, who, according to the collected data, is driving close to parked vehicles based on a detection of objects in the surrounding area  306  and exhibits no distortion in speech based on the voice detector  302 . The historical database  318  also reviews the past similar behavior of Driver A in which Driver A exhibited no speech distortions and was driving close to parked vehicles. 
     Then, at  320 , the probability of driver impairment is determined. Based on the analyzed data, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize mathematical algorithms to determine the probability of driver impairment, and to identify the behavior of the driver. 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that Driver A exhibits no impairment. 
     Then, at  322 , actions are triggered based on the identified behavior of the driver by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b . The actions may be pre-defined by the user, and may include calling or sending a text to the driver&#39;s specific relatives or friends  324 , limiting the maximum vehicle speed  326  and stopping the vehicle  328 . 
     Continuing the previous example, if Driver A exhibits behavior indicative of low or high impairment, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  will trigger predefined actions previously determined by Driver A, or default actions determined by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  based on the specific manufacturer of the vehicle  202 . 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  (i.e., driver) may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be an “Action” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Action” button, then the dialog box may expand the list of possible actions (e.g., call or text relatives/friends  324 , limit maximum vehicle speed  326 , stop vehicle  328 ) that may be implemented by the specific vehicle  202 . The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may select the preferred action. The dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to confirm the action selection by clicking the “Yes” or “No” buttons under a statement restating the selected action. Once the vehicle owner or operator clicks “Yes,” the dialog box may disappear. If, however, the vehicle owner or operator selects the “No” button, then the dialog box may remain for the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to clarify the selected action. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may be utilized to trigger various types of actions based on the identified behavior of the driver. The types of actions implemented by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may depend on the specific manufacturer of the vehicle  202 . 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be an “Action” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Action” button, then the dialog box may expand the list of possible actions that may be implemented by the specific vehicle  202 . If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects “Call or Text Friends/Relatives,” then the dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to input the name, relationship, phone numbers and preferred means of communication (e.g., text message, call) for the driver&#39;s preferred contact person. The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may enter at least one preferred contact person. The dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to confirm the preferred contact person by clicking the “Yes” or “No” buttons under a statement restating the entered preferred contact person. Once the vehicle owner or operator clicks “Yes,” the dialog box may disappear. If, however, the vehicle owner or operator selects the “No” button, then the dialog box may remain for the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to clarify the entered preferred contact person. 
     Alternatively, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may upload the preferred contact person via the portable user device  206  (e.g., user&#39;s smart phone). The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be an “Action” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Action” button, then the dialog box may expand the list of possible actions that may be implemented by the specific vehicle  202 . If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects “Call or Text Friends/Relatives,” then the dialog box may expand and, at the bottom of the dialog box, there may be a “Upload” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Upload” button, then the contact list associated with the portable user device  206  (e.g., user&#39;s smart phone) may be uploaded onto the computer display monitor and another dialog box with the contact list on the portable user device  206  (e.g., smart phone) may appear on the computer display monitor. The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may then click on each contact in the contact list on the portable user device  206  that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to include as a preferred contact person. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects at least one preferred contact person, then the dialog box may disappear and the owner of operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to include another preferred contact person or to close all dialog boxes. 
     In the present embodiment, each preferred contact person entered by the driver of the vehicle  202  may be utilized to generate a predefined list for the driver. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may warn the contact person or contact people included on the predefined list if the driver exhibits a low level of impairment while operating the vehicle  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , an operational flowchart illustrating the exemplary autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis process  400  used by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  according to at least one embodiment is depicted. 
     At  402 , the vehicle sensor data is collected. Using a software program  108  on the user device (e.g., user&#39;s computer  102 ), the vehicle sensor data (i.e., data from the existing vehicle sensors  204  and existing user device sensors  208 ) may be collected as input into the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  via communications network  116 , when the engine of the vehicle  202  has started. By utilizing sensors (i.e., existing vehicle sensors  204  and existing user device sensors  208 ) within the vehicle  202 , the collection and verification of the vehicle sensor data associated with the driver&#39;s behavior may be initiated. The collected and verified vehicle sensor data associated with the driver&#39;s behavior may then be received by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b.    
     For example, Driver B is driving Vehicle B northbound on Main Street. Driver B&#39;s smart phone, which automatically synchronizes to Vehicle B, is located in Vehicle B. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  utilizes the existing sensors associated with Vehicle B, which includes speed signal, engine revolution per mile (RPM) signal, accelerator pedal position signal, anti-lock brake sensor, voice detector, sharp turn detection, surrounding object detection, steering angle and over correction signal, changing lane detection, crash sensor, front and back position sensors. Additionally, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  utilizes the existing proximity sensor, accelerator and gyroscope sensors associated with Driver B&#39;s smart phone (i.e., Smart Phone B) to collect data on Driver B&#39;s behavior. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize existing vehicle sensors  204  (e.g., speed signal, engine RPM signal, accelerator pedal position signal, anti-lock brake sensor, voice detector, sharp turn detection, surrounding object detection, steering angle and over correction signal, changing lane detection, crash sensor, front and back position sensors) and existing user device sensors  208  (e.g., proximity sensor, accelerator and gyroscope sensors) to collect data on the driver&#39;s behavior. 
     Then, at  404 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines whether the threshold associated with the existing sensors has been exceeded. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may analyze the collected vehicle sensor data to determine whether the data associated with the driver&#39;s behavior exceeds certain previously determined thresholds. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize previously transmitted data, via communication network  116 , associated with the normal range of behavior associated with a driver for each of the existing vehicle sensors  204  and existing user device sensors  208  (i.e., normal range data). The normal range data may be retrieved from the internet, and local authorities. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may retrieve data associated with the specific driver&#39;s behavior, including past behaviors and driving patterns associated with the specific driver, from the historical database  318  (i.e., individual normal range data). 
     If the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that none of the sensors (i.e., existing user device sensors  208  and vehicle sensors  204 ) exceed a predefined threshold at  404 , then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  returns to collecting vehicle sensors data at  402 . Since none of the sensors exceed the predefined threshold, the driver&#39;s behavior may be within the normal range and therefore, the driver&#39;s behavior may fail to create a level of concern for possible driver impairment. Until the engine associated with the vehicle  202  is turned off, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may continue to collect vehicle sensor data to detect any changes in the driver&#39;s behavior. 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  analyzes the data collected from each of the sensors associated with Vehicle B and Smart Phone B to determine if the threshold associated with at least one of the sensors exceeds a predefined threshold. If none of the thresholds associated with the sensors have been exceeded, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  continues to collect data. 
     If, however, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that at least one of the sensors (i.e., existing user device sensors  208  and vehicle sensors  204 ) exceeds a predefined threshold at  404 , then the global positioning system (GPS) and location tracking services data is collected at  406 . The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may then utilize the GPS and location tracking services associated with the vehicle  202  to collect the GPS and location tracking services data. 
     Continuing the previous example, the vehicle sensor associated with the vehicle speed and lane change exceeds the threshold. Vehicle B is travelling 75 miles per hour on Main Street, which has a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour. As such, the vehicle speed signal sensor indicates that Driver B is driving too fast. Additionally, the changing lane detection sensor indicates that Driver B changed lanes abruptly on three occasions within the last 10 minutes. 
     Then, at  408 , the current and nearby location data is analyzed. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize the GPS and location tracking services data collected by the GPS and location tracking services associated with the vehicle  202  to analyze and verify the location of the driver. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may determine the nearby locations (e.g., night clubs, lounges, bars and drinking activities and events) in close proximity to the driver. The current and nearby location data may be analyzed to determine the possibility that the driver may be impaired. 
     Continuing the previous example, the GPS and location tracking services associated with Vehicle B are initiated, and the current and nearby location data is collected and analyzed. Based on the current and nearby location data, Driver B is driving northbound on Main Street near a community with several night clubs and lounges, where alcoholic beverages are served. In addition, when Driver B started the engine for Vehicle B, Driver B was located in the parking lot of a popular grill and bar facility, and is now driving home at 7 PM, while Driver B left work at 4:45 PM. 
     Then, at  410 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines whether an indication of driver impairment is detected. After collecting and analyzing the vehicle sensor data, and current and nearby location data, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a mathematical algorithm to evaluate the possibility of driver impairment. 
     If the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that no indication of driver impairment is detected at  410 , then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  returns to collecting vehicle sensors data at  402 . 
     Continuing the previous example, if the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that Driver B is not impaired, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may restart and continue to collect data from the Vehicle B sensors and Smart Phone B sensors. 
     If, however, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that an indication of driver impairment is detected at  410 , then the driver&#39;s voice is analyzed at  412 . Since the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that there is a possibility of driver impairment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  continues to analyze the driver&#39;s behavior to determine the extent of the driver&#39;s impairment. As such, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  first analyzes the voice of the driver. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize at least one voice analyzer algorithm to detect distortions in the voice of the driver that may indicate impairment. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may, for example, request that the driver speak into an existing multimedia microphone device associated with the vehicle  202 . The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may then detect the identification of the driver based on analyzing a prerecorded voice, and detect distortions in the driver&#39;s voice that may indicate impairment (e.g., slurring, stammering, poor word choices, cursing, delayed speech). 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  detects that there is a possibility that Driver B may be impaired. As such, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  verbally prompts Driver B to speak using the existing speakers associated with Vehicle B, and then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  utilizes the voice analyzer and the prerecorded voice of Driver B to analyze Driver B&#39;s voice. However, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  failed to detect any distortions in Driver B&#39;s voice. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may upload the prerecorded voice via an existing multimedia microphone device associated with the vehicle  202 . The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be a “Prerecorded Voice” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Prerecorded Voice” button, then the dialog box may expand with a “Start” button located at the middle of the dialog box. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects the “Start” button, the screen may present a countdown timer from five to zero seconds and the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted to talk for an allotted amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds) for the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  to record the driver&#39;s voice. When the recording is completed, a simple indication (e.g., a red stop sign, a check mark) may appear in the dialog box. Then, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted, via another dialog box, to include the driver&#39;s identification information (e.g., name, whether the driver is the primary driver of the vehicle  202  and personal identifier information). The driver may click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the dialog box, when the driver enters the identification information. The dialog box may then expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to confirm the driver&#39;s prerecorded voice and identification information by clicking the “Yes” or “No” buttons at the bottom of the dialog box. Once the vehicle owner or operator clicks “Yes,” the dialog box may disappear. If, however, the vehicle owner or operator selects the “No” button, then the dialog box may remain for the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to clarify the identification information or re-record the driver&#39;s prerecorded voice. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may include at least one prerecorded voice for each of the drivers associated with the vehicle  202 . Additionally, there is no limit on the number of the drivers that may have at least one prerecorded voice on the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b.    
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize an application program interface (API) on the portable user device  206  in which the driver may include a prerecorded voice and identification information. When the driver is located inside the vehicle  202  and the portable user device  206  associated with the driver is synchronized to the vehicle  202 , the vehicle  202  may utilize the prerecorded voice and identification information on the portable user device  206  to determine whether the driver is impaired. 
     Then, at  414 , the driver&#39;s historical data is analyzed. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may retrieve historical data associated with the driver from the historical database  318 . The retrieved historical data associated with the driver, stored in the historical database  318 , may include previously analyzed data collected in similar situations to identify whether the driver is impaired. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may analyze the driver&#39;s historical data to determine whether the driver is impaired based on previously analyzed data on the driver&#39;s past behaviors. 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  attempts to retrieve historical data on Driver B in which Driver B was speeding and abruptly changing lanes with no voice distortion. However, the historical data on Driver B fails to show a similar event in the past. 
     Then, at  416 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines the ranking of the level of driver impairment. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize mathematical algorithms to analyze the data (e.g., GPS and location tracking services data, voice data associated with the driver, and historical data associated with the driver) collected and rank the level of driver impairment (e.g., low impairment or high impairment). 
     If the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the ranking for the level of driver impairment is low at  416 , then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  proceeds to  FIG. 4B . If, however, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the ranking for the level of driver impairment is high at  416 , then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  proceeds to  FIG. 4C . 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  ranks the level of driver impairment as high, and then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  proceeds to  FIG. 4C . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , an operational flowchart illustrating the exemplary autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis process  400  used by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  according to at least one embodiment is depicted. 
     At  418 , an alert notification is sent to the driver. When the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the driver&#39;s level of impairment is low, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send an alert notification (i.e., warning message) to the driver through the vehicle&#39;s speakers. The alert notification may advise the driver that the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the driver exhibits a low level of impairment. 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  sends Driver B a verbal proactive alert notification warning Driver B that Driver B exhibits behavior indicative of a low level of impairment. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a non-verbal alert notification (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel, flashing of the interior lights, and a written warning message displayed on the display computer monitor associated with the vehicle  202 ). The type of alert notification presented to the driver may depend on the specific manufacturer of the vehicle  202  and the existing vehicle sensors  204 , or alert setting preferences configured by the user. 
     Then, at  420 , the vehicle speed is limited to a predefined value. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may then automatically limit the vehicle&#39;s speed to a predefined value. 
     Additionally, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may have a default or standard predefined value. For example, the vehicle speed may, by default, be limited to 45 miles per hour. 
     Continuing the previous example, Driver B never changed the default predefined value to limit vehicle speed. Therefore, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  automatically limits the vehicle speed to 45 miles per hour. 
     In the present embodiment, the vehicle speed limit may be configurable. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be an “Vehicle Speed Limit” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Vehicle Speed Limit” button, then the dialog box may expand with a comment box in which the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may enter a numeric value for the vehicle speed limit to be implemented by the specific vehicle  202 . The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may select a “Submit” button under the comment box in the dialog box. The dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to confirm the vehicle speed limit by clicking the “Yes” or “No” buttons under a statement restating the entered vehicle speed limit. Once the vehicle owner or operator clicks “Yes,” the dialog box may disappear. If, however, the vehicle owner or operator selects the “No” button, then the dialog box may remain for the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to clarify the vehicle speed limit. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may adjust (e.g., increase or shorten) the vehicle speed limit depending on the posted speed limit of the roadway, the type of roadway (e.g., highway, residential streets), the current road conditions (e.g., slippery surface), current weather conditions (e.g., raining, snowing), and the number of other vehicles and pedestrians on the road (e.g., whether there are any parked vehicles on the shoulder, pedestrians crossing the street or walking along the shoulder, other vehicles driving in close proximity to the driver). 
     Then, at  422 , a warning message is sent to a predefined list. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a warning message, via communications network  116  (e.g., short message service (SMS)), to a predefined list of at least one preferred contact person to warn of the driver&#39;s low level of impairment. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize the portable user device  206  associated with the driver, when the portable user device  206  is connected to the multimedia system associated with the vehicle  202 . Therefore, at least one of the driver&#39;s preferred contact people may contact the driver and potentially avoid a vehicle accident due to the driver&#39;s impairment. 
     Continuing the previous example, Driver B previously included Driver B&#39;s parents, younger brother and two of Driver B&#39;s close friends as preferred contact people for the predefined list. As such, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  sends a warning text message to Driver B&#39;s parents, younger brother and two of Driver B&#39;s close friends advising each of them that Driver B is exhibiting behavior indicative of low impairment. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may automatically generate a predefined list (i.e., predefined contact list) of at least one preferred contact person by utilizing the preferred contact person or people previously entered into the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  by the driver. The driver may either manually enter the personal contact information for each preferred contact person, or upload the contact information for each preferred contact person from the portable user device  206  associated with the driver. To manually input the preferred contact person to the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b , the driver may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be an “Action” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Action” button, then the dialog box may expand the list of possible actions that may be implemented by the specific vehicle  202 . If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects “Call or Text Friends/Relatives,” then the dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to input the name, relationship, phone numbers and preferred means of communication (e.g., text message, call) for the driver&#39;s preferred contact person. The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may enter at least one preferred contact person. The dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to confirm the preferred contact person by clicking the “Yes” or “No” buttons under a statement restating the entered preferred contact person. Once the vehicle owner or operator clicks “Yes,” the dialog box may disappear. If, however, the vehicle owner or operator selects the “No” button, then the dialog box may remain for the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to clarify the entered preferred contact person. 
     Alternatively, to upload each preferred contact person, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize the portable user device  206  (e.g., user&#39;s smart phone) associated with the driver. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may utilize a computer display monitor existing in the vehicle  202 . A screen may appear in which, for example, a “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be an “Action” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Action” button, then the dialog box may expand the list of possible actions that may be implemented by the specific vehicle  202 . If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects “Call or Text Friends/Relatives,” then the dialog box may expand and, at the bottom of the dialog box, there may be a “Upload” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Upload” button, then the contact list associated with the portable user device  206  (e.g., user&#39;s smart phone) may be uploaded onto the computer display monitor and another dialog box with the contact list on the portable user device  206  (e.g., smart phone) may appear on the computer display monitor. The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may then click on each contact of the contact list on the portable user device  206  that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to include as a preferred contact person. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  selects at least one preferred contact person, then the dialog box may disappear and the owner of operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to include another preferred contact person or to close all dialog boxes. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may detect other portable user devices  206  associated with the occupants of the vehicle  202  that are located in the vehicle  202 . Therefore, if the driver entered multiple preferred contact people into autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a warning message to portable user devices  206  located outside of the vehicle  202 . As such, if the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  detects that one of the preferred contact people is also located in the vehicle  202  with the driver, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may skip sending a warning message to the preferred contact person located in the vehicle  202  and may send warning messages to the other preferred contact people included on the driver&#39;s predefined list. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may also include the current location of the driver of the vehicle  202  in the warning message to the predefined list of preferred contact people associated with the driver. 
     Then, at  424 , the historical database  318  is updated. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may gather the data associated with a specific event in which the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determined that the driver&#39;s behavior indicates a low level of impairment, and store the gathered data into the historical database  318 . The stored data associated with the specific event may be indexed as a part of the driver&#39;s historical data that may be accessed and utilized for future analysis by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b . The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may then return to collecting vehicle sensor data at  402 . 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  stores the data collected to this event, including the fact that Driver B was speeding at 75 miles per hour and abruptly changed lanes three times within 10 minutes, the location that Driver B was driving from and towards, the time of day and date, the voice data, and the determination that Driver B was exhibiting behavior indicative of low impairment, in the historical database  318  associated with Driver B. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , an operational flowchart illustrating the exemplary autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis process  400  used by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  according to at least one embodiment is depicted. 
     At  426 , an alert notification is sent to the driver. When the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the driver&#39;s level of impairment is high, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send an alert notification (i.e., warning message) to the driver through the vehicle&#39;s speakers. The alert notification may advise the driver that the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the driver exhibits a high level of impairment and the driver may be further advised to immediately pull over the vehicle. 
     Continuing the previous example, if the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that Driver B was exhibiting behavior indicative of a high level of impairment, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  verbally alerts Driver B that Driver B is exhibiting behavior indicative of high impairment and Driver B must immediately pull over the vehicle. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a non-verbal alert notification (e.g., vibration of the steering wheel, blinking hazard lights with sound, flashing of the interior lights, and a written warning message displayed on the display computer monitor associated with the vehicle  202 ). The type of alert notification presented to the driver may depend on the specific manufacturer of the vehicle  202  and the existing vehicle sensors  204 , or alert setting preferences configured by the user. 
     Then, at  428 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  waits a predefined amount of time. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may wait a predefined amount of time for the driver to pull the vehicle over as advised by the alert notification. 
     Additionally, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may allot a certain amount of wait time for the vehicle to stop moving. By default, the driver may be given, for example, 30 seconds to stop the vehicle after the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  sends the alert notification. 
     Continuing the previous example, Driver B never changed the default amount of wait time for Vehicle B to stop moving after the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  alerts Driver B that Driver B has a high level of impairment and must immediately pull over Vehicle B. Therefore, Driver B has 30 seconds to pull over Vehicle B. Upon receiving the alert, Driver B immediately pulls over to the right shoulder on Main Street. 
     Alternatively, the wait time allocated for the vehicle to stop moving may be configurable. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may connect to a computer display monitor. A screen may appear in which the “Settings” button is located on the bottom right side. Once the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks on the “Settings” button, the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to indicate the setting that the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  intends to change. In the list of settings, there may be a “Wait Time” button. If the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  clicks the “Wait Time” button, then the dialog box may expand the list of possible wait times ranging from 30 seconds to five minutes in increments of 15 or 30 seconds. The owner or operator of the vehicle  202  may select the preferred wait time. The dialog box may expand and prompt the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to confirm the preferred wait time by clicking the “Yes” or “No” buttons under a statement restating the preferred wait time. Once the vehicle owner or operator clicks “Yes,” the dialog box may disappear. If, however, the vehicle owner or operator selects the “No” button, then the dialog box may remain for the owner or operator of the vehicle  202  to clarify the preferred wait time. 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may adjust (e.g., extend or shorten) the allotted wait time depending on whether the driver may be able to safely and legally stop the vehicle based on the surrounding location (e.g., whether there is a shoulder for the driver to pull off to the side of the road, or the traffic and road rules prohibits the driver from stopping the vehicle at that specific location), whether the driver&#39;s level of impairment is dangerously high thereby making immediately stopping the vehicle necessary, and whether the vehicle speed, number of other vehicles on the road, pedestrian traffic and location may pose a problem when the driver attempts to the stop the vehicle. 
     Then, at  430 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines whether the vehicle  202  has stopped. After the predefined amount of time expires, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may verify whether the vehicle  202  has stopped (e.g., is no longer in motion and the transmission associated with the vehicle  202  is shifted into park). If the vehicle  202  has stopped, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may continue to shut down and lock the engine associated with the vehicle  202 . If, however, the vehicle  202  is still in motion, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a reactive action by forcing the engine of the vehicle  202  to slow down the speed until the vehicle  202  has completely stopped. 
     If the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the vehicle  202  has not stopped at  430 , then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  will force the vehicle  202  to decrease speed at  432 . If the vehicle  202  has not stopped after the predefined amount of time and remains in motion, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a request to force the vehicle  202  to decrease the speed by 20%. After the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  forces the vehicle  202  to decrease speed, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may wait a predefined amount of time at  428 . If the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the vehicle  202  is still in motion and the driver fails to stop the vehicle  202  after the predefined amount of time, once again, expires, then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may once again send a request to force the vehicle  202  to decrease the speed by another 20%. The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may continue to wait the predefined amount of time and decrease the speed of the vehicle  202  by 20%, until the vehicle  202  is no longer in motion and the transmission associated with the vehicle  202  is shifted into park. 
     Continuing the previous example, if Driver B failed to pull over Vehicle B within 30 seconds of receiving the alert, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  would reduce Vehicle B&#39;s speed by 20% (i.e., 15 miles per hour) every 30 seconds until either Driver B fully stops Vehicle B, or the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  has forced Vehicle B to come to a complete stop. 
     If, however, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determines that the vehicle stopped at  430 , then the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  will lock the engine associated with the vehicle at  434 . Once the vehicle  202  is no longer in motion and the transmission associated with the vehicle  202  is shifted into park, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may lock the engine associated with the vehicle  202 . Therefore, the driver may not be able to continue to drive the vehicle  202 . 
     Continuing the previous example, since Driver B pulled over to the right shoulder on Main Street and fully stopped Vehicle B, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  locks the engine associated with Vehicle B (i.e., Engine B) and Driver B is no longer able to move Vehicle B. 
     Then, at  436 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  sends an engine unlock code to a predefined list. Once the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  detects that the driver exhibits a high level of impairment and the vehicle  202  has stopped, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send a code for unlocking the engine associated with the vehicle  202  to at least one of the preferred contact people on the driver&#39;s predefined list. Therefore, the driver may not able to unlock the engine associated with the vehicle  202  and continue to drive without the code. 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  sends the unlock engine code to Driver B&#39;s parents, younger brother and two of Driver B&#39;s close friends, who were included on Driver B&#39;s predefined list of preferred contact people. Therefore, Engine B will remain locked until the correct unlock engine code is used. 
     In the present embodiment, the unlock engine code may be entered into a computer display monitor connected to the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b . Once the driver attempts to turn on the ignition associated with the vehicle  202 , the driver may be prompted (e.g., via dialog box) to enter the unlock engine code. If the driver enters the correct unlock engine code, the engine associated with the vehicle may automatically start. If, however, the driver fails to enter the correct unlock engine code, the vehicle may not start. 
     Alternatively, depending on the specific manufacturer of the vehicle, the driver may verbally communicate the unlock engine code to the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b , or enter the unlock engine code on another device located within the vehicle  202  or on the portable user device  206 . 
     In the present embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may simultaneously send an engine unlock code to a predefined list, while the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  locks the engine associated with the vehicle  202 . Therefore, as the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  locks the engine associated with the vehicle  202 , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may also send the unlock engine code to the preferred contact people or person on the driver&#39;s predefined list. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may detect other portable user devices  206  associated with the occupants of the vehicle  202  that are located in the vehicle  202 . Therefore, if the driver entered multiple preferred contact people into the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b , the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send the engine unlock code to portable user devices  206  located outside of the vehicle  202 . As such, if the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  detects that one of the preferred contact people is also located in the vehicle  202  with the driver, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may skip sending the engine unlock code to the preferred contact person located in the vehicle  202  and may send the engine unlock code to the other preferred contact people included on the driver&#39;s predefined list, thereby preventing the driver of the vehicle  202  from retrieving the engine unlock code from an occupant in the vehicle  202 , and continuing to drive in an impaired state. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may not restart the vehicle  202  (even with the proper code to unlock the engine), unless a new portable user device  206  (e.g., smart phone associated with a new driver) has been detected in the vehicle, or after a certain period of time (i.e., cooling period) has lapsed to prevent the driver of the vehicle  202  from retrieving the engine unlock code and continuing to drive in an impaired state. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may have a default cooling period for the driver to wait based on guidelines and the law on how long a person may wait before operating a vehicle  202  again. 
     In another embodiment, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may send the code to unlock the engine to the local authorities (e.g., police) if the driver exhibits an extremely high level of impairment, or when the driver has previously exhibited a high level of impairment. 
     After the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  sends the engine unlock code, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may update the historical database  318  at  424 . The autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may gather the data associated with a specific event in which the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  determined that the driver&#39;s behavior indicates a high level of impairment, and store the gathered data into the historical database  318 . The stored data associated with the specific event may be indexed as a part of the driver&#39;s historical data that may be accessed and utilized for future analysis by the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b . Since the engine associated with the vehicle  202  is locked, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may end until the engine associated with the vehicle is unlocked and restarted. At that point, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  may then return to collecting the vehicle sensors data at  402 . 
     Continuing the previous example, the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  stores the data collected to this event, including the fact that Driver B was speeding at 75 miles per hour and abruptly changed lanes three times within 10 minutes, the location that Driver B was driving from and towards, the time of day and date, the voice data, and the determination that Driver B was exhibiting behavior indicative of high impairment, in the historical database  318  associated with Driver B. 
     It may be appreciated that  FIGS. 2-4C  provide only an illustration of one embodiment and do not imply any limitations with regard to how different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted embodiment(s) may be made based on design and implementation requirements. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram  900  of internal and external components of computers depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that  FIG. 5  provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made based on design and implementation requirements. 
     Data processing system  902 ,  904  is representative of any electronic device capable of executing machine-readable program instructions. Data processing system  902 ,  904  may be representative of a smart phone, a computer system, PDA, or other electronic devices. Examples of computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may represented by data processing system  902 ,  904  include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, network PCs, minicomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices. 
     User client computer  102  and network server  112  may include respective sets of internal components  902   a, b  and external components  904   a, b  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Each of the sets of internal components  902   a, b  includes one or more processors  906 , one or more computer-readable RAMs  908  and one or more computer-readable ROMs  910  on one or more buses  912 , and one or more operating systems  914  and one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices  916 . The one or more operating systems  914 , the software program  108  and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a  in client computer  102 , and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   b  in network server  112 , may be stored on one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices  916  for execution by one or more processors  906  via one or more RAMs  908  (which typically include cache memory). In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices  916  is a magnetic disk storage device of an internal hard drive. Alternatively, each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices  916  is a semiconductor storage device such as ROM  910 , EPROM, flash memory or any other computer-readable tangible storage device that can store a computer program and digital information. 
     Each set of internal components  902   a, b  also includes a R/W drive or interface  918  to read from and write to one or more portable computer-readable tangible storage devices  920  such as a CD-ROM, DVD, memory stick, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk or semiconductor storage device. A software program, such as the software program  108  and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  can be stored on one or more of the respective portable computer-readable tangible storage devices  920 , read via the respective R/W drive or interface  918  and loaded into the respective hard drive  916 . 
     Each set of internal components  902   a, b  may also include network adapters (or switch port cards) or interfaces  922  such as a TCP/IP adapter cards, wireless Wi-Fi interface cards, or 3G or 4G wireless interface cards or other wired or wireless communication links. The software program  108  and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a  in client computer  102  and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   b  in network server computer  112  can be downloaded from an external computer (e.g., server) via a network (for example, the Internet, a local area network or other, wide area network) and respective network adapters or interfaces  922 . From the network adapters (or switch port adaptors) or interfaces  922 , the software program  108  and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a  in client computer  102  and the autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   b  in network server computer  112  are loaded into the respective hard drive  916 . The network may comprise copper wires, optical fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. 
     Each of the sets of external components  904   a, b  can include a computer display monitor  924 , a keyboard  926 , and a computer mouse  928 . External components  904   a, b  can also include touch screens, virtual keyboards, touch pads, pointing devices, and other human interface devices. Each of the sets of internal components  902   a, b  also includes device drivers  930  to interface to computer display monitor  924 , keyboard  926  and computer mouse  928 . The device drivers  930 , R/W drive or interface  918  and network adapter or interface  922  comprise hardware and software (stored in storage device  916  and/or ROM  910 ). 
     It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed. 
     Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models. 
     Characteristics are as follows: 
     On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with the service&#39;s provider. 
     Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs). 
     Resource pooling: the provider&#39;s computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). 
     Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time. 
     Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service. 
     Service Models are as follows: 
     Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider&#39;s applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings. 
     Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations. 
     Analytics as a Service (AaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use web-based or cloud-based networks (i.e., infrastructure) to access an analytics platform. Analytics platforms may include access to analytics software resources or may include access to relevant databases, corpora, servers, operating systems or storage. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying web-based or cloud-based infrastructure including databases, corpora, servers, operating systems or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations. 
     Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls). 
     Deployment Models are as follows: 
     Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services. 
     Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds). 
     A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , illustrative cloud computing environment  1000  is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment  1000  comprises one or more cloud computing nodes  100  with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone  1000 A, desktop computer  1000 B, laptop computer  1000 C, and/or automobile computer system  1000 N may communicate. Nodes  100  may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment  1000  to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices  1000 A-N shown in  FIG. 6  are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes  100  and cloud computing environment  1000  can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a set of functional abstraction layers  1100  provided by cloud computing environment  1000  is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown in  FIG. 7  are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided: 
     Hardware and software layer  1102  includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes  1104 ; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers  1106 ; servers  1108 ; blade servers  1110 ; storage devices  1112 ; and networks and networking components  1114 . In some embodiments, software components include network application server software  1116  and database software  1118 . 
     Virtualization layer  1120  provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers  1122 ; virtual storage  1124 ; virtual networks  1126 , including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems  1128 ; and virtual clients  1130 . 
     In one example, management layer  1132  may provide the functions described below. Resource provisioning  1134  provides dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing  1136  provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources may comprise application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User portal  1138  provides access to the cloud computing environment for consumers and system administrators. Service level management  1140  provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment  1142  provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA. 
     Workloads layer  1144  provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation  1146 ; software development and lifecycle management  1148 ; virtual classroom education delivery  1150 ; data analytics processing  1152 ; transaction processing  1154 ; and autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis  1156 . An autonomous driver&#39;s behavior analysis program  110   a ,  110   b  provides a way to detect an impaired driver and trigger predefined actions to the vehicle operated by the impaired driver. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.