Patent ID: 12195037

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings identified above and which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects described herein may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope described herein. Various aspects are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various different ways.

As a general introduction, aspects described herein are directed towards tracking and predicting driver behavior across a variety of different automobiles. It can be very difficult to predict how a driver will behave in a new automobile, and particularly in a new type of vehicle. For example, a driver that is determined to be a very safe driver in a subcompact vehicle or a minivan may drive in a much more reckless or less safe manner when driving in a high horsepower sports car. This can introduce significant concern in the vehicle rental context, where renters may seek out particularly unique vehicles available using those services (e.g., vintage automobiles, rare sports cars, larger trucks, outdoor adventure-ready vehicles, motorcycles) which require special handling and/or driving skills. The insurance status of the potential renter, including whether or not they have a history of traffic tickets or the like, is a poor indication of how a driver might handle such vehicles, as often that information is premised on the driver using a familiar (e.g., personal) vehicle. In contrast, by using telematics data to track performance metrics of a user driving a variety of vehicles, a more robust and comprehensive view of the driving tendencies of a user across a variety of vehicles may be determined. In other words, by tracking user performance across different vehicles (e.g., two different vehicles of the same type and/or different types of vehicles, like a truck and a minivan, or a personal car versus a rented car), changes in driver behavior may be predicted with respect to a new and unfamiliar vehicle. Predictions of future driver behavior based on this tracking may be of particular value when determining whether to provide a user access to a new type of vehicle, such as when determining whether to allow a user to rent a new type of vehicle. For example, based on a prediction that a user has a tendency to mishandle rented cars, as determined based on telematics data derived from that user's driving of personal and rented cars, a user might be prevented from renting a high powered sports car. Additionally and/or alternatively, as described below, those predictions may be used to provide a driver tips on improving his or her driving.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, the phrases and terms used herein are to be given their broadest interpretation and meaning. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. The use of the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and similar terms, is meant to include both direct and indirect connecting, coupling, and the like.

Computer software, hardware, and networks may be utilized in a variety of different system environments, including standalone, networked, remote-access (also known as remote desktop), virtualized, and/or cloud-based environments, among others.FIG.1illustrates one example of a system architecture and data processing device that may be used to implement one or more illustrative aspects described herein in a standalone and/or networked environment. Various network nodes103,105,107, and109(which may additionally and/or alternatively be referred to as computing devices) may be interconnected via a wide area network (WAN)101, such as the Internet. Other networks may also or alternatively be used, including private intranets, corporate networks, local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), wireless networks, personal networks (PAN), and the like. Network101is for illustration purposes and may be replaced with fewer or additional computer networks. A local area network133may have one or more of any known LAN topology and may use one or more of a variety of different protocols, such as Ethernet. Devices103,105,107, and109and other devices (not shown) may be connected to one or more of the networks via twisted pair wires, coaxial cable, fiber optics, radio waves, or other communication media.

The term “network” as used herein and depicted in the drawings refers not only to systems in which remote storage devices are coupled together via one or more communication paths, but also to stand-alone devices that may be coupled, from time to time, to such systems that have storage capability. Consequently, the term “network” includes not only a “physical network” but also a “content network,” which is comprised of the data—attributable to a single entity—which resides across all physical networks.

The components may include data server103, web server105, and client computers107,109. Data server103may provide overall access, control and administration of databases and control software for performing one or more illustrative aspects describe herein. Data server103may be connected to web server105through which users interact with and obtain data as requested. Alternatively, data server103may act as a web server itself and be directly connected to the Internet. Data server103may be connected to web server105through the local area network133, the wide area network101(e.g., the Internet), via direct or indirect connection, or via some other network. Users may interact with the data server103using remote computers107,109, e.g., using a web browser to connect to the data server103via one or more externally exposed web sites hosted by web server105. Client computers107,109may be used in concert with data server103to access data stored therein, or may be used for other purposes. For example, from client device107a user may access web server105using an Internet browser, as is known in the art, or by executing a software application that communicates with web server105and/or data server103over a computer network (such as the Internet).

Servers and applications may be combined on the same physical machines, and retain separate virtual or logical addresses, or may reside on separate physical machines.FIG.1illustrates just one example of a network architecture that may be used, and those of skill in the art will appreciate that the specific network architecture and data processing devices used may vary, and are secondary to the functionality that they provide, as further described herein. For example, services provided by web server105and data server103may be combined on a single server.

Each component103,105,107,109may be any type of computer, server, or data processing device configured to perform the functions described herein. Data server103, e.g., may include a processor111controlling overall operation of the data server103. Data server103may further include random access memory (RAM)113, read only memory (ROM)115, network interface117, input/output interfaces119(e.g., keyboard, mouse, display, printer, etc.), and memory121. Input/output (I/O)119may include a variety of interface units and drives for reading, writing, displaying, and/or printing data or files. Memory121may further store operating system software123for controlling overall operation of the data processing device103, control logic125for instructing data server103to perform aspects described herein, and other application software127providing secondary, support, and/or other functionality which may or might not be used in conjunction with aspects described herein. The control logic125may also be referred to herein as the data server software125. Functionality of the data server software125may refer to operations or decisions made automatically based on rules coded into the control logic125, made manually by a user providing input into the system, and/or a combination of automatic processing based on user input (e.g., queries, data updates, etc.).

Memory121may also store data used in performance of one or more aspects described herein, including a first database129and a second database131. In some embodiments, the first database129may include the second database131(e.g., as a separate table, report, etc.). That is, the information can be stored in a single database, or separated into different logical, virtual, or physical databases, depending on system design. Devices105,107, and109may have similar or different architecture as described with respect to device103. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the functionality of data processing device103(or device105,107, or109) as described herein may be spread across multiple data processing devices, for example, to distribute processing load across multiple computers, to segregate transactions based on geographic location, user access level, quality of service (QoS), etc.

One or more aspects may be embodied in computer-usable or readable data and/or computer-executable instructions, such as in one or more program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices as described herein. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types when executed by a processor in a computer or other device. The modules may be written in a source code programming language that is subsequently compiled for execution, or may be written in a scripting language such as (but not limited to) HyperText Markup Language (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML). The computer executable instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium such as a nonvolatile storage device. Any suitable computer readable storage media may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, solid state storage devices, and/or any combination thereof. In addition, various transmission (non-storage) media representing data or events as described herein may be transferred between a source and a destination in the form of electromagnetic waves traveling through signal-conducting media such as metal wires, optical fibers, and/or wireless transmission media (e.g., air and/or space). Various aspects described herein may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, or a computer program product. Therefore, various functionalities may be embodied in whole or in part in software, firmware, and/or hardware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and the like. Particular data structures may be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects described herein, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of computer executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

FIG.2illustrates one example computing environment including a plurality of vehicles in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.FIG.2includes a first vehicle201, a second vehicle202, and a third vehicle203communicatively coupled to a server200. The first vehicle201, the second vehicle202, and the third vehicle203may be communicatively coupled to the server200using one or more networks, including wired and wireless networks. For example, the first vehicle201may periodically (e.g., every ten minutes, every hour) transmit data to the server200over a wireless network. One or more intermediary devices may be used to transmit data from the vehicles depicted inFIG.2and the server200. For example, a smartphone (e.g., of a driver of the first vehicle201) may be used to transmit data associated with operation of the first vehicle201to the server200.

The server200may be one or more computing devices, including any of the computing devices and/or servers discussed with respect toFIG.1. As will be detailed further below, the server200may be configured to collect information (e.g., sensor data) relating to the performance of one or more of the first vehicle201, the second vehicle202, and/or the third vehicle203, provide scores to one or more of the first vehicle201, the second vehicle202, and/or the third vehicle203, predict driving performance associated with one or more of the first vehicle201, second vehicle202and third vehicle203, and the like.

The first vehicle201, the second vehicle202, and/or the third vehicle203may correspond to different automobiles that may be driven by a user. The vehicles need not be the same make, model, body style, or the like. For example, the first vehicle201may be a motorcycle, the second vehicle202may be a large truck, and the third vehicle203may be a go kart. Each of the first vehicle201, the second vehicle202, and/or the third vehicle203may be configured with one or more sensors, systems, and/or devices (e.g., those detailed inFIG.3, as discussed below) which may capture data associated with the vehicle. Although three vehicles are shown inFIG.2, more or fewer vehicles may be used without departing from the invention. Further, as will be discussed more fully herein, in some examples, the first vehicle201and second vehicle202may be vehicles previously driven by a user, while third vehicle203may be a vehicle the user is requesting to drive (e.g., via rental car company, peer-to-peer rental, or the like).

FIG.3depicts schematic representation of an example vehicle300with various sensors, systems, and devices301-306, including an on-board diagnostics system301, a smartphone302, microphones/cameras303, accelerometer(s)304, input monitoring devices305, and global positioning system306. Vehicle300may be the same or similar to any of vehicles201,202,203shown inFIG.2and one or more of vehicles201,202,203may include one or more sensors, systems, devices301-306, or other components, described with respect to vehicle300inFIG.3. The vehicle300, is also shown with an autonomous driving algorithm307and a display device308. The particular sensors, systems, and devices301-306shown in the vehicle300are illustrative, and any combination of sensors may be implemented. For example, the accelerometer(s)304may be replaced with any type of sensing device which detects the motion of the vehicle300. As another example, the microphones/cameras303may be omitted. All or portions of the sensors, systems and devices301-306may be all or portions of the network nodes103,105,107, and109. Additionally and/or alternatively, all or portions of the sensors, systems, and devices301-306may be communicatively coupled to any of the computing devices and/or servers discussed with respect toFIG.1. For example, the smartphone302may be communicatively coupled to the microphones/cameras303and/or may comprise the microphones/cameras303.

The on-board diagnostics system301may be one or more systems used to monitor operations of the vehicle300. The on-board diagnostics system301may monitor, for example, tire pressure, fuel levels, oil levels and/or health, electrical system performance, powertrain data, emissions-related data, vehicle identification data, vehicle speed, seat belt usage, headlight usage, windshield wiper usage, or the like. The on-board diagnostics system301may thus pertain to virtually any aspect of the operation of the vehicle300. Data may be retrieved from the on-board diagnostics system301via an interface, such as an OBDII port.

The smartphone302may be associated with an individual, such as a driver of the vehicle300. The smartphone302may comprise one or more motion sensors, such as an accelerometer, which may be used to monitor operation of the vehicle300. For example, the smartphone302may be configured to record acceleration of the vehicle300while the smartphone302is located inside the vehicle300. The smartphone302may advantageously allow for the collection of data from the vehicle300in circumstances where the vehicle300is not otherwise equipped to collect such data. For example, if the vehicle300is a motorcycle, the smartphone302may use all of its sensors (including, for example, the microphones/cameras303, the accelerometer(s)304, or the like) to collect data such as vehicle performance and operational data.

The microphones/cameras303may be used to collect video and/or audio information associated with operation of the vehicle300. For example, the microphones/cameras303may be configured to record audio (e.g., with permission of one or more users or participants) outside of or inside the vehicle, whether as part of a telephone call by a driver and/or to detect events (e.g., crashes) which may implicate the safety of the vehicle300. Similarly, the microphones/cameras303may be configured to record video or still images outside of or inside the vehicle to, for example, track the location of other vehicles outside of the vehicle300, determine the number of passengers inside the vehicle300, or the like. For example, the microphones/cameras303may be able to track how close the vehicle300is to other vehicles on the road.

The accelerometer(s)304may be used to determine the acceleration and/or other movement of the vehicle300. For example, the accelerometer(s)304may be configured to determine when the vehicle300is accelerated abruptly, brakes hard, turns sharply, or the like. The accelerometer(s)304may be configured to measure both a direction and intensity of acceleration, such that the accelerometer(s)304may be configured to determine the intensity with which the vehicle300accelerates or decelerates in a particular direction.

The input monitoring devices305may be configured to monitor user input with respect to the vehicle300. Such user input may comprise, for example, turning the steering wheel, using any pedals (including a clutch pedal), use of vehicle entertainment systems, or the like. The input monitoring devices305may thereby be configured to determine whether a user is driving the vehicle300, is present in the vehicle300, or the like. For example, if the vehicle300is in motion and the steering wheel of the vehicle300is not moving, this may indicate operation of the autonomous driving algorithm307. The input monitoring devices305may communicate such information via the on-board diagnostics system301.

The global positioning system306may be comprised to determine a location of the vehicle. Additionally and/or alternatively, the global positioning system306(or other sensors, such as the on-board diagnostics301) may be configured to determine current lighting and/or weather conditions. The global positioning system306may be used to determine, for example, whether the vehicle300is on a highway, a back road, or the like. As discussed below, such information may be useful in that it indicates circumstances in which the autonomous driving algorithm307is operating.

The autonomous driving algorithm307may be any application, system, and/or combination of systems which may operate to perform one or more driving tasks associated with the vehicle300. The autonomous driving algorithm307may, for example, operate to keep the vehicle300in its lane during driving, keep the vehicle300from hitting the back of other vehicles in front of the vehicle300, and/or prevent a driver of the vehicle from steering into another vehicle located in a blind spot of the vehicle300. The autonomous driving algorithm307may have multiple routines and/or subroutines. For example, the autonomous driving algorithm307may assist in two different driving tasks (e.g., accelerating and braking as part of a cruise control algorithm).

Autonomous driving algorithms, such as the autonomous driving algorithm307, may be categorized into one of six different levels defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Level 0 driving may correspond to no autonomous driving whatsoever, though some systems may exist to aid the driver during the driving task. Level 1 may correspond to a single automated system for driver assistance, such as steering and/or accelerating (such as in the case of cruise control). Level 2 may correspond to partial automation, such as where the vehicle may perform some tasks as monitored by a driver. Level 3 may correspond to conditional automation, where the autonomous driving algorithm307may handle most tasks until taken over by a user. Level 4 may correspond to high automation, where the vehicle performs all driving tasks under certain circumstances (e.g., in a specific location as determined by the global positioning system306), but driver override is still available. Level 5 may correspond to full automation, where no human involvement is involved. Autonomous driving algorithms, such as the autonomous driving algorithm307, may be marketed as being one or more of these levels in different circumstances. That said, the marketing of these algorithms does not necessarily guarantee that the autonomous driving algorithm307is capable of performing these tasks as expected in all circumstances. For example, it is very possible that an autonomous driving algorithm, such as the autonomous driving algorithm307, may be marketed as a Level 5 algorithm but may not perform Level 5 driving in all circumstances at desired level of safety.

The display device308may be configured to display content to a driver and/or other passengers of the vehicle300. For example, the display device308may display a map based on information from the global positioning system306. The display device308may also be configured to display information associated with the autonomous driving algorithm307, such as an operational status of the autonomous driving algorithm307. Additionally and/or alternatively, the display device308may be configured to display messages received from one or more computing devices. For example, the display device308may be configured to display a message indicating that a new version of the autonomous driving algorithm307is available to download and install.

FIG.4is a flow chart depicting an example process which may be performed by a computing device to track driver behavior in automobiles and predict driver behavior in automobiles, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. The steps shown inFIG.4are illustrative, and may be rearranged, delayed, and/or omitted as desired. For example, determining the second performance metrics in step402may occur after comparing the vehicles in step403. The steps shown inFIG.4may be performed by a computing device, such as any of the devices shown inFIG.1, the server200ofFIG.2, and/or any other computing device configured to perform the functions described herein, such as an on-board computing device and/or a computing device having one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to perform the steps shown inFIG.4.

In step401, first performance metrics may be determined for a first vehicle, such as vehicle201shown inFIG.2, and in step402, second performance metrics may be determined for a second vehicle, such as vehicle202inFIG.2. In both cases, sensors, systems, and devices, such as those depicted inFIG.3, may be used to track a performance of a user driving one or more vehicles. For example, the first performance metrics may indicate a performance of a truck when driven by a user, and the second performance metrics may indicate a performance of a sports car when driven by the user. Though only two sets of performance metrics are described with respect to steps401and402, any quantity of performance metrics may be determined for any number of different automobiles. For example, there may be fifty different performance metrics, each corresponding to a different vehicle that has been driven by a user.

Performance metrics may be any subjective or objective measurement of the performance of a vehicle, such as any one or more of the vehicles201,202,203,300, when being driven by a user. Such performance metrics may be derived from telematics data received from the sensors, systems and devices referenced inFIG.3. For example, a performance metric may correspond to whether or not a driver or autonomous driving algorithm is prone to hard braking (e.g., number of hard braking occurrences in a predetermined time period), sudden acceleration (e.g., acceleration over a predetermined distance), hard turns, swerving, wheel slippage, revving an engine of the vehicle300(and/or any one of the vehicles depicted inFIG.2) close to its redline, or the like. As another example, a performance metric may correspond to an average speed, acceleration, distance traveled, or other similar information about the objective performance of a vehicle such as the vehicle300(and/or any one of the vehicles depicted inFIG.2). Such information may be derived from telematics data received from any of the sensors, systems and/or devices discussed with respect toFIG.3, including a combination thereof. The performance metrics may thereby provide detail as to the overall objective and/or subjective performance of a driver and/or autonomous driving algorithm.

In step403, the vehicles used to determine the first performance metrics in step401(e.g., vehicle201) and the second performance metrics in step402(e.g., vehicle202) may be compared to determine one or more vehicle differences. A vehicle difference may pertain to the type of the vehicles (e.g., car versus truck), properties of the vehicles (e.g., horsepower, size, weight, cost, age), or any other differences between two different vehicles. For example, one vehicle may be an older subcompact automobile, whereas another vehicle may be a newer diesel truck. As another example, two vehicles may both be the same make, model, and year, but may be of a different color and/or may have a different mileage.

The differences determined in step403may pertain to how a driver may differently handle the vehicle. For example, an older truck may be more difficult to drive than a newer subcompact car. As another example, a heavier, higher horsepower vehicle may be harder to handle as compared to a lighter, lower horsepower vehicle. As yet another example, a driver may drive a brightly-colored car slightly more recklessly than a dark-colored car.

The vehicle differences determined in step403may comprise determining differences in autonomous driving algorithms provided by the vehicles. A vehicle, such as the vehicle300and/or any one of the vehicles depicted inFIG.2, may execute one or more autonomous driving algorithms, such as the autonomous driving algorithm307. Vehicles may be different in that they provide different levels of autonomous driving which may influence how well a driver may be able to drive. For example, an autonomous driving algorithm which provides nearly hands-free driving will result in better driving performance, regardless of driver skill, as compared to a relatively less robust autonomous driving algorithm. As such, vehicle differences pertaining to autonomous driving algorithm may be used to weight, ignore, or otherwise modify consideration of performance metrics collected during operation of vehicles.

In step404, the performance metrics (such as the first performance metrics determined in step401and the second performance metrics determined in step402) may be compared. Comparing the performance metrics may comprise determining a behavioral difference of a user when driving different vehicles, such as the first vehicle and the second vehicle. Comparing the performance metrics may additionally and/or alternatively comprise determining qualitative and/or quantitative differences between the performance metrics. A qualitative difference may comprise, for example, a determination that a user more gently brakes in one automobile (e.g., a luxury sedan) as compared to another (e.g., a sports car). A quantitative difference may comprise, for example, a determination that a driver is prone to driving a first type of vehicle (e.g., sports sedans) faster on average than a second type of vehicle (e.g., minivans).

The behavioral difference determined by comparing the performance metrics in step404may determine a difference in the way a driver uses different vehicles and/or types of vehicles. For example, the driver may commonly drive a first vehicle (and/or first type of vehicle) with a different quantity of passengers (e.g., a different average quantity of passengers) as compared to a second vehicle (and/or a second type of vehicle).

Comparing the performance metrics may comprise using a machine learning algorithm to evaluate and/or compare the performance metrics. A machine learning model may be trained using various performance metrics (e.g., performance metrics tagged as indicating safe driving and performance metrics tagged as indicating unsafe driving), such that the machine learning model may be configured to evaluate whether all or portions of performance metrics correspond to safe and/or unsafe driving. Such information may be used to compare performance metrics. For example, a machine learning model may indicate that first performance metrics (e.g., example performance metrics) correspond to safe driving, and second performance metrics correspond to unsafe driving, such that the same driver drives a first vehicle more safely than a second vehicle. The machine learning model may thereby be trained, based on training sets of performance data, whether new performance data indicates safe or unsafe driving, proficient or unskilled driving, or the like.

The behavioral difference may comprise a determination that a driver drives a first vehicle (and/or first type of vehicle) in a more distracted and/or more reckless manner as compared to a second vehicle (and/or second type of vehicle). Performance metrics may suggest distracted driving through one or more instances of a driver not paying attention to a driving task, whereas performance metrics may suggest reckless driving through one or more instances of a driver operating in a vehicle that increases the likelihood of danger, such as a wreck. Determining that a driver drives a vehicle in a distracted manner may comprise determining, for example, that the driver's eyes are more likely to look at a smartphone (e.g., as determined by a camera, such as one of the microphones/cameras303), the driver is more likely to talk on the phone and/or with a certain kind of passenger (e.g., as determined by one or more of the microphones/cameras303and/or via the smartphone302), is less likely to keep control of a steering wheel (e.g., as determined using the input monitoring devices305), or the like. Determining that a driver drives a vehicle in a reckless manner may comprise, for example, determining that the vehicle regularly drives over a speed limit (e.g., as determined using the on-board diagnostics system301and/or the global positioning system306), gets excessively close to nearby cars or objects (e.g., as determined via a camera of the microphones/cameras303), turns so sharply as to drift on the road (e.g., as determined by the accelerometer(s)304), or the like.

The behavioral difference may comprise a pattern of behavior, such as behaviors over time. For example, a user may always exceed the speed limit when on a highway at night, but not during the daytime. Such a behavioral pattern may relate to times of day (e.g., daytime, nighttime, after work, etc.), locations (e.g., a highway, back roads), a number of passengers (e.g., such that a driver may have a propensity to go slower when children are in the car), or the like.

In step405, based on comparing the performance metrics in step404and/or the vehicle differences, third performance metrics which predict how a driver would drive a third vehicle may be determined. The third performance metrics may be determined with respect to the same driver as with respect to steps401and402but with respect to one or more vehicles different from the vehicles in steps401and402. As such, the third performance metrics may predict, based on how the driver drove the first vehicle and the second vehicle, how the driver would drive a third vehicle, whether or not the driver has driven the third vehicle before.

Determining the third performance metrics may comprise predicting how behavior of a driver with respect to the first vehicle and/or second vehicle would apply to the third vehicle. For example, if the first performance metrics and/or second performance metrics suggest that the driver is prone to driving rental vehicles recklessly (as determined using the factors discussed above, such as the driver driving rental vehicles over the speed limit), then, if the third vehicle is a rental vehicle, the third performance metrics may indicate predicted reckless driving. As another example, if the first performance metrics correspond to a subcompact car and the second performance metrics correspond to a large truck, and if the second performance metrics are considerably worse than the first performance metrics, it may be derived that the driver does not have the adequate driving skills to handle large trucks, such as a third vehicle that is a large truck.

In this manner, the third performance metrics may comprise a prediction of future driving activity by the driver. Such predictions may be based on, among other considerations, the predicted time, location, and use of the third vehicle (e.g., vehicle203inFIG.2). For example, the third performance metrics may be different based on whether the third vehicle is predicted to be used in poor weather conditions, at night, or the like.

In step406, it is determined whether one or more third vehicles have been requested by the driver. The one or more third vehicles may correspond to the third performance metrics determined in step405. Such a request may comprise, for example, a request to rent the one or more third vehicles. Additionally and/or alternatively, such a request may be to purchase the one or more third vehicles, to add the one or more third vehicles to an insurance policy, or the like. If the one or more third vehicles have been requested, the flow chart proceeds to step407. Otherwise, the flow chart proceeds to step409.

In step407, it is determined whether to provide the driver access to the one or more third vehicles. Providing access to the one or more third vehicles may depend on all or portions of the third performance metrics satisfying a threshold. For example, if the third performance metrics do not satisfy a safety threshold, the driver may be refused access to the automobile. If access is provided, the flow chart may proceed to step408. Otherwise, the flow chart proceeds to step409.

In step408, access to the one or more third vehicles may be provided to the driver. Providing access may comprise, for example, transmitting an indication to an individual (e.g., the owner of the one or more third vehicles) that access should be granted. Providing access may additionally and/or alternatively comprise remotely unlocking the one or more third vehicles, adding the one or more vehicles to an insurance policy, or the like. As such, the requested vehicle referenced in step406need not be a vehicle that the driver plans to drive soon, but might, for example, be a vehicle that the requesting driver plans to purchase and/or rent in the future.

Providing access to the driver in step408may comprise receiving additional approvals to provide the one or more third vehicles to the user. For example, indications of the one or more third performance metrics may be transmitted to an owner of the one or more third vehicles, and, in response, an indication of whether to provide the requesting user access to the one or more third vehicles may be received. Additionally and/or alternatively, approvals to provide access to the driver in step408may be received from one or more insurance companies, banks, or the like.

In step409, if the one or more third vehicles are not requested as determined in step406and/or if access is not provided in step407, then the one or more third performance metrics may be sent to, e.g., another computing device. Sending the one or more third performance metrics may comprise transmitting, to the driver, an indication of the one or more third performance metrics. The one or more third performance metrics may be displayed, e.g., on the display device308of the vehicle300. For example, a driver may be provided tips for improving their driving performance, and/or may be told one or more reasons why they were refused access to the one or more third vehicles. Additionally and/or alternatively, as part of step409, a summary of the one or more third vehicles may be transmitted to a second user that owns the one or more third vehicles.

FIG.5shows an event sequence comprising steps which may be performed to predict performance metrics.FIG.5shows the first vehicle201, the second vehicle202, and the server200. The first vehicle201and the second vehicle202may be the same or similar to the first vehicle and second vehicle as referenced with respect to step401and step402ofFIG.4. As discussed, each of first vehicle201and second vehicle202may include one or more components described with respect to vehicle300inFIG.3. The server200may be any computing device, such as an on-board computing device, a smartphone (such as the smartphone302), or the like. For example, the server200may be the same or a similar computing device as the computing device that performs the steps ofFIG.4.

In step501, first telematics data may be sent from the first vehicle201(e.g., one or more sensors, devices or systems in or associated with first vehicle201) to the server200. The first telematics data may be generated by the first vehicle201using one or more devices, systems or sensors, such as the devices, systems and/or sensors described with respect toFIG.3. In step502, and based on the first telematics data, first performance metrics may be determined. This process may be the same or similar as described with respect to step401ofFIG.4.

In step502, second telematics data may be sent from the second vehicle202to the server200. The second telematics data may be generated by the second vehicle202(e.g., one or more sensors, systems or devices in or associated with the second vehicle) using one or more devices, systems, and/or sensors, such as the devices, systems, and/or sensors described with respect toFIG.2. Then, in step503, and based on the second telematics data, second performance metrics may be determined. This process may be the same or similar as described with respect to step402ofFIG.4.

In step505, the server200may compare the vehicles (e.g., the first vehicle201and the second vehicle202). This step may be the same or similar as described with respect to step403ofFIG.4.

In step506, the server200may compare the performance metrics (e.g., the performance metrics determined in steps502and504). This step may be the same or similar as described with respect to step404ofFIG.4.

In step507, the server200may determine, based on the comparisons (e.g., the comparison in step505and/or the comparison in step506), third performance metrics for a third vehicle203. The third performance metrics may be predicted using, for example, a machine learning model. The machine learning model may be trained using, for instance, sets of performance metrics such that the machine learning model may be trained to predict performance metrics corresponding to a third vehicle based on performance metrics corresponding to a first vehicle and a second vehicle. Step507may involve the same or similar processes as described with respect to step405ofFIG.4.

FIG.6shows an event sequence comprising steps which may be performed for providing access, based on predicted third performance metrics, to the third vehicle203, which may additionally and/or alternatively be referred to as a requested vehicle.FIG.6may comprise a continuation ofFIG.5, such that the steps shown inFIG.6may follow step506ofFIG.5. InFIG.6, the server200may be the same or similar as compared toFIGS.2and5.FIG.6also introduces a vehicle owner device601. The vehicle owner device601may comprise, for example, a smartphone or other similar computing device, such as those described with respect toFIG.1. The third vehicle203may include the same or similar components as the vehicle300ofFIG.3

In step602, the server200may transmit the predicted third performance metrics (e.g., the third performance metrics predicted in step506) to the vehicle owner device601. This step may comprise transmitting an indication that the third vehicle203has been requested by a particular driver. For example, step602may comprise transmitting information about the driver associated with the third performance metrics, including the requesting driver's name and how the requesting driver is predicted to treat the third vehicle203when driving the third vehicle203.

In step603, the vehicle owner device601may transmit, to the server200, an approval. The approval may indicate that the driver requesting access to the third vehicle203is permitted to access the requested vehicle602. The approval need not be in any particular format, though the approval may be formatted and/or otherwise encrypted so as to ensure that the approval cannot be spoofed or otherwise faked by an unauthorized user.

In step604, based on receiving the approval transmitted in step603, the server200may transmit an unlock command to the third vehicle203. The unlock command may cause one or more locks on the third vehicle203to unlock, thereby providing a requesting driver with access to the third vehicle203. In this manner, a requesting driver might be provided access to a vehicle remotely, and based on the way in which that requesting driver is predicted to treat the third vehicle203. Such an unlock command may be particularly advantageous for certain types of peer-to-peer car sharing services, as some cars may be equipped with devices which allow the owner to remotely monitor and loan the third vehicle203.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are described as example implementations of the following claims.