DE102021124492A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ATTENTION CONTROL OF A DRIVER IN A VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a method for the attention control of a driver of a vehicle and includes the determination of risk assessment data for the vehicle and / or for the driver of the vehicle based on sensor data of the vehicle, the risk assessment data a risk level of a risk for the vehicle and / or for the driver of the vehicle; and modifying an audio signal not associated with the hazard based on the hazard assessment data to obtain a modified audio signal; and outputting the modified audio signal with at least one sound source of the vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the attention of a driver of a vehicle, as well as a computer program and a computer program product.

It is known from the prior art that artificial driving noises can be played in via loudspeakers in the interior of vehicles. These driving noises have the aim, e.g. B. to superimpose the engine noise in vehicles with combustion engines and thereby amplify or change it in order to stage the vehicle accordingly. In this way, for example, an in-line three-cylinder can sound like a 5-litre V8 to the driver.

In electric vehicles, artificial driving noises are played in order to simulate the noise of a drive at all, after all, electric motors produce little or no noise. The artificial driving noises of electric vehicles are also used for staging and, similar to the counterpart of the combustion engine, depict operating states such as idling or full load. These driving noises are also referred to as e-sounds.

Also known from the prior art are driver assistance systems that alert the driver to other road users and output optical and/or acoustic warnings in order to avoid a collision with them. One example is the blind spot warning system, which warns the driver when turning if a pedestrian or cyclist is in the blind spot and would collide if they continue driving. The warning can be given visually, for example, in the outside game (“mirror triangle”) or via a display. Acoustic warnings are warning tones, so-called acoustic signals, such as a "gong" or "beep".

The problem with visual warnings is that they can be overlooked by the driver, primarily because the driver naturally looks primarily at the road while driving. Therefore, optical warnings usually have to be supplemented by acoustic warnings. Acoustic warnings have the property that they are inevitably heard by the driver, which can also result in disadvantages.

For example, frequent audible warnings can annoy the driver, especially if the driver is constantly being warned by different systems about different events and the car is constantly chiming and beeping. This reduces the acceptance of driver assistance systems, which can result in the risk, for example, that the driver no longer takes the warnings seriously or deactivates the driver assistance system.

Furthermore, the timing of an audible warning can be difficult to coordinate. For example, if the warning tone sounds too late, the driver does not have enough time to react; if it comes too early, there may be a risk that the warning tone is unnecessary because the dangerous situation will de-escalate itself or, for example, the driver would have seen the pedestrian turning anyway .

Warning tones in the form of acoustic signals are relatively short (approx. 1 second) and are therefore difficult to map to events that last longer, e.g. B. the approach of a cyclist, where the distance between the car and driver steadily decreases over a period of several seconds. For this reason, different sound signals are sometimes used, e.g. B. for an initial advance warning and a subsequent acute warning. However, this creates the problem that the driver must know which acoustic signal is linked to which situation or to which driver assistance system. In addition, this contributes to a further accumulation of warnings, which was initially cited as a problem.

Proceeding from this prior art, it is therefore the object of the invention to provide a method and a corresponding system with which the driver's attention can be controlled and with which, for example, the previous warning systems can be improved.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 9, and a computer program or computer program product according to claim 11. Advantageous developments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for controlling the attention of a driver of a vehicle is proposed. A vehicle can be, for example, a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. A vehicle within the meaning of the invention can in particular be a passenger car.

The method includes determining risk assessment data for the vehicle and/or for the driver of the vehicle based on sensor data from the vehicle. Sensor data can be determined, for example, by a sensor system with at least one sensor or by the at least one sensor of the vehicle. The sensor system can, for example, be a Sensorsys tem of a driver assistance system. For example, the sensor system can include at least one sensor for acquiring optical data, one sensor for acquiring acoustic data and/or one sensor for acquiring electrical data. Other types of sensors can also be used.

Hazard assessment data, as used herein, represents, for example, a hazard level of a potential hazard to the vehicle and/or to the driver of the vehicle. A level of danger can be specified, for example, by falling below a (specified) value, for example a distance determined by the sensor system or the at least one sensor. For example, a risk level can be determined by exceeding a (specified) value, for example a speed or an acceleration of the vehicle or an object in the detection range of the sensor system or the at least one sensor. The danger level can, for example, be subdivided into predetermined levels or be defined as a continuous danger level. As an example, a sensor can detect a distance to an object and compare the determined distance to predefined values for a danger level. Correspondingly, different stages for a danger level can be represented in the danger assessment data. Hazard assessment data may represent or include, for example, the hazard levels of sensor data from one or more sensors.

The method further includes modifying an existing audio signal that is not associated with the hazard. For example, a vehicle's audio system may play one or more audio signals simultaneously. For this purpose, the signals are usually mixed in a processing device in the vehicle for audio signals and output via the loudspeakers available to the audio system. This includes, for example, radio, CD or digital audio data on other data carrier systems. Furthermore, for example, the aforementioned warning tones are output via the audio system. Only these warning tones are associated with a hazard.

Modifying means here, for example, that the existing audio signal is changed in at least one of its acoustic properties. The modification can be carried out, for example, on a computing unit of the audio system or on another computing unit, for example of the vehicle.

The audio signal can in particular be modified in real time. The modified audio signal can then be mixed with other audio signals to be output in the vehicle. For example, the modified audio signal can be played back simultaneously with other audio signals.

The modifying is also based on the hazard assessment data. According to the risk assessment data, for example, corresponding and/or different parameters or parameter variations can be used for the modification.

The method also includes outputting the modified audio signal with at least one sound source of the vehicle. A sound source is, for example, a loudspeaker. A sound source can also be a vibration motor, for example.

According to one embodiment, the method can include determining hazard direction data. Danger direction data can be based, for example, on sensor data or, for example, on sensor data from a driver assistance system. Hazard direction data represents, for example, a direction related to the vehicle and/or the driver of the vehicle.

Hazard direction data represent, for example, a direction and/or an angle relative to, for example, a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and, for example, a center point of the vehicle, which is associated with a hazard and/or an object that is or is described, for example, detected by sensor data becomes.

The audio signal can be modified in such a way that a modified audio signal is obtained such that a locatable sound is emitted by the at least one sound source, preferably by at least two sound sources, with a (perceptible) sound direction of the sound essentially corresponding to a danger direction, when the modified audio signal is output. For example, a cyclist coming from a direction in relation to the vehicle that is not visible to the driver but can be detected by the vehicle's sensors can pose a risk in that the cyclist could collide with the vehicle. A direction related to the vehicle can change continuously, for example. This change over time can be represented in the sensor data, for example. The modification can change the audio signal, for example depending on the current location or direction in which the cyclist is located, in such a way that a driver notices a change in the audio signal and responds to the output (modified) Audio signal can assign a direction. This direction assigned to the modified audio signal can, for example, at least essentially correspond to the direction currently assigned to the cyclist. For example, once the hazard assessment data associated with the cyclist represents a hazard level that does not require driver attention, modification of the audio signal may be suspended unless other hazard sources are present or identified (by the vehicle's sensors).

According to one embodiment, risk assessment data can (also) be determined based on predictors, for example sensor data of a driver assistance system supported with artificial intelligence or machine learning. For example, a driver assistance system can use the sensor data to calculate and/or (to a certain extent) predict an expected situation, such as a traffic situation, for example in connection with a probability. Based on this prediction, risk assessment data can be determined and represent the predicted risk or a predicted risk level.

According to one embodiment, modifying the audio signal can modify the audio signal at least one of a level-oriented modification, such as volume and/or loudness, a spectral modification, such as raising or lowering of frequency ranges such as overtones, midtones or bass and/or raising or Lowering at least one frequency, a distorting modification, such as a distorting effect such as adding overtones, a delay-time oriented modification such as reverberation or delay and/or modifying the direction of the sound. For example, modifying the audio signal can include at least one of volume, tone, pitch, frequency, bass emphasis, and/or sound direction. For example, an audio signal that is not associated with a hazard can be modified in such a way that the driver's attention of a vehicle can be increased, for example, compared to a situation without modifying an audio signal. As an example, the audio signal of an engine noise, such as that played in electric vehicles (E-Sound), can be modified. For example, a frequency of the engine noise can be increased or decreased, for example in such a way that the driver of the vehicle has the impression that the engine noise has an increased frequency (or a frequency spectrum) or a decreased frequency (or a frequency spectrum) in a certain direction, for example. Furthermore, for example, a bass-heavy audio signal, for example the engine noise, can also be modified, for example also in such a way that the driver gets the impression that the modified audio signal has, for example, fewer or more bass frequencies in a direction that corresponds to a danger direction. The modification of the audio signal can also be a combination of several changes in the audio signal. The audio signal to be modified can also be a radio signal, for example, or a comparable audio signal, for example from the vehicle's entertainment system.

According to an embodiment, determining a risk assessment can also include classifying an object according to an object type. Sensors in the vehicle can, for example, classify an object that is within sensor range, for example with the help of machine learning or artificial intelligence. An object type can be, for example, a noun associated with the object, such as bicycle, cyclist, pedestrian, dog, bus, truck, etc. The object type can, for example, relate to road users and/or to objects that essentially do not participate in traffic, but are identifiable as objects per se, such as traffic lights, trees, road markings, road boundaries, traffic signs, etc.. If, for example, the risk assessment data represent an increased level of risk for the vehicle, for example, the modification can also, depending on the classified object type, parameter for modifying the Use audio signals that are predetermined for a (identified) object type. For example, a modification of the audio signal for a truck that is approaching dangerously for the vehicle can initially mean a minimal modification of the audio signal in accordance with the risk assessment data. If, for example, the truck continues to approach the vehicle in a dangerous manner, the modification of the audio signal can be greater, so that the driver notices a further change in the audio signal, for example, and his attention is changed accordingly or at least can be directed to the extent that the Driver becomes aware of the approaching danger of the truck, for example.

The object type can be assigned or assigned to a risk assessment, for example. One or more modification parameters for modifying the audio signal can be assigned to an object type. Depending on the risk assessment, one or more modification parameters can be assigned to an object type.

The audio signal can also be modified based on at least one predetermined modification parameter assigned to the object type for modifying the audio signal.

According to one embodiment, in addition to the output of the modified audio signal, at least one further warning can be output by the vehicle, in particular an optical, haptic and/or acoustic warning. For example, the modified audio signal can be combined with a further warning, which is associated with a hazard, for example. For example, a “beep” or “gong” sound can be played in addition to the modified audio signal, i.e. it can be output by the at least one sound source (also) and/or combined with the audio signal to be modified or the modified audio signal when modifying the audio signal. For example, a vibration motor, for example in the vehicle's steering wheel, can also be activated when the modified audio signal is output, correspondingly or based on the risk assessment data. Furthermore, for example, an optical warning can be output in addition to the modified audio signal, for example with a display device in the vehicle, for example displayed in a head-up display or with the usual display options on the instrument panel or dashboard in the vehicle or on display surfaces outside the vehicle compartment, such as for example on the side mirror. A combination of one or more warnings (e.g. in different ways) can also be output in addition to the modified audio signal.

According to one embodiment, the modifying can also be done in a variety of phases and/or stages based on the hazard assessment data.

Phases and/or stages herein refer to a hazard level represented by the hazard assessment data. According to a continuous or discontinuous (graded) level of danger, phases and/or stages for alerting a driver can be defined. This means that, for example, the phases and/or stages can include an escalation of the attention control. For example, only one or a few parameters of an audio signal can be modified in a first stage and/or phase. In a subsequent stage and/or phase, further parameters of the audio signal can also be modified, and in a penultimate and/or last stage and/or phase, warning tones can be output along with the modification of the audio signal (which can include further modified parameters).

Furthermore, the modified audio signal can be combined with the at least one further warning based on the hazard assessment data and depending on the phase and/or stage. For example, the driver's attention can be drawn to a cyclist at an only less dangerous distance by outputting a modified audio signal. For example, if the distance decreases in a way that is classified as more dangerous for the vehicle, other modification parameters can be used to modify the audio signal, for example, which are suitable for drawing the driver's attention better than the modification parameters previously used, or .to excite. In an increasing level of danger from the cyclist, which is represented in the danger assessment data, for example for the purpose of outputting the modified audio signal, (at least) one further warning can be output with the modified audio signal.

According to one embodiment, the method may further include determining an identity of the driver. For example, the driver's identity can be recorded using an intelligent vehicle key, which is linked to the driver's identity, or by recognizing the driver, for example using biometric data using sensors in the vehicle.

This has the advantage that the method can be individually tailored to the driver, for example. For example, driver-specific parameters can be used to modify the audio signal, and/or parameters for object types set individually by the driver of the vehicle can be used to modify the audio signal.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include determining a head pose of the driver with respect to the vehicle. In this way, for example, the modification of the audio signal can be expanded to include an adaptation of the audio signal to the driver's head pose. With the determined head pose, the audio signal can be (further) individually adapted to the driver, for example via an outer ear transfer function (head-related transfer function (HRTF)) of the driver, and localization of the audio signal can be improved, for example. The modification of the audio signal can (thus) be further based on the outer ear transfer function and the (individual) head pose of the driver.

Advantageously, attracting the driver's attention can be improved with an outer ear transfer function and a corresponding modification of the audio signal.

According to one embodiment, the audio signal can be an artificial driving noise and/or an artificial engine noise. A driving noise and/or an engine noise are, for example, noises that are or can be played in the vehicle independently of a hazard or a dangerous situation, depending on the vehicle and/or drive type of the vehicle. Other audio signals that are not associated with a hazard or a hazardous situation can also be used. Audio signals from the in-vehicle entertainment system are generally, for example, not associated with a hazard and/or hazardous situation. These can be modified based on the hazard assessment data and/or modified in addition to artificial engine noise and/or road noise. Any audio not associated with a hazard and/or hazard situation may be modified based on the hazard assessment data.

According to one aspect, a system for controlling the attention of a driver of a vehicle is proposed, which is set up to carry out the method described above and/or according to embodiments of the method.

According to one embodiment, the system can also include means for determining risk assessment data for the vehicle and/or for the driver of the vehicle based on sensor data from the vehicle, the risk assessment data indicating a risk level of a (potential) risk for the vehicle and/or for the driver of the vehicle represent, exhibit. Such means are, for example, computing units in the vehicle that determine central and/or decentralized risk assessment data, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) or a processor, for example in a sensor system or a sensor or in a central and/or decentralized computing unit of the vehicle vehicle.

Furthermore, the system may comprise means for modifying an (existing) audio signal not associated with the hazard based on the hazard assessment data. Such a means can be, for example, a processor or an electronic control unit. A modified audio signal can be generated or obtained with the means for modifying an (existing) audio signal. For example, the means for determining risk assessment data and the means for modifying an audio signal can be identical, the same or different means.

Furthermore, the system can have means for outputting the modified audio signal with at least one sound source of the vehicle. Output means are, for example, one or more control units of the vehicle's entertainment system or a dedicated audio system of the vehicle or one of the above-mentioned means that are set up to output the modified audio signal. The means for outputting the (modified) audio signal are in particular connected in a communicative manner to sound sources in the vehicle, for example in data communication and/or in an analog manner.

According to a further aspect, a computer program or computer program product is proposed. The computer program or computer program product contains, in particular, instructions stored on a computer-readable and/or non-volatile storage medium which, when executed by one or more computers or a system according to one aspect of the invention, cause the computer or the system to perform a method according to another aspect of the invention.

The embodiments described here can be combined with one another insofar as an executable combination is apparent to a person skilled in the art. This also applies beyond the aspects of the invention.

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention result from the following description in connection with the figures.

• 1 eine teilweise schematische Darstellung von Ausführungsformen eines Systems zur Aufmerksamkeitssteuerung eines Fahrers in einem Fahrzeug mit einem Gefahrenobjekt in einem ersten (zeitlichen) Zustand;
• 2 eine teilweise schematische Darstellung von Ausführungsformen eines Systems zur Aufmerksamkeitssteuerung eines Fahrers in einem Fahrzeug mit einem Gefahrenobjekt in einem zweiten (zeitlichen) Zustand;
• 3 eine teilweise schematische Darstellung von Ausführungsformen eines Systems zur Aufmerksamkeitssteuerung eines Fahrers in einem Fahrzeug mit einem Gefahrenobjekt in einem dritten (zeitlichen) Zustand; und
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens zur Aufmerksamkeitssteuerung eines Fahrers in einem Fahrzeug.

Show it:

• 1 a partially schematic representation of embodiments of a system for controlling the attention of a driver in a vehicle with a dangerous object in a first (temporal) state;
• 2 a partially schematic representation of embodiments of a system for controlling the attention of a driver in a vehicle with a dangerous object in a second (temporal) state;
• 3 a partially schematic representation of embodiments of a system for controlling the attention of a driver in a vehicle with a dangerous object in a third (temporal) state; and
• 4 a schematic representation of a method for controlling the attention of a driver in a vehicle.

The invention is based on the 1 until 3 in relation to the first aspect of the system according to the invention and based on 4 explained in relation to the inventive method. Elements that are the same, similar or have the same effect are provided with identical reference symbols in the different figures, and a repeated description of these elements is sometimes dispensed with in order to avoid redundancies.

According to the invention, the attention of a driver of a vehicle 2 is preferably controlled and/or influenced. In vehicles, it is possible, particularly in dangerous situations, to draw the driver's attention to a specific danger in a targeted manner by directly or indirectly addressing the (physiological) senses of the driver. A hazard is a relative size that can be defined by predefined or predetermined sizes and/or areas for vehicles. These pre-determined sizes and/or ranges are specified for the sensors or sensor systems in vehicles. Depending on the design, environmental parameters, for example the condition of the road or the weather, these can be changed or defined differently.

1 shows schematically a vehicle 2 in a plan view with sensors, or a sensor system 5, which is shown schematically with small black squares. Furthermore, an object 3 is shown, which is at a distance from the vehicle 2 and has a direction of movement shown by an arrow. The object 3 can, for example, be another road user, such as another vehicle, a cyclist or a pedestrian. The object 3 is detected by the sensors 5 and a means for determining risk assessment data determines whether the object 3 poses a risk to the vehicle 2 . Determining the risk assessment data includes determining a risk level for vehicle 2 , which emanates from object 3 . This hazard level is represented by the hazard assessment data. For example, the object 3 cannot pose a hazard to the vehicle because, for example, a speed, acceleration, direction of travel and/or size (other parameters can also be used when determining hazard assessment data) in combination or alone no hazard in terms of the predefined areas or Represents variables for the vehicle 2, based on the variables that can be detected with sensors 5. A coordinate system is shown next to the vehicle 2 which, with its x-axis, represents a location coordinate along the vehicle 2 parallel to a travel direction or longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The y-axis qualitatively represents a parameter of a (modified) audio signal 10 here by way of example.

If the object 3 is defined as a hazard for the vehicle 2, an existing audio signal 10 that is not associated with a hazard can be modified based on the hazard assessment data, in such a way that (at least) one parameter of the audio signal 10 is changed, such as shown as an example. The audio signal 10 can be changed in such a way that, as in 1 shown as an example, a position of the object 3 in relation to the vehicle or the (head) position of the driver 4 represents acoustically. For this purpose, for example, the existing audio signal 10 can be modified in such a way that a spatial component and/or a sound direction can be assigned to the modified audio signal 10 . This means that the modified audio signal 10 gives the driver the impression that it has (at least) one changed parameter in one direction in relation to the (head) position of the driver. This parameter can be modified abruptly or continuously, for example, so that the driver's attention can be drawn.

The (head) position of the driver 4 is shown here as an example on the left. The (head) position of the driver can also be on the right, depending on the design of the vehicle 2.

The direction from which the modified audio signal 10 appears to be coming, or is coming, can change with the direction in which a hazard was determined, for example.

In 1 not all sensors of the vehicle 2 are shown, but only an exemplary selection for a right-hand side of the vehicle. Sensors 5 on the other side of the vehicle, or the front or rear of the vehicle, are not shown here. The audio signal 10 can (analogously) be modified for the other vehicle sides based on hazard assessment data.

2 shows schematically a (temporal) continuation of the example from 1 . Object 3 is in 2 compared to the vehicle 2 moved further forward in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The parameter change of the modified audio signal 10 has also migrated here with the object 3 in relation to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2 in the direction of travel. In relation to the vehicle, the change in parameters can also be presented acoustically as being wider than the object 3, which is shown with the arrows in the x-direction or against the x-direction. The modified audio signal can be acoustic for example, be limited to the driver's localization ability resolution related to directional hearing. The modified audio signal can, for example, be presented or output acoustically on only one side of the vehicle 2 . The modified audio signal can, for example, also be displayed or output in the same way throughout the vehicle. This means that the modified audio signal has no acoustic directional component.

3 shows schematically a further (temporal) continuation of the example from 1 and 2 . The object 3 has moved even further in the direction of the front of the vehicle 2 and a modified audio signal 10 has a corresponding direction, for example, which corresponds to the direction of the object 3 in relation to the vehicle 2 . For example, the audio signal can be modified so that it appears to the driver that the audio signal is modified only in the direction from which a potential hazard is coming. The modified audio signal 10 therefore moves acoustically with the object 3 for the driver. The driver can therefore develop increased attention in the corresponding direction, for example. For example, the vehicle 2 can recognize that a turning maneuver is planned, for example from an activated turn signal or the lane markings that have been recorded and identified via a sensor system of the vehicle 2, for example. The object 3 could be, for example, a cyclist who is difficult for the driver of the vehicle 2 to see, ie is in a blind spot for the driver, for example. With the output of the modified audio signal 10, the driver's attention can be drawn to the cyclist and a warning by a "beep" or a similar warning signal can be dispensed with.

For example, according to one embodiment, head pose tracking of a driver's head may verify whether a driver's attention has been caught in accordance with the modified audio signal. If in the example the 1 until 3 the driver turns his head in the direction of the object 3, for example, on the one hand, the arousal of attention can be verified or, for example, a (further and/or more intensive) warning can be dispensed with. For example, if the driver has not turned his head in the direction of a hazard, the audio signal can be escalated to a further phase and/or stage, for example. This can also be used, for example, for detecting a viewing direction.

4 shows schematically a method 100 for attention control of a driver of a vehicle 2. The exemplary method 100 includes the determination of hazard assessment data 102 for the vehicle 2 and / or for the driver of the vehicle 2. 104 is an example of modifying an (existing) audio signal that is not associated with a hazard, based on the hazard assessment data. Modifying the audio signal may include different types of modifications that may be performed in parallel or sequentially (exemplified by 104.1, 104.2, 104.3). For example, the modification 104 can also include the audio signal having a locatable sound that can be perceived by a driver of the vehicle 2 in a direction-resolved manner. For example, this can make it possible for the driver to be made aware of a danger from a direction in relation to the vehicle 2 . According to embodiments, a danger direction and a direction from which the modified audio signal comes at least essentially match. Modifying the audio signal 104 can, for example, relate to several (independent) parameters of the audio signal. For example, a level-oriented modification, such as volume and/or loudness, a spectral modification, such as raising or lowering of frequency ranges such as overtones, midtones or basses and/or raising or lowering of at least one frequency, a distorting modification, such as a distorting effect such as the addition of overtones, a delay-time oriented modification such as reverberation or delay and/or modifying sound direction and/or volume, timbre, pitch, frequency, bassiness and/or sound direction (separately and/or simultaneously) modified (104.1, 104.2, 104.3). For example, volume and bass can be increased compared to the unmodified audio signal. The audio signal can be modified, for example, on an electronic control device 6 . The modified audio signal 10 can then, for example, be output 106 simultaneously via all sound sources of the vehicle 2 or via individual ones. For example, a volume can only be output 106 on sound sources, in particular loudspeakers of the vehicle, which correlate with a direction from which the danger or the object 3 that represents a danger for the vehicle 2 comes.

An exemplary sequence of the teaching according to the invention is as follows: A vehicle 2 detects an object 3 with its sensor system 5 or part of its sensor system 5 the driver of the vehicle 2 go represent. Based on the hazard assessment data, an existing audio signal that is not associated with a hazard is modified (depending on the level of hazard emanating from the object 3). The modified audio signal 10 is then output 106 in order to specifically attract the driver's attention, for example to draw attention to the object 3 .

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the working steps according to the invention can be carried out as in the order described above, as well as in a different order with which the teaching according to the invention can be implemented.

As far as applicable, all individual features that are presented in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and/or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

reference list

1

Attention control system

2

vehicle

3

object

4

(Head) position of the driver

5

Sensor system / sensors of the vehicle

6

electronic control unit

10

(modified) audio signal

100

Proceedings

102

Obtaining hazard assessment data

104

Modifying the audio signal

104.1 through 104.3

modifying a parameter of the audio signal

106

Outputting the modified audio signal

Claims (11)

Method (100) for controlling the attention of a driver of a vehicle (2), comprising: Determination of risk assessment data (102) for the vehicle (2) and / or for the driver of the vehicle (2) based on sensor data of the vehicle (2), wherein the risk assessment data a risk level of a risk for the vehicle (2) and / or for the represent drivers of the vehicle (2); and modifying an audio signal (104) not associated with the hazard based on the hazard assessment data to obtain a modified audio signal; and Outputting the modified audio signal (106) with at least one sound source of the vehicle (2). Method (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the method further comprises: determining hazard direction data based on the sensor data, in particular on sensor data of a driver assistance system, the hazard direction data representing a direction based on the vehicle (2) and/or the driver of the vehicle (2); and modifying the audio signal (104, 104.1, 104.2, 104.3) so that a locatable sound is emitted by the at least one sound source, preferably by at least two sound sources, with a sound direction of the sound at least essentially corresponding to a hazard direction. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modification of the audio signal (104, 104.1, 104.2, 104.3) involves at least one of a level-oriented modification, a spectral modification, a distorting modification, a delay-time-oriented modification and/or a modification the direction of the sound. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of a risk assessment (102) further comprises: classifying an object according to an object type, wherein the object type can be assigned to a risk assessment or is assigned; and wherein the modifying of the audio signal (104, 104.1, 104.2, 104.3) is further performed based on at least one predetermined modification parameter associated with the object type for modifying the audio signal. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the output of the modified audio signal (106), at least one further warning is output by the vehicle, in particular an optical, haptic and/or acoustic warning. Method (100) according to claim 5 , wherein modifying the audio signal (104, 104.1, 104.2, 104.3) further in a plurality of phases and/or Stages, is carried out based on the risk assessment data and combine the modified audio signal with the at least one other warning. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises: determining an identity of the driver; determining a driver's head pose with respect to the vehicle; and adapting the audio signal to the driver, in particular via an outer-ear transfer function; wherein modifying the audio signal (104, 104.1, 104.2, 104.3) is further based on the outer ear transfer function and the head pose. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the audio signal is an artificial driving noise and/or an artificial engine noise. System (1) for controlling the attention of a driver of a vehicle (2), which is set up to carry out a method (100) according to one of the preceding claims. System (1) for controlling the attention of a driver of a vehicle (2), the system having: Means for determining risk assessment data (102) for the vehicle (2) and/or for the driver of the vehicle (2) based on sensor data of the vehicle (2), the risk assessment data indicating a risk level of a risk for the vehicle (2) and/or represent for the driver of the vehicle (2); means for modifying an audio signal (104, 104.1, 104.2, 104.3) not associated with the hazard based on the hazard assessment data and obtaining a modified audio signal; and Means for outputting the modified audio signal (106) with at least one sound source of the vehicle (2). Computer program or computer program product, wherein the computer program or computer program product contains instructions, in particular stored on a computer-readable and/or non-volatile storage medium, which, when executed by one or more computers or a system (1). claim 8 cause the computer or system to perform a method (100) according to any one of Claims 1 until 8th to perform.

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