DE2822788A1 - Motor vehicle driver reaction time control system - generates demand signal to driver on monotonous stretches of road requiring response - Google Patents

Abstract

The system is used for controlling and monitoring the reaction time of the motor vehicle driver. It generates signals to which the driver is obliged to respond on monotonous stretches of road. This improves safety in travel. The brake, direction indicators, gear drive, clutch, light signals and brakes control the delay of the signal requiring driver attention. When these monitored operating elements are not actuated, for example on long, straight stretches, then a demand signal is generated after a certain time period. If the driver does not respond to such a signal with required reaction, then a warning signal is generated and subsequently an alarm signal noticed also around the vehicle.

Description

description

The invention relates to a method of controlling vigilance of motor vehicle drivers on roads, with the control and registration the reaction time (perception time) of the driver on monotonous road routes will; Likewise, the invention relates to a device for performing the Procedure.

Motor vehicle steering in a lengthy, not varied, Environment poor in irritating effects leads to a decrease in alertness and to a lessened one Observation ability; In a more serious case, the result is an accident by falling asleep of the driver. In order to be able to eliminate the danger, numerous solutions have been found so far suggested.

In the case of rail vehicles, for example, such devices are used that either by the delivery of signals - their frequency the distance traveled is proportional - monitor the vigilance of the driver or with the aid a contact 5 present between the driver and the device indicates the state of alertness control of the driver The device corresponds, for example, to the two basic types of the Swiss plant Oerlikon, or the Hungarian product Intendon. This The safety switch of the SIFA system can also be assigned to a group, which must be continuously operated by the engine driver and when the operation stops, the lamp lights up and then the alarm horn sounds Decrease in after indicates eligibility. The one described in DT-AS 1 199 312 Circuit arrangement used in electrically powered track vehicles can also be assigned to this group.

The systems mentioned and similar can be used on a free basis Railway moving vehicles are not used because of the traffic conditions independent and periodic appearance of the warning signal a dangerous situation can create (distraction of attention), whereby the regularly operated Switch on itself can increase the monotonous effect (essentially is a automatic actuation also possible in half slumber). That would be a special one 11 Operating device 1 required in motor vehicles. The constant connection with the driver Claiming instruments are evident for use in open-track vehicles not suitable.

To the negative phenomena of the effect of the monotony in motorists To be able to prevent on roads, was about 10 years ago in the Ford works developed a keep-awake device in the United States; one went from the The fact that the tired driver by no means makes such fine corrective movements Being able to operate the steering wheel is like a rested driver, and that too Number of backward maneuvering movements before going to sleep decreases. The device perceives the corrective steering wheel movements; should be the number of movements fall below a certain predetermined value, a horn sounds. The device is extremely complicated, expensive and cannot be used universally. Another disadvantage is that only the final state immediately before Falling asleep are then perceived and such factors as dependence uoa the number of corrective steering wheel movements, the steering style, the temperament, the technical condition of the Vehicle, the road conditions etc. should be disregarded.

In addition, other methods of vigilance control have also been used developed, but - since they require drivers mounted on the driver - in generally not appropriate. An example of this is the closing of the eyelid Monitoring special glasses frames or an instrument that detects brain waves.

When designing the method and the device according to the invention the following considerations were taken as a basis: The decrease in vigilance of the Driver is only a hazard on monotonous stretches of road Occurrence of the effect of monotony, industrial psychology suggests the following before: The number of people moving to action, but not in itself monotonous leading irritant effects is to increase or is one different from the usual Apply stimulus that takes the driver of the vehicle out of its jaded state freed.

Operator vigilance is to be increased in an objective manner measure, if possible in such a way that the driver himself is continuously aware of the success is informed or, if the value is critically low, the possibility of There is intervention in the control of the machine.

With a view to the fact that the extension of the reaction or. the observation time represents the most easily measurable objective symptom of mental fatigue (Leplat, 1964), the method according to the invention and the method for carrying it out were used suitable device according to the following developed.

1. On every route where there is a risk of falling asleep, a request signal is to be issued in a random rhythm, to which the driver respond with a quick response commensurate with their level of alertness Has.

2. If a critical extension occurs in the course of the prompt the reaction or perception time is perceived, is a warning signal - appropriate to generate an acoustic and an optical signal.

3. The time of the arrival of the following the prompt signal Reaction of the driver is to be registered broken down at intervals of at least 1 second, or the driver should be able to use the qualitative differentiation of the request signal (first a light stimulus, then light and sound stimulus) via the Value of his own reaction to receive information.

4. The control of vigilance should be done in such a way that the driver while driving on a venerable road or during active steering of the vehicle or in an accident-prone traffic situation will.

5. When triggered as a result of the critical delay in the response unsuccessful warning sign is to at least ensure the safety of those around the To ensure that the vehicle is located outside of the vehicle emit a perceptible alarm signal that draws attention to the danger.

6. The duration of the monitoring period of the device becomes gradual shortened, the shortening depends on the phase of the prompt, Warning or alarm signal the one required to trigger the signal Reaction of the driver arrives; so, for example, the next monitoring period can also shortened to a third of the original monitoring period.

The aim set by the method according to the invention is as follows achieved: The delay of the request signal is made with the aid of at least three operating elements operated depending on the traffic conditions (Brake, index, gearbox, clutch, headlight flasher, exhaust brake) controlled; under road conditions, in which the monitored controls are not operated, after a a request signal is issued for a certain period of time. But it should be the one to park the request signal is required if there is no reaction, a warning signal is only issued an alarm signal that can also be perceived in the vicinity of the vehicle is then emitted.

The device generates constants in compliance with the predetermined time the light or sound stimulus required to control the reaction time. To achieve to be able to control the response time only on monotonous stretches and takes place with an irregular frequency, the time constant with von at least three, but optimally five, control elements of the motor vehicle removed Impulse controlled. Each of the mentioned impulses cancels the prompt or delays its arrival by that determined by the time constant in the counter Time unit.

The rhythm of the prompt signals generated by the time constant is determined depending on the number of monitored control organs. Those three controls, one of which is one from the point of view of vehicle steering crucial importance is attached (and in the course of its use the the Attention evenu & ll distracting stimulus of the device a risk of accident cause can), must absolutely participate in the control; these are the brake that Coupling and the direction indicator (index). When you turn on the mentioned three monitored operating elements, the optimal value of the time constant is the Tests on trucks for a minimum of 80, a maximum of 120 and possibly 150 seconds.

In order to be able to fully achieve the set goal, the controller finds expediently with the involvement of all five operating organs instead, the In this case, the value is set to a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 150 seconds. In this In this case, the controls that can be monitored are expediently as follows: The brake, the Coupling, the direction indicator, the exhaust brake (for LK ## with diesel operation: the engine brake), the horn, the flasher and possibly the steering wheel (with a 150 exceeding rotation of the steering wheel).

The request signal is advantageous in the form of a discontinuous one Signal - pause for half a second, signal for half a second - emitted, where light and sound stimuli are combined in such a way that the first two signals are optical, the other signals, on the other hand, are combined optical and acoustic signals.

Optimally, 5 signals (= 5 seconds) are given. The prompt signal is deleted with a push button. The Drucklinop-f does not represent a new control element because the push button to restart the time constant (the counting) only during is capable of emitting the prompt, warning and alarm signals.

To control the reaction (perception) time with d # n simultaneously Anyone can use it to eliminate the unexpected risk of accident of the operating elements controlling the time constant of the device as a # lP1atige Response perceived by the device. Of the So the driver must only react by pressing the Druckkuopfes when it is not in one a situation that is compelling for an active maneuver. The device is useful connected to a tachograph to register the driver's reaction time. For example, the pulse generator of the Kienzle1 tachograph type TCO 15-5 or TCO 15-6, if connected appropriately, will have a separate circle diagram the tachograph sheet and registers depending on the measured in the device Perception time the result of the control in the form of a spike, the height of which per second increases.

Should the reaction (perception) time increase critically, after the fifth request signal, for example, the device sounds a horn, after which - after a warning from minii: #al 15 seconds and if the reaction of the driver should still be absent - the direction of the emergency flasher and possibly an external horn (= alarm) switches on.

In this phase the device can only be pressed their own push button.

The device is expedient via the ignition switch of the supply unit connected and is also made currentless by applying the handbrake, so that it is inoperable when it is stationary.

The method and the device according to the invention can be universal Can be used in any motor vehicle, mechanical components are not contain; the assembly is carried out only through electrical connections, the device is small in size and can be manufactured relatively cheaply.

The method forming the subject of the invention and the method for performing it suitable device are based on an Au ü-runs example based on the drawing explained in more detail.

1 shows the circuit diagram of the circuit arrangement of a circuit according to the invention Contraption; FIG. 2 shows a timing diagram explaining the function of the device according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a more detailed illustration of the circuit arrangement of one of the exemplary embodiments the device according to the invention.

In connection with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 it should be noted in advance that this is only a functional, exemplary one Design is about.

Of course, the task can be done in other, more contemporary ways, e.g. can be solved with the help of integrated circuits.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the clutch switch are ter 1, the brake switch 2, the index switch 3, the steering wheel switch 4, and the device switch 5 (further: the switches 1 to 5) with each other in parallel to the feed unit TE connected to the device, in such a way that the switches mentioned on the actuation circuit of the between the feed unit TE of the motor vehicle and the holding circuit 7 switched on for a limited period of time Circuit 6 are connected. To one output of the holding circuit 7 with a limited period of time, the first signal lamp 8 is connected, which is advantageous emits a green light. The other output of the holding circuit 7 with limited Duration is connected to the input of the switching circuit 9, to one of which Output on the one hand advantageously the red signal lamp 10 and at the other output the alarm circuit 11 set for a certain period of time and the one thereafter switched alarm device 14 is connected. To one output of the alarm circuit 11 can be a registrant Tachograph 12 can be connected.

In a further developed form of the invention, the output of the alarm circuit 11 on for a predetermined period of time (e.g. one minute) set sensor circuit 13 connected, its output to the input of the holding circuit 7 is fed back with a limited period of time. To the other Output of the sensor circuit 13, a breaker 15 is connected to the the flashing lights of the alarm device 16 are connected.

The third output of the sensor circuit 13 is the one on the instrument panel arranged, advantageously yellow, the alertness level reporting lamp 17 connected, which informs the driver about the current state of alertness through a continuous or discontinuous light.

That in Fi. The diagram shown in FIG. 2 serves to explain the function the device. It illustrates the temporal appearance of the signals of the various Request warning and alarm means according to FIG. 1 and the associated voltage level. It should be noted that the time periods given in the figure only serve as an example; shorter or longer time periods can also be used.

The function time MI is plotted in seconds on the abscissa of FIG. the values given are of course only given by way of example; they can be changed as required. On the ordinate the signal voltages JF are plotted. So the tension decreases in the first interval of the green light ZF, which lights up for about 60 to 150 seconds, for example, when the manipulation of dings does not extend the time mentioned; in the second interval is the decreasing tension of the too belonging to your prompt red light PF, whose lighting up the tnft of the continuous Line shown warning signal PF follows with a delay of 5 S # customers. Advantageous will sound for the first 2 to 3 seconds of the 5 second prompt a half-second flashing light signal is emitted, followed by a discontinuous one Sound signal sounds.

The already mentioned signal follows the mentioned signal for about ten seconds permanent continuous warning signal, e.g. in the form of a sound signal and an e.g. red light signal PF.

If the driver still does not react, an alarm signal is given issued, which appears in the form of an emergency flashing light signal VVJ and is permanent is maintained until it is manipulated by the appropriate switch-off is acknowledged.

According to Figures 1 and 2, the mode of operation is as follows: After Switching the ignition on with the aid of the ignition switch, not shown here the device is thereby operated by actuating the device switch 5 set that the self-holding circuit 6 is actuated, whereby the feed unit TE of the device is connected. The same operation can be carried out by pressing one of the switches 1 to 4 can be made. As a result, the will be limited to one Duration, e.g. holding circuit 7 set to 30 to 150 seconds switched on and the green signal lamp 8 indicating the activity of the device lights up.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, and below in connection with 3, the voltage of the green light ZF falls by the discharge of a capacitor and switches voltage at a given level of the signal JF the prompting and warning signal lamp 10 in, re the green light goes out. That is advantageous Light of the second signal lamp 10 red, whereby expediently in a few seconds after the appearing light also a prompting one discontinuous acoustic signal is emitted; in this case it stands Driver a time period of 5 to 7 seconds is available to by actuation one of the switches 1 to 5 to extinguish the red light and the activity of the direction to illuminate the indicating green light. Should be the driver of the motor vehicle Failure to do this thnipulation creates a continuous warning sound signal, since the alarm circuit 11 and the distributor operate the alarm device for about 10 seconds 14 actuated, which in addition to the red signal light also emits a warning sound signal is delivered; At the same time, the tachograph 12 is put into operation, the Appearance of the warning signal registered. Still shouldn't the driver react, it switches from the output of the sensor current # Zeaes 13 to the input of the holding circuit 7 is not fed back to the holding circuit 7 in its signal active state, in which the process begins again, then the one Output of the sensor circuit 13 connected breaker 15 also used as an alarm signal functioning alarm device 16 put into operation by the flashing lights The continuous lighting of the car indicates an abnormal condition of the driver - Fall asleep, feeling unwell - show and also the horn of the vehicle can emit an alarm signal.

As already mentioned, the third output is in the exemplary embodiment of the sensor circuit 13 the one arranged on the instrument panel (advantageously yellow), the alertness level reporting signal lamp 17 connected, which according to FIG. 2 by the continuous light SF I or the discontinuous light SF II dem Announces the driver's current state of alertness. During the signal delivery the alarm device 14, which is a five second continuous #; 3, prompting Emits sound signal, and the red signal lamp 10 if the device E.g. is not deactivated until the third signal takes effect, the continuous yellow light on to warn the driver repeatedly, giving him within 60 seconds receives a repeated control signal for the purpose of more recent control of the reaction time (Fig. 2, 1).

This can be achieved in that in the feedback branch of the FUhlerstromkreises 13 is connected to the holding circuit 7, with the terminating circuit 18 acceleration element 23 connected in parallel is inserted.

However, the device will only respond to the fifth signal or the continuous Warning signal (Fig. 2, continuous signal PF) inactivated, it is already within A repeated control was made for 30 seconds, the yellow being the level of alertness The feedback lamp 17 (Fig. 2, II) looks. In these cases, the sensor circuit switches 13 with the aid of the termination circuit 18 switches 1 to 5 off, whereby accelerated vigilance control (type I or II) is enabled.

With a correct response to the following prompt signal (i.e. a reaction before the red signal lamp 10 lights up for the third time) the device switches 1 to 5 in the manner already described. To the Tachographs 12 are the deflections, the size of the signals I, II, the warning or alarm signals, registered; this allows the respective level of vigilance respectively.

the driver's reaction time can also be determined retrospectively.

With reference to Fig. 3, a possible simple solution to the invention Device described. In this solution, the Fühlerstronikreis 13, the Tachograph 12, the interrupter 15, the flashing alarm light 16, the alertness level feedback Signal lamp 17 and the termination circuit 18 omitted. The one used in FIG Reference symbols are also used here for the identical components, while the components listed in the designs described in more detail further corresponding reference characters or reference numbers are designated.

The drawing shown in Fig. 3 shows the retirement of the device. The device is connected to the supply unit TE (the accumulator) via the ignition switch GK of the motor vehicle connected. In the retirement shown, no electricity flows via the electrical components of the device. The device is on the one hand put into operation by switching on the ignition, on the other hand by the fact that under With the help of the clutch switch 1, the brake switch 2, the index switch 3, the steering wheel switch 4 or the device switch 5 (hereinafter switch 1 to 5) the body emits an impulse to switch on the relay Rel, whose normally open contact "al" closes, causing a pulse to be sent to relay Re2 will; the normally open contact "a" of the same closes the holding circuit, during the Normally open contact b of relay Re2 during the active time of the switches mentioned 1 to 5 are an opening voltage of the base of the transistor Tr1 and at the same time charges the capacitor 19 to an opening voltage; at the same time increases Base voltage of the transistor Tr2 on the emitter resistor 20 to an opening voltage. When the transistor Tr2 is opened, the relay Re3 picks up and becomes, for example, 80 seconds long, calculated from the release of switches 1 to 5 or until the capacitor is discharged 19 held in the tightened state. Activated by pulling in relay Re3 its normally open contact "a" with the help of that secured by the contacts of relay Re2 positive voltage the signal lamp indicating the operating state - e.g. green - 8, at the same time the relays Re4 and Re5 switched off '.

If there is no further impulse for the Relay Rel is released, in this example the Re3 relay is activated after 80 seconds turned off by separating the bases of the transistors Trl and Tr2, whereby the Relay drops out and the normally closed contact "b" of relay Re3 receives a pulse through the attracted Contacts of relay Re2 to relay Re4 releases, which as a result of the resistance 21 and the capacitor 22 attracts a certain time constant with a delay, break contact a of relay Re4 and make contact "b", whereby the circuit of the alarm device 14 is opened and the pull-in circuit of relay Re5 is closed. As a result, the working contact "b" closes of relay Re5. As a result of this work process, the prompting one lights up for the driver Yarning red signal lamp 10, which remains in the glowing state. Subsequent The discontinuous acoustic signal of the alarm device sounds for a short period of time 14th

If the driver does not use one of the switches 1 to 5 give a newer impulse to the relay Rel, after e.g. 5 to 7 seconds after when the red light lights up, the charged capacitor 22 via the relay Re4 discharged, the relay Re4 drops out and the warning continuous sound signal the alarm device sounds via the normally closed contact "c" of the mentioned relay. Will if the contact of relay Re4 is released, it cannot re-energize as the relay Re5 is already energized and its normally closed contact "a" is the pull-up circuit of the relay Re4 interrupts. The continuous signal forces you to fall asleep located driver by pressing one of the switches 1 to 5, the device to bring it back into an active state, i.e. the idle state of the relay Re4 and to establish Re5, whereby the red signal lamp 10 goes out and the green signal lamp 8 lights up; the prompting signal will now sound earlier, and depending on the duration of the time period before the driver's reaction. The process repeats itself again. Simultaneously with the sounding of the prompting There is the possibility of a sound signal, e.g. in the case of a truck, an impulse for To issue a tachograph showing the fact that a warning signal has been issued, registered; At the same time, it is possible to switch off the ignition of the engine or to operate the emergency warning system of the vehicle at the alarm signal.

To maintain the operating status indicated by the green light To be able to do so, it is sufficient to use the steering wheel of the vehicle in city traffic or on the road by a certain angle, e.g. by a minimum of 150, which means a microswitch is actuated, or the associated clutch switch by pressing the clutch to operate. All of the work processes mentioned extend the active time by each about 80 seconds. After practical experience is in an active driver station made at least one steering wheel or clutch movement every 80 seconds, whereby the prompting signal is unnecessary. However, the driver should have a long, continuous driving straight path, the device is - as described above - from time to time Times a signal on the basis of which the driver can decide whether to be vigilant is sufficient to continue the journey.

It should be noted that in general the use of all switches 1 until 5 is superfluous. The application of the device switch 5 appears to be of the clutch switch 1 and the steering wheel switch 4 next to the brake switch 2 and the index switch 3 to be advantageous.

The tachograph can use the normally closed contact "c" of the R & 4 relay to be activated. So in the event of an accident, the tachograph disk can be removed read whether the Driver in a preceding sleep State is or not.

At a standstill, the device can save by switching off the ignition Operation. If you intend to let the engine run in idle, e.g. for heating, after the engine has been switched off, the steering wheel turns into a set in such a position that the steering wheel switch is in an off position State. As a result, the relay Re2 does not pick up or the device retains their idle state even when the engine is started.

It is forbidden to activate the other switches, otherwise the system is put into operation immediately. In this state when the driver is with the vehicle is on the way or continues the journey, the device automatically following the predicted without performing special accessory operations according to put into operation, the driver by controlling the green light the signal lamp 8 can determine that the device is active for the prevention of falling asleep.

Claims (10)

PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLING THE REACTION BIT OF KRAFTWAGENFAITRr # .RN DURING THE DRIVE AND DEVICE FOR PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE Claims 1. Procedure for checking the reaction time of truck drivers during the Drive, d u r c h e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that by actuation in Dependence on the traffic conditions of functioning at least three control organs (Brake, index, gearbox, clutch, flasher, exhaust brake) the delay of the the signal prompting the driver is controlled and under such road conditions, in which the monitored operating organs are not operated, after a certain period of time Time period a request signal is issued, after which, if the to cancel the required reaction on the part of the driver of the request signal does not occur Warning sign and then one in the vicinity of the vehicle noticeable alarm signal is emitted. 2. The method according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n nz e i c h n e t that the request signal in time intervals of a maximum of 150 seconds, advantageous is given at least every 80 seconds 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the request signal that is appropriate from a light signal and then from the combination of a light signal and one Sound signal is emitted for 5 to 10 seconds, followed by a warning signal. advantageously 15 to 60 seconds long, expediently a continuous sound and Light signal is emitted. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e 1 c h n e t that the emergence of a warning and alarm signal by means of a Tachograph is registered. 5. The method of claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that following the warning signal if the driver does not react, the flashing light indicating external faults on the motor vehicle as an alarm signal, possibly also the horn of the motor vehicle is continuously operated. 6. Device to control the reaction time of Xraft - ;: a, en-ieshrern while driving, to carry out the procedure after one of the Claims 1 to 5, d a d u r c h e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that to the dining unit (TE) of the motor vehicle with the organs of the motor vehicle operated in an actuation connection upright switches (1, 2, 3, 4) connected in parallel with one another are connected are that an independent device so-holder connected in parallel with the other switches (5) the actuating circuit of a latching circuit is switched on and the self-holding circuit (6) between the feed unit (TE) of the motor vehicle and connected to the input of a holding circuit (7) with a limited duration is, and that to the one output of the Haltestrorikreises (7) with a limited time - A green - signal lamp (8) is advantageously connected, the other output connected to the input of a switching circuit (9) into $, to the one of which Output one - preferably red - signal lamp (10), and the other output one Alarm device (14) via an alarm circuit set for a certain period of time (11) is connected. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that at the output of the alarm circuit (11) a registering tachograph (12) is connected. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, d a d u r c h e ek e n n z e i c h n e t that at the one exit of the alarm circuit (11) a certain lm-th time period - e.g. on the order of one minute - The set sensor circuit (13) is connected, the output of which is set to the Input of the holding circuit (7) is fed back with a limited period of time. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n nz e i c h n e t that at the output of the sensor circuit set for a certain period of time (13) one with the emergency flashing lights (16) of the motor vehicle in an actuation connection vertical breaker (15) is connected. 10. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, d a -d u r c h g e k e n n n n z e i c h n e t that in the feedback branch of the sensor circuit (13) one connected to the holding circuit (7) with the locking circuit (18) acceleration element (23) connected in parallel is switched on.