JP2006109980A - Vigilance determining device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vigilance determining device for precisely detecting a primary state of vigilance degrading. <P>SOLUTION: This vigilance determining device 1 detects an opening value showing opening of the eyes of an operator from an imaged image, and collects the value with time series. Then, the vigilance determining device 1 obtains the statistical representative value and the statistical deviation of the opening value. In this case, the statistical representative value of the opening value expresses the opening value of the eyes. The statistical deviation expresses the scattering condition of the opening values of the eyes, that is, the frequency of blink. In the primary state of vigilance lowering, the opening value of the eyes of the operator tends to be reduced and the frequency of blink tends to be reduced. Consequently, the vigilance determining device 1 precisely detects the primary state of vigilance degrading from the calculated statistical representative value and the statistical deviation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an arousal level determination device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a detection device that integrates the time during which the driver closes his eyes (closed eye time) and detects that the driver's arousal level is decreasing from the ratio of the closed eye time during a predetermined time. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP-A-7-156682

  However, in the state where the driver's arousal level starts to decrease, that is, in the initial state where the arousal level decreases, the ratio of the eye-closing time during a predetermined time may be lower than that during arousal. For this reason, the conventional apparatus may not be able to accurately detect the initial state of arousal level reduction.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wakefulness determination device capable of accurately detecting an initial state of wakefulness reduction. It is in.

  According to the present invention, the arousal level determination device includes an imaging unit, an opening value detection unit, a calculation unit, and a waking level determination unit. The imaging means images the driver's face. The opening value detection means detects an opening value indicating the opening degree of the driver's eyes from the image taken by the imaging means. The calculation means collects the opening values detected by the opening value detection means in a time series to obtain a statistical representative value and a statistical deviation of the opening values. The arousal level determination means determines an initial state of a decrease in the arousal level from the statistical representative value and the statistical deviation calculated by the calculation means.

  According to the present invention, an opening value indicating the opening degree of the driver's eyes is detected from the captured image, and this is collected in time series to obtain a statistical representative value and a statistical deviation of the opening value. It is said. Here, the statistical representative value of the opening value represents the size of the eye opening value. Further, the statistical deviation represents the degree of dispersion of the eye opening values, that is, the blink frequency.

  Then, the initial state of the arousal level reduction is determined from the calculated statistical representative value and the statistical deviation. Here, when the driver starts to become sleepy, that is, in the initial state where the degree of arousal is lowered, the eye opening value tends to decrease and the number of blinks tends to decrease. Therefore, by detecting the initial state of wakefulness reduction from the statistical representative value indicating the magnitude of the eye opening value and the statistical deviation indicating the blink frequency, the initial state of wakefulness reduction is accurately detected. be able to.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected to the same or similar element, and description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

  Prior to the description of the arousal level determination device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the background to the creation of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the driver's opening and closing eyes.

  First, the driver is driving with his eyes wide open as shown by the symbol a in FIG. 1 at the normal time (in the awake state). At this time, the driver is in an open eye state. Further, the driver blinks as indicated by the symbol b in FIG. At this time, the driver is closed.

  In the arousal level determination device, an open / closed eye determination reference value is set in order to determine the open eye state and the closed eye state as described above. And when the image shown to the code | symbol a and b of FIG. 1 is imaged in a wakefulness determination apparatus, a driver | operator's eyes are specified from the image and the opening degree value of eyes is calculated | required. At this time, the arousal level determination device determines that the eye opening value is greater than the open / closed eye determination reference value, and determines that the eye is open, and if the eye opening value is equal to or less than the open / closed eye determination reference value, Judge that there is.

  Further, the arousal level determination device similarly determines the driver's open / closed eye even when the arousal level decreases. First, the driver is driving with the eyes slightly narrowed as indicated by reference sign c in FIG. At this time, the eye opening value is larger than the open / closed eye determination reference value. Therefore, the arousal level determination device determines that the driver is in an open eye state. Furthermore, the driver closes his eyes due to sleepiness when the arousal level is lowered as indicated by reference sign d in FIG. At this time, the eye opening value is equal to or less than the open / closed eye determination reference value. Therefore, the arousal level determination device determines that the driver is in an eye-closed state.

  In this way, the state of the open / closed eye of the eye can be determined from the open / closed eye determination reference value at both the normal time and when the arousal level is reduced. Then, the arousal level determination device determines the driver's arousal level from the open / closed eye state. In other words, the arousal level determination device determines that the driver is in the awake state or in the reduced arousal level from the open / closed eye state.

  Here, the driver tends to close his eyes when the arousal level is lowered. For this reason, the ratio of closed eyes during a certain period of time (hereinafter referred to as the closed eye ratio) tends to be higher when the degree of arousal is lower than when normal. The arousal level determination device uses this tendency to determine the reduction in the arousal level by obtaining the eye closure rate.

  However, although the wakefulness level determination device can detect a decrease in the wakefulness level, it is difficult to detect the state in which the driver has become sleepy, that is, the initial state of the wakefulness level decrease, from the closed eye rate.

  FIG. 2 is a graph showing the closed eye rate, where (a) shows the closed eye rate in a normal state, and (b) shows the closed eye rate in the initial state when the arousal level is lowered. In each drawing of FIG. 2, the vertical axis indicates the opening value, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the normal closed eye rate is 4.3%. That is, the driver closes his eyes at a rate of about 4.3% in a normal state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.2 (b), the eye-closing rate in the initial state of arousal level fall is 2.5%. That is, the closed eye rate is smaller than that in the normal state. This is because the number of blinks of the driver tends to be smaller than in the normal state in the initial state where the arousal level is lowered.

  As described above, the wakefulness level determination device can detect when the wakefulness level is lowered (a state in which the wakefulness level is fully lowered) from the closed eye rate, but cannot detect the initial state of the wakefulness level being lowered. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the closed eye rate when the open / closed eye determination reference value is increased, (a) showing the closed eye rate at normal time, and (b) showing the closed eye rate in the initial state when the arousal level is lowered. ing. In each drawing of FIG. 3, the vertical axis indicates the opening value, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time.

  As described above, the arousal level determination device cannot detect the initial state of the reduction in the arousal level. Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the closed eye rate in the initial state where the arousal level is lowered by increasing the open / closed eye determination reference value.

  However, even in this case, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the closed eye rate in the normal state is 12.1%, and the closed eye rate in the initial state of the arousal level is 8.9%. It is. That is, the closed eye rate in the initial state where the arousal level is lowered is higher than the closed eye rate in the normal state. Therefore, even if the arousal level determination device increases the open / close eye determination reference value, it cannot detect the initial state of the awakening level decrease.

  Therefore, in the arousal level determination device according to the following embodiment, the following configuration and processing are adopted so that the initial state of a low level of arousal level can be detected with high accuracy. Next, the arousal level determination apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the arousal level determination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The arousal level determination apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is for determining the driver's arousal level, and particularly for determining the initial state of a reduction in the arousal level.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the arousal level determination device 1 includes an imaging unit (imaging unit) 10 that images a driver's face. The imaging unit 10 is, for example, a CCD camera for imaging visible light, and is installed below the front of the driver.

  The arousal level determination device 1 includes a processing device 20 that determines the driver's arousal level based on an image captured by the imaging unit 10. The processing device 20 has at least three levels of wakefulness when the driver's wakefulness is normal, when the driver's wakefulness is at the initial stage of decrease, and when the driver's wakefulness is fully lowered. Can be determined.

  Furthermore, the arousal level determination device 1 includes a presentation unit 30 that performs a predetermined presentation according to the awakening level determined by the processing device 20. For example, when the driver's awakening level has been lowered, the presenting unit 30 notifies the driver to wake up the driver by voice or the like.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the processing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the imaging unit 10 is also illustrated in order to clarify the connection relationship.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the processing device 20 includes an eye position detection unit 21, a tracking unit 22, an opening value detection unit (opening value detection unit) 23, a learning unit (learning unit) 24, and an open / closed eye determination reference value calculation. A unit (opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation means) 25, an opening / closing eye determination unit (opening / closing eye determination unit) 26, and an arousal level determination unit (awakening level determination unit) 27.

  The eye position detection unit 21 detects the position of the driver's eyes based on image data from the imaging unit 10. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an initial process performed when the eye position detection unit 21 detects an eye position. In FIG. 6, an example of an image having 480 pixels vertically and 512 pixels horizontally will be described.

  First, the eye position detection unit 21 acquires density value data for all pixels in the vertical direction of the image. Thereafter, the eye position detection unit 21 extracts pixels whose density value changes satisfy a predetermined condition, and obtains a pixel group as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the eye position detection unit 21 extracts a predetermined pixel. As shown in the figure, the extracted pixels correspond to the positions of the driver's eyebrows, eyes, nose and mouth. Then, after the pixels are extracted, the eye position detection unit 21 groups pixels that are close to each other in the horizontal direction of the image.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when pixels adjacent in the horizontal direction of the image are grouped. As shown in the figure, by grouping, the eye position detection unit 21 forms continuous data G1 to G6 corresponding to the right eyebrow, left eyebrow, right eye, left eye, nose and mouth of the driver. .

  Thereafter, the eye position detection unit 21 performs zoning processing. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state after zoning by the eye position detection unit 21. The eye position detection unit 21 zones the vertical positions of the continuous data G1 to G6. At this time, the eye position detection unit 21 forms three zones (ZONE: L, ZONE: C, and ZONE: R). The eye position detection unit 21 determines the relative positional relationship and detects the eye position.

  Reference is again made to FIG. The tracking unit 22 tracks the position of the driver's eyes. After detecting the eye position, the tracking unit 22 stores the coordinate value of the detected eye position, and sets a tracking area smaller than the entire image based on the stored position. Thereafter, the tracking unit 22 detects the position of the eye in the tracking region every time an image is input.

  10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing how the tracking unit 22 tracks the eye position. FIG. 10A shows the initial tracking area, and FIG. 10B shows the detected eye after setting the initial tracking area. (C) shows the newly set tracking area based on the detected eye position, and (d) shows the detected eye position from within the newly set tracking area. Yes. In FIG. 10, the broken line indicates the eye detected last time, and the solid line indicates the eye detected this time.

  When the eye position is detected by the eye position detection unit 21, the tracking unit 22 sets a tracking region with the detected eye position as the center (FIG. 10A). The coordinate position of the eye at this time is (xk1, yk1). Thereafter, when an image is input, the tracking unit 22 detects the position of the eye from the tracking region centered at (xk1, yk1) (FIG. 10B). The detected coordinate position of the eye is (xk2, yk2).

  Then, the tracking unit 22 sets a tracking region centered on the newly detected eye coordinate position (xk2, yk2) (FIG. 10C). Thereafter, when an image is input again, the tracking unit 22 detects the position of the eye from the tracking region centered at (xk2, yk2). The coordinate position of the eye detected at this time is assumed to be (xk3, yk3).

  Then, the tracking unit 22 again sets a tracking region centered on the new eye coordinate position (xk3, yk3) (FIG. 10D). Thereafter, similarly, the tracking unit 22 detects the position of the eye from the tracking region.

  Reference is again made to FIG. The tracking unit 22 sends the eye position data obtained as described above to the opening value detection unit 23. The opening value detection unit 23 detects an opening value indicating the opening of the driver's eyes from the image captured by the imaging unit 10. That is, the opening value detection unit 23 detects the opening value of the eye detected and tracked by the eye position detection unit 21 and the tracking unit 22.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the opening of the vertical width of the eye, (a) showing when the eyes are open, and (b) showing when the eyes are closed. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the opening value is specifically the size of the vertical width of the eye. Therefore, the opening value detection unit 23 detects the vertical width of the eye and uses the detected value as the opening value.

  Reference is again made to FIG. The learning unit 24 obtains and learns the opening value in the eye-opening state of the individual driver from the detection frequency of the opening value detected by the opening value detection unit 23. In other words, since the vertical width of the eyes differs for each driver, the learning unit 24 determines the opening value of the current individual driver's eye open state.

  In detail, the learning unit 24 obtains a repeat value of the opening value detected by the opening value detection unit 23. Here, the driver usually keeps an eye open for many hours although blinking. Therefore, it can be said that the repeat frequency value indicates the opening degree value of the eye when the driver opens his eyes. For this reason, the learning part 24 calculates | requires the opening degree value in a driver | operator's eye-opening state by calculating | requiring the frequent value. Then, the learning unit 24 learns the repeat frequency value. Thereby, the opening degree value in the eye open state of the individual driver is learned.

  The open / close eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 obtains an open / close eye determination reference value for determining whether the eye is open or closed from the opening value learned by the learning unit 24. That is, since the vertical width of the eye differs for each driver, the open / close eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 obtains an open / close eye determination reference value suitable for the current driver based on the learning content from the learning unit 24. Yes.

  Specifically, the open / close eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 calculates a value slightly smaller than the opening value learned by the learning unit 24 as the open / close eye determination reference value. That is, the opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 sets the opening / closing eye determination reference value to be an opening value slightly smaller than the opening value of the driver in the open state. Thereby, the opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 sets an opening / closing eye determination reference value for determining an opening / closing eye appropriately.

  Further, the open / close eye determination unit 26 uses the opening / closing eye determination calculated by the open / close eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 based on the opening value newly captured by the imaging unit 10 and newly detected by the opening value detection unit 23. Compared with the reference value, the open / close eye is determined. In other words, once the opening / closing eye determination reference value is calculated by the opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation unit 25, the opening / closing eye determination unit 26 detects the eye opening value by the opening value detection unit 23 for the captured image. Then, the opening / closing eye is determined by comparing the opening value with the opening / closing eye determination reference value. When the newly detected opening value is larger than the opening / closing eye determination reference value as a result of the comparison, the opening / closing eye determination unit 26 determines that the driver is in the open state, and the opening value is determined by the opening / closing eye determination. When it is below the reference value, it is determined that the driver is in the closed eye state.

  The wakefulness determination unit 27 determines a state in which the wakefulness level has fully decreased based on the ratio of the time determined by the open / closed eye determination unit 26 to be closed (ie, the closed eye rate) during a predetermined time. Here, when the driver's arousal level is lowered, the closed eye rate tends to be higher than that in the normal state. For this reason, the arousal level determination unit 27 obtains the closed eye rate from the time when the open / closed eye determination unit 26 determines that the eye is closed, and determines the state in which the awakening level has fully decreased based on the closed eye rate.

  With the above configuration, the processing device 20 determines a state in which the awakening level has been lowered. Furthermore, the processing device 20 includes a storage unit 28 and a calculation unit (calculation unit) 29 in order to detect an initial state of a decrease in arousal level.

  The storage unit 28 collects and stores the opening values detected by the opening value detection unit 23 in time series. The calculation unit 29 obtains a statistical representative value and a statistical deviation of the opening value from time-series data obtained by collecting the opening values detected by the opening value detection unit 23 in time series. That is, the calculation unit 29 functions as a unit that obtains a statistical representative value and a statistical deviation of the opening degree value from the data stored in the storage unit 28.

  Here, the statistical representative value of the opening value represents a representative value of the opening value of the eye such as an average value. The statistical deviation represents the degree of dispersion of eye opening values such as standard deviation. Therefore, the calculation part 29 calculates | requires the representative value of the opening value of a driver | operator's eye, and its dispersion | distribution condition by calculating | requiring the statistical representative value and statistical deviation of an opening value. Note that the degree of scattering of the driver's eyes increases as the driver's blink increases. That is, it can be said that the statistical deviation indicates the frequency of the driver's blink.

  The arousal level determination unit 27 also functions as a unit for determining an initial state of a reduction in the arousal level from the statistical representative value calculated by the calculation unit 29 and the standard deviation. That is, the arousal level determination unit 27 determines the initial state of the reduction in the arousal level from the representative value of the eye opening value and the blink frequency.

  Here, the driver tends to decrease the number of blinks as the eye opening value decreases in the initial state where the arousal level decreases. That is, the driver's eye opening decreases from sleepiness at the initial stage of a decrease in arousal level. In addition, the amount of blinking is reduced because the driver's eye opening becomes smaller and the eyes dry out. For this reason, the arousal level determination unit 27 detects an initial state of a decrease in arousal level when the statistical representative value of the aperture value decreases and the statistical deviation of the aperture value decreases.

  Next, operation | movement of the arousal level determination apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. In the following description, the statistical representative value is described as an average value, and the statistical deviation is described as a standard deviation. The statistical representative value is not limited to an average value, and may be a median value or a mode value as long as it represents a representative value of an eye opening value. Further, the statistical deviation is not limited to the standard deviation, and may be dispersion or the like as long as it represents the degree of dispersion of the eye opening values.

  First, the imaging unit 10 of the arousal level determination device 1 images a region including the driver's face, and sends the obtained image data to the processing device 20. And the processing apparatus 20 performs the process according to FIG.12 and FIG.13. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the detailed operation of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows the first half of the process, and FIG. 13 shows the second half of the process.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, the eye position detection unit 21 inputs image data (ST1). Thereafter, the eye position detection unit 21 determines whether or not an eye tracking region is set (ST2). If the eye tracking area is set (ST2: YES), the process proceeds to step ST5.

  On the other hand, when the eye tracking area is not set, such as immediately after activation of the present apparatus 1 (ST2: NO), the eye position detection unit 21 detects the eye position from the entire image (ST3). Here, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the position of the eye is detected. Then, the eye position detection unit 21 sends the eye position data to the tracking unit 22.

  Thereafter, the tracking unit 22 sets a tracking region based on the eye position data from the eye position detection unit 21 (ST4). At this time, the tracking unit 22 sets the size of the tracking region as small as possible in consideration of the eye movement amount and the image capture interval. Thereby, the process which was excellent in the followable | trackability of eyes can be performed faster.

  Thereafter, the tracking unit 22 detects an eye from within the tracking region based on newly input image data (ST5). Thereafter, the tracking unit 22 determines whether or not eye tracking is performed correctly (ST6).

  When it is determined that the eye tracking is not performed correctly (ST6: NO), the tracking unit 22 clears the eye tracking area (ST7). Furthermore, when the timer mentioned later is operating, the processing apparatus 20 stops the timer (ST8). Thereafter, the process returns to step ST1. Then, the tracking area setting process is performed again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the eye tracking is correctly performed (ST6: YES), as described with reference to FIG. 10, the tracking unit 22 updates the tracking area (ST9).

  Thereafter, the opening value detector 23 obtains an opening value for the eye tracked by the tracking unit 22 in step ST5 (ST10). Then, processing device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined number of opening values obtained in step ST10 are stored (ST11).

  When it is determined that a predetermined number of opening values are not stored (ST11: NO), the storage unit 28 stores the opening value obtained in step ST10 (ST12). Then, the process proceeds to step ST15.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined number of opening values are stored (ST11: YES), the calculation unit 29 calculates the average value and standard deviation of the opening values from the time series data stored in the storage unit 28 ( STY13). After the calculation, the storage unit 28 clears the stored opening degree value (ST14). Then, the process proceeds to step ST15.

  In step ST15, the processing device 20 determines whether or not learning of the opening value of the individual driver in the eye open state has been completed (ST15). Here, when it is determined that the learning has not been completed (ST15: NO), the learning unit 24 obtains the opening value in the eye open state of the individual driver based on the opening value stored in the storage unit 28. learn. Further, the opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 obtains an opening / closing eye determination reference value from the learned opening value (ST16). Then, the process proceeds to step ST1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that learning has been completed (ST15: YES), the opening / closing eye determination unit 26 detects the opening value detected in step ST5 and calculated in step ST10, and the opening / closing eye determined in step ST16. An open / close eye determination is performed by comparing with the determination reference value (ST17).

  Then, the arousal level determination unit 27 integrates the eye closure time (ST18). Next, the processing device 20 determines whether or not the timer is operating (ST19), and when it is determined that the timer is not operating (ST19: NO), starts the timer (ST20). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST21. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer is operating (ST19: YES), the process proceeds to step ST21 without starting the timer.

  In step ST21, the processing device 20 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer has reached a predetermined time (ST21). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not been reached (ST21: NO), the process returns to step ST1 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has been reached (ST21: YES), the processing device 20 stops the timer and clears the measured time (ST22). And the arousal level determination part 27 calculates | requires the closed eye rate in predetermined time (ST23). At this time, the arousal level determination unit 27 obtains the closed eye rate based on the accumulated time accumulated in step ST17.

  Thereafter, the arousal level determination unit 27 determines the arousal level based on the closed eye rate and the average value and standard deviation obtained in step ST14 shown in FIG. 12 (ST24). Thereafter, the presentation unit 30 performs a presentation operation (ST25). Next, the processing device 20 clears the accumulated time that has been accumulated, the stored opening value, the open / closed eye determination reference value, and the like (ST26). Then, the process returns to step ST1. The above processing is repeated until the power of the apparatus 1 is turned off, for example.

  Next, detailed operation of the arousal level determination apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the closed eye rate calculation step (ST18). In the figure, it is assumed that the predetermined number in step ST11 is “5”.

  First, it is assumed that the opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation unit 25 calculates the opening / closing eye determination reference value. Then, it is assumed that an image is obtained by the first imaging, and the opening value detection unit 23 detects the opening value “25”. Here, if the opening / closing eye determination reference value is calculated as “16”, the opening / closing eye determination unit 26 determines that the driver is in the open state (indicated as “O” in FIG. 14).

  The open / close eye determination unit 26 also determines that the driver is in the open state when an image is obtained by the second imaging and the opening value detection unit 23 detects the opening value “25”. Further, the open / close eye determination unit 26 similarly determines that the driver is in the open eye state by the third to fifth imaging.

  Here, the predetermined number in step ST11 is “5”. For this reason, it is determined as “YES” in step ST11 shown in FIG. 12, and the calculation unit 29 calculates the average value M1 and the standard deviation D1 from the opening values for five times. Then, the opening value is cleared in the process of step ST14. At this time, the eye closing time in step ST17 of FIG. 13 is “0”.

  Thereafter, the average value M2 and the standard deviation D2 are calculated in the same manner. It is assumed that the number of times of imaging has reached the eleventh time. At this time, if the opening value is detected as “17” by the opening value detection unit 23, the open / close eye determination unit 26 determines that the driver is in the open state. Next, it is assumed that an image is obtained by the 12th imaging, and the opening value detection unit 23 detects the opening value as “13”. At this time, the opening degree value is equal to or less than the opening / closing eye determination reference value. For this reason, the open / close eye determination unit 26 determines that the driver is in the closed state (indicated as “C” in FIG. 14).

  Further, if an image is obtained by the thirteenth imaging, and the opening value is detected as “15” by the opening value detection unit 23, the open / close eye determination unit 26 similarly determines that the driver is in the closed state. . The open / close eyes are also determined for the 14th and 15th times.

  Here, as described above, since the predetermined number in step ST11 is “5”, the calculation unit 29 calculates the average value M3 and the standard deviation D3 from the opening values for five times. Then, the opening value is cleared in the process of step ST14. Thereafter, similarly, average values M4 and M5 and standard deviations D4 and D5 are calculated. Assume that a predetermined time has elapsed since the first imaging.

  At this time, “YES” is determined in step ST21 of FIG. 13, and the eye-closing rate is calculated in step ST23. Here, the eye closure rate can be obtained by dividing the number of frames determined to be closed during a predetermined time by the number of frames subjected to the open / closed eye determination processing during the predetermined time.

  Then, in step ST24 of FIG. 13, the arousal level is determined. Here, the initial state of wakefulness reduction cannot be determined only from the closed eye rate. However, the state in which the degree of arousal is lowered and can be determined from only the closed eye rate. Therefore, the arousal level determination unit 27 determines that the driver's arousal level has been lowered if the closed eye rate is a certain value or more.

  If the eye closure rate is not greater than a certain value, the wakefulness determination unit 27 is in the state of wakefulness or the initial state of wakefulness reduction based on the average value and the standard deviation obtained in step ST13. Determine whether.

  FIG. 15 is a graph showing the average value and standard deviation obtained in step ST13 of FIG. 12, where (a) shows an example when the driver's arousal level is normal, and (b) is a decrease in the arousal level. A first example of the initial state is shown, and (c) shows a second example of the initial state of arousal level reduction. In each drawing of FIG. 15, the left vertical axis indicates the opening value, and the right vertical axis indicates the standard deviation. Further, the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time. In the graph shown in FIG. 15, the average value and the standard deviation are calculated from the opening values for 100 frames. Further, in FIG. 15A, a standard value (specific value) of standard deviation is defined. The standard value of the standard deviation is, for example, an average value of all standard deviations when the arousal level is normal. Also, the standard deviation reference values shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C are the same as the standard deviation reference values shown in FIG.

  First, an average value and a standard deviation when the driver's arousal level is normal will be described. When the driver's arousal level is normal, the average value and the standard deviation have a certain correlation as shown in FIG. First, when the standard deviation of the opening value is equal to or less than a specific value, it can be said that the number of blinks is small for the driver. When the number of blinks is small, the time during which the driver opens his eyes increases. Accordingly, the average value of the opening values tends to be high. As shown in FIG. 15 (a), when the standard deviation of the opening value is equal to or less than the specific value, the average value of the opening value does not become a value smaller than a predetermined value from the opening value in the eye open state of the individual driver. .

  On the other hand, in the initial state where the arousal level is lowered, the correlation is broken as shown in FIG. In other words, when the standard deviation of the opening value is equal to or less than a specific value in the initial state where the degree of arousal is lowered, the average value of the opening value is a value that is smaller than the opening value in the driver's individual open state by a predetermined value or more. ing. Similarly, in the case shown in FIG. 15 (c), the average value of the opening value is a value smaller than the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver by a predetermined value or more even though the standard deviation is less than the specific value. It has become.

  This is due to the following reason. In other words, in the initial state where the degree of arousal is reduced, the driver's eye opening decreases from sleepiness. In addition, the amount of blinking is reduced because the driver's eye opening becomes smaller and the eyes dry out. For this reason, the correlation shown in FIG.

  And the arousal degree determination part 27 will determine the initial state of a wakefulness fall by detecting a state like FIG.15 (b) and (c). That is, the arousal level determination unit 27 determines that the average value calculated by the calculation unit 29 is smaller than the opening value in the eye open state of the individual driver by a predetermined value and the standard deviation calculated by the calculation unit 29 is a specific value. When it is below, it determines with a driver | operator being in the initial state of arousal level fall.

  Thus, this apparatus 1 determines the initial state of a wakefulness fall. As shown in FIG. 14, the calculation unit 29 desirably calculates the average value and standard deviation of the opening values within a predetermined time. Thereby, at the stage of obtaining the closed eye rate, at least one average value and standard deviation are calculated. For this reason, the present apparatus 1 can determine the state in which the degree of wakefulness has completely decreased from the closed eye rate, while determining the initial state of the degree of wakefulness from the average value and standard deviation of the opening values. Therefore, this apparatus 1 can determine simultaneously the state in which the degree of arousal has been lowered and the initial state in which the degree of arousal has been lowered.

  Thus, according to the arousal level determination apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the opening value indicating the opening degree of the driver's eyes is detected from the captured image, and this is collected in time series to obtain the opening degree. The statistical representative value and the statistical deviation of the value are obtained. Here, the statistical representative value of the opening value represents the size of the eye opening value. Further, the statistical deviation represents the degree of dispersion of the eye opening values, that is, the blink frequency.

  Then, the initial state of the arousal level reduction is determined from the calculated statistical representative value and the statistical deviation. Here, when the driver starts to become sleepy, that is, in the initial state where the degree of arousal is lowered, the eye opening value tends to decrease and the number of blinks tends to decrease. Therefore, by detecting the initial state of wakefulness reduction from the statistical representative value indicating the magnitude of the eye opening value and the statistical deviation indicating the blink frequency, the initial state of wakefulness reduction is accurately detected. be able to.

  Further, an opening / closing eye determination reference value for determining the opening and closing of the eyes from the learned opening value is obtained by learning the opening value in the eye open state of the individual driver from the detection value of the opening value. Seeking. Then, the newly opened and detected opening value is compared with the open / closed eye determination reference value to determine the open / closed eye. Judge the state of being lowered. Thereby, it is possible to determine not only the initial state in which the arousal level is lowered but also the state in which the arousal level is fully lowered, and the arousal level can be determined in multiple stages.

  Further, the statistical representative value and the statistical deviation of the opening value are calculated within a predetermined time. Thereby, at the stage of obtaining the closed eye rate, at least one average value and standard deviation are calculated. For this reason, the present apparatus 1 can determine the state in which the degree of wakefulness has completely decreased from the closed eye rate, while determining the initial state of the degree of wakefulness from the average value and standard deviation of the opening values. Therefore, this apparatus 1 can determine simultaneously the state in which the degree of arousal has been lowered and the initial state in which the degree of arousal has been lowered.

  Further, when the statistical representative value is a predetermined value or more smaller than the opening value in the eye open state of the individual driver and the statistical deviation is a specific value or less, the driver is in an initial state where the arousal level is lowered. It is determined that there is. Here, in the initial stage of the decrease in arousal level, the driver's eye opening decreases from sleep. In addition, the amount of blinking is reduced because the driver's eye opening becomes smaller and the eyes dry out. For this reason, if the statistical representative value is a predetermined value or more smaller than the opening value in the driver's individual eye-open state and the statistical deviation is less than or equal to a specific value, there is a possibility that it is an initial state of arousal reduction. It can be said that it is very expensive. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine the initial state of arousal level reduction.

  Further, since the opening value is the vertical width of the eye, a highly accurate opening value can be obtained by a simple calculation process.

  Here, the opening degree value is not limited to the vertical width of the eye but may be the curvature of the upper eyelid. FIG. 16 is a graph showing an example of the opening value, (a) shows an example when the opening value is the vertical width of the eye, and (b) is when the opening value is the curvature of the upper eyelid. An example is shown. In FIG. 16B, the opening degree value is illustrated as the curvature radius of the upper eyelid.

  First, when the degree of opening is the vertical width of the eye when the arousal level is normal, the opening value may become unstable as shown in FIG. In other words, when the driver laughs, the vertical width of the eyes is reduced although the driver is not sleepy. For this reason, the opening degree value may change irregularly around “20” to “28”.

  On the other hand, when the degree of wakefulness is normal and the opening degree value is the curvature radius of the upper eyelid, the opening degree value becomes stable as shown in FIG. That is, when the driver laughs, the driver's cheek rises although the eyes become narrower, and the curvature of the upper eyelid is not affected.

  Needless to say, when the opening degree value is the curvature of the upper eyelid, as shown in FIG. 17, the opening degree value becomes smaller when the driver becomes sleepy. FIGS. 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing curvatures when the eyes are opened and closed when the opening value is the curvature of the upper eyelid, FIG. 17A shows an example when the eyes are opened, and FIG. 17B shows an example when the eyes are closed. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 17 (a), the upper eyelid draws an arc in the open eye state, so that the curvature increases. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the driver becomes sleepy, the upper arm lowers. That is, unlike when the driver laughs, the shape of the upper collar is close to a line. Therefore, the curvature becomes small. Thus, by setting the opening degree value as the curvature of the upper eyelid, the opening degree value can be accurately obtained even when the driver laughs.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The arousal level determination device 2 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration and processing contents are partially different from those of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram of the arousal level determination device according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the arousal level determination device 2 according to the second embodiment newly includes a hands-free microphone 41, a voice recognition device 42, a timer 43, a driving operation detection unit 44, and a travel detection unit 45. .

  The hands-free microphone 41 is installed in the passenger compartment and inputs voice such as a driver's speech. The hands-free microphone 41 is configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to the input sound.

  The voice recognition device 42 analyzes the electrical signal from the hands-free microphone 41 and determines whether or not the input voice is due to the driver's utterance. In addition, the speech recognition device 42 is configured to transmit a signal to that effect to the processing device 20 when it is determined that the input speech is due to the driver's speech.

  The timer 43 has a timekeeping function, measures the time from the start of operation, and transmits the measured time information to the processing device 20. The driving operation detection unit 44 is for detecting the driving operation of the driver, and corresponds to, for example, a snake angle sensor, an accelerator sensor, and a brake sensor. The driving operation detection unit 44 is configured to transmit a signal indicating the driving operation of the driver detected by each sensor to the processing device 20.

  The traveling detection unit 45 detects information related to traveling of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as traveling information), and corresponds to, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, a vehicle surrounding detection sensor, and a navigation system. That is, the vehicle speed sensor of the travel detection unit 45 detects the travel speed of the vehicle, which is one of travel information. The vehicle surrounding detection sensor detects a traveling environment of the vehicle, which is one of the traveling information, and the navigation system detects a traveling route of the vehicle, which is one of the traveling information. The travel detection unit 45 is configured to transmit the detected travel information of the vehicle to the processing device 20.

  FIG. 19 is a detailed block diagram of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. In FIG. 19, in order to clarify the connection relationship, the imaging unit 10 and the state of signal input are also illustrated.

  As shown in the figure, the processing device 20 is newly provided with a re-learning command unit (re-learning command means) 46. The re-learning command unit 46 causes the learning unit 24 to re-learn the opening degree value of the driver's individual in the open eye state. The re-learning command unit 46 determines whether or not the driver is waking up. When the driver can determine that the driver is waking up, the re-learning command unit 46 determines whether or not the driver's eyes are being tracked by mistake. In at least one of cases where it is determined that tracking is being performed, the learning unit 24 is configured to perform relearning.

  Here, the reason why the re-learning command unit 46 causes the learning unit 24 to re-learn when the driver is awake or when the driver's eyes are being tracked by mistake is as follows.

  First, it is assumed that the learning unit 24 obtains the opening value in the open eye state from the mode value of the opening value detected by the opening value detection unit 23. At this time, if the driver's arousal level is reduced, the opening degree value when the driver closes his eyes may be the mode value. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately determine the opening value in the open eye state from the opening value when the driver's arousal level is reduced, and thus even the opening / closing eye judgment reference value is inaccurate. Yeah. Therefore, the re-learning command unit 46 re-learns when the driver is awake to accurately determine the opening value of the driver in the open eye state.

  In addition, when the driver wears glasses, the tracking unit 22 may erroneously track the frame portion of the glasses as an eye. Moreover, it can be said that the opening degree value obtained during tracking is inaccurate. For this reason, the re-learning command unit 46 is configured to re-learn when the driver's eyes are being tracked by mistake, thereby accurately obtaining the opening value of the driver in the open eye state.

  Next, the operation of the arousal level determination device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. The arousal level determination device 2 according to the second embodiment executes the same process as that of the first embodiment. That is, the imaging unit 10 captures an area including the driver's face and sends the obtained image data to the processing device 20. Next, the processing device 20 executes the processing shown in FIG. Then, in step ST15 of FIG. 12, the processing device 20 determines whether or not the driver's individual opening value in the eye open state has been learned (ST15), and when it is determined that learning has been completed (ST15: YES) ), The processing shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 is executed.

  20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the detailed operation of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. FIG. 20 shows the first half of processing unique to the second embodiment, and FIG. 21 shows the second half of processing unique to the second embodiment.

  First, when it is determined that learning has been completed (ST15: YES), the open / close eye determination unit 26 performs open / close eye determination similarly to step ST17 (FIG. 20: ST30). Then, the open / close eye determination unit 26 determines whether or not the result of the open / close eye determination in step ST30 is an open eye (ST31).

  Here, when the result of the eye opening / closing determination is eye opening (ST31: YES), the relearning instruction unit 46 counts up the number of eye opening determinations indicating the number of times that eye opening is continuously determined (ST32). Thereafter, the relearning command unit 46 clears the number of closed eye determinations indicating the number of times the eyes are continuously determined to be closed (ST33). Then, the relearning command unit 46 determines whether or not the eye opening determination count has exceeded a predetermined number (ST34).

  Here, when it is determined that the number of eye opening determinations exceeds the predetermined number (ST34: YES), that is, when it is determined that the eyes are opened continuously for a certain period of time (first specified time), the eye open state has been excessively long. It can be said that it is continuing. In other words, it can be determined that the human is tracking the eye by mistake because the eye-opening state continues even though the human eye always blinks.

  For this reason, the relearning instruction unit 46 clears the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver learned by the learning unit 24 (FIG. 21: ST51). Thereafter, the process returns to step ST1. Thereby, the learning process of step ST16 shown in FIG. 12 will be performed again. That is, the relearning instruction unit 46 causes the learning unit 24 to relearn the opening value of the driver in the eye open state.

  If it is determined that the eye opening determination number does not exceed the predetermined number (ST34: NO), the process proceeds to step ST40 shown in FIG.

  By the way, when the result of the open / closed eye determination is not open (ST31: NO), the arousal level determination unit 27 integrates the closed eye time (ST36). Next, the relearning command unit 46 counts up the number of times the eye is closed (ST37). Thereafter, the relearning command unit 46 clears the eye opening determination count (ST38). Then, the relearning instruction unit 46 determines whether or not the number of closed eye determinations exceeds a predetermined number (ST39).

  Here, when it is determined that the number of eye opening determinations exceeds the predetermined number (ST39: YES), that is, when it is determined that the eyes are closed continuously for a certain period of time (second specified time), the driver is driving. Therefore, it can be said that the closed-eye state has continued for a long time. That is, it can be determined that the eye is tracked by mistake.

  For this reason, the relearning instruction unit 46 clears the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver learned by the learning unit 24 (FIG. 21: ST51). Then, the process returns to step ST1. Thereby, the process of step ST16 shown in FIG. 12 will be performed again. That is, the relearning instruction unit 46 causes the learning unit 24 to relearn.

  If it is determined that the closed eye count does not exceed the predetermined number (ST39: NO), the process proceeds to step ST40 shown in FIG.

  In step ST40 of FIG. 21, the processing device 20 determines whether or not the timer is operating (ST40), and if it is determined that the timer is not operating (ST40: NO), the processing device 20 starts the timer (ST41). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST42. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer is operating (ST40: YES), the process proceeds to step ST42 without starting the timer.

  In step ST42, the processing device 20 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer has reached a predetermined time (ST42). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not been reached (ST42: NO), the process returns to step ST1 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has been reached (ST42: YES), the processing device 20 stops the timer and clears the measured time (ST43).

  Next, the relearning command unit 46 obtains the average value and the number of standard deviations that match the predetermined condition shown in FIG. 22 (ST44). FIG. 22 is a graph showing details of the process in step ST44. In FIG. 22, the left vertical axis indicates the opening value, and the right vertical axis indicates the standard deviation. Further, the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time. In the graph shown in FIG. 22, the average value and the standard deviation are calculated from the opening values for 100 frames. Further, in FIG. 22, a standard value (standard value) of standard deviation is defined as an average value of all standard deviations when the arousal level is normal.

  First, the predetermined condition refers to a state in which the average value is larger than the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver learned by the learning unit 24 and the standard deviation is equal to or less than the reference value. Here, in the section indicated by symbol A in FIG. 22, the average value is larger than the opening degree value in the eye open state of the individual driver learned by the learning unit 24. Further, the standard deviation is equal to or less than the reference value over almost the entire section, as indicated by reference symbol B in FIG. For this reason, the average value and the standard deviation satisfy the predetermined condition in the overlapping section of the sections indicated by the symbols A and B in FIG.

  And when satisfying a predetermined condition, the following can be said. That is, when the average value is larger than the opening value of the driver in the open eye state, it can be said that the driver is more open than usual. Further, when the standard deviation is equal to or less than the reference value, it can be said that the number of blinks is reduced for the driver. Therefore, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the driver opens his eyes more than usual and the blinking is less, so the relearning instruction unit 46 determines that the driver is awake.

  Note that the relearning instruction unit 46 may determine that the driver is awake when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and cause the learning unit 24 to perform relearning, but in order to execute the process more accurately, FIG. As shown in step ST44, the number of average values and standard deviations that satisfy a predetermined condition is obtained.

  Thereafter, the relearning command unit 46 determines whether or not the number of average values and standard deviations that satisfy the predetermined condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (ST45). If it is determined that the number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number (ST45: YES), the relearning command unit 46 clears the opening value of the driver in the open eye state learned by the learning unit 24 (ST51). Then, the process returns to step ST1, and the relearning command unit 46 causes the learning unit 24 to relearn.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (ST45: NO), the relearning command unit 46 determines whether or not the driver is awake based on the input signal (ST46). That is, the relearning command unit 46 receives a signal from the voice recognition device 42 and detects whether or not there is an utterance. In addition, the relearning instruction unit 46 inputs time information indicating the time from the start of operation from the timer 43. Further, the relearning command unit 46 inputs a driving operation signal indicating the driving operation of the driver from the driving operation detection unit 44 and also inputs driving information from the driving detection unit 45.

  Then, the relearning instruction unit 46 determines that the driver is awake when speech by the driver is detected. Further, the relearning command unit 46 determines that the driver is awake until a certain time has elapsed since the engine was started. Further, the relearning command unit 46 determines that the driver is awake when the driving operation by the driver is detected at a predetermined frequency or more and when the driver's driving intention is detected from the vehicle travel information.

  The case where the driver's driving intention is detected based on the vehicle travel information is, for example, a case where acceleration and deceleration are repeatedly detected, a case where an operation is performed to avoid obstacles around the vehicle, and a navigation system. This is the case when the host vehicle is traveling without deviating from the guidance route.

  If it is determined that the driver is awake (ST46: YES), the relearning command unit 46 clears the opening value of the individual driver's eye-open state learned by the learning unit 24 (ST51). Next, the process returns to step ST1, and the relearning instruction unit 46 causes the learning unit 24 to relearn.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the driver has not woken up (ST46: NO), the relearning command unit 46 does not clear the opening value in the driver's individual eye open state. That is, the relearning instruction unit 46 does not cause the learning unit 24 to relearn, and the process proceeds to step ST47.

  Thereafter, the processing of steps ST47 to ST50 is executed in the same manner as the processing of steps ST23 to ST26 shown in FIG.

  In this way, according to the arousal level determination device 2 according to the second embodiment, the initial state of the reduction in the arousal level can be accurately detected as in the first embodiment. In addition, the arousal level can be determined in multiple stages, and the arousal level can be easily determined in detail.

  Furthermore, it is possible to determine the initial state of wakefulness reduction more accurately, and to obtain a highly accurate opening value by simple arithmetic processing, and even when the driver laughs, the opening value can be accurately determined. Can be sought.

  Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the driver is awake and whether or not the driver's eyes are being tracked erroneously. When it can be determined that the vehicle is waking up or when it is determined that the vehicle is being tracked by mistake, the opening value of the driver in the open eye state is relearned. For this reason, when the driver's arousal level is reduced, it is possible to prevent the driver from learning the opening value in the eye open state and continue to execute the process with the learned opening value as it is. Furthermore, when the driver wears glasses, it is possible to prevent the process from being continuously executed due to the opening value obtained while being tracked by mistake.

  Further, when the statistical representative value is larger than the opening value of the driver in the open eye state and the statistical deviation is equal to or less than the reference value, it is determined that the driver has occurred. That is, if the statistical representative value is larger than the opening value in the driver's individual open-eye state, it can be said that the driver is more open than usual. Further, when the statistical deviation is less than or equal to the reference value, it can be said that the driver has decreased the number of blinks. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine that the driver is awake.

  Further, when it is determined that the eyes are opened continuously for the first specified time or the eyes are closed for the second specified time, it is determined that the driver's eyes are being tracked by mistake. That is, when it is determined that the eyes are open continuously for the first specified time, it can be said that the eye-opening state has continued for too long. That is, it can be determined that the human is tracking the eye by mistake because the human eyes are always blinking and the eye-opening state continues. Furthermore, when it is determined that the eyes are closed continuously for the second specified time, it can be said that the eyes are closed for a long period of time even though the vehicle is in operation. That is, it can be determined that the eye is tracked by mistake. In this way, it is possible to reliably determine that the eye is being tracked by mistake.

  Further, it is determined that the driver is awake until a certain time has elapsed since the engine was started. In other words, it is unlikely that the driver's arousal level will decrease in a short time after the engine is started, and it can be determined that the driver is awake.

  Further, when the driving operation by the driver is detected more than a predetermined frequency, it is determined that the driver is awake. Here, when the driver's arousal level is lowered, the frequency of the driving operation is lowered, and the operation frequency is lower than the predetermined frequency. For this reason, when the driving operation is detected more than a predetermined frequency, it can be reliably determined that the driver is awake.

  Further, when the driver's intention to drive is detected from the driving information of the vehicle, it is determined that the driver is awake. Here, the case where the driver's intention to drive is detected based on the driving information of the vehicle is, for example, a case where acceleration and deceleration are repeatedly detected, an operation that avoids obstacles around the vehicle, navigation, This is the case when the host vehicle is traveling without departing from the guidance route by the system.

  That is, when acceleration and deceleration are repeated, the driver's intention to adjust to an appropriate vehicle speed in accordance with the running road is detected. For this reason, it is not considered that the driver's arousal level has been lowered, and it can be determined that the driver is awake. In addition, when the vehicle is operating to avoid obstacles around the vehicle, the driver's intention to avoid the obstacle is detected according to the environment around the vehicle. In addition, when the host vehicle is traveling without departing from the guidance route by the navigation system, the driver's intention to drive along the guidance route is detected. For this reason, it can be similarly determined that the driver is awake.

  Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine that the driver is awake.

  Further, when the utterance by the driver is detected, it is determined that the driver is awake. That is, it is unlikely that the driver speaks in a state where the arousal level is lowered, and it can be determined that the driver is awake.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The arousal level determination device 3 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration and processing contents are partially different from those of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a detailed configuration diagram of a processing device of the arousal level determination device according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 23, the imaging unit 10 is also illustrated in order to clarify the connection relationship.

  As shown in the figure, the arousal level determination apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment newly includes a reliability estimation unit 47. The reliability estimation unit 47 determines whether or not the relationship between the average value calculated by the calculation unit 29 and the standard deviation can be an eye state. Moreover, the reliability estimation part 47 estimates a reliability about the determination result of the arousal degree determination part 27 by the determination result of whether it can be an eye state.

  Here, the reliability estimation unit 47 uses the following conditions when determining whether or not the relationship between the average value calculated by the calculation unit 29 and the standard deviation can be an eye state. FIG. 24 is a graph showing details of determination by the reliability estimation unit 47. In FIG. 24, the left vertical axis represents the opening value, and the right vertical axis represents the standard deviation. Further, the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time. In the graph shown in FIG. 24, the average value and the standard deviation are calculated from the opening values for 100 frames. Further, in FIG. 24, a standard value (standard value) of standard deviation is defined as an average value of all standard deviations when the arousal level is normal.

  The reliability estimation unit 47, when the average value calculated by the calculation unit 29 is larger than the opening value in the driver's individual open eye state, and the standard deviation calculated by the calculation unit 29 exceeds the specified value, It is determined that the eye state is not possible, and the reliability is estimated.

  That is, when the standard deviation exceeds the specified value as in the section indicated by the symbol D, it indicates that the number of blinks of the driver is increasing. For this reason, since the ratio of closed eyes increases, the average of the eye opening values should be lower in the section indicated by reference numeral C corresponding to the section indicated by reference numeral D. However, the average value calculated by the calculation unit 29 is larger than the opening value of the driver in the open eye state. For this reason, a phenomenon that is impossible as an eye state is occurring. Therefore, the reliability estimation unit 47 estimates that the reliability is low.

  In this way, even if it is determined that the arousal level is lowered by estimating the reliability level, an appropriate presentation according to the reliability level is provided, for example, a notification to awaken the driver is not performed. Can be done.

  Next, the operation of the arousal level determination device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. The arousal level determination device 3 according to the third embodiment executes the same process as that of the first embodiment. That is, the imaging unit 10 captures an area including the driver's face and sends the obtained image data to the processing device 20. Next, the processing device 20 executes the processing shown in FIG. Then, in step ST15 of FIG. 12, the processing device 20 determines whether or not the driver's individual opening value in the eye open state has been learned (ST15), and when it is determined that learning has been completed (ST15: YES) ), The process shown in FIG. 25 is executed.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when it is determined that learning has been completed (ST15: YES), the open / close eye determination unit 26 performs open / close eye determination in the same manner as in step ST17 (ST60). Thereafter, in steps ST61 to ST65, processing similar to that in steps ST18 to ST22 shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  In step ST66, the reliability estimation unit 47 obtains the average value and the number of standard deviations that meet the conditions shown in FIG. 24 (ST66). Thereafter, the reliability estimation unit 47 determines whether or not the number of average values and standard deviations that satisfy the conditions shown in FIG. 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (ST67).

  If it is determined that the number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number (ST67: YES), the reliability estimation unit 47 estimates that the reliability of the determination result of the arousal level determination unit 27 is low (ST68). That is, since a phenomenon that is impossible as an eye state has occurred, the reliability estimation unit 47 estimates that the reliability of the determination result of the arousal level determination unit 27 is low. Then, the process proceeds to step ST70. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (ST67: NO), the reliability estimation unit 47 estimates that the determination result of the arousal level determination unit 27 is high in reliability (ST69). Then, the process proceeds to step ST70.

  Thereafter, in steps ST70 and ST71, processing similar to that in steps ST23 and ST24 shown in FIG. 13 is performed. In step ST72, the presentation unit 30 performs a presentation operation (ST25). At this time, the presentation unit 30 notifies the driver to wake up when the driver's arousal level is low, but cancels the notification when the reliability is estimated to be low at step ST68. To do.

  In step ST73, processing similar to that in step ST26 shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  In this way, according to the arousal level determination device 3 according to the third embodiment, the initial state of the reduction in the arousal level can be accurately detected as in the first embodiment. In addition, the arousal level can be determined in multiple stages, and the arousal level can be easily determined in detail.

  Furthermore, it is possible to determine the initial state of wakefulness reduction more accurately, and to obtain a highly accurate opening value by simple arithmetic processing, and even when the driver laughs, the opening value can be accurately determined. Can be sought.

  Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the relationship between the statistical representative value calculated by the calculation unit 29 and the statistical deviation can be an eye state, and based on this determination result, the arousal level determination unit The reliability is estimated for 27 determination results. For this reason, when the reliability of the determined awakening level is low, even if it is determined that the awakening level is lowered, for example, it is possible to prevent notification for awakening the driver. Therefore, it is possible to present appropriately according to the reliability.

  Moreover, the reliability estimation part 47 is when the average value calculated by the calculation part 29 is larger than the opening degree value in a driver | operator's individual eye opening state, and the standard deviation calculated by the calculation part 29 exceeds a regulation value. In addition, the reliability is estimated by determining that the eye state is not possible. That is, when the calculated standard deviation exceeds the specified value, it indicates that the number of blinks of the driver is increased. For this reason, since the proportion of eyes closed increases, the average of the eye opening values should be low. However, when the average value calculated by the calculation unit 29 is larger than the opening value of the driver in the open eye state, a phenomenon that is impossible as an eye state has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the eye state is possible.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, You may combine each embodiment. Further, changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of a driver | operator's opening and closing eyes. It is a graph which shows a closed eye rate, (a) shows the closed eye rate at the time of normal, (b) has shown the closed eye rate in the initial state at the time of a wakefulness fall. It is a graph which shows the closed eye rate when the open / closed eye determination reference value is increased, (a) shows the closed eye rate at the normal time, and (b) shows the closed eye rate in the initial state when the arousal level is lowered. It is a hardware block diagram of the arousal level determination apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the initial process which the eye position detection part 21 performs when detecting the position of an eye. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when the eye position detection part 21 extracts a predetermined pixel. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when the pixel which adjoins the image horizontal direction is grouped. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode after zoning by the eye position detection part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of tracking of the position of the eye by the tracking part 22, (a) has shown the initial tracking area | region, (b) has shown the position of the detected eye after setting of the initial tracking area | region. (C) shows the newly set tracking area based on the detected eye position, and (d) shows the detected eye position from within the newly set tracking area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening degree of the vertical width | variety of an eye, (a) has shown the time of eye opening, (b) has shown the time of eye closing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 4 and shows the first half of the processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the processing device 20 shown in FIG. 4 and shows the latter half of the processing. It is explanatory drawing of the calculation step (ST18) of a closed eye rate. It is a graph which shows the average value calculated | required in step ST13 of FIG. 12, and (a) shows an example when a driver | operator's arousal level is normal, (b) is an initial state of arousal level fall. A first example is shown, and (c) shows a second example of the initial state of arousal level reduction. It is a graph which shows the example of an opening degree value, (a) shows an example when opening degree value is made into the vertical width of an eye, (b) shows an example when opening degree value is made into the curvature of upper eyelid. ing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the curvature at the time of eye opening and closing at the time of making an opening degree value into curvature of an upper eyelid, (a) shows the example at the time of eye opening, (b) has shown the example at the time of eye closing. It is a hardware block diagram of the arousal level determination apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a detailed block diagram of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows detailed operation | movement of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 18, and has shown the first half part of the process peculiar to 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows detailed operation | movement of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 18, and has shown the second half part of the process peculiar to 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the detail of the process of step ST44. It is a detailed block diagram of the processing apparatus of the arousal level determination apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 7 is a graph showing details of determination by a reliability estimation unit 47. It is a flowchart which shows detailed operation | movement of the processing apparatus 20 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1-3 ... Arousal level determination device 10 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Processing apparatus 21 ... Eye position detection part 22 ... Tracking part 23 ... Opening value detection part (Opening value detection means)
24 ... Learning part (learning means)
25. Opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation unit (opening / closing eye determination reference value calculation means)
26: Open / close eye determination unit (open / close eye determination means)
27. Arousal level determination unit (wake level determination means)
28 ... Storage unit 29 ... Calculation unit (calculation means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Presentation part 41 ... Hands free microphone 42 ... Voice recognition device 43 ... Timer 44 ... Driving operation detection part 45 ... Traveling detection part 46 ... Relearning instruction part (Relearning instruction means)
47. Reliability estimation unit (reliability estimation means)

Claims (16)

Imaging means for imaging the driver's face;
From the image captured by the imaging means, an opening value detection means for detecting an opening value indicating the opening of the driver's eyes,
A calculation unit that collects the opening value detected by the opening value detection unit in a time series, and calculates a statistical representative value and a statistical deviation of the opening value;
From the statistical representative value and the statistical deviation calculated by the calculation means, the arousal level determination means for determining the initial state of the arousal level reduction;
A wakefulness determination device comprising: Learning means for learning by finding the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver from the detection frequency of the opening value detected by the opening value detection means,
Opening / closing eye determination reference value calculating means for determining an opening / closing eye determination reference value for determining whether the eye is open or closed from the opening value learned by the learning means;
Open / closed eye determination reference value calculated by the open / closed eye determination reference value calculating unit is used to determine an open / closed eye by newly opening an image captured by the imaging unit and detected by the opening / closing value detection unit. And an opening / closing eye determination means for performing,
The wakefulness determination means determines a state in which the wakefulness level has fully decreased based on the ratio of the time determined by the open / closed eye determination means to be closed during a predetermined time. The arousal level determination device described. Re-learning instruction means for causing the learning means to re-learn the opening value in the eye-opening state of the individual driver,
The re-learning command means determines whether or not the driver is waking up, determines whether or not the driver is waking up, and determines whether or not the driver's eyes are being tracked erroneously, and erroneously tracks them. 3. The arousal level determination device according to claim 2, wherein, in at least one of the cases where it is determined that the driver has determined that the degree of opening of the driver is re-learned, the learning unit re-learns the opening value of the individual driver. The relearning instruction means
The statistical representative value calculated by the calculating means is larger than the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver learned by the learning means, and
When the statistical deviation calculated by the calculating means is below a reference value,
The wakefulness determination device according to claim 3, wherein it is determined that the driver is awake.   When the re-learning instruction means determines that the eyes are open continuously for the first specified time by the open / close eye determination means, or when the eyes are determined to be closed for the second specified time by the open / close eye determination means, The wakefulness determination device according to claim 3, wherein it is determined that the eye is tracked by mistake.   4. The arousal level determination device according to claim 3, wherein the re-learning command unit determines that the driver is awake until a predetermined time has elapsed since the engine was started.   The awakening degree determination apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the re-learning instruction means determines that the driver is awake when a driving operation by the driver is detected at a predetermined frequency or more.   The awakening degree determination device according to claim 3, wherein the re-learning instruction means determines that the driver is awake when the driver's intention to drive is detected based on vehicle travel information.   The awakening degree determination device according to claim 3, wherein the re-learning instruction means determines that the driver is awake when speech by the driver is detected.   It is determined whether or not the relationship between the statistical representative value calculated by the calculation means and the statistical deviation can be an eye state, and the reliability of the determination result of the arousal level determination means is estimated based on the determination result. The wakefulness determination apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a reliability estimation unit. The reliability estimation means includes:
The statistical representative value calculated by the calculating means is larger than the opening value in the eye-open state of the individual driver learned by the learning means, and
When the statistical deviation calculated by the calculating means exceeds a specified value,
The wakefulness determination apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the wakefulness determination apparatus determines that the eye state is impossible and estimates the reliability.   The wakefulness determination apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the calculation means calculates a statistical representative value and a statistical deviation of the opening value within the predetermined time. The arousal level determination means includes
The statistical representative value calculated by the calculating means is smaller than the opening value in the eye-open state of the driver individual learned by the learning means, and is smaller than a predetermined value, and
When the statistical deviation calculated by the calculating means is not more than a specific value,
It determines with a driver | operator being in the initial state of arousal level fall. The arousal level determination apparatus of any one of Claims 1-12 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The arousal level determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the opening value is a vertical width of an eye.   The wakefulness determination device according to claim 1, wherein the opening value is a curvature of an upper eyelid. From the image obtained by imaging the driver's face, an opening value indicating the opening degree of the driver's eyes is detected, and the opening value is collected in time series to provide a statistical representative of the opening value. A wakefulness determination apparatus, characterized in that a value and a statistical deviation are obtained, and an initial state of wakefulness reduction is determined from the obtained statistical representative value and the statistical deviation.

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