JP6037130B2 - Operating condition improvement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating state improving apparatus.

  There have been devised a system (see Patent Document 1) that prompts a break according to the traveling state of the vehicle and a system that prompts a break when a long-time driving of the vehicle is detected (see Patent Document 2). As a result, improvement of the driving condition of the driver can be expected.

JP 2006-194797 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-215089

  The configuration of the prior art only outputs a break instruction according to the driving state of the vehicle, and does not reflect the driver's intention to take a break. May feel uncomfortable. In this case, there is a problem that a break instruction is output wastefully.

  Against the background of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a driving state improvement device that can improve the driving state of a driver without causing the vehicle occupant to feel uncomfortable or forced.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  A driving state improvement device for solving the above problems includes a vehicle state detection unit that detects a vehicle state, a measurement unit that measures the degree of inappropriate driving based on the vehicle state, An operation input unit that allows an occupant to perform an operation input, and an information output unit that outputs driving state improvement information for requesting an operation input by the occupant when the degree reaches a predetermined handling level.

  The present invention focuses on thinking spontaneously and solving problems by motivating with curiosity and interest rather than forced motivation. That is, instead of outputting a break instruction immediately after detecting a state unsuitable for driving (that is, an inappropriate driving state) such as a driver's vagueness, sleepiness, fatigue, reduced attention, or arousal level, Driving state improvement information for guiding the driver to go to a resting point spontaneously or as a result to perform an action equivalent to a break is output.

  With the above configuration, the driver (which may include other occupants) does not feel discomfort such as “being forced to take a break”. In addition, there is an effect that “there is a rest at the point reached according to the guidance (at the driver's intention)” and “the driver can take a break without being conscious by staying for a while at the point reached according to the guidance”. .

The figure which shows the structural example of an operating condition improvement apparatus. The flowchart explaining a driving | running state improvement process. The flowchart explaining a music output process. The flowchart explaining a local information question process. The flowchart explaining an area information output process. The figure which shows the example of a display of the question in a music output process. The figure which shows the example of a display at the time of the music related information output following FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of the question in area | region information output processing. The figure which shows the example of a display of the reply following FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display at the time of the route guidance recommendation following FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The block diagram of the driving | running state improvement apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. The driving state improvement apparatus 1 includes a control circuit 10 and a biological state detection unit 21 connected to the control circuit 10, a vehicle running state detection unit 22, a position detection unit 23, a display 31, a voice synthesis circuit 33, a voice recognition unit 35, LAN I / F37 is included.

  The control circuit 10 (measurement unit, route guide unit of the present invention) includes a well-known CPU 11, a memory 12, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores data, a clock IC 15, an I / O 16 that is an input / output circuit, and a bus that connects these components. Line 17 is provided. The CPU 11 executes the control program stored in the memory 12, thereby realizing various functions of the operating state improvement device 1.

  The memory 12 is configured by an electrically rewritable device such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable & Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and is used for the operation of the operating state improvement apparatus 1. Store the necessary data. The memory 12 also stores information (for example, reference data) necessary for estimating the occupant's biological state from the detection result of the occupant's biological state. Further, the memory 12 includes a road network including so-called map matching data for improving the accuracy of position detection, road data representing road connections, predetermined map image information for display, link information, node information, and the like. Electronic map data for storing information, facility information around the road, and auxiliary information for route guidance is also stored.

  The memory 12 also stores music related information, music data, and regional information. The area information is a point or facility in a predetermined area including the current position of the vehicle (travel area, for example, an administrative area or an area within a predetermined distance from the current position), or a word or natural phenomenon related to the travel area. (For example, things known to occur at a specific point, such as a mirage, miracle, rime, etc.), scenic spots, events, specialties and specialties, past incidents, or personal names.

  The clock IC 15 is also called a real-time clock IC, and sends or sets clock / calendar data in response to a request from the CPU 11. The CPU 11 acquires date / time information from the clock IC 15. Further, date / time information included in a GPS signal received by a GPS receiver included in a position detection unit 23 described later may be used. Further, the date information may be generated based on a real-time counter included in the CPU 11.

  The biological state detection unit 21 (vehicle state detection unit of the present invention) detects the biological state of the occupant using at least one of the following. The detection target may be only the driver or all occupants. Note that a method for estimating the occupant state from the detection result of the biological state is known, for example, from Japanese Patent No. 4441887 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-282111, and only an outline will be described.

-Electrocardiogram or heart rate: For example, it is attached to the driver's grasp position on the steering wheel of the vehicle, detects the R wave that is the tension wave of the ventricle from the electrocardiogram or heart rate, and is the activity level of the autonomic nervous system and its two departments The measurement and analysis of the balance between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system is performed, and the physical condition is determined based on the result.
Pulse sensor: A reflection type optical sensor that reflects and detects a blood flow (pulse wave) reflecting the pulse, and is attached to the driver grasping position of the steering wheel. R waves can also be detected from pulse waves.
・ Infrared sensor: For example, infrared thermography is used to capture infrared rays emitted from the driver's face, and the amount of infrared rays is converted into temperature data, which is displayed as a thermal image to measure body temperature (whether it is normal or not) Etc.).
Body temperature sensor: It consists of a temperature sensor attached to the driver's grasp position of the steering wheel. Body temperature is high when you are ill, tired, or distracted, and low when you are calm.
・ Face camera: The camera is installed in the passenger compartment and takes a picture of the seated passenger. In addition, the caution level of the occupant can be determined from the facial expression and the line-of-sight direction.
-Microphone: Detects driver's voice. For example, the physical condition is determined from the magnitude of the voice.
・ Pressure-sensitive sensor: Attached to the position grasped by the driver, such as the handle or shift lever, detects the driver's gripping force, the repetition frequency of gripping and releasing, etc., and based on the result, the driver's mental state And determine the level of attention.
-Electroencephalogram sensor: A change in the potential of the head skin is detected on the head of the passenger, and the driver's mental state is determined based on the result. For example, when a 4 to 8 Hz θ wave is generated, it is determined that the patient is tired because he / she is drowsy and exhausted.

  The degree of inappropriate driving is determined by comparing the detection result of the biological state detection unit 21 with the reference data of the biological state of the occupant stored in the memory 12. For example, it is determined that the degree of inappropriate driving is larger as the difference between the two is larger.

The vehicle travel state detection unit 22 (vehicle state detection unit of the present invention) detects the travel state of the vehicle using at least one of the following.
Vehicle speed sensor: A well-known rotation sensor is included, and for example, the rotation speed of the wheel is detected as a pulse signal. The greater the change in vehicle speed per unit time, the greater the degree of inappropriate driving.
Engine rotation sensor: A signal corresponding to the rotation state of the vehicle engine is output. It is determined that the degree of improper operation is greater as the change in engine speed per unit time is greater.
Radar: For example, it is attached to the front end of a bumper before and after the vehicle, and measures the distance to an object (such as another vehicle) existing around the vehicle. When the distance to another vehicle is less than a predetermined value, or when the amount of change in the distance to the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the degree of inappropriate driving is large.
-Illuminance sensor: Detects the illuminance around the vehicle. For example, the degree of inappropriate driving is increased as the illuminance is lower, such as at night (the level determination criteria described later is stricter).
Steering angle sensor: Detects the steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle. For example, if the steering wheel is wobbling, it is determined that the physical condition of the driver is not normal, and it is determined that the degree of inappropriate driving is large.
Camera: For example, it is attached to the front end of a bumper before and after the vehicle, and determines the behavior of the vehicle from the captured image or recognizes an object existing around the vehicle.

  Further, the elapsed time from the start of driving may be measured, and the degree of inappropriate driving may be measured based on the elapsed time. Generally, it is said that it is preferable to take a break when the elapsed time reaches 2 hours. Therefore, when the elapsed time reaches 2 hours, the degree of inappropriate driving is maximized.

  The position detector 23 is, for example, a well-known geomagnetic sensor, a gyroscope that detects the rotational angular velocity of the vehicle, a distance sensor that detects the travel distance of the vehicle, and a GPS receiver that detects the position of the vehicle based on radio waves from a satellite. At least one of the above is used. Since these sensors have errors of different properties, they may be used while being complemented by a plurality of sensors. Further, the above-described steering angle sensor or vehicle speed sensor may be used.

  The display 31 (information output unit of the present invention) is, for example, a known color liquid crystal display, and includes a driver circuit (not shown) for performing display control. On the display screen of the display 31, a touch panel 32 (operation input unit of the present invention) is formed. As the display 31, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or a plasma display may be used. Moreover, you may use the indicator of other vehicle apparatuses, such as the indicator of a vehicle meter apparatus, or the indicator of a navigation apparatus, as the indicator 31. FIG. As the operation unit, in addition to the touch panel 32, a mechanical switch or a pointing device such as a mouse or a cursor may be used.

  The voice synthesizing circuit 33 converts music data and digital voice data stored in the memory 12 into analog voice and transmits the analog voice. The speech synthesis circuit 33 and the speaker 34 correspond to the information output unit and the reproduction output unit of the present invention.

  The voice recognition unit 35 processes the voice signal input from the microphone 36 attached in the passenger compartment by a known voice recognition technique, and converts it into an operation command corresponding to the result. Or it uses for the above-mentioned detection of a living body state. The voice recognition unit 35 and the microphone 36 correspond to the operation input unit of the present invention.

  The LAN I / F 37 is a communication interface circuit for performing communication with other vehicle devices and acquiring sensor data via the in-vehicle LAN 40. Music related information, music data, and regional information may be acquired via the LAN I / F 37 (in order to provide the latest information so that passengers do not get bored). Various information from the living body state detection unit 21, the vehicle running state detection unit 22, and the position detection unit 23 may be acquired via the LAN I / F 37.

  With the above-described configuration, the driving state improvement device 1 detects the current position of the vehicle by the position detection unit 23 in addition to the state improvement function (details will be described later) of the occupant (especially the driver), and determines the current position. A function as a vehicle navigation device that is displayed on the display 31 together with the road map stored in the memory 12, sets an appropriate route from the departure point to the destination, and is guided by the display 31, the speaker 34, or the like. Have both.

  Therefore, the driving state improving apparatus 1 can be configured to be included in a vehicle navigation apparatus in addition to being a single apparatus. Moreover, the function of the driving | running state improvement apparatus 1 is equipped with the terminal which can be attached or detached to a vehicle, especially the tablet-type terminal represented by the well-known smart phone (The portable information terminal which carries a touch panel in display parts, such as a liquid crystal display, and operates with a finger | toe May be included in the generic name). When using a tablet terminal, the control program operates as application software that operates on an OS (Operating System). Accordingly, by enabling the cooperative operation with the vehicular device, the application of the tablet terminal is expanded, and the cooperation with the vehicular device is strengthened. As a result, the convenience for the user is improved and the cost is further reduced.

  The operating state improvement process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is included in the control program stored in the memory 12, and is repeatedly executed by the CPU 11 together with other processes of the control program.

First, the state of the vehicle is detected using at least one of the following (S11).
The occupant's biological state detected by the biological state detection unit 21.
The vehicle running state detected by the vehicle running state detection unit 22.
This configuration is “the state of the vehicle includes at least one of the biological state of the vehicle occupant and the traveling state of the vehicle”. The components of the living body state detection unit 21 are attached to, for example, a snooze driving prevention device, and many of the components of the vehicle running state detection unit 22 are already attached to the vehicle. The configuration can be realized. In addition, any one of these detection units can detect the state of the vehicle.

  Next, the degree of inappropriate driving is measured based on the biological state and the state of the vehicle (S12). Of the measurement of the degree of inappropriate driving, dozing driving and side-by-side driving are disclosed in JP2013-065246A. The measurement of the degree by the other components of the vehicle running state detection unit 22 is as described above.

  And the sum total (numerical value) of the degree of improper driving measured by each component of living body state detecting part 21 and vehicle run state detecting part 22 is calculated, and it is judged whether it is improper driving based on the sum. . And when it determines with it not being an improper driving | operation (S13: No), this process is complete | finished.

In the present embodiment, the level of improper driving (that is, the countermeasure level) is set as follows based on the sum of the degree of improper driving.
-Less than level 1: A level that is not inappropriate driving.
Level 1 or more and less than level 2 (referred to as “level 1”): a level that is becoming inappropriate driving.
Level 2 or more to less than Level 3 (referred to as “Level 2”): Level that is inappropriate driving than Level 1 and recommends taking a break.
Level 3 or higher and lower than level 4 (referred to as “level 3”): a level that is more inappropriate than level 2 and recommends resting.
Level 4 or higher (referred to as “level 4”): Level that is more inappropriate than level 3 and indicates / warns that a break will occur immediately.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the driving is inappropriate (S13: Yes), the following processing is executed according to the level.
Level 1: Perform music output processing (S14, see FIG. 3).
Level 2: The regional information question process is executed (S15, see FIG. 4).
Level 3: The area information output process is executed (S16, see FIG. 5).
Level 4: Instructs to take a break immediately (S17). At this time, a resting facility closest to the current position of the vehicle may be displayed on the display 31, or a break instruction or long-time driving warning message may be output from the display 31 or the speaker 34. The details of the break instruction or the long-time driving warning may be as described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2.

  The music output process corresponding to step S14 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, a question (driving condition improvement information of the present invention) relating to a predetermined music stored in the memory 12 is output to the display 31 (S31). FIG. 6 shows an output example to the display 31. At this time, a voice message may be output. The music may be selected from those related to the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detector 23, or for changing the mood of an occupant (especially the driver) (for example, up-tempo or occupant) May be selected). Based on the date and time information acquired from the clock IC 15, one that depends on the season or time zone may be selected. You may select something that reminds the occupant to park the vehicle or take a break. In addition, it is preferable that the question is an alternative so as not to increase the operation load on the passenger.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the occupant does not answer the question within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (S32: No), the level of inappropriate driving described above is increased (S37). Alternatively, the degree of inappropriate driving described above is increased by a predetermined value. This configuration is “the degree is increased when there is no occupant's operation input for a question within a predetermined time”. Thereby, next time, driving state improvement information that makes the occupant more strongly aware that the vehicle is in an inappropriate driving state can be output.

  The answer operation may be either an operation on the touch panel 32 or a voice input from the microphone 36. The answering operation may be performed by a passenger other than the driver. When the conversation between passengers is bounced about this question or when the passenger speaks to the driver, the driver is stimulated from the outside. It can be expected that the driver's response to the stimulus improves the response to the stimulus and the concentration, and improves the driving state.

  On the other hand, when an occupant's answer operation is performed within a predetermined time for a question (S32: Yes), the result (correct answer / incorrect answer) is output as shown in FIG. Music related information) is output (S33). At this time, in accordance with the music-related information, a message that induces a change of mood (ie, stop the vehicle and take a break) is output, such as “Let's change your mind and try to drive safely”. May be.

  The above-described configuration is as follows: “The information output unit outputs a question about a predetermined piece of music as driving state improvement information, and outputs music related information related to the piece of music based on the contents of the operation input of the passenger for the question. " Since the driving state improvement information is interactive, by performing an answer operation, it is possible to give an appropriate stimulus to the driver in a rough driving state, and the driving state can be expected to improve. In addition, it can be expected that the driving state is improved without answering the question, that is, only paying attention to the driving state improvement information. Furthermore, even if another occupant responds to the driving state improvement information, it can be expected that the driver reacts to the situation (stimulates) and the driving state improves.

  Next, when a predetermined time elapses after the music related information is output, or when an occupant's playback instruction operation is detected (when “Yes” is touched on the screen of FIG. 7), the music is played back and output ( S34). After this, the voice of the occupant is detected by the microphone 36, and as a result of the voice recognition by the voice recognition unit 35, the conversation is bounced or sung in time with the music (that is, the change of mood) than before the music is played. When it is determined that there was an effect (S35: Yes), the level of the above-mentioned inappropriate operation is lowered (S36). Alternatively, the degree is reduced by a predetermined value.

  The above-described configuration is “provided with a reproduction output unit that reproduces and outputs a musical piece when a predetermined reproduction output condition is satisfied after the musical piece related information is outputted”. The reproduction output condition is at least one of when a predetermined time has elapsed since the music related information was output and when a reproduction instruction operation of the passenger is detected. With this configuration, it can be expected that the driving state is improved by giving an appropriate stimulus to the occupant by the reproduction output of the music. There are also research reports that singing a song stimulates the brain.

  On the other hand, when the passenger's voice is not detected (S35: No), the level of inappropriate driving is increased (S37). Alternatively, the degree of inappropriate driving is increased by a predetermined value.

  In FIG. 3, it is good also as a structure which does not output the question about the predetermined music, ie, does not perform step S31 and S32. This configuration is “the information output unit outputs music related information related to a predetermined music as the driving state improvement information”. Even with this configuration, it can be expected that the driving state is improved by paying attention to the music related information. In addition, since it is not necessary to prepare questions related to music, the amount of memory 12 used can be reduced.

  The regional information question process corresponding to step S15 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, a question (driving condition improvement information of the present invention) related to a travel region that is stored in the memory 12 and that is detected by the position detection unit 23 and includes the current position of the vehicle is output to the display 31 (S51). . Based on the date and time information acquired from the clock IC 15, the item related to the season or time zone may be selected and output. FIG. 8 shows an output example to the display 31.

  The above-mentioned configuration includes “a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, and the information output unit uses a predetermined area including the current position as a travel area and relates to the travel area as driving state improvement information. The question is output, and the area information related to the question is output based on the contents of the operation input by the passenger for the question. Since the driving state improvement information is interactive, it is possible to give a moderate stimulus, such as generating interest in the current driving area, to the driver in a rough driving state by answering the operation. You can expect to improve. In addition, it can be expected that the driving state is improved without answering the question, that is, only paying attention to the driving state improvement information. Furthermore, even if another occupant responds to the driving state improvement information, it can be expected that the driver reacts to the situation (stimulates) and the driving state improves.

  When the occupant does not answer the question within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (S52: No), the level of inappropriate driving described above is increased (S58). Alternatively, the degree of inappropriate driving described above is increased by a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, when an occupant's response operation is performed within a predetermined time for a question (S52: Yes), the result (correct answer / incorrect answer) is output as shown in FIG. Output (S53). Next, a message recommending route guidance to a point related to the regional information (for example, a service area, a parking area, a road station, a store, etc. that can be parked) is output (S54, see FIG. 10). And it waits for the operation input of a passenger | crew's whether to perform route guidance.

  The above-mentioned configuration includes “a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, and the information output unit uses a predetermined area including the current position as a travel area and relates to the travel area as driving state improvement information. Output regional information. " According to this configuration, it is possible to expect that the driving state is improved by causing the driver to be interested in the current driving area and appropriately stimulating the driver.

  When there is an operation to perform route guidance for the occupant within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (S55: Yes), route guidance is performed with the above-mentioned point as the destination (S56). Next, the level (or degree) of the inappropriate driving described above is maintained (S57). Alternatively, the level of inappropriate driving is lowered or the degree is reduced by a predetermined value.

  The above-described configuration is “when a predetermined route guidance condition is satisfied after the regional information is output, route guidance to a point corresponding to the regional information is performed”. The route guidance condition is when there is an operation to perform route guidance for the passenger. With this configuration, the driver can feel like “Let's stop by then,” and he can take a break without being forced by heading to that point spontaneously, and the driving condition will be improved. Can be expected.

  On the other hand, when there is no operation for performing route guidance for the occupant within a predetermined time (S55: No), the level of the inappropriate driving described above is raised (S58). Alternatively, the degree of inappropriate driving described above is increased by a predetermined value.

  The route guidance may be implemented even when there is no operation for performing route guidance for the occupant and a predetermined time has elapsed (in this case, when the route guidance condition is satisfied). This is close to a break instruction / warning.

  The regional information output process corresponding to step S16 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, information (local information, book, etc.) about facilities that can be parked, such as a service area, a parking area, a road station, a store, etc. that are detected by the position detector 23 and that are nearest (or within a predetermined distance) from the current position of the vehicle. The operation state improvement information of the invention is output (S71, for example, excluding the correct answer in FIG. 9). Based on the date and time information acquired from the clock IC 15, the item related to the season or time zone may be selected and output. Next, a message recommending route guidance to the point is output (S72, for example, FIG. 10). And it waits for the operation input of a passenger | crew's whether to perform route guidance.

  The above-mentioned configuration includes “a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, and the information output unit uses a predetermined area including the current position as a travel area and relates to the travel area as driving state improvement information. Output regional information. " With this configuration, it is possible to expect that the driving state is improved by causing the driver to be interested in the area where the vehicle is currently traveling and giving the driver an appropriate stimulus.

  When there is an operation to perform route guidance for the occupant within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (S73: Yes), route guidance is performed with the above-mentioned point as the destination (S74). Next, the level (or degree) of the inappropriate driving described above is maintained (S75). Alternatively, the level of inappropriate driving is lowered or the degree is reduced by a predetermined value.

  The above-described configuration is also “performing route guidance to a point corresponding to the regional information at a predetermined timing (operating by the occupant) after outputting the regional information”.

  On the other hand, when there is no operation for performing route guidance for the occupant within a predetermined time (S73: No), the level of the inappropriate driving described above is raised (S76). Alternatively, the degree of inappropriate driving described above is increased by a predetermined value.

  The route guidance may be performed even when there is no operation for performing route guidance for the occupant and a predetermined time has elapsed (a predetermined timing). This is close to a break instruction / warning.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be used without departing from the spirit of the claims. Various modifications based on this are possible.

1 Operating state improvement device 10 Control circuit (measurement unit, route guidance unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Living body state detection part 22 Vehicle driving | running | working state detection part 23 Position detection part 31 Indicator (information output part)
32 Touch panel (operation input unit)
33 Speech synthesis circuit (information output unit, playback output unit)
34 Speaker (information output unit, playback output unit)
35 Voice recognition unit (operation input unit)
36 Microphone (operation input unit)

Claims (4)

A vehicle state detector for detecting the state of the vehicle;
Based on the state of the vehicle, a measurement unit that measures the degree of inappropriate driving,
An operation input unit for an operation input by an occupant of the vehicle;
An information output unit for outputting driving state improvement information for requesting an operation input by the occupant when the degree reaches a predetermined handling level;
With
The information output unit outputs a question about a predetermined piece of music as the driving state improvement information, and outputs a determination result as to whether or not an answer to the question is correct by the operation input of the occupant. A driving condition improving apparatus for outputting music related information related to the music.   The driving state improving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reproduction output unit that reproduces and outputs the music when a predetermined reproduction output condition is satisfied after the music related information is output.   The driving state improvement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the music includes a thing that reminds an occupant of the vehicle to stop or rest the vehicle. The driving state improvement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the state of the vehicle includes at least one of a biological state of an occupant of the vehicle and a traveling state of the vehicle.

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