JP2023094197A - Driving sense-of-burden reduction system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a driving sense-of-burden reduction system making it possible to minimize a driver's sense of burden to be perceived during driving.SOLUTION: A driving sense-of-burden reduction system of the present disclosure includes: a driving burden estimation unit 110 that estimates a driving burden concerning a driving manipulation of a driver of a vehicle; a five senses stimulus provision unit 120 that provides the driver with a five senses stimulus for use in improving a driver's condition during traveling; and a five senses stimulus control unit 130 that controls the five senses stimulus provided by the five senses stimulus provision unit. The five senses stimulus control unit changes a working state of the five senses stimulus provided by the five senses stimulus provision unit on the basis of the driving burden estimated by the driving burden estimation unit, thereby, feeds back the driving burden to the driver, and prompts the driver to recognize that the driver himself/herself is controlling the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to a driving burden reduction device.

As a doze prevention device, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the doze prevention device of Patent Document 1, information acquisition means for acquiring information on the drowsiness of the driver, drowsiness level specifying means for specifying the degree of drowsiness (drowsiness level) from the drowsiness information, and awakening the driver. and an awakening control means for controlling the awakening means such that the degree of awakening of the driver increases as the degree of drowsiness of the driver increases.

As a result, in order to awaken the driver, the driver is stimulated so that the degree of awakening increases as the degree of drowsiness of the driver increases, so that the driver can be awakened more comfortably. ing.

JP 2010-186276 A

However, Patent Document 1 uses stimuli of the five senses to improve the driver's state, which corresponds to unpleasant feelings and emotions in Russell's circular model, such as drowsiness, stress, irritability, and fatigue. It does not reduce the burden.

In view of the above problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a driving burden reduction device that can reduce the driver's burden during driving.

The present disclosure employs the following technical means in order to achieve the above object.

In the driving burden reduction device of the present disclosure,
a driving load estimating unit (110) for estimating the driving load related to the driving operation of the vehicle driver;
a sensory stimulus providing unit (120) that provides the driver with sensory stimuli for improving the driver's condition while driving;
a five senses stimulation control unit (130) that controls the five senses stimulation provided by the five senses stimulation providing unit;
The five senses stimulation control unit feeds back the driving load to the driver by changing the operation state of the five senses stimulation provided by the five senses stimulation providing unit based on the driving load estimated by the driving load estimation unit, To make a driver recognize that he himself controls a vehicle.

According to the present disclosure, the driving load is fed back to the driver by changing the operating state of the stimulus provided based on the driving load. Therefore, the driver can recognize that he/she is in control of the vehicle, thereby reducing the burden associated with the driving operation.

It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses of the above means indicate the corresponding relationship with specific means described in the embodiments to be described later.

It is a graph which shows the result of having performed the absolute evaluation of the burden feeling in driving operation. It is a graph which shows the result of having performed relative evaluation of the burden feeling in driving operation. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a device for reducing driving burden; FIG. It is a graph which shows the relationship between driving load and stimulus intensity. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the upper illumination intensity outside a vehicle, and vehicle interior illumination luminance. 4 is a graph showing characteristics of stimulus intensity; 4 is a graph showing the relationship between vehicle vertical acceleration and seat vibration stimulus.

A plurality of modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each form, the same reference numerals may be given to the parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding form, and overlapping explanations may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each form, the previously described other forms can be applied to other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that are explicitly stated that combinations are possible in each embodiment, but also partial combinations of embodiments even if they are not explicitly stated unless there is a particular problem with the combination. is also possible.

(First embodiment)
A driving burden reduction device 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. The driving burden reduction device 100 is a device that reduces the driver's driving burden.

The sense of burden of driving refers to how one feels the burden of work in driving operations. It is to feel a sense of time urgency that you have to work on it. In ISO 6835, work load is defined as ``the impact of work load in relation to individual characteristics and abilities'', and work load is defined as ``acting to disturb the physiological and psychological state of a person in a work system. It is defined as the total amount of external conditions and demands.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the developer of the present disclosure changes the five senses stimuli (in-vehicle lighting brightness in this case) provided to the driver according to the situation of the load related to the driving operation. It was found that it is possible to reduce the burden of The five senses in the five sense stimulation are visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory, and at least one of these is included in this embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows the results of the absolute evaluation of burden feeling by Dunnett's method. In Fig. 1, for example, in a driving test (n = 7 people) of a course including right and left turns at curves and intersections as a driving load, the brightness of the interior lighting is taken up as a stimulus for the five senses of the driver, and the brightness of the interior lighting is provided. We confirmed how NASA-TLX, which is a subjective workload evaluation scale, changes by changing the procedure.

During the driving test, the developer changed the lighting brightness in the car from "no lighting" → "with lighting (no control of brightness change according to driving load)" → "with lighting (adjusting to driving load)". It was confirmed that NASA-TLX is reduced in order by setting "with brightness change control)".

Moreover, FIG. 2 shows the results of the relative evaluation of the sense of burden by the Wilcoxon rank sum test. In FIG. 2, for example, in the same way as in FIG. 1, in a driving test (n=7 people) of a course including turns at curves and intersections as a driving load, interior lighting brightness was used as a stimulus for the five senses of the driver. We took up the subject and confirmed how the "enjoyment" felt by the driver changes by changing the provision of the lighting brightness in the car.

During the driving test, the developer of the present disclosure changed the lighting brightness in the car from "lighting on (no control of brightness change according to driving load)" to "lighting on (control of brightness change according to driving load)". It was confirmed that “enjoyment” was improved by setting “Yes”.

As a result of a questionnaire survey of the subjects regarding the control of the five senses stimuli according to the load of driving, we confirmed the common reasons for the answers "It was fun" and "I felt satisfied".
・Realize that you are driving, or
・ Feel a sense of unity with the vehicle, or
・Responses to driving operations included feelings of hospitality and caring.

In other words, the driver will be able to understand the situation in which he or she is placed by being stimulated by the five senses according to the driving load and recognizing the driving situation. And by accurately understanding the situation, the driver's perception of the driving load changes, and the driver is in control of the vehicle, rather than something that is out of his or her control. ), you can get a positive impression that you can handle the same driving load. From this, the driver obtained the knowledge that the burden associated with the driving operation can be reduced, leading to the proposal of the present disclosure.

The configuration and effects of the driving burden reduction device 100 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the driving burden reduction device 100 includes a detection unit 111, a camera 112, a sensor 113, a map database 114, a driving load estimation unit 110, a five senses stimulation providing unit 120, a five senses stimulation control unit 130, and the like. ing.

The detection unit 111 is, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, a steering wheel, a winker lever, pedals (an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal), and the like. A vehicle speed sensor outputs a vehicle speed signal, a steering wheel outputs a steering angle signal, a turn signal lever outputs a right/left turn signal, and a pedal outputs an acceleration/deceleration signal to the driving load estimator 110 .

The camera 112 is provided outside or inside the vehicle, for example, and outputs a distance signal between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, a face image signal of the driver, and the like to the driving load estimation unit 110 .

The sensor 113 uses, for example, surrounding vehicle signals (positional relationship signals between own vehicle and surrounding vehicles), exterior upper illuminance signals (upper brightness due to weather), vehicle vertical direction acceleration signals, etc. to estimate the driving load. Output to unit 110 .

The map database 114, for example, shares map data in a car navigation system, and outputs map data relating to road conditions (road type, ups and downs, sharp curves, road width, etc.) during driving to the driving load estimation unit 110. do.

The driving load estimation unit 110 is a part that estimates the driving load related to the driving operation of the driver in the vehicle. The driving load estimating unit 110 uses various signals obtained from the detecting unit 111, the camera 112, the sensor 113, the map database 114, etc. to estimate the extent of the driving load subjectively judged by the driver (a unit related to driving). The driver's load that changes during driving is estimated using a predetermined driver's load estimation algorithm that matches the amount of recognition, judgment, and operation per hour. In addition, as the driver's subjectivity, what is collected without stimulating the five senses to the driver is used.

For example, the driving load estimator 110 estimates that the higher the vehicle speed signal, the larger the steering angle signal, and the greater the change in the acceleration/deceleration signal when there is a right/left turn signal, the higher the driving load. Taking the difference in driving patterns as an example, the driving load increases in the order of curved road→lane change→intersection. In addition, the driving load estimation unit 110 estimates that the shorter the distance signal to the preceding vehicle, the harder the expression of the driver in the face image signal, and the more times the driver checks the surroundings of the vehicle, the higher the driving load. do. In addition, the driving load estimator 110 estimates that the driving load is higher as the number of surrounding vehicles increases and the distance becomes shorter, the upper illumination signal becomes darker, and the vertical acceleration signal becomes larger. In addition, the driving load estimating unit 110 estimates that the driving load is higher for a road having a higher driving difficulty level in the map data during driving. The driving load estimation unit 110 outputs the estimated driving load data to the five senses stimulation control unit 130 .

The five-sensory stimulation providing unit 120 is a part that provides the driver with five-sensory stimulation for improving the driver's condition while driving. The five-sensory stimulation providing unit 120 can be, for example, a display unit such as an in-vehicle lighting, a meter, a vibrating device for vibrating the seat, a speaker for outputting a stimulating sound, an air pack for exerting a massage effect on the driver, or the like. The five-sensory stimulation providing unit 120 can adjust the magnitude of the various five-sensory stimulations to be output. In the following, the case where the in-vehicle lighting is used as the five-sensory stimulation providing unit 120 will be described as a representative example.

The five senses stimulation control unit 130 is a part that changes (changes) the operation state (stimulation intensity) of the five senses stimulation provided by the five senses stimulation providing unit 120 based on the driving load estimated by the driving load estimation unit 110. .

As shown in FIG. 4 (FIGS. 5 and 6), the five senses stimulation control unit 130 sets the stimulation intensity to decrease as the estimated driving load increases.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 6), an upper limit value and a lower limit value are set in advance as a range (stimulation intensity range) in the action state of the stimulus for the five senses. The five senses stimulation control unit 130 changes the stimulation intensity based on the driving load within the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

The upper limit value is a value within a range that the driver can tolerate while driving (a range that does not interfere with driving). Also, the lower limit value is a value within a range that the driver can notice while driving.

It should be noted that the five senses stimuli (stimulus intensity) may be combined with other stimuli (for example, lighting and sound) to lower the threshold for stimuli. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm whether there is a significant difference in the upper limit between stimulation alone and stimulation combination. If there is no difference, the upper limit determined for stimulation alone may be used.

In FIG. 5, the stimulation intensity is the brightness of the light from the vehicle interior lighting (vehicle interior lighting brightness). It shows that it is set according to the In other words, when the vehicle interior and exterior environment conditions are the upper illuminance outside the vehicle, the brightness of the light from the vehicle interior lighting is changed between the upper limit value and the lower limit value according to the upper illuminance. The upper illuminance outside the vehicle means the brightness outside the vehicle due to the weather. ing. The upper limit value and the lower limit value are set so as to increase as the upper illuminance increases.

The five senses stimulation control unit 130 sets the upper limit value and the lower limit value at a plurality of representative points of upper illuminance (nighttime, evening, twilight, cloudy sky, fine weather), and linearly approximates the values between the respective representative points. to interpolate.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the stimulus intensity is set to logarithmically change (decrease) according to the driving load. When the level difference of the driving load is taken at equal intervals, the stimulus intensity decreases steeply in the region where the level of the driving load is relatively low, and the stimulus intensity gradually decreases in the region where the level of the driving load is relatively high. Decrease.

In the driving burden feeling reduction device 100 of the present disclosure, the driving load is fed back to the driver by changing the operation state of the five senses stimulation provided based on the driving load by the five senses stimulation control unit 130. . Therefore, the driver can recognize that he/she is in control of the vehicle, thereby reducing the burden associated with the driving operation.

An upper limit value and a lower limit value are set in advance for the operation state of the five senses stimulation, and the five senses stimulation control unit 130 determines the operation state of the five senses stimulation based on the driving load within the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value. Since it changes, it is possible to provide the driver with appropriate stimulation of the five senses.

In addition, the upper limit of stimuli for the five senses is set as a value within the range that the driver can tolerate while driving, and the lower limit of the stimuli for the five senses is set as a value within the range that the driver can notice while driving. , can be an appropriate stimulus for the five senses of the driver.

In addition, the change in the operating state of the stimulus for the five senses is a change in the stimulus intensity for the driver, and by changing (changing) the stimulus intensity, it becomes possible to control a suitable reduction in the sense of burden.

In addition, the stimulus intensity is set to logarithmically change (decrease) according to the driving load. As a result, the amount of change in stimulus intensity can be increased in areas where the driving load is relatively low, and the amount of change in stimulation intensity can be decreased in areas where the driving load is relatively high.

Also, the stimulus intensity is set to decrease as the driving load increases. As a result, it is possible to increase the stimulus intensity to provide effective stimulation to the driver in areas where the driving load is relatively low, and to decrease the stimulation intensity in areas where the driving load is relatively high. Therefore, it is possible to avoid hindrance to the driving operation of the driver. Overall, it is possible to effectively reduce the burden on the driver.

In addition, the intensity of the stimulus is easily applied and suitable by setting the brightness of the light irradiated to the driver.

In addition, since the upper limit value and the lower limit value are set according to the environmental conditions inside and outside the vehicle, it is possible to set the stimulation intensity suitable for the environmental conditions.

Moreover, as an environmental condition, it is suitable as an upper illuminance outside the vehicle.

Further, when the five senses stimulation providing unit 120 provides light stimulation as the five senses stimulation, the five senses stimulation control unit 130 sets the upper limit value and the lower limit value at a plurality of representative points of the upper illuminance, The value of is linearly approximated and interpolated. This makes it possible to easily estimate values between representative points.

(Second embodiment)
A driving burden reduction device 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The driving burden reduction device 100 of the second embodiment executes control using FIG. 7 in contrast to FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment. That is, the driving burden reduction device 100 of the second embodiment uses the vertical acceleration of the vehicle as the environmental condition inside and outside the vehicle, and the vibration stimulation (tactile stimulation) by the vibrating device that vibrates the seat as the stimulation intensity. Change intensity.

Here, the intensity of the seat vibration stimulus is changed according to the magnitude of the vertical acceleration of the vehicle, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

The stimulus intensity provided to the driver can be changed by changing the brightness of the display (meter, center display, etc.), by changing the noise sound (stimulus sound) by the speaker, or by pressing the air pack. may be changed.

(Other embodiments)
The disclosure in this specification, drawings, etc. is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations thereon by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and/or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses omitting parts and/or elements of the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses permutations or combinations of parts and/or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is indicated by the description of the claims, and should be understood to include all changes within the meaning and range of equivalents to the description of the claims.

100 Driving burden feeling reduction device 110 Driving load estimation unit 120 Five senses stimulation providing unit 130 Five senses stimulation control unit

Claims (12)

a driving load estimating unit (110) for estimating the driving load related to the driving operation of the vehicle driver;
a sensory stimulus providing unit (120) that provides the driver with sensory stimuli for improving the condition of the driver during running;
a five senses stimulation control unit (130) for controlling the five senses stimulation provided by the five senses stimulation providing unit;
The five senses stimulation control unit changes the operation state of the five senses stimulation provided by the five senses stimulation providing unit based on the driving load estimated by the driving load estimation unit, thereby providing the driver with A driving burden reduction device that feeds back the driving load and allows the driver to recognize that the driver himself/herself is controlling the vehicle. An upper limit value and a lower limit value are set in advance for the operation state of the five senses stimulation,
2. The driving burden reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the five senses stimulation control section changes the operation state of the five senses stimulation based on the driving load within the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value. 3. The driving burden reduction device according to claim 2, wherein the upper limit value of the stimulus for the five senses is set as a value within a range that the driver can tolerate while driving. 4. The driving burden reduction device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lower limit value of the stimulus for the five senses is set as a value within a range that the driver can notice while driving. The driving burden reduction device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the change in the operating state of the five senses stimuli is a change in stimulus intensity for the driver. 6. The driving burden reduction device according to claim 5, wherein said stimulus intensity is set so as to logarithmically change according to said driving load. 7. The driving burden reduction device according to claim 5, wherein the stimulus intensity is set to decrease as the driving load increases. The driving burden reduction device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the stimulus intensity is the luminance of light irradiated to the driver. The driving burden reduction device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the upper limit value and the lower limit value are set according to environmental conditions inside and outside the vehicle. 10. The driving burden reduction device according to claim 9, wherein the environmental condition is the illuminance above the vehicle. The five senses stimulation providing unit is adapted to provide light stimulation as the five senses stimulation,
11. The five-sensory stimulus control unit according to claim 10, wherein upper and lower limits are set at a plurality of representative points of said upper illuminance, and values between said respective representative points are linearly approximated and interpolated. device to reduce the feeling of driving burden. The driving burden reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the five-sensory stimulation providing unit provides tactile stimulation as the five-sensory stimulation.

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