WO2001016910A1

WO2001016910A1 - Apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving

Info

Publication number: WO2001016910A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/003318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Nigel Clegg
Original assignee: Peter Nigel Clegg
Priority date: 1999-08-31
Filing date: 2000-08-29
Publication date: 2001-03-08
Also published as: GB2368708B; GB2368708A; GB0204020D0; AU6715700A

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for enabling drivers (4) to monitor how alert they are whilst driving, which apparatus (2) comprises: timer means (6) for causing an operating sequence in which first and second time periods are generated with the first time period being a no-action time period and the second time period being a response period in which a driver (4) is required to take action and cause recommencement of the operating sequence; response means (8) which requires a response in the second time period; sound generating means (10) for generating a first sound for indicating the commencement of the second time period, and for generating a second sound for indicating an alarm condition if the driver (4) fails to provide the response for the response means (8) in the second time period; battery holder means (16) for receiving at least one battery for providing electrical power for the apparatus (2); a housing (24) containing at least one of the timer means (6), the response means (8), the sound generating means (10), and the battery holder means (16); and mounting means (12) for mounting the housing (2) on a steering wheel (14) of a vehicle.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ENABLING DRIVERS TO MONITOR HOW ALERT THEY ARE WHILST DRIVING

This invention relates to apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving.

There are different known types of apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving. The known different types of apparatus suffer from various disadvantages. Thus, for example, one known type of the apparatus is disclosed in USA Patent No. 5012226. This known apparatus comprises timer means for generating two time periods, and alarm means. The apparatus is portable but it is designed to be mounted on or under a vehicle dashboard. The apparatus is powered by the vehicle battery via the vehicle cigarette lighter socket. Generally, the apparatus is still too bulky for convenient installation in a vehicle, and the provision of power via the cigarette lighter socket and an associated lead is not always convenient . Another known type of apparatus is disclosed in international patent application No. WO 9616830. This known apparatus comprises timer means for generating two time periods, and alarm means and steering wheel mounted response means. However, its component parts are separated and located in different parts of the vehicle. The parts are required to communicate with one another by means of radio or infra-red transmitters/receivers. Several other types of apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are disclosed in international patent application publication No. WO 9829847. Some of these known types of apparatus may fit to a steering wheel but they are all complicated and over engineered. International patent application publication No. WO 9807126 discloses a further known type of apparatus which fits to a steering wheel but this type of apparatus is dependent upon a driver having a predetermined hand grip on sensing means mounted on the steering wheel . An alarm is indicated when the hand grip is slightly loosened but it is not always convenient for a driver, even when alert, to maintain the same hand grip pressure on the sensing means.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving, which apparatus reduces or obviates the above mentioned problems with the known apparatus.

Accordingly, in one non- limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving, which apparatus comprises : timer means for causing an operating sequence in which first and second time periods are generated with the first time period being a no-action time period and the second time period being a response period in which a driver is required to take action and cause re-commencement of the operating sequence; response means which requires a response in the second time period; sound generating means for generating a first sound for indicating the commencement of the second time period, and for generating a second sound for indicating an alarm condition if the driver fails to provide the response for the response means in the second time period; battery holder means for receiving at least one battery for providing electrical power for the apparatus; a housing containing at least one of the timer means, the response means, the sound generating means, and the battery holder means; and mounting means for mounting the housing on a steering wheel of a vehicle .

The apparatus of the present invention is battery operated with its own battery or batteries. This enables the apparatus to be completely self-contained and so it does not need wires providing power, for example from the vehicle battery via a cigarette lighter socket. This in turns means that the apparatus of the present invention is able to be mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle, which is a convenient place for enabling a driver to provide the response for the response means, whilst maintaining his or her hands on the steering wheel and thus having full control over the vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention is able to be produced to a small size and in a simple manner with a minimum of components in order to keep manufacturing costs to the minimum. The mounting means for mounting the apparatus on the steering wheel of the vehicle is such that the apparatus can be sold as an accessory. The mounting means is such as to enable the apparatus easily to be removed in the vehicle and only used during times when drivers are likely to become sleepy, for example on long journeys, and especially on motorways. Additionally the apparatus can be transferred easily from vehicle to vehicle.

The apparatus may be one in which the housing contains at least the timer means, the sound generating means, and the battery holder means. If desired, the housing may also contain the response means.

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the mounting means mounts the apparatus on the peripheral rim of the steering wheel and such that the apparatus is positioned substantially within the profile of the rim of the steering wheel, whereby the driver is able to turn the steering wheel during driving with minimal effect from the apparatus and an instrumentation panel of the vehicle is only minimally obscured. The driver is thus able easily to run his or her hand around the periphery of the steering wheel. The driver is easily able to reach the response means . The mounting means preferably extends onto the rim of the steering wheel .

In an alternative embodiment of the device, the response means may be separate from the housing containing the timer means, the sound generating means, and the battery holder means but connected to the housing by a short two-wire cable. The response means would have its own mounting means enabling it to be connected to the peripheral rim of the steering wheel in a location adjacent to the main housing. In such an arrangement the response means would be mounted close to the surface of the peripheral rim of the steering wheel allowing the driver maximumn comfort whilst maintaining his or her thumb in position on the response means.

In a further possible embodiment of the apparatus, the response means could be separate from the housing containing the timer means, the sound generating means and the battey holder means, but mounted on the driver's thumb or a finger. The response means may be operated by pressing it against the peripheral rim of the steering wheel as the rim is gripped in a manner comfortable for the driver. The connection between the response means and the housing could be in the form of a fixed length two-wire cable or possibly a spring loaded reel of cable extending out from the housing which would automatically rewind as the response means attached to the hand is moved closer to the housing. A further possible alternative connection between the response means and the housing could be in the form of an infra-red or radio wave transmitter built into the response means and a corresponding receiver contained in the housing. The response means in this particular alternative would require a separate battery to power the transmitter described above. Reliable and effective communication between the transmitter and receiver would be effected by the close proximity and limited variation in alignment between the housing and the response means when the hand is holding the steering wheel .

In a further possible embodiment of the device, the response means could be separate and mounted on the peripheral rim of the steering wheel, and the housing containing the timer means, the sound generating means, and the battery holder means may be mounted on the central part of the steering wheel and connected to the response means by a short two-wire cable. The means of mounting the housing on the central part of the steering wheel may be by Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) pad. One pad would be adhered to a flat back of the housing and the other pad adhered to the central part of the steering wheel by the user at initial installation stage. The housing could be easily attached and detached by the user as required in a similar manner to the other suggested embodiments. Since both parts of the device are attached to the steering wheel, no restriction of the turning motion of the steering wheel would be caused by the short cable connecting the two parts .

In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting means is so connected to the housing that the housing is fixed with respect to the mounting means, and is centrally positioned with respect to the mounting means. The apparatus may then be one in which there is one centrally located response means to allow right handed or left handed operation by the driver. Alternatively, if desired, the apparatus may include two of the response means, preferably located one at each end of the apparatus to allow right- handed or left-handed operation.

The apparatus of the invention is preferably one in which the mounting means is a flexible strap. The strap is preferably held at one end and tightened at the other end by the use of anchor bars and is held tight with Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) or similar interlocking plastics material members. Alternatively, the strap may be fixed at one end and tightened at the other end by the use of a lever whose attachment to the strap is located at an offset distance from the pivot . The strap may be fastened by any other suitable and appropriate means.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mounting means is a clamp. The clamp is preferably a two part clamp. The two parts of the clamp may be fastened together by a nut and bolt arrangement, or any other suitable and appropriate fastening means. Mounting means other than straps or clamps may be employed so that, for example the mounting means may be a spring clip arrangement .

The response means is preferably a push button. Other types of response means may however be employed so that the response means may alternatively be a lever or a pressure pad.

The timer means is preferably a peripheral interface controller. The peripheral interface controller timer means enables the apparatus to be manufactured in a conveniently small manner so that the apparatus then fits neatly and easily on the steering wheel and does not unduly obscure the instruments on the instrument panel .

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the first time period is of a randomly chosen length, whereby the first time period is of different lengths during operation of the apparatus over a plurality of the operating sequences. The first time period may be for example, from 5 - 40 seconds. Other time periods may be employed for the first time period.

If desired, the first time period may be one of a plurality of possible first time periods. Thus, for example, there could be two possible first time periods with one first time period being from 5 - 40 seconds and the other first time period being from 20 - 200 seconds. The driver could then have the choice of switching between the first two time periods using an appropriate sequence of switch presses. One first time period could give a first frequency alert check sound signal, and the other first time period could give a second frequency alert check sound signal . Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the second time period is a fixed time period. The fixed time period may be, for example, 0.8 seconds. Other fixed time periods may be employed. The second time period could be a varying time period if desired. The second time period could be a value which is calibrated to suit the individual user. This would be determined by the user selecting to follow a calibration routine of button presses as stored in and controlled by the peripheral interface controller.

The first sound is preferably of a fixed duration. Preferably, the first sound is of 0.5 second duration. A longer or shorter time period may be employed. The first sound may also be of an intermittent duration if desired.

Preferably, the second sound is a continuous two-tone warble sound but it may be another continuous sound or an intermittent sound if desired.

The apparatus may be one in which the second sound continues for a fixed period of 2.5 seconds. Longer or shorter durations may be employed. Alternatively, the second sound may continue until the response is made for the response means .

In a preferred embodiment proportions of the first sound are in a sequence of two sounds or a sequence of three sounds. The driver is required to respond to these signals by two or three activations of the response means respectively. The preferred proportions are 1 in 10 of the first sound signals on a sequence of two sounds and 1 in 10 on a sequence of three sounds. Higher or lower proportions may be employed.

The apparatus may be one in which the second sound is accompanied by a visual alarm. The visual alarm may be a light emitting diode visual alarm. Alternatively, it may be such that the first alarm is followed by a visual alarm during the second time period, ie indicating that a response is required. Other types of visual alarm may be employed.

The apparatus may include means for protecting the steering wheel from the mounting means and/or for ensuring a tight non-slip fit of the apparatus on the steering wheel. Preferably, the said means is a set of moulded inserts of different sizes and designs employed for different steering wheels. In the preferred embodiment, three different moulded inserts are used. A smaller or larger number of inserts may be employed. The preferred embodiment includes a thin neoprene rubber patch attached to the strap to improve grip by friction. Other means may be employed so that, for example, compressible foam may be employed for protecting the steering wheel from the mounting means and/or ensuring a tight non-slip fit of the apparatus on the steering wheel. Alternatively, a thermoplastic means for protecting the steering wheel from the mounting means and/or for ensuring a tight non-slip fit of the apparatus on the steering wheel may be employed. The apparatus of the present invention may be made from any suitable and appropriate materials including plastics materials, fabric, rubber and metals.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of first apparatus of the invention mounted on a steering wheel;

Figure 2 shows in more detail the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a section on line X - X shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view looking from the top of the view shown in Figure 2 ;

Figures 5 and 6 are flow charts of the sequence of operation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a circuit employed in the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figures 8 - 13 show cross sections of the apparatus in Figure 1 fixed against a variety of sizes and shapes of steering wheel cross sections and includes three different sized inserts fitted to the back of the apparatus to facilitate the fixing.

Referring to Figures 1 - 6, there is shown apparatus 2 for enabling a driver 4 to monitor how alert he or she is whilst driving. The apparatus 2 comprises timer means 6 as shown in Figures 6 and 7 for causing an operating sequence in which first and second time periods are generated with the first time period being a no-action time period and the second time period being a response period in which the driver 4 is required to take action to cause recommencement of the operating sequence. The apparatus 2 further comprises response means 8 which requires a response in the second time period.

The apparatus 2 still further comprises sound generating means 10 for generating a first sound for indicating the commencing of the second period, and for generating a second sound for indicating an alarm condition if the driver 4 fails to provide the response for the response means 8 in the second time period.

The apparatus 2 still further comprises mounting means 12 on a steering wheel 14 of a vehicle.

The apparatus 2 still further comprises battery holder means in the form of two battery holders 16 for receiving two batteries (not shown) for providing electrical power for the apparatus 2. Each battery holder 16 is for receiving a battery in the form of a button cell .

The mounting means 12 mounts the apparatus 2 on a peripheral rim 18 of the steering wheel. The apparatus 2 is positioned substantially within the width of the rim 18 of the steering wheel, whereby the driver 4 is able to turn the steering wheel with minimal effect from the apparatus 2. Thus the driver can still run his hands 20 around the rim 18 of the steering wheel. The driver can also easily touch the response means 8 with his thumb 22. The mounting means 12 connects to a housing 24 containing the timer means 6, the response means 8, the sound generating means 10, and the two battery holders 16.

As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 2 is arranged for right-handed response by the driver 4. The mounting means 12 is connected to the housing 24 by two anchor bars 26 and 27.

As can best be appreciated from Figure 3, the mounting means 12 is a flexible strap 28 fixed to the lower anchor bar 26 and looped around the upper anchor bar 27. The strap 28 is secured in its tightened position with Velcro 30. Slippage between the strap 28 and the rim 18 is minimised by use of a neoprene rubber strip 32 adhered to the strap 28. The mounting means 12 can thus easily be located on and removed from the rim 18 of the steering wheel .

The response means 8 is a push button response means. The timer means 6 is a peripheral interface controller timer means. The peripheral interface controller timer means 6 is able to be produced in a small size so that the entire apparatus 2 can easily fit to the rim 18 of the steering wheel, and so that the apparatus 2 does not unduly obscure vehicle instrument 38, 40 on a vehicle instrument panel 42.

The first time period is a randomly chosen length, whereby the first time period is of different lengths during operation of the apparatus over a plurality of the operating sequences. More specifically, the first time period is a randomly chosen length of from 5 - 40 seconds.

The second time period is a fixed time period. More specifically, the fixed time period is of 0.8 seconds duration.

The first sound is of a fixed duration and it lasts for 0.5 seconds. The second sound is a continuous sound and it lasts for 2.5 seconds.

The apparatus 2 is switched on/off by prolonged depressions of the push button switch 8 enabling the apparatus to be switched off when it is not required, for example on short sections of a long journey where the driver is required to make a significant number of operations of the hand controls of the vehicle, for example at the beginning and end of a journey, at intermediate stops and at infrequent junctions, such as roundabouts and traffic lights, on long stretches of dual carriageways.

The apparatus 2 is such that it can quickly and easily be attached to the rim 18 of the steering wheel when it is required, and it can equally quickly and easily be removed when it is not required. Generally, the apparatus 2 will be used on relatively long journeys on comparatively straight roads, for example on motorways and dual carriageways. It is on such relatively long journeys on comparatively straight roads that drivers tend to become drowsy. The drivers are not normally required to take a large number of demanding driving actions such as braking, accelerating, large steering wheel movements, or gear changing. Under such circumstances, drowsiness tends to creep on the driver. The apparatus 2 can easily be switched on or off via the push button switch 8. In order to do this, it is not necessary for the driver 4 to remove his hand 20 from the steering wheel. This allows the driver 4 to control the use of the apparatus 2 as appropriate to suit varying driving conditions as may be encountered at different stages of a journey. Immediately the apparatus 2 is switched on, it emits a short audible signal to confirm that it is powered and active.

As indicated above, the apparatus 2 produces a short audible signal of 0.5 seconds duration at time intervals which vary randomly between 5 - 40 seconds. The driver 4 is required to respond via the response means 8 within a period of 0.8 seconds immediately following the short audible signal. If the driver responds satisfactorily, the apparatus 2 is reset. If the driver 4 fails to respond in the required period, then at the end of the 0.8 seconds, a continuous audible signal is emitted for 2.5 seconds after which the apparatus 2 is reset .

The apparatus 2 employs circuit logic as shown in Figures 5 and 6. More specifically, and referring to Figures 5 and 6, the logic control is provided in the electronic circuit by an 8 pin integrated circuit chip 46 which is shown in Figure 7 and which is programmed in accordance with the logic steps shown in Figures 5 and 6. Sound is produced by the sound generating means 10 which is in the form of a piezoelectric sounder. This gives a high pitched penetrating sound which warbles between two different high pitches. To provide a reinforcing signal for the driver 4, in addition to the 0.5 second audible signal, a light emitting diode 48 lights at the start of the 0.8 second time period and turns off when the response means 8 is pressed or, if not, at the end of the 0.8 second period.

The mounting means 12 and the housing 24 are designed to minimise interference with the normal grip of the steering wheel during motorway type driving conditions, and also with typical hand movements over the rim 18 when making sharp turns such as are frequently made during in- town driving conditions. The driver thus does not feel compelled to remove the apparatus 2 from the rim 18 of the steering wheel when the apparatus 2 is switched off during town driving conditions.

The apparatus 2 is sufficiently small that it obscures only a small proportion of the view of the driver 4 of the instrument panel 42. In right-hand drive countries such as the United Kingdom, the apparatus 2 is operated with the thumb 22 of the right-hand 20 of the driver 4. This facilitates gear changing if necessary with the left-hand.

As mentioned above, the response means 8 is a push button response means. This type of response means is in effect a driver response push button switch and it is one which produces an audible double click when pressed and released due to its mechanical construction. This mechanical double click provides an audible signal to the driver 4, and additionally to passengers within hearing range. This click is in addition to a 0.25 second audible signal produced simultaneously by the piezo when the driver makes a response with the push button switch. This mechanical double click audible signal reinforced by the simultaneous piezo signal is thus an indication of the time delay between the sounding of the first short audible signal and the response of the driver 4. This time delay provides a means for passengers to monitor the reaction time of the driver, in addition to the self monitoring being conducted by the driver 4.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a circuit 44 powered by two 1.5 volt button cell batteries 47. The power supply from the batteries 47 is controlled by the push button switch 8 and the peripheral interface controller 46.

A lOOnF capacitor .50 is connected across the positive terminal of the peripheral interface controller 46 and ground, ie the negative side of the batteries 47. The peripheral interface controller 46 has a program stored within it and which is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The stored program allows the peripheral interface controller 46 to operate as a timing device in accordance with the logic shown on the flow charts in Figures 5 and 6. The response means 8 in the form of a push switch is provided to allow the user to provide an input signal to the peripheral interface controller in response to the timing periods generated by the peripheral interface controller. These timing periods are signalled to the driver 4 by the sound generating means, and optionally by the light emitting diode 48. The light emitting diode 48 is associated with a protective resistor 52. The sound generating means 10 is connected across two of the pins of the chip 46.

Figure 2 shows the apparatus arranged to be symmetrical about a centre line of the mounting means 12. The driver 4 can then choose to locate the apparatus 2 so that it is operated with the left thumb or the right thumb. This facilitates use of the device in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles. The thumb 22 is able to rest comfortably on the response means 8, whilst at the same time the steering wheel is able to be safely gripped.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the mounting means 12 shown in the drawings may be a clamp or a tensioned clip instead of a flexible strap. A set of variously shaped and sized inserts 54, 56, 58 fitted by the driver 4 to suit the size and shape of the cross section of the rim 18 of the steering wheel 14 are shown in Figures 8 - 13. A user-moulded insert may be used as an alternative to using the set of inserts.

The apparatus 2 will usually be sold as an accessory.

The apparatus 2 allows the driver 4 to self- monitor his reaction time in response to an audible signal which is produced by the apparatus 2 at random time intervals. The driver 2 is able to use this information to guide his judgement as to his level of alertness, and to take a break from driving if the driver 4 feels that he is not sufficiently alert to drive safely.

The apparatus may use one or more batteries as may be desired. The apparatus 2 may also be used with equal effectiveness by all drivers, both male and female, and young and old.

Claims

1. Apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving, which apparatus comprises: timer means for causing an operating sequence in which first and second time periods are generated with the first time period being a no-action time period and the second time period being a response period in which a driver is required to take action and cause re -commencement of the operating sequence; response means which requires a response in the second time period; sound generating means for generating a first sound for indicating the commencement of the second time period, and for generating a second sound for indicating an alarm condition if the driver fails to provide the response for the response means in the second time period; battery holder means for receiving at least one battery for providing electrical power for the apparatus; a housing containing at least one of the timer means, the response means, the sound generating means, and the battery holder means; and mounting means for mounting the housing on a steering wheel of a vehicle.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the housing contains at least the timer means, the sound generating means and the battery holder means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the housing also contains the response means.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mounting means mounts the housing on the peripheral rim of the steering wheel and such that the apparatus is positioned substantially within the profile of the rim of the steering wheel, whereby the driver is able to turn the steering wheel during driving with minimal effect from the apparatus and an instrumentation panel of the vehicle is only minimally obscured.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the mounting means extends onto the rim of the steering wheel .

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which the mounting means is so connected to the housing that the housing is fixed with respect to the mounting means, and is centrally positioned with respect to the mounting means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which there is one centrally located response means to allow right-handed or left-handed operation by the driver.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6 in which there are two of the response means .

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mounting means is a flexible strap.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8 in which the mounting means is a clamp.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the response means is a push button.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the timer is a programmable integrated circuit.

13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first time period is of a randomly chosen length, whereby the first time period is of different lengths during operation of the apparatus over a plurality of the operating sequences.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first time period is from 5 - 40 seconds.

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second time period is a fixed time period.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the fixed time period is 0.8 seconds.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-14 in which the second time period is a value which is calibrated to suit the individual user.

18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first sound is of a fixed duration.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the first sound is of 0.5 seconds duration.

20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first sound is a sequence of two sounds or a sequence of three sounds .

21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second sound is a continuous two-tone warble sound.

22. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second sound continues for a fixed period of 2.5 seconds .

23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first sound is followed by a visual alarm.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23 in which the visual alarm is a light emitting diode visual alarm.

25. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including means for protecting the steering wheel from the mounting means and/or for ensuring a tight non-slip fit of the apparatus on the steering wheel .

26. Apparatus according to claim 25 in which the said means is a set of moulded inserts of different sizes and designs for different steering wheels.

27. Apparatus for enabling drivers to monitor how alert they are whilst driving, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.