PROCESS FOR SENSING AND CONTROLLING THE DECREASE OF ACTIVITY AND THE LEVEL OF ALERTNESS OF THE DRIVERS OF VEHICLES AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR CARRYING OUT SAID PROCESS

摘要

The electric power consumption of a vehicle having its own power source and travelling on an unbounded path is monitored; and, when this power consumption remains substantially constant for more than a predetermined period of time, the invention sends a signal to the driver, to which he must respond with predetermined accuracy and in a predetermined period of time. Failing this, the invention gives the operator a warning display and repeats the test which, if failed repeatedly, results in the equipment giving an alarm perceptible to those outside the vehicle, by the horn and/or flashing lights. In addition, the invention can preserve a record of the driving conditions and test results and can provide coded access to operation of the vehicle to prevent unauthorized entry. The invention can also provide a test of alertness which the driver must pass before actuation of the vehicle can be initiated.