Vehicle motion-based real-time driver impairment detection
This technology analyzes how a vehicle rotates (yaws) side to side over time to detect whether the driver is impaired. It identifies moments when the vehicle's turning direction changes, then compares what the steering actually did against what a smooth, linear change would look like. The gap between those two patterns serves as a signature of erratic or impaired driving behavior. No cameras, breathalyzers, or driver-facing sensors are needed — just the vehicle's existing yaw rate sensor.
What you could build
A software module embedded in vehicle safety systems or fleet telematics platforms that flags impaired driving events and alerts dispatchers, insurers, or automated safety systems. Fleet operators, automotive OEMs, and insurance telematics providers are the natural buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Fleet operators, defense logistics contractors, and telematics firms with Virginia presence (e.g., near the Pentagon corridor or port freight operations) would have direct use cases.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Tsuda, Hiroshi, Yamamura, Tomohiro, Kuge, Nobuyuki, McLaughlin, Shane, Hankey, Jonathan M.
- Granted
- August 27, 2013
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8521357
Jointly owned. Virginia Tech holds this patent together with NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.. VTIP can license Virginia Tech's interest; terms are worked out in the first conversation.
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology. Email us for an introduction prosim@harbor.capital.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.