IP Library › Granted Patent US 6,950,027
Granted Patent B2
US 6,950,027 · App. 09/772,274 · Granted Sep 27, 2005

Method to alert drowsy driver

Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,950,027
App. No.
09/772,274
Granted
Sep 27, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method for awakening a drowsy driver includes monitoring the drowsiness level of the driver and alerting the driver. The driver is alerted by regulating the temperature in the vehicle interior, releasing oxygen in the vehicle interior, and adjusting the positioning of a window and/or sunroof to vent fresh cooler air into the vehicle. The window and/or sunroof are opened proportionally to the drowsiness level of the driver. The wind entering the vehicle also creates an audible alert which assists in awakening the driver.

Claims (9)

1. A method to alert a driver comprising the steps of:

monitoring a level of drowsiness; and

adjusting a degree of opening of a vehicle aperture an amount that increases as said level of drowsiness increases.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said vehicle aperture is a window.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said vehicle aperture is a sunroof.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said degree of opening of said vehicle aperture occurs when a predetermined level of drowsiness is monitored.

5. A method to alert driver comprising the steps of:

monitoring level of drowsiness; and

pumping an amount of oxygen into a vehicle cab in response to an increase in said level of said drowsiness, wherein a climate control system is utilized to pump said amount of oxygen.

Assignments (3)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 4, 2005
From: SIEMENS AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
To: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 016844/0859 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 4, 2005
From: SIEMENS AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
To: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 017057/0521 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 29, 2001
From: BANAS, PATRICK A.
To: SIEMENS AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 011493/0799 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 6022741100 · Aug 23, 2000
Related Publication 20020101354A1 · Aug 1, 2002