FR2710010A1 - Device and method for keeping the driver of a motor vehicle awake - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and to a method for keeping a motor vehicle driver awake. According to the invention a device includes a clock or a time base, a generator of signals which are capable of gaining the attention of the driver, and a transducer or an actuator for making these signals perceptible to the driver. The present invention applies mainly to the field of road safety.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HOLDING
AWAKENING A DRIVER
The present invention relates to a device and a method for keeping an automobile driver awake.

 Drowsiness at the wheel decreases alertness and, consequently, the driver's ability to react quickly to brake or change the trajectory of the vehicle when necessary. In addition, falling asleep causes total loss of control of the vehicle. In most cases, this results in an accident with serious human and material consequences.

 It is particularly important to fight against accidents due to drowsiness or falling asleep on the highway. In fact, the other types of accidents are limited in this clean traffic site. In addition, the motorway allows high speed journeys to be made safely under normal conditions. Loss of vehicle control due to falling asleep at these speeds can be particularly serious. Finally, journeys on motorways can be very long and monotonous for the driver, causing fatigue and increasing the risk of falling asleep.

 Usually, to reduce the risk of falling asleep, drivers drink coffee and listen to radio programs or pre-recorded music on tapes or CDs.

However, the relatively monotonous sound of the radio program or of the pre-recorded medium, as well as the engine noise may prove to be insufficient to maintain alertness on the part of the driver.

 It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device generating a signal perceptible by humans, at sufficiently short time intervals to arouse his attention and help him to fight against falling asleep at the wheel.

 It is also an object of the present invention to offer a selective device acting more particularly on the conductor.

 It is also an object of the present invention to provide an automatic device which, once started, constitutes a permanent driving aid.

 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device allowing the driver to test during actual driving his concentration possibilities.

 These objects are achieved according to the invention by a device comprising a clock or a time base, a generator of signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver and a transducer or an actuator to make these signals perceptible to the driver.

Any signal capable of awakening attention and avoiding drowsiness may be used, except for signals dangerous to health or likely to cause an accident. We will therefore choose non-dangerous and bearable signals for the driver both physically and culturally to prevent him from putting the device according to the present invention out of service. For example, for radio broadcasts, you should avoid beeping when hearing a symphony of
Mozart. Likewise, high or medium voltage electroshocks, which are extremely unpleasant, should be avoided. We choose effective signals such as for example the acoustic signals emitted by electronic alarm clocks.

Advantageously, selective signals will be used to keep the driver awake while disturbing the possible sleep of the passengers as little as possible.

 We give below a few non-limiting examples of signals that can be used by the device according to the present invention.

1) Acoustic signals
a) Amplitude modulation of an acoustic signal, for example an increase in volume of one second followed by a decrease in volume of one second and restoration of the normal acoustic level of a radio broadcast;
b) distortion of an acoustic signal
c) emission of a high-frequency acoustic signal of the beep, chime, buzzer or alarm bell sound type. The latter, in addition to its own efficiency, is associated in the driver's mind with the constraint of being awake. In addition, integrated circuits designed for electronic alarm clocks can be used as a signal generator.
d) shrill noise
e) warning message against sleep
f) message with a question to which the driver must answer. For example, the driver is asked to dial a code, for example a pseudo-random number, on a keyboard. If the driver does not dial said code within the period of time, for example 10 seconds, the device according to the present invention sends a message inviting the driver to stop urgently to rest before continuing his journey.

2) Mechanical signals
Mechanical pressure or vibration to be exerted on the conductor, for example via a bracelet. These signals also have the advantage of being extremely selective and of not disturbing the passengers in the vehicle.

3) Light signals
Lighting of lights, for example of purple color or emission of flash of weak power not likely to cause a dazzling of the driver. The signal strength can be reduced at night, when the vehicle's headlights are on.

 4) The olfactory signals can be emitted by the opening of a bottle containing an odorous substance or by heating with sublimation of an odorous substance.

 5) Light electroshock applied for example via a bracelet.

 It is understood that these signals are given only by way of nonlimiting examples.

 The main object of the invention is a device for keeping an automobile driver awake, comprising means for generating signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver and control means for causing the generation of said signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver. driver.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the means for generating signals capable of arousing the driver's attention comprise a signal generator.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the means for generating signals capable of arousing the driver's attention include means for varying the sound volume, in particular an amplifier or a variable gain attenuator.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the control means for causing the generation of said signals capable of arousing the driver's attention comprise a clock or a time base.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises an electro-acoustic transducer for transmitting to the driver the said signals likely to arouse his attention.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises means for emitting light signals for transmitting to the driver said signals capable of arousing his attention.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises a transmitter of radio waves, in particular a transmitter of radio transmissions.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the transmitter of radio waves comprises means for generating signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that the radio transmitter comprises a device for developing remote control signals capable of controlling the generation of a signal capable of arousing the driver's attention by means incorporated in a radio receiver.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of transmitters distributed along a highway allowing their reception at substantially all points of the journey made on this highway.

 The invention also relates to a device, characterized in that it comprises means for generating a code, means for communicating to the driver the generated codes, means for entering the code by the driver, means for comparing the code generated with the code entered by the driver and means to warn the driver in the event that he has not entered the desired code.

 A subject of the invention is also a method for keeping an automobile driver awake, characterized in that signals which are likely to arouse the driver's attention are generated during regularly or randomly distributed intervals over time.

The invention will be better understood by means of the description below and the appended figures given as nonlimiting examples and in which:
- Figure 1 is a diagram of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention
- Figure 2 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention
- Figure 3 is a diagram of a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention
- Figure 4 is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the present invention
- Figure 5 is a diagram of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the present invention
- Figure 6 is a diagram of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the present invention
- Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device of Figure 6.

 In FIGS. 1 to 6, the same references have been used to designate the same elements.

 In FIG. 1, we can see a first example of the device according to the present invention comprising a clock or a time base 1 connected to a signal generator 2, connected to a transducer 3, to an actuator 4, to an electrode 5 and / or at the control input of an amplifier or attenuator 6 with variable gain or motorized potentiometer incorporated in an electro-acoustic amplification chain, for example of a car radio, according to the type or types of signals to be communicated to the driver .

 The time base 1 triggers, periodically or at random or pseudo-random time intervals, the signal generator 2. The signal generator 2 generates a signal intended to keep the driver awake. This signal can for example be an acoustic signal transmitted to an electro-acoustic transducer 3 of the speaker or vibrator type, a light signal transmitted to a lamp, a flash or a light-emitting diode 30 or a mechanical signal transmitted to the actuator 4 or a slight electroshock in direct current or in alternating current of desired frequency, applied by an electrode 5 to the conductor. The variation of the gain of amplifier 6 makes it possible to vary the sound volume of the car radio. The device of Figure 1 is autonomous in the sense that it does not need external signals to develop at desired time intervals the signal intended to arouse the driver's attention. It can be produced in the form of a portable device, be incorporated in the vehicle or, advantageously, in a car radio fitted to the vehicle.

 In FIG. 2, we can see a device according to the present invention comprising a transmitter E and at least one receiver R. The transmitter E comprises a time base 1 connected in series to a signal generator 2, a transmission amplifier 7 and a transmitting antenna 8. Each receiver R comprises a receiving antenna 9, a tuner ensuring agreement on the frequency of the transmitter (not shown), an amplifier 10 and a transducer 3, for example a loudspeaker speaker.

 The time base 1 controls at regular or random intervals, for example between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, the operation of a signal generator 2 whose signal is amplified by the amplifier 7 and transmitted by the transmitting antenna 8. The signal is picked up by the receiving antenna 9, amplified by the amplifier 10 and broadcast to the conductor by the speaker 3.

 In a first exemplary embodiment, the transmitter E transmits only the signal generated by the signal generator 2 intended to keep a conductor awake. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter E further comprises a radio transmission chain of known type. In such a case, the signal generated by the generator 2 is either superimposed or temporarily replaces the signal of the radio broadcasts.

 It is possible to use specific R receivers or to use the car radios already fitted to motor vehicles.

 The time base 1 can be replaced by a human operator who, periodically, will trigger the operation of the generator 2 or, for example, increase the emission volume of the transmitter E.

 In Figure 3, we can see an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 2 in which in each receiver R is included a signal generator 2 capable of arousing the attention of a driver.

The transmitter E comprises, connected to the time base 1, a device 11 for developing control signals connected to the amplifier 7 and to the transmission antenna 8. The remote control signals are picked up by the antennas 9 of the receiver R, are amplified by the amplifiers 10 to control the generator 2 which generates a signal capable of arousing the attention of a driver. The signal is delivered, advantageously via an amplifier 12 to the transducer 3. The device of FIG. 3 makes it possible to benefit from a signal of great power or operating in frequencies not accessible to a car radio of middle class. On the other hand, this device requires the availability of specific R receivers, these receivers being able moreover to be incorporated in a car radio. Likewise, the transmitter E can, moreover, transmit radio broadcasts.

 In Figures 4 and 5, we can see two variants of a particularly simple example of a device according to the present invention capable of generating a signal capable of arousing the attention of a car driver. A pre-recorded medium 13, for example a compact disc or, as illustrated, a magnetic tape, advantageously included in a cassette (not illustrated) comprises signals 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 pre-recorded at regular intervals or at random intervals .

The length of the intervals 15 between the consecutive signals 14.i and 14. (i + 1) determines the frequency of generation of the signals capable of arousing the attention of a driver. Thus, it suffices to use a time base when recording the medium 13. The intervals 15 can be blank, as illustrated in FIG. 5, or can include a program, for example musical, as illustrated in the FIG. 4.

 Reading the pre-recorded medium, for example the cassette in a player on board the motor vehicle will ensure the generation, distributed over time, of signals 14 capable of arousing the attention of a driver. In the case of the device in FIG. 4, the signals 14 are interleaved with musical programs. The devices of FIGS. 4 and 5 have the advantage of being moderate in cost and of requiring, in order to be implemented, a simple car radio equipped with a pre-recorded media player, for example a cassette or compact disc player. For reasons of clarity, the duration of the signals 14 is exaggerated in FIGS. 4 and 5 compared with the duration of the intervals 15.

 In Figure 6, we can see an advantageous variant of the device according to the present invention allowing a driver to verify that his attention is sufficiently sustained to be able to drive a motor vehicle without risk. The device of FIG. 6 comprises a time base 1 connected, on the one hand, to a signal generator 2 and, on the other hand, to a code generator 16. The signal generator 2 is connected to a transducer 3 , for example to a speaker. A keyboard 17 is connected to the code generator 16. The code generator 16 is connected to the signal generator 2 by a line 20. The keyboard 17 is for example a numeric keyboard, an alphanumeric keyboard or a keyboard comprising symbols or codes of color. The keyboard 17 must be placed close to the driver to allow him to type in a code without significantly disturbing driving.

 We will now explain the operation of the device of FIG. 6 by referring to the flow chart of FIG. 7.

 The time base 1 provides a time delay 18, for example for 20 minutes.

 Onvaen 19.

 At 19, the code generator 16 generates a code, for example a pseudo-random code. The code generator 16 transmits the code to the signal generator 2, for example via line 20 (FIG. 6).

 We go to 21.

 At 21, the signal generator 2 indicates to the driver, for example by a display or, advantageously, by voice synthesis, the code developed by the code generator 16.

 We go to 22.

 At 22, the driver types the requested code on the keyboard 17.

The code generator 16 ensures the acquisition of the code entered.

 We go to 23.

 At 23, the code generator 16, or a comparator (not shown) ensures the comparison of the code typed on the keyboard 17 with the code generated by the code generator 16. If a correct code has been entered within a predefined period of time -determined, for example equal to 10 or 15 seconds, we go to 18.

 If an incorrect code has been typed on the keyboard 17 or if no code has been typed on the keyboard 17 after a predetermined time, we go to 24.

 At 24, the signal generator 2, advantageously by voice synthesis, indicates to the driver that he is too tired to continue the road and recommends that he stop as soon as possible to rest. As a variant, the device according to the present invention can, at 24, limit the speed of the vehicle or switch on hazard lights to warn other motorists that a vehicle presents a danger of accident.

 It should be noted that the additional activity imposed on the driver, namely typing the code on the keyboard 17 also arouses his attention.

 It is understood that the device of FIG. 6 can be supplemented by any of the devices of FIGS. 1 to 5. Thus, for example, the device of FIG. 6 can also periodically generate the signals intended to arouse the driver's attention . The request to type a code may be more spaced in time than the signals generated by the devices in FIGS. 1 to 5. For example, every quarter of an hour, the driver hears the signal generated by generator 2, while the code is only entered on the keypad 17 every hour.

 The present invention applies mainly to the field of road safety.

Claims (12)

 1. Device for keeping an automobile driver awake, comprising means (2, 6) for generating signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver and control means (1) for causing the generation of said signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for generating signals capable of arousing the driver's attention comprise a signal generator (2).  3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for generating signals capable of arousing the driver's attention include means for varying the sound volume, in particular an amplifier or a variable gain attenuator (6).  4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means for causing the generation of said signals capable of arousing the driver's attention comprise a clock or a time base (1).  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electroacoustic transducer (3) for transmitting to the car driver said signals capable of arousing his attention.  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (30) for emitting light signals to transmit to the driver said signals capable of arousing his attention.  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a transmitter (E) of radio waves, in particular a transmitter of radio broadcasts.  8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the transmitter (E) of radio waves comprises means (2, 6) for generating signals capable of arousing the attention of the driver.  9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the transmitter (E) of radio transmissions comprises a device (11) for developing remote control signals capable of controlling the generation of a signal capable of arousing the attention of the driver by means (2) incorporated in a receiver (R) of radio transmissions.  10. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of transmitters distributed along a highway allowing their reception at substantially all points of the journey made on this highway.  11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (16) for generating a code, means (2, 3) for communicating to the motor driver the generated codes, means (17) for entering the code by the driver, means (16) for comparing the code generated with the code entered by the driver and means (2, 3) for notifying the driver if he has not entered the desired code .  12. A method of keeping an automobile driver awake, characterized in that signals generated capable of arousing the driver's attention are generated regularly or randomly over time.