General Motors (GM) is pushing the boundaries of automotive safety with a new patent for a system designed to monitor the mental well-being of drivers and take action to prevent dangerous situations on the road. This innovative system, detailed in patent number US 2024/0157948 A1, was published on May 16, 2024, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), following its initial filing on November 10, 2022.
How the System Works –
The patented system integrates advanced technologies to continuously assess the mental state of the driver. By collecting data from various sources, such as onboard sensors and external environmental inputs, the system can gauge how the driver is feeling. For instance, it monitors behaviors like hard braking, rapid acceleration, tailgating, and excessive horn use, which can indicate increased stress or agitation.
A key component of the system is an Automated Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that works in conjunction with the mental well-being assessment module. If the system determines that the driver’s mental state is compromised, it can take over control of the vehicle to ensure safety. This could range from simple alerts to more direct interventions.
Countermeasures to Ensure Safety –
When the system detects that the driver’s mental health is below an acceptable threshold, it can deploy several countermeasures:
- Alerts and Suggestions: The system can suggest the driver take a break, adjust the vehicle’s speed, or perform calming exercises like deep breathing.
- Notifications: It can send reminders to the driver’s mobile device, encouraging them to take action to improve their mental state.
- Assistance Calls: For more severe cases, the system can automatically call a trained advisor to help the driver calm down.
- Autonomous Intervention: In extreme situations, the ADAS can take over certain driving functions, reducing the driver’s involvement and preventing potential accidents.
Addressing Concerns –
Despite its potential benefits, the system is likely to be controversial. Critics may question the system’s ability to accurately assess a driver’s mental state and the appropriateness of its countermeasures. The idea of a car taking control away from the driver, even temporarily, could be unsettling for many.
 is pushing the boundaries of automotive safety with a new patent for a system designed to monitor the mental well-being of drivers and take action to prevent dangerous situations on the road. This innovative system, detailed in patent number US 2024/0157948 A1, was published on May 16, 2024, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), following its initial filing on November 10, 2022.){kind=link}