Abstract

An information system that monitors the position and motions of a driver's feet to provide information that can be put into usable form for drivers, vehicle systems, and traffic management authorities. Sensors monitor the position of a driver's foot, especially as the driver responds to situations that normally require quick responses. As a series of positions are recorded, the processor calculates the direction, speed, and acceleration of the foot as it travels in the area surrounding the accelerator and brake pedal. The information system then compares calculated values to see if they are lower, equal, or higher than set values. Low values can be assumed to be those obtained when there are no situations requiring quick response and when the foot is moving at a slower pace. Higher values represent times when the driver's foot reacted quicker to actual or perceived concerns in the driving environment. The higher values are then processed to see if the driver or other drivers may be at an elevated risk. If there is an elevated risk, signals to the driver and possibly to the vehicle operating systems are provided. As appropriate, signals will be provided to other drivers and their vehicles, as well as to traffic authorities who may be monitoring signals as provided by wireless communication. The system also monitors the measurements of the driver's foot position and motions to indicate activity leading up to potential driver and vehicle changes in maneuvering, particularly at times when the driver may be hesitant at carrying out the maneuver. Counts are maintained in registers to check the level of activity of various foot operating maneuvers. Higher counts can represent increased activity which may represent the increased potential for changes in a driver's maneuvering. Higher counts can also be representative of a driver's anxiety or being unsure, or of hectic traffic. The information system is intended to provide information to the driver, the vehicle, and traffic management authorities so that a safer driving environment can be attained.