JP2008146327A - Vehicular lighting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively prevent a driver's doze without hindering vehicle driving. <P>SOLUTION: A lamp 13 that emits light for increasing awareness is disposed to emit the light to a vehicle driver. A control device 11 turns on the lamp 13 for a predetermined period and then turns it off for a predetermined period according to time information from a timer 14. The flashing of the lamp 13 increases the driver's awareness to prevent a doze. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device that is effective in preventing a driver from falling asleep.

Conventionally, a device for preventing a driver of a vehicle from falling asleep has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting that a driver's consciousness state is falling, that is, that he / she is likely to fall asleep, by photographing a driver's face and analyzing the blinking state. It is disclosed. In this prior art, when an LSI that processes a face in real time is detected and it is detected that the driver is falling asleep or is likely to doze, a buzzer sounds to alert the driver. Yes. In addition, as a method of calling attention to the driver who has detected a nap, a method of blowing air toward the driver is also conceivable.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-266981

  In the above-described conventional example, it is possible to detect the driver's drowsiness, but the method of calling attention to the driver is temporary, and a sufficient effect cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is a vehicle illumination that can detect a decrease in consciousness state and can irradiate light having a spectral distribution that has an effect of improving arousal level to prevent a doze. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a detecting unit that detects a decrease in the state of consciousness of the driver of the vehicle; and a state of consciousness of the driver of the vehicle based on a detection result of the detecting unit A lamp disposed so as to be able to irradiate a vehicle driver with light having a wavelength of 400 to 560 nm, and a control means for controlling the lighting of the lamp. Features.

  The control means irradiates the vehicle driver with light including a wavelength of 400 to 560 nm by controlling lighting of the lamp. As a result, the driver can be awakened and maintained in a normal state, which is effective in preventing dozing.

  The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2 of the present invention includes a timer for outputting time information according to claim 1, and the control means determines whether the lamp is turned on or off based on the time information from the timer. It is.

  For example, the lamp lighting time is set to several seconds to several minutes, and the lamp extinguishing time is set to several minutes to several tens of minutes. Thereby, the dozing prevention effect can be maintained.

  The vehicle illumination device according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 and 2, the lamp irradiates light from above the driver of the vehicle. is there.

  By irradiating light from overhead, the effect of preventing dozing can be obtained more effectively.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a driver | operator's arousal level improves by irradiating the driver | operator of a vehicle with the light containing wavelength 400-560nm, or a doze can be prevented by the secretion of melatonin being suppressed. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of the lamps in FIG.

  The lighting device 12 is controlled by the control device 11 to turn on the lamp 13. The control device 11 drives the lighting device 12 and controls lighting and extinguishing of the lamp 13. In the present embodiment, the control device 11 is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the lamp 13 at predetermined time intervals. The timer 14 provides time information to the control device 11. For example, the control device 11 uses the time information of the timer 14 to determine the lighting and extinguishing timing of the lamp 13.

  The lamp 13 is disposed at a position where the driver who drives the vehicle can irradiate illumination light. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an arrangement example of lamps in a driver seat inside the vehicle. Although FIG. 2 shows an example of an automobile, any vehicle may be used as long as the lamp can be arranged at a position where the driver can irradiate illumination light. For example, the present invention can be applied not only to a four-wheeled vehicle but also to various vehicles such as a two-wheeled vehicle, a train, an airplane, and a ship, and a transport aircraft.

  In FIG. 2, a handle 23 is provided in front of the windshield 22 in front of the driver seat 21. A driver (not shown) operates the handle 23 while sitting on the driver's seat 21 to steer the vehicle. On the ceiling 24 above the driver's seat 21, a room lamp (not shown) that irradiates the entire interior of the room is disposed. The room lamp is located on the side or rear of the driver, and only relatively weak light is incident on the driver's eyes while the driver is driving. A spot lamp 25 is provided at the center of the ceiling near the windshield 22. The spot lamp 25 irradiates light in a relatively narrow range, and only relatively weak light is incident on the eyes of the driver during driving. A lamp 13 is disposed on the driver's seat side of the spot lamp 25.

  A room mirror 26 is disposed in the upper center of the windshield 22, and a sun visor 27 is provided on the ceiling 24 near the windshield 22 in front of the driver seat 21.

  In the present embodiment, the lamp 13 is configured to irradiate monochromatic light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 to 560 nm or light having a wavelength of 400 to 560 nm. Experiments have confirmed that these lights improve the arousal level. In addition, it has been confirmed that monochromatic light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 to 560 nm is effective when the illuminance reaching the eyeball is about 1 lux, and it is effective even when irradiated with polychromatic light together with a white light source. is there.

  By the way, when irradiating the driver with the light emitted from the lamp 13, if the amount of light is large, it is easy to feel glare especially at night, which may hinder driving. However, if monochromatic light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 to 560 nm is used, it is possible to obtain an effect of improving the arousal level with a brightness of about 1 lux. Thereby, even when the lamp 13 is turned on, the driver does not feel dazzling and does not hinder driving. Further, by using such light, it is possible to reduce unnecessary light energy consumption by reducing light having a wavelength of 560 nm or more, for example, which does not contribute much to the arousal level improving effect.

  In this way, monochromatic light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 to 560 nm, and by adopting a sufficiently weak light amount, it is possible to effectively improve arousal level and prevent drowsiness.

  In addition, the state of consciousness may change most greatly immediately after irradiation with light having a spectral distribution having a peak on the short wavelength side, for example, blue light, and the degree of wakefulness may be improved, and the state of wakefulness tends to persist for a predetermined time. It has been found by experiment. Furthermore, it was shown that the arousal level can be kept high by repeatedly changing the light intensity.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the state of high arousal level is maintained by repeatedly turning on and off.

  Further, this blinking operation may be performed with the intensity of light emission by lamp dimming control, and the blinking interval may be repeated periodically or irregularly.

  In the embodiment configured as described above, after the power of the engine or the like is started, the timer 14 measures time and supplies time information to the control device 11. When the control device 11 detects that the lighting period of the lamp 13 is reached based on the time information, the control device 11 controls the lighting device 12 to light the lamp 13. The lamp 13 generates, for example, blue light having an effect of improving consciousness.

  The driver maintains a high arousal level by being irradiated with the blue light. For example, even when the driver is likely to fall asleep, the blue light improves the arousal level and prevents the driver from falling asleep.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the light irradiation from the lamp 13, the control device 11 controls the lighting device 12 to stop the light emission of the lamp 13. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 11 controls the lighting device 12 to cause the lamp 13 to emit light again. Thereafter, blinking of the lamp 13 is repeated at predetermined time intervals.

  When the control device 11 appropriately sets the lighting period and extinguishing period of the lamp 13, the driver's arousal level can be maintained at a high level.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the light that improves the arousal level is flashed at an appropriate time interval to irradiate the driver, thereby maintaining the driver's arousal state and preventing the driver from falling asleep. can do.

  In addition, it has been found that when light is irradiated from above the human body, the influence of light on the biological rhythm is greater than when light is irradiated from the front or below. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the lamp 13 is disposed at the position of the map lamp 25 on the ceiling. Further, instead of the map lamp position, the lamp 13 may be provided at the room lamp position. Further, the lamp 13 may be separately arranged at a position above the driver's head.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the lamp 13 can emit light having a spectral distribution having an effect of suppressing the secretion of melatonin. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of suppression of melatonin secretion and the wavelength. 3A and 3B show the relative value or logarithmic value indicating the wavelength on the horizontal axis and the melatonin suppression degree on the vertical axis.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the degree of melatonin suppression has a maximum value at a wavelength of about 464 nm and has an effective value at a wavelength of about 560 nm or less. However, when the wavelength is 400 nm or less, the energy of light becomes strong, which may adversely affect the eyeball. Therefore, as the lamp 13, a lamp that can irradiate light including a wavelength component of about 400 to 560 nm, for example, monochromatic light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 to 560 nm or polychromatic light having a wavelength of 400 to 560 nm is used. be able to. Further, the full width at half maximum of the melatonin suppression degree is about 100 nm, and a configuration in which light including a wavelength component of 410 to 510 nm can be irradiated from the lamp 13 is desirable. As such a lamp 13, for example, a blue LED or a blue EL that emits monochromatic light having a peak wavelength of 400 to 560 nm, preferably 410 to 510 nm can be employed.

  Human sleep is affected by the secretion of melatonin called sleep hormone. As described above, light having a spectral distribution including a wavelength component of about 400 to 560 nm can suppress the secretion of melatonin. Since melatonin secretion is mainly performed at night, it is considered effective to prevent drowsiness if it is necessary to drive for a long time at midnight.

  At present, the correlation between the effect of improving arousal level by monochromatic light having a peak wavelength of 400 to 560 nm and the drowsiness prevention effect by suppressing melatonin secretion is unclear, but the wavelength is 400 to 400 from the above two viewpoints. It is considered that drowsiness can be prevented by light having a spectral distribution having light of 560 nm.

  Note that the lamp 13 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to irradiate monochromatic light having a peak wavelength in the range of 400 to 560 nm, and can simultaneously improve arousal level and suppress melatonin secretion.

  However, the lamp 13 may be composed of light for the purpose of improving the arousal level and light for the purpose of suppressing the secretion of melatonin by different light sources, and different lighting control may be performed.

  For example, the control device 11 may be provided with a clock function (not shown), and light for suppressing melatonin secretion may be separately emitted from the lamp 13 only at night. In this case, the lamp 13 can irradiate monochromatic light having a peak wavelength of 410 to 510 nm, which is considered to be particularly effective in suppressing melatonin secretion, and additionally, the melatonin secretion suppressing effect is low but the arousal level improving effect is It can be configured to be able to irradiate light having an expected peak wavelength of about 560 nm.

(Modification)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification. FIG. 4 shows a delineator that generates light having a spectral distribution similar to the light from the lamp 13.

  On general roads, a delineator may be installed along the road for the purpose of gaze guidance effect. As this delineator, a delineator 43 having a light emission function having the same spectral distribution characteristic as that of the lamp 13 described above is employed. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a delineator 43 having such a light emitting function is provided in a part of a delineator 42 installed on the guard rail 41 at a predetermined interval. By arranging the delineator 43 at a predetermined distance, it is possible to irradiate the driver with blue light at time intervals according to the traveling speed of the vehicle.

  Thereby, a driver's dozing can be prevented more effectively.

  Moreover, as the delineator 43, what has the propeller 44 rotated by the wind which generate | occur | produces at the time of the passage of a vehicle at the front can be employ | adopted. By using a generator that generates electricity in accordance with the rotation of the propeller 44, it is possible to supply power from the generator to, for example, a blue LED as a light source of the delineator 43.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same components as those of FIG. In the present embodiment, the blinking of blue light is controlled according to the state of driver's consciousness decline.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the timer 14 is omitted and a sensor 15 and an image processing device 16 are added. The sensor 15 is disposed at a position where the driver's face can be photographed. For example, in the example of the automobile shown in FIG. The sensor 15 captures the driver's face and supplies a video signal to the image processing device 16.

  The image processing device 16 performs image processing on the input video signal to detect the driver's drowsiness state (a state of reduced consciousness). For example, the image processing device 16 can detect that the driver's consciousness has decreased from the blinking state of the driver. The image processing device 16 outputs the detection result of the driver's consciousness decrease to the control device 11.

  The control device 11 controls the lighting device 12 to light the lamp 13 when the driver's consciousness state detected by the image processing device 16 falls below a predetermined threshold value.

  In the embodiment configured as described above, the face of the driver is photographed by the sensor 15 during driving. The video signal from the sensor 15 is supplied to the image processing device 16, and the image processing device 16 detects the state of the driver's consciousness by image processing. The detection result of the image processing device 16 is supplied to the control device 11. The control device 11 determines whether or not the driver's consciousness state has fallen below a predetermined threshold.

  When the driver is sufficiently awake, the control device 11 does not light the lamp 13. When the driver seems to fall asleep, the driver's consciousness decreases. Then, the state of consciousness indicated by the detection result of the image processing device 16 becomes lower than a predetermined threshold value. Accordingly, the control device 11 controls the lighting device 12 to light the lamp 13.

  The lamp 13 generates, for example, blue light having an effect of suppressing secretion of melatonin, and the driver's arousal level is increased by irradiating the driver with illumination light from the lamp 13. This prevents the driver from falling asleep. When it is detected by the image processing device 16 that the state of consciousness of the driver has increased, the control device 11 turns off the lamp 13. Thus, the lamp 13 can be turned on only when the driver is drowsy, and the driver can be efficiently prevented from falling asleep.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the state of the driver's consciousness is detected, and, for example, blue light having an effect of improving arousal level or suppressing melatonin secretion is generated only when the consciousness falls below a predetermined threshold value. It is designed to irradiate the driver. As a result, the driver can be effectively prevented from falling asleep without being adversely affected by the lamp.

  In combination with the first and second embodiments, the lamp 13 is turned on when the driver's consciousness is lower than a predetermined threshold, and the lamp 13 is turned off after a predetermined time from the lighting of the lamp 13. Also good. Further, the control device 11 may be provided with a clock function (not shown) to permit the lamp 13 to be lit only at night.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor 15 detects the driver's consciousness state by photographing the driver's face, but various methods for detecting the driver's consciousness state are conceivable. For example, you may make it detect a driver | operator's consciousness state by image | photographing a driver | operator's head movement. Furthermore, methods other than image processing may be employed.

(Modification)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a modified example of the sensor.

  The modification of FIG. 6 is an example in which the infrared detection unit 28 is employed as a sensor. Hemoglobin in red blood cells flowing in human veins has a low oxygen content. Such hemoglobin (reduced hemoglobin) has a characteristic of absorbing near infrared rays in the vicinity of 760 nm. An infrared sensor 29 that detects veins by irradiating the palm with near infrared rays using this characteristic has been developed. Since the amount of reduced hemoglobin in the vein changes due to a decrease in consciousness, the state of consciousness of the driver can be determined from the detection result of the infrared sensor.

  In FIG. 2 described above, an example is shown in which the infrared detector 28 (shaded portion) is attached to the peripheral surface of the handle 23 that is always held by the driver. The infrared sensor 29 constituting the infrared detector 28 detects the driver's reduced hemoglobin from the infrared detector 28 to detect the driver's consciousness state and obtain a detection result. The detection result of the infrared sensor 29 is output to the control device 11 via the transmission unit 30.

  The transmission unit 30 transmits the detection result via a wired transmission path or a wireless transmission path. By providing the control device 11 with a reception unit that receives the detection result from the transmission unit 30, the detection result of the infrared sensor 29 can be received by the control device 11.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an example in which light having an effect of suppressing melatonin secretion is generated from a structure other than a vehicle by using an output of a sensor that detects a decrease in driver's consciousness.

  The infrared detection unit 51 is configured by, for example, an infrared sensor 52 attached to a vehicle handle. The infrared sensor 52 detects the state of the driver's consciousness by detecting the driver's reduced hemoglobin. The detection result of the infrared sensor 52 is supplied to the transmission unit 53. The transmission unit 53 transmits the detection result of the infrared sensor 52 to the reception unit 56 via a wireless transmission path, for example.

  In the present embodiment, receiving unit 56 is provided at toll gate 55. The receiving unit 56 receives the output of the transmitting unit 53, that is, the detection result of the state of driver's consciousness. The receiving unit 56 supplies the reception result to the illumination control unit 57.

  The illumination control unit 57 includes a lamp (not shown) that generates light having a wavelength component of about 560 nm or less, that is, light having an effect of improving arousal level or suppressing an effect of suppressing melatonin secretion. When it is shown that the driver's consciousness is lower than a predetermined threshold, the lamp can be turned on to irradiate the driver with light having an effect of suppressing melatonin secretion. Yes.

  For example, the transmission unit 53 and the reception unit 56 can use ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) equipment adopted in ITS (Intelligent Road Traffic System). In ETC, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) is adopted, and communication is possible only between the ETC in-vehicle device in the vehicle running on the ETC lane and the communication device provided in the ETC lane. It can be configured as possible.

  By using this DSRC communication, the vehicle that the driver who has detected the state of consciousness is driving can be specified in the lighting control unit 57 of the toll gate 55. The lighting control unit 57 can irradiate the driver of the vehicle with light having a melatonin suppressing effect when the vehicle on which the driver with reduced consciousness is placed is positioned in the vicinity of the toll gate 55. It has become. The infrared detecting unit 51 detects the driver's consciousness state by detecting the driver's reduced hemoglobin. This detection result is supplied to the transmission unit 53.

  When the vehicle driven by the driver approaches the toll gate 55, the transmission unit 53 transmits the detection result of the infrared sensor 52. The output of the transmission unit 53 is received by the reception unit 56 provided in the toll gate 55.

  When the driver's arousal level is sufficiently high, the lighting control unit 57 does not change the lighting of the toll gate 55. When the driver's arousal level is low and the consciousness is lower than a predetermined threshold, the lighting control unit 57 changes the lighting of the toll gate 55 to light having an effect of improving the level of arousal or suppressing melatonin secretion. This illumination light is irradiated to a vehicle driver in the vicinity of the toll gate 55. As a result, the driver's arousal level is increased and dozing is prevented.

  In the embodiment configured as described above, the driver may be irradiated with light having an effect of improving the arousal level or suppressing the secretion of melatonin in a place where the vehicle stops or where the surroundings are bright. it can. This can prevent the driver from falling asleep. Since light is emitted while the vehicle is stopped or slowing down, it can be effectively irradiated and is highly effective.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which an infrared sensor is used as a sensor for detecting the state of driver's consciousness. However, any device that detects the state of driver's consciousness may be used. May be. For example, in addition to the example using the image processing apparatus described above, it is also possible to use a sensor that detects physiological reactions such as pupil contraction, brain waves, blood pressure, and heart rate. For example, a method in which the driver attaches a sphygmomanometer, a heart rate monitor, or the like to the wrist or the like is conceivable, or a method in which a headset for measuring an electroencephalogram is attached.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the example of the toll gate has been described as a place for generating light having an effect of improving the arousal level or suppressing the secretion of melatonin, but a place where the vehicle is stopped, a place where the surroundings are bright, for example, In addition, light having a melatonin suppression effect may be generated in a gas station, toll road toll gate, highway parking area / service area, signal stop area, and the like.

The block diagram which shows the illuminating device for vehicles which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the lamp | ramp in FIG. The graph which shows the relationship between a melatonin suppression degree and a wavelength. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating a modification. The block diagram which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a sensor. The block diagram which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Control apparatus 12 ... Lighting apparatus 13 ... Lamp 14 ... Timer 15 ... Sensor 16 ... Image processing apparatus 28, 51 ... Infrared detector 55 ... Toll gate

Claims (3)

Detecting means for detecting a decrease in the state of consciousness of the driver of the vehicle;
When the detection result of the detection means indicates that the state of consciousness of the driver of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined threshold, the vehicle driver is arranged to be able to irradiate light including a wavelength of 400 to 560 nm. With a lamp made;
Control means for controlling lighting of the lamp;
A vehicle lighting device comprising:   The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a timer that outputs time information, wherein the control unit determines whether the lamp is turned on or off based on the time information from the timer.   3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lamp emits light from above the driver of the vehicle. 4.

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