DE102017011509A1 - Sekundenschlaf warning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to a warning and / or auxiliary device, comprising at least one position sensor, which detects its orientation in space at least with respect to the vertical, and by at least one signal generator, in a certain orientation of the position sensor in space and / or with respect to the vertical is activated.

Description

The invention is directed to a warning and / or auxiliary device which can be used in particular as a microsleep warning device.

There are a number of emergencies in which a person is no longer master of the situation and therefore needs support. A typical case for such an emergency in which the person concerned is no longer able to manage is an undesirable sleep condition, in particular as a result of overwork. This can occur in different environments, e.g. during a lecture, where a person does not want to miss any important information, or in a train, where a person does not want to miss their exit station. However, the most dangerous is the so-called microsleep at the wheel of a motor vehicle, where already after fractions of a second an accident can be initiated or triggered, unless the person concerned can not be recalled in good time from their sleep state in the waking state. Therefore, in some new vehicles, the driver's eyes are monitored by monitoring this with a video camera, for example in the area of the rear-view mirror, and then using an image analysis program to search for the pupils; If these are not found, an acoustic alarm is triggered, for example. However, this method has a number of disadvantages. On the one hand, it is very complicated because of the required hardware and software - video camera, computer, image processing program. In addition, all drivers switch off the light in the vehicle at night to be able to see the road well in the dark, so that with a normal video camera at night, adequate monitoring is not possible. In addition, for some people such permanent computer monitoring is uncomfortable. Finally, the system is installed in a vehicle and can therefore only be used against microsleep at the wheel and not bpw. be taken on a train ride.

It would not work there either because it would hardly be tolerated to install a private video camera all at once.

From the disadvantages of the prior art described results in the invention initiating problem, a generic warning and / or auxiliary device such that it can be produced with minimum effort and in particular carried everywhere and anytime, even independent of a motor vehicle.

The solution to this problem is achieved by a position sensor, which detects its orientation in space at least with respect to the vertical, and by a signal generator which is activated in a certain orientation of the position sensor in space and / or with respect to the vertical.

In dealing with the problem posed, the inventor came to the realization that in a sleeping state of a seated person, for example, their neck muscles are no longer coordinated in order to keep the head in an upright position. On the other hand, the cervical spine is not exactly below the center of gravity, but is offset towards the back of the head. Therefore, the head of a falling person automatically and almost instantaneously fall forward, in the extreme case until the chin sits on the chest. Unfortunately, the person concerned usually does not wake up and is no longer in control of the situation.

For example, if a motor vehicle is traveling on a highway or highway at a speed of 100 km / h, the vehicle will travel 100,000 m / 3,600 seconds per second. ≈ 27.8 m back, and without active control, the vehicle can already cause an accident on this not inconsiderable distance.

By the integrated position sensor of the warning and / or auxiliary device according to the invention in the context of use by a motor vehicle driver of this is worn on his head - for example. Attached to a pair of spectacles - but the position sensor can detect delaying the descent of the head in the case of unwanted microsleep and delay forward this information to the connected signal generator, which then emits an acoustic alarm signal, for example, in order to call the vehicle driver back to the awake state as quickly as possible and to transfer responsibility for the control of the motor vehicle. Since this feedback control loop operates almost instantaneously, the wake-up signal is generated already after fractions of a second, and consequently the distance traveled by the driver during the sleep mode is ideally well below 27.8 m. In most cases this should be enough to avoid an accident.

It has proved to be favorable that the position sensor has on its outside a device for direct or indirect attachment to the head of a person. Through a firm connection with the head of a person, the position sensor can perceive and monitor the head movements of a person.

For this purpose, the position sensor according to the invention may have on its outer side a device for clamping on a pair of spectacles, in particular for clamping on an ear hook of a spectacle frame.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the position sensor has on its outer side a means for wearing on the head, in particular a headband to be grazed over the forehead or a behind the ear to be worn, for example. U-shaped ear hook.

The position sensor preferably has a sensor body, which is movably received within an elongate cavity in its longitudinal direction. Certain head movements can therefore trigger a movement of this sensor body relative to the housing of the position sensor.

Preferably, the sensor body is designed as a ball. A ball has optimal rolling properties and can therefore move smoothly within the elongated cavity of the position sensor back and forth.

The sensor body should consist of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal, or have a surface of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal, so that its position within the cavity can be sensed by electrical means.

For a guide of a spherical sensor body, it would be optimal if the elongate cavity has a circular cross-section.

So that the sensor body can assume a potential predetermined by a voltage source at any position, the lateral surface of the elongated cavity should be designed to be electrically conductive at least on its inside.

It is within the scope of the invention that an electrical contact body is provided on the inside of an end face of the elongated cavity. When the sensor body abuts there, it transfers its potential to this contact body and can help close a circuit.

This is preferably effected by the fact that the outer surface of the elongated cavity on the one hand and the electrical contact on the inside of an end face of the elongated cavity on the other hand is turned on in such a sensor circuit that this circuit by the simultaneous contact of the electrically conductive sensor body with the lateral surface on the one hand and can be closed with the electrical contact on the other hand.

Seen from the outside, the position sensor according to the invention thus has two electrical contacts which are not connected in an alignment corresponding to a conventional position, but are connected in an orientation corresponding to an emergency situation.

In this case, these two electrical contacts of the position sensor should be turned on in a sensor circuit such that this sensor circuit can be closed by an internal connection of these electrical contacts within the position sensor.

In the sensor circuit, a voltage source should be turned on, so that the electrical conduction of the position sensor is sensed by a voltage change or potential change at one of these electrical contacts of the other devices in the circuit, or by a change in the state between idle state and current flow.

The simplest arrangement results by the signal generator is switched directly into the sensor circuit. If switched into the sensor circuit consumers, in particular signal generator, are already activated by a simple DC, such a procedure is sufficient.

If, however, a consumer requires an alternating current, that can be preceded by an oscillator which transforms the direct current into an alternating current.

If more complex consumers are connected, for example radio modules for emitting an emergency signal, an input of a digital module can also be connected to the sensor circuit, in particular via a resistor which generates a voltage drop when the current flows. In this case, a ground potential can be defined by a connection of this resistor, which is communicated to the connected digital module as a reference.

Such a digital module can be designed as a data transmission module or for controlling a data transmission module, in particular also as a microcontroller, to whose bus or peripheral a data transmission module is connected.

Such a data link may be coupled to an antenna or a connector for relaying the information received from the position sensor to a remote receiver, for example to a receiver of a search device, to facilitate locating a lost person.

On the other hand, the digital module can also be used to control another signal generator be formed, in particular in parallel with the dispatch of the Notsingals to fulfill other tasks, for example, the control of the search teams conductive light source.

In general, the signal generator can be designed as an acoustic signal generator, for example as a loudspeaker or piezoelectric transducer. In this case, the invention makes use of the advantage that the hearing of a person is active even in the sleep state, so that acoustic signals penetrate into the consciousness of a person in order to bring them back into the waking state abruptly.

For other applications, the signal generator can be designed as an optical signal generator, for example as a light-emitting diode or other lighting means.

Finally, it is the teaching of the invention that the position sensor and / or the signal generator can be deactivated by a switch. This can avoid that the sensor circuit or the signal generator circuit closes during storage by an unfavorable position and thus on the one hand charged without causing the integrated voltage source and on the other hand generates a disturbing signal or is issued.

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Sekundenschlafwarngerät in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;
• 2 das Sekundenschlafwarngerät aus 1 im Einsatz an einer wachen Person;
• 3 das Sekundenschlafwarngerät aus 1 im Einsatz an einer schlafenden Person;
• 4 einen Schnitt durch die 2 entlang der Linie IV - IV; sowie
• 5 ein Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Sekundenschlafwarngeräts.

Further features, details, advantages and effects on the basis of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the drawing. Hereby shows:

• 1 an inventive microsleep warning device in a perspective view;
• 2 the microsleep monitor off 1 in use on a waking person;
• 3 the microsleep monitor off 1 in use on a sleeping person;
• 4 a cut through the 2 along the line IV - IV ; such as
• 5 a block diagram of an instantaneous sleep warning device according to the invention.

The warning and / or auxiliary device shown in the drawing 1 includes a position sensor 2 as well as a signal generator 3 which are coupled together, in particular by electrical means or wirelessly, for example by radio.

The position sensor 2 is intended in a primary application, the orientation of the head 4 the monitored person and is mechanically for this purpose with the head 4 connected. This can preferably be done in such a way that the position sensor 2 on a rack 5 an existing glasses 6 is attached, for example, on an earhook 7 thereof. If the supervised person is not a wearer of glasses, the connection of the position sensor can 2 with the head 4 od either by means of the frame of a glasses dummy or sunglasses. The like. Be made, or by other means, for example. By means of a headband. It is also conceivable to use a headphone or such, the head in the manner of a bracket cross design, what the position sensor 2 can be set, or a kind of auricle with a bracket for fixing the position sensor 2 , It is important, above all, that the connection between the position sensor 2 and head 4 as slip-proof and / or wobble-free, so that the position sensor 2 all movements of the head 4 can take over and recognize precisely.

The position sensor preferably has 2 the shape of a straight stretched piece of pipe 8th , How to get the 4 can take, can on the lateral surface 9 of the pipe section 8th a fastening device may be provided, in particular in the form of a profile 10 with a C-shaped, on an outside by a Schitz 11 open cross section. As a result of this slot 11 can the profile 10 - And thus the entire position sensor 2 - on an earhook 7 a pair of glasses 6 be fixed, in particular clipped or postponed. To achieve a clamping effect, the two legs 12 of the cross-section C-shaped profile 10 be resilient, and / or be provided on their inner sides with an elastic covering, for example. Rubber.

The position sensor 2 is preferred over two wires 13 with the signal transmitter 3 coupled. The signal generator 3 includes one on the auricle 14 to be supported housing 15 and a thus - preferably movably - connected earhook 16 , behind the pinna 14 engages and thus for a secure hold of the housing 15 provides.

The internal structure of the warning and / or auxiliary device 1 is in 5 to see. One recognizes there that within the housing 15 the warning and / or auxiliary device 1 Above all, two components are installed, namely on the one hand the actual sound generator 17 , For example, in the form of a piezoelectric electroacoustic transducer, and on the other hand, a voltage source 18 , For example, in the form of a battery, a rechargeable battery, so a rechargeable power storage, or in the form of a so-called. Super-caps, so a large electrolytic capacitor. One pole each of the sound generator 17 on the one hand and the voltage source 18 are through a bridge 19 electrically conductively connected to each other; the other pole of these two elements 17 . 18 is each as a wire 13 from the auto switch housing 15 led out and extends from there to the position sensor 2 ,

If therefore in the position sensor 2 the ends of the two wires 13 be shorted, so closes a circuit, and the voltage source 18 can drive a current through this circuit. The signal generator 3 produces a sound.

Are inside the position sensor 2 against it the two wires 13 not connected to each other conductive, the circuit is disconnected, the signal generator 3 stay still.

The pipe piece 8th of the position sensor 2 is hollow, and its lateral surface 9 consists at least on its inside of an electrically conductive material, eg. Metal. At both ends 20 is the piece of pipe 8th closed, for example by a lid 21 . 22 ,

Together with these lids 21 . 22 encloses the pipe section 8th a cavity 23 in its interior. This cavity 23 has a constant in its longitudinal direction cross-section. Preferably, this cross-section is cylindrical.

In this cylindrical cavity 23 there is a sensor body 24 , which is rotationally symmetrical about at least one axis. Its cross section along this axis of rotation corresponds in shape approximately to the cross section of the cavity 23 within the pipe section 8th , but is slightly smaller in area than the cavity 23 within the pipe section 8th so that he is inside this cavity 23 unroll and so in the longitudinal direction of the pipe section 8th can move forward without rolling on the inside of the pipe section 8th snag.

The sensor body is preferred 24 formed as a ball and preferably has a slightly smaller diameter in relation to the clear inner diameter of the cylinder jacket-shaped pipe section 8th , The spherical sensor body 24 can therefore within the pipe section 8th roll along and take a lid from it 21 to its other cover 22 move. In the 5 is its possible position near the rear lid 21 represented by a solid line, its possible position near the front lid 22 with a dashed line.

The front lid 22 consists of an electrically non-conductive material. It is preferably in the middle of a recess 25 interspersed, so has an annular shape. Within this recess 25 sits an electrically conductive contact body 26 , for example of metal. This contact body 26 can in the recess 25 the front lid 22 For example, be glued and is thus opposite the electrically conductive jacket surface 9 of the pipe section 8th isolated.

The contact body 26 is with one of the two wires 13 electrically connected, preferably at a contact point 27 in the area of the outside of the front lid 22 ,

On the other hand, the electrically conductive jacket surface 9 of the pipe section 8th with the other of the two wires 13 electrically connected, also at a contact point 28 in the area of the outside of the lateral surface 9 ,

However, between one of these contact points 27 . 28 and the wire in question 13 another switch 29 be inserted, for example, in a via a lid 21 . 22 extended area of the lateral surface 9 can be accommodated. In the example shown, the switch 29 be designed as switching on each operation its switching state changing button.

Is this switch 29 open, never can a stream of a wire 13 to the other flow and so never the signal generator 3 sound.

Is the switch 29 however, closed, a potential flow of current from one wire to the other depends on the position of the sensor body 24 in the cavity of the pipe section 8th from:

At the rear, in 5 with a solid line position of the sensor body 24 has the contact body 26 no electrical connection to the lateral surface 9 , no electricity can flow.

Is the sensor body 24 in contrast, in its front, in 5 Dashed position shown, so pushes the electrically conductive sensor body 24 on the one hand against the electrically conductive contact body 26 and on the other hand lies on the electrically conductive inside of the lateral surface 9 on. Thus, between the two contact points 27 . 28 generates an electrical short circuit.

If at the same time the switch 29 is closed, so can a current through the position encoder 2 from a wire 13 to flow to the other. As a result, the circuit is between voltage source 18 and signalers 3 closed - a warning tone sounds.

The operation of the invention is in the 2 and 3 reproduced:

In 2 is the person awake and attentive in posture; She looks horizontally through the windshield of the vehicle and watches the traffic while steering the vehicle. The pipe piece 8th is so on the glasses 6 attached, that its longitudinal axis is inclined slightly rising in the direction of view. The sensor body 24 consequently rolls against the viewing direction backwards in the 5 solid line position; the circuit is open, there is no beep.

3 shows the state of microsleep. In the absence of any counteracting coordination, the head sinks 4 the person forward because his center of gravity is in front of the spine. As a result, the longitudinal axis of the pipe section now inclines downward in the direction of the person. As a result of the gradient that occurs, the sensor body rolls 24 forward to the in 5 dashed position. There he encounters the contact body 26 and closes the circuit between this contact body 26 and the electrically conductive inside of the lateral surface 29 ,

With simultaneously closed switch 29 now flows in from the voltage source 18 driven current through the signal generator 3 - a warning tone sounds.

As the signal generator 3 directly on the auricle 14 The person is clearly perceived by the person and wakes the person out of their microsleep. The driver is awake again and can continue to control the vehicle safely.

Various modifications are conceivable. If the signal transmitter 3 to control it requires an AC voltage, either in the range of the voltage source 18 or in the area of the signal generator 3 an oscillator may be arranged to receive from a constant voltage of the voltage source 18 to generate an AC voltage.

Is this oscillator in the range of the voltage source 18 , flows in the circuit of wires 13 an alternating current, and the voltage source 18 is only indirectly with the circuit of the wires 13 connected, namely via the intermediate oscillator.

In contrast, the oscillator is located in the area of the signal generator 3 , flows in the circuit of wires 13 a direct current, and the signal generator 3 is only indirectly with the circuit of the wires 13 connected, namely via the intermediate oscillator.

Of the two variants, however, the second has the advantage that when power is interrupted, the voltage source 18 is not loaded because the oscillator is de-energized. In the former case, however, the oscillator would oscillate constantly, even if the person in the waking state according to 2 is, so that the voltage source 18 would gradually discharge, even if the output of the oscillator is disconnected and thus is in a kind of idle state. It should therefore be in most cases an arrangement to give preference to a possibly necessary oscillator with the signal generator 3 is integrated.

There are a number of other applications for the invention:

It is useful in all cases of a very tiring activity, for example, for gatekeepers or other persons in the security service, including, for example, for soldiers.

Furthermore, instead of the acoustic signal transmitter 3 or in addition to an optical signal transmitter be present. For this purpose, for example, an attachment by means of a bracelet on the arm or wrist of a person may be provided, for example. With an orientation approximately parallel to the forearm of the person concerned. In this case, its orientation may possibly be reversed as in the application as a microsleep, ie, the contact body 26 is located at that end of the tubular position sensor 2 which faces the shoulder of the person concerned. If the person raises his hand, the sensor body rolls 24 towards the shoulder until it hits the contact body 26 touched - a bulb, for example, a strong light emitting diode or lamp lights up. This would be helpful, for example, when two or more people in a large crowd have lost and are looking for - by lifting one arm, a widely visible light signal can be emitted. This could be activated - for example via an intermediate oscillator - in a flashing mode in order to generate maximum attention.

Other applications are conceivable when the signal generator 3 emits a radio signal that can be picked up and displayed by a receiver of a search device to locate a lost person. When worn on the body - in particular by means of an amrband on the wrist - it could be triggered automatically in emergency situations, a warning signal when a person suddenly pulls up their arms, so that the sensor body rolls in the direction of the shoulder and triggers the alarm.

This could be thought of, for example, avalanche danger when skiing in the mountains, where a skier suddenly pulls up his arms in a fall and thus triggers the alarm, or in case of earthquakes, if a person was spilled. Also applications in distress are conceivable when a person raises their arms seeking help. For an application as a distress signal generator should the warning and / or auxiliary device 1 be waterproof.

In all these cases, it may be advantageous if each triggered alarm is maintained until it is deleted, for example. By means of an Acknowledge button again. This can be achieved, for example, by activating and closing a relay or the like at a current flow which is parallel to the position sensor 2 is switched and the circuit keeps closed, even if the sensor body 24 then from the contact body 26 removed again. By means of an acknowledgment key, the current flow can then be interrupted in another way and thus the relay can also be returned to its originally open state.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Warning or auxiliary device

2

position sensor

3

signaler

4

head

5

frame

6

glasses

7

earloop

8th

pipe section

9

lateral surface

10

profile

11

slot

12

leg

13

wires

14

auricle

15

casing

16

earloop

17

sound generator

18

voltage source

19

bridge

20

front

21

rear lid

22

front lid

23

cavity

24

sensor body

25

recess

26

Contact body

27

contact point

28

contact point

29

counter

Claims (22)

Warning and / or auxiliary device (1), characterized by at least one position sensor (2), which detects its orientation in space at least with respect to the vertical, and by at least one signal generator (3) in a certain orientation of the position sensor (2) in Room and / or against the vertical is activated. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the position sensor (2) has on its outer side a device for direct or indirect attachment to the head (4) of a person. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the position sensor (2) on its outside a means for clamping on a pair of glasses (6), in particular for clamping on an earhook (7) of a spectacle frame (5). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the position sensor (2) on its outside a means for carrying on the head (4), in particular a over the forehead to grazing headband or behind the ear (14) to be worn, for example. U-shaped ear hook (16). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position sensor (2) has a sensor body (24) which is movably received within an elongate cavity (23) in its longitudinal direction. Device (1) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the sensor body (24) is formed as a ball. Device (1) according to Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the sensor body (24) consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal, or has a surface made of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal. Device (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 7 , characterized in that the elongated cavity (23) has a circular, quadrangular or polygonal cross section. Device (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 8th , characterized in that on the lateral surface (9) of the elongated cavity (23) is formed at least electrically conductive on its inner side. Device (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 9 , characterized in that on the inside of an end face (20) of the elongated cavity (23), an electrical contact (26) is provided. Device (1) according to Claim 9 and 10 , characterized in that the lateral surface (9) of the elongated cavity (23) on the one hand and the electrical contact (26) on the inside of an end face (20) of the elongated cavity (23) on the other hand in such a Sesnosrstromkreis is turned on, that this circuit can be closed by the simultaneous contact of the electrically conductive sensor body (24) with the lateral surface (9) on the one hand and with the electrical contact (26) on the other. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position sensor (2) has two electrical contacts (27,28) which are not connected in an orientation corresponding to a conventional position, in contrast, connected in alignment according to an emergency situation are. Device (1) according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the two electrical contacts (27,28) of the position sensor (2) is turned on in a sensor circuit, that this sensor circuit can be closed by an internal connection of these electrical contacts (27,28) within the position sensor (2) , Device (1) according to Claims 12 or 13 , characterized in that in the sensor circuit, a voltage source (18) is turned on. Device (1) according to Claims 12 to 14 , characterized in that in the sensor circuit of the signal generator (3) is turned on. Device (1) according to one of Claims 12 to 15 , characterized in that an input of a digital module is connected to the sensor circuit. Device (1) according to Claim 16 , characterized in that the digital module is designed to control a data transmission module. Device (1) according to Claim 17 , characterized in that the data transmission module is coupled to an antenna or a connector in order to forward the information received from the position sensor (2) to a remote receiver. Device (1) according to one of Claims 16 to 18 , characterized in that the digital module for controlling the signal generator (3) is formed. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal generator (3) is designed as an acoustic signal generator, for example as a loudspeaker or piezoelectric transducer. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal generator (3) is designed as an optical signal generator, for example as a light-emitting diode or other lighting means. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position sensor (2) and / or the signal generator (3) can be deactivated by a switch (29).

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