JP2015115045A - Doze preventing device for on-vehicle use, and doze preventing system for on-vehicle use - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep the introduction cost of such a device or a system relatively low and facilitate its (posterior) introduction into existing wheeled vehicles.SOLUTION: A doze preventing ECU 37 of a doze preventing device 12 is connected to each of ECUS 14 to 23 via a vehicle network 13 and executes processing to prevent dozes. First, an audio output of a loudspeaker 41 gives a vehicle driver a designative notice to operate one of operating switches 24 set at random. Along with this notice, the ECUS 14 to 18 supervising the designated operating switch 24 are instructed to return information on the reaction time taken until the pertinent operating switch 24 is operated. The relative seriousness of the driver's doziness is determined from the reaction time information, and each of the ECUS 14 to 23 is instructed to take a safety measure according to the determined seriousness.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle doze prevention device and a vehicle doze prevention system for preventing a driver from falling asleep.

  In the vehicle (automobile), as a device provided to prevent the driver from falling asleep, the device detects the steering wobble and issues an alarm, or the driver's face is photographed with a camera, and it is determined that sleepiness is large. Technology to warn sometimes is considered. However, these technologies can be said to be a passive system that warns for the first time when it is determined that the driver is sleepy, and does not provide an effect that prompts the driver to wake up beforehand.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a dangerous driving prevention device that prompts the driver to perform an active switch operation and determines whether the driver is sleeping. As shown in FIG. 5, the dangerous driving prevention apparatus 1 includes a microcomputer (ECU) 2, a dedicated switch 3 connected thereto, a light emitting element 4, a warning buzzer 5 and a horn 6, a display lamp 7, and the like. It is configured with. The dangerous driving prevention device 1 is connected to an ignition switch (power source) 9. Then, at every set time (60 minutes), the light emitting element 4 is turned on via the drive device 8 to prompt the driver to operate the switch 3, and the reaction time until the driver presses the switch 3 at that time is counted. And warnings are given according to the reaction time.

JP 63-270240 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, the dangerous driving prevention device 1 of Patent Document 1 is a device that operates independently by connecting a dedicated microcomputer 3 (ECU) 2 with a dedicated switch 3, a buzzer 5, and the like. It wasn't linked. Therefore, the cost of the entire apparatus 1 is increased, and for example, attachment (retrofitting) to an existing automobile is troublesome. In addition, since the dangerous driving prevention apparatus 1 of patent document 1 operates the same switch 3 each time, it was not enough in the point of the effect which a driver got used and arouses.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle doze prevention device and a vehicle doze prevention system that can reduce the introduction cost and are easy to introduce (retrofit) into an existing vehicle. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle doze prevention device of the present invention includes a doze prevention ECU that executes a driver's doze prevention process, and connection means for connecting the doze prevention ECU to a vehicle network. The dozing prevention ECU, when executing the dozing prevention process, designates an instructing means for instructing the driver to operate one of the operation switches by a notifying means provided in the vehicle, and a designation means Reaction time information acquisition means for instructing an ECU that controls the operated switch to return reaction time information from when the notification operation is performed until the operation switch is operated, and the reaction time information acquisition From the reaction time information acquired by the means, sleepiness determination means for determining the degree of sleepiness of the driver, and the determination result of the sleepiness determination means Flip, the safety operation of having characterized in that and a safety instruction means for executing (according to claim 1 invention) for each ECU.

  In addition, the vehicle doze prevention system of the present invention includes a plurality of ECUs to which operation signals of a plurality of operation switches arranged in a vehicle interior are respectively input, a vehicle network that interconnects the plurality of ECUs, and It is characterized by including the vehicle doze prevention device according to any one of 1 to 4 (invention of claim 5).

  According to the above configuration, the dozing prevention ECU is connected to the vehicle network through the connecting means, and is connected to the other plurality of ECUs, that is, the ECUs to which the operation signals of the plurality of operation switches arranged in the vehicle interior are respectively input. Cooperation becomes possible. In this case, by adopting a configuration in which the dozing prevention ECU is connected to the vehicle network, it becomes easy to retrofit the existing vehicle. At the same time, in cooperation with each ECU, various processes relating to the prevention of falling asleep can be performed using various existing devices and devices provided in the vehicle.

  When the dozing prevention ECU executes the dozing prevention process, first, in accordance with an instruction from the instructing means, a notification operation in which the notifying means specifies and notifies the driver to operate any of the operation switches is executed. Here, the driver operates the designated switch in response to the notification operation, but the reaction time information acquisition unit of the dozing prevention ECU performs the notification operation to the ECU that controls the designated operation switch. By instructing to return the reaction time information from when the operation switch is operated until the operation switch is operated, the reaction time information is acquired from another ECU. Then, the sleepiness determining means determines the degree of sleepiness of the driver from the acquired reaction time information, and the safety ensuring instruction means causes each ECU to execute a safety ensuring operation.

  Thereby, it is possible to determine the degree of drowsiness of the driver while prompting the driver to perform an active switch operation. In this case, since the operation switch existing in the vehicle interior is used instead of the dedicated switch, the configuration can be simplified. Moreover, it is possible to perform drowsiness determination and safety ensuring operations in cooperation with other ECUs (for example, navigation, body, ITS, horn, hazard, steering, etc.). It is possible to minimize the addition of other parts. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the introduction cost and to obtain an excellent effect that the introduction (retrofitting) to an existing vehicle can be easily performed.

The block diagram which shows one Example of this invention and shows the electrical structure of a system roughly Perspective view seen from inside of driver's seat of vehicle The figure which shows the flow of the signal between dozing prevention ECU and other ECU in a dozing prevention process The figure which shows the mode of the state transition of the dozing prevention ECU in a dozing prevention process The block diagram which shows a prior art example and shows the structure of a dangerous driving prevention apparatus

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of a vehicle doze prevention system 11 according to this embodiment provided in a vehicle (automobile). The dozing prevention system 11 includes a vehicle dozing prevention device 12 according to the present embodiment, a vehicle network 13 made of, for example, CAN, and a plurality of ECUs 14 to 23 connected to each other by the vehicle network 13. The

  The plurality of ECUs control each part of the vehicle. In this case, a handle ECU 14, a meter ECU 15, an air conditioner ECU 16, a body ECU 17, a door ECU 18, a navigation ECU 19, an ITS ECU 20, a steering ECU 21, a hazard ECU 22, and a horn ECU 23 are provided. included. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of operation switches 24 are connected to the handle ECU 14, the meter ECU 15, the air conditioner ECU 16, the body ECU 17, and the door ECU 18, respectively. The operation signals of the operation switches 24 are input to the ECUs 14 to 18.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a state in the vicinity of the driver's seat 25 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle (passenger car). Here, an instrument panel 26 (hereinafter referred to as “instrument 26”) is provided at the front of the driver's seat 25. Abbreviated). The instrument panel 26 is provided with a meter portion 27 having various meters (not shown) embedded therein, and a steering wheel 28 is disposed on the front side thereof. Although not shown in detail, the meter section 27 is provided with operation switches 24 such as a trip switch and an info switch. The steering wheel 28 is provided with various operation switches 24 for car audio operation and the like.

  A display / operation unit 29 is provided at the instrument panel center located at the center of the instrument panel 26. The display / operation unit 29 has a display device (multi-display) 30 in the upper part, and an operation panel unit 31 in the lower part. The display device 30 displays a map screen, various message screens, and the like. The operation panel 31 is provided with various operation switches 24 for air conditioners, hazard operation switches 24, and other various operation switches 24 for setting.

  A room lamp 32 is provided on the ceiling portion of the driver seat 25, and an operation switch 24 for the room lamp 32 is provided. An operation switch 24 such as a power window switch or a door lock switch is provided inside the driver seat side door 33. A shift lever 35 is provided on the center console 34 on the left side of the driver's seat, and a remote operation unit having a plurality of operation switches may be provided in the vicinity thereof. In addition, a speaker 41 (shown only in FIG. 1) for outputting a message, music, or the like by voice is provided in the passenger compartment.

  Now, the vehicle doze prevention device 12 according to the present embodiment is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the snoozing prevention device 12 includes a snoozing prevention ECU 37 and a connection connector 38 as a connecting means for connecting the snoozing prevention ECU 37 to the vehicle network 13.

  At this time, although not shown in detail, a diagnosis connector 39 of, for example, OBDII standard connected to the vehicle network 13 is provided in the vehicle interior, and the connection connector 38 is detachable from the diagnosis connector 39. It is configured to be connected to. Thus, the snoozing prevention device 12 (the snoozing prevention ECU 37) is provided in the vehicle in a form in which the ECUs 14 to 23 are connected to the ECUs 14 to 23 via the vehicle network 13.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the dozing prevention device 12 includes a valid / invalid switch 40 connected to the dozing prevention ECU 37. The valid / invalid switch 40 is used by the driver to set whether or not to perform a dozing prevention process described later by the dozing prevention ECU 37 (whether or not the dozing prevention device 12 is enabled). Are provided at appropriate positions (positions that can be operated by the driver) such as vacant switch mounting portions. Further, in the present embodiment, the dozing prevention ECU 37 can directly control the speaker 41 to output sound.

  The doze prevention ECU 37 is mainly composed of a computer, and executes a doze prevention process with its software configuration (execution of a doze prevention program), etc., as will be described later in the description of the operation. In this dozing prevention process, first, the dozing prevention ECU 37 controls the speaker 41 as a notification unit to execute a notification operation. This notification operation is to notify the driver to operate one of the plurality of operation switches 24 arranged in the passenger compartment by the sound output of the speaker 41.

  In this case, in the present embodiment, the dozing prevention ECU 37 randomly sets the operation switch 24 to be operated by the driver from the plurality of operation switches 24 each time. Although not shown in the figure, when the operation switch 24 to be operated by the driver has a lighting display portion by an LED or the like on the operation knob, a designation notification for the driver is given together with a voice notification, The operation is performed by lighting or blinking the lighting display section (LED) of the operation knob (push button) of the corresponding operation switch 24.

  At the same time, the dozing prevention ECU 37 counts reaction time information from when the notification operation is performed until the operation switch 24 is operated to the ECUs 14 to 18 that control the designated operation switch 24, and returns them. Instruct. For example, when the designated operation switch 24 is an “air conditioner OFF” switch, it instructs the air conditioner ECU 16 to count and return the reaction time information. Note that during this dozing prevention process, even if the operation switch 24 is turned on for the designated operation switch 24, the operation as the original function (for example, an instruction to turn off the air conditioner) becomes invalid.

  When the reaction time information transmitted from the ECUs 14 to 18 is acquired, the dozing prevention ECU 37 determines the degree of drowsiness of the driver from the reaction time information. This determination can be performed by, for example, evaluating the drowsiness in a plurality of stages by comparing the reaction time with a plurality of times serving as threshold values. If there is no response from the driver, it can be determined that the driver is falling asleep.

  Thereafter, the dozing prevention ECU 37 instructs each of the ECUs 14 to 23 to execute a safety ensuring operation according to the result of sleepiness determination. The safety ensuring operations executed by each of the ECUs 14 to 23 include a warning by a voice from the speaker 41 to the driver, a warning by stimulation of the body such as tightening of the seat belt and vibration of the seat, lighting of a hazard lamp and horn ringing. Notification to other vehicles traveling on the road, stop guidance to a safe place of the vehicle, and the like. Therefore, the dozing prevention ECU 37 functions as an instruction unit, a reaction time information acquisition unit, a drowsiness determination unit, and a safety ensuring instruction unit.

  In the present embodiment, the dozing prevention process is performed when the valid / invalid switch 40 is valid, after a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed since the ignition switch was turned on, and then at a certain time interval ( For example, at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes). When the valid / invalid switch 40 is invalid, the dozing prevention process is not executed. When the valid / invalid switch 40 is switched from invalid to valid while the vehicle is running, the dozing prevention process is immediately started. Further, when the valid / invalid switch 40 is switched from valid to invalid during traveling, the subsequent dozing prevention process is stopped.

  In this embodiment, the ECUs 14 to 18 having the operation switches 24 such as the handle ECU 14 and the meter ECU 15 send the switch information to the vehicle network 13, and the notification means such as a horn and a hazard lamp are provided. This corresponds to the start / end of notification by the vehicle network 13. With this configuration, as will be described later, it becomes easy to retrofit the dozing prevention device 12 by connecting the dozing prevention ECU 37 to the vehicle network 13.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle doze prevention system 11 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows a signal flow between the dozing prevention ECU 37 and the other ECUs 14 to 23 when the dozing prevention system 11 (the dozing prevention ECU 37) executes the dozing prevention process. Here, notification 1, notification 2, and notification 3 are sequentially exchanged between the dozing prevention ECU 37 and the other ECUs 14 to 23 via the vehicle network 13.

  FIG. 4 shows a state of transition of the state (S0 to S3) of the dozing prevention ECU 37 in the dozing prevention process of the dozing prevention system 11 (dozing prevention ECU 37). That is, first, there is a state S0 in which the dozing prevention ECU 37 is not functioning (the dozing prevention process is not executed). This state S0 is one of a state where the ignition switch of the vehicle is off, a state until the predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle starts to travel, and a state where the valid / invalid switch 40 is invalid. Has occurred.

  Then, when the continuous operation time of the vehicle reaches a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), or when the valid / invalid switch 40 is switched from invalid to valid while the vehicle is running, the doze prevention ECU 37 makes a doze. Prevention processing is performed. As a result of the start of the dozing prevention process, the state transitions from the state S0 to the state S1 in which an instruction to operate any one of the operation switches 24 is given to the driver.

  In this state S <b> 1, as described above, the dozing prevention ECU 37 randomly sets the operation switch 24 to be operated by the driver, controls the speaker 41, and notifies the designation to operate the operation switch 24. Is executed. Here, for example, a voice notification such as “Please operate the air conditioner OFF switch” is given from the speaker 41. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 3, a notification 1 is sent from the dozing prevention ECU 37 to instruct the ECUs 14 to 18 having the corresponding operation switches 24 to count and return the reaction time for the operation switches 24. Executed.

  When notification 1 is performed in this way, the state transitions from state S1 to state S2 where the driver monitors the operation of the operation switch 24. At this time, the corresponding ECU 14 to 18 (air conditioner ECU 16 in the case of the air conditioner OFF switch) that receives the notification 1 turns on (flashes) the LED of the operation knob of the operation switch 24 and performs the notification operation after the notification operation is performed. The reaction time of the driver until the operation switch 24 is operated is counted. The driver operates the corresponding operation switch 24 according to the sound notification from the speaker 41 and the lighting (flashing) of the LED of the operation knob. In this operation, the original function of the operation switch 24 (for example, an air conditioner OFF instruction) is invalidated.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, notification 2 for returning reaction time information (including the case where the operation switch 24 is not operated within a predetermined time) to the doze prevention ECU 37 is performed from the corresponding ECUs 14 to 18. The doze prevention ECU 37 that acquired the reaction time information determines the degree of drowsiness of the driver from the reaction time. As shown in FIG. 4, when the reaction time is within an allowable time (for example, within several seconds), it is determined that there is no drowsiness, and the state returns from the state S2 to the state S1 described above. As described above, the dozing prevention ECU 37 repeatedly executes the dozing prevention process at predetermined time intervals. In this case, since the operation switch 24 to be operated by the driver is selected at random every time, the operation switch 24 operated by the driver last time is often different.

  On the other hand, when the reaction time exceeds the allowable time, it is determined that the driver feels drowsy, and the state transitions from state S2 to state S3 where a doze alarm (safety ensuring operation) is performed. In this dozing alarm, as shown in FIG. 3, the dozing prevention ECU 37 instructs each of the ECUs 14 to 23 (ECUs related to safety and driving support) to execute a safety ensuring operation according to the degree of drowsiness. Notification 3 is performed.

  In this case, the safety ensuring operation depends on the degree of sleepiness, for example, the buzzer sounds, the alarm by voice, the display on the display (such as “Please take a break”), the tightening of the seat belt and the vibration of the seat For example, it is possible to execute warnings by stimulating the body of the driver, notification of other vehicles traveling in the vicinity by lighting of a hazard lamp or ringing of a horn, guidance for stopping the vehicle to a safe place, and the like. As a result, it is possible to promote the driver's awakening and to ensure safety not only for the host vehicle but also for other vehicles.

  When the driver wants to release the dozing alarm in the state S3 in which the dozing alarm is performed, the operation switch 24 designated in the immediately preceding state S1 may be double-clicked (pressed twice). Returning from the state S3 to the state S1, the dozing prevention process is repeatedly performed. Alternatively, when the driver wants to invalidate the dozing prevention process, the valid / invalid switch 40 may be switched to invalid, thereby returning from the state S3 to the state S0.

  According to the vehicle doze prevention system 11 and the vehicle doze prevention apparatus 12 of this embodiment, the doze prevention ECU 37 is connected to the vehicle network 13 via the connection connector 38, and the other plural ECUs 14 to 23 are connected. Can be linked. In this case, by adopting a configuration in which the dozing prevention ECU 37 is connected to the vehicle network 13, it is easy to provide the existing vehicle by retrofitting. At the same time, in cooperation with the ECUs 14 to 23, it is possible to execute various processes related to the prevention of dozing using various existing devices and devices provided in the vehicle. In particular, in the present embodiment, since it is configured to be connectable to the diagnostic connector 39 provided in the vehicle network 13, retrofitting becomes extremely easy, and the installation location of the dozing prevention device 12 can be eliminated.

  When the dozing prevention ECU 37 executes the dozing prevention process, the operation switch 24 that originally exists in the passenger compartment is used to allow the driver to operate one of them, so that the configuration can be simplified. The degree of sleepiness of the driver can be determined. In this case, the notification operation for notifying the driver to operate the specified operation switch 24 includes turning on or blinking the lighting display portion of the operation knob of the corresponding operation switch 24 together with the voice notification. An easy-to-understand instruction can be given to a person.

  At this time, the driver is allowed to perform an active switch operation, so that arousal can be promoted. In particular, in this embodiment, since the operation switch 24 to be operated by the driver is set at random, the driver cannot predict the operation switch 24 to be operated next, and is not accustomed and can give a sense of tension. . In order to operate the operation switch 24 provided in various places, the driver needs to move his / her arm left and right and up and down, and stimulation by moving the body accordingly is also useful for awakening from sleepiness.

  In addition, drowsiness determination and safety ensuring operation (slumber alarm) can be performed in cooperation with the other ECUs 14 to 23, so that devices and equipment can be shared, and the addition of separate parts is minimized. I can finish it. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the introduction cost can be suppressed, and an excellent effect that the introduction (retrofitting) to an existing vehicle can be facilitated is achieved.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, an enable / disable switch 40 is provided that can be set by the driver as to whether or not to perform the dozing prevention process. In this case, the driver may feel that the execution of the dozing prevention process is troublesome. In such a case, by operating the valid / invalid switch 40 and invalidating the dozing prevention ECU 37, an unnecessary process is performed. You can do it without any action. Further, when the driver feels drowsy even a little, by enabling the enable / disable switch 40, the dozing prevention process can be immediately executed and the effect can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the valid / invalid switch 40 is provided. However, the valid / invalid switch 40 may not be provided, and a dozing prevention process may be always performed. Alternatively, the valid / invalid state may be switched by another invalid operation (for example, double-clicking a predetermined operation switch or simultaneously pressing a plurality of operation switches). Even when the dozing prevention process is disabled, for example, when the continuous driving time of the driver exceeds a predetermined time, the dozing prevention process may be forcibly executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the doze prevention ECU 37 performs notification or the like by directly controlling the speaker 41. However, the doze prevention ECU 37 controls the other ECU (for example, the navigation ECU 19) that controls the speaker 41. You may comprise so that notification operation | movement may be performed by giving an instruction | indication (request). Furthermore, the vehicle network 13 is not limited to CAN, and LAN, LIN, FlexRay, or the like can be adopted. Further, the diagnosis connector 39 is not limited to the OBDII standard. In addition, various changes can be made to the type and arrangement of the operation switches at the driver's seat, and the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not departing from the gist.

  In the drawing, 11 is a vehicle doze prevention system, 12 is a vehicle doze prevention device, 13 is a vehicle network, 24 is an operation switch, 37 is a doze prevention ECU (instruction means, reaction time information acquisition means, drowsiness determination means, safety assurance) (Instruction means), 38 is a connection connector (connection means), 39 is a diagnostic connector, 40 is a valid / invalid switch, and 41 is a speaker (notification means).

Claims (7)

A drowsiness prevention apparatus for vehicles provided in a vehicle, which includes a plurality of ECUs to which operation signals of a plurality of operation switches arranged in a vehicle compartment are respectively input, and which is connected to each other by a vehicle network. And
A dozing prevention ECU for executing a driver's dozing prevention process, and a connecting means for connecting the dozing prevention ECU to the vehicle network,
The dozing prevention ECU, when executing the dozing prevention processing, is an instructing means for instructing a driver to operate one of the operation switches by an informing means provided in a vehicle; ,
Reaction time information acquisition means for instructing the ECU that controls the designated operation switch to return reaction time information from when the notification operation is performed until the operation switch is operated;
From the reaction time information acquired by this reaction time information acquisition means, sleepiness determination means for determining the degree of driver's sleepiness,
A vehicle dozing prevention device, comprising: safety ensuring instruction means for causing each ECU to execute a safety ensuring operation in accordance with a determination result of the sleepiness determination means.   The vehicle doze prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the doze prevention ECU randomly sets an operation switch to be operated by the driver when executing the doze prevention processing.   The vehicle doze prevention device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a valid / invalid switch capable of being set by a driver as to whether or not the doze prevention process is executed by the doze prevention ECU is provided in the vehicle.   The said connection means is comprised so that connection to the diagnosis connector provided in the said vehicle network is possible, The vehicle doze prevention apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A vehicle doze prevention system provided in a vehicle,
A plurality of ECUs to which operation signals of a plurality of operation switches arranged in the passenger compartment are respectively input;
A vehicle network that interconnects these multiple ECUs, and
A vehicle doze prevention system comprising the vehicle doze prevention device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In performing the dozing prevention process, the operation switch to be operated by the driver is selected to have a lighting display on the operation knob,
The notification operation for notifying a driver to operate the selected operation switch includes turning on or blinking a lighting display portion of an operation knob of the corresponding operation switch together with a voice notification. Item 6. The vehicle doze prevention system according to item 5.   The safety ensuring operation performed by the ECU includes a warning by a voice or a stimulus to the body for the driver, a notification to another vehicle traveling in the vicinity, and a stop guidance to a safe place of the vehicle. Item 7. The vehicle doze prevention system according to any one of Items 5 and 6.

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