GM patent: gait analysis detects impairment to prevent drunk driving
GM's gait analysis system detects impairment to enhance vehicle safety
GM patent: gait analysis detects impairment to prevent drunk driving
General Motors patents a system using cameras and sensors to analyze walking patterns for signs of impairment, potentially preventing drunk driving with alerts or vehicle lockout.
2026-04-06T09:52:16+03:00
2026-04-06T09:52:16+03:00
2026-04-06T09:52:16+03:00
General Motors has filed a patent application for a system that can detect specific behavioral or physical impairments in a person by analyzing their gait.Essentially, the GM-patented system is designed to analyze a person's walking pattern to determine if they are, for instance, under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It uses cameras and sensors to assess an individual's condition as they approach a vehicle. While the person walks toward the car, the system collects data on their gait, including walking speed, stride length, side-to-side sway, and whether they are walking in a straight line.This data is processed using machine learning systems, including a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network. The system analyzes the data and images to calculate a "gait score," which reflects the likelihood of a behavioral or physical impairment. The model may also employ other methods and analytical approaches for gait assessment.After calculation, the gait score is compared against a predetermined threshold. If the score does not exceed the threshold, the system allows normal vehicle operation. If the score indicates potential coordination impairment, the system can respond in several ways. These include notifying the driver with visual or audible alerts, activating additional detection systems like a breathalyzer, or even completely preventing the vehicle from being driven.
General Motors patents a system using cameras and sensors to analyze walking patterns for signs of impairment, potentially preventing drunk driving with alerts or vehicle lockout.
Michael Powers, Editor
General Motors has filed a patent application for a system that can detect specific behavioral or physical impairments in a person by analyzing their gait.
Essentially, the GM-patented system is designed to analyze a person's walking pattern to determine if they are, for instance, under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It uses cameras and sensors to assess an individual's condition as they approach a vehicle. While the person walks toward the car, the system collects data on their gait, including walking speed, stride length, side-to-side sway, and whether they are walking in a straight line.
This data is processed using machine learning systems, including a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network. The system analyzes the data and images to calculate a "gait score," which reflects the likelihood of a behavioral or physical impairment. The model may also employ other methods and analytical approaches for gait assessment.
After calculation, the gait score is compared against a predetermined threshold. If the score does not exceed the threshold, the system allows normal vehicle operation. If the score indicates potential coordination impairment, the system can respond in several ways. These include notifying the driver with visual or audible alerts, activating additional detection systems like a breathalyzer, or even completely preventing the vehicle from being driven.
