WO2006128968A1 - A method, a system and a computer program product for monitoring a condition of a driver - Google Patents

A method, a system and a computer program product for monitoring a condition of a driver Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006128968A1
WO2006128968A1 PCT/FI2006/050221 FI2006050221W WO2006128968A1 WO 2006128968 A1 WO2006128968 A1 WO 2006128968A1 FI 2006050221 W FI2006050221 W FI 2006050221W WO 2006128968 A1 WO2006128968 A1 WO 2006128968A1
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Prior art keywords
data
frequency response
driver
seat
condition
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Application number
PCT/FI2006/050221
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jouko Viitanen
Juha Kortelainen
Original Assignee
Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
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Publication of WO2006128968A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006128968A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1101—Detecting tremor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/16—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
    • A61B5/18—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state for vehicle drivers or machine operators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
    • A61B5/4519—Muscles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/06—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2503/00—Evaluating a particular growth phase or type of persons or animals
    • A61B2503/20—Workers
    • A61B2503/22—Motor vehicles operators, e.g. drivers, pilots, captains
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6892—Mats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6893—Cars

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a driving safety. Particularly this invention relates to a method, to a system and to a computer program product for monitoring a condition of a driver.
  • This invention aims to provide a solution for monitoring a driver and detecting his/her fatigue, which solution can be manufactured with low costs, but which still provides accurate calculation of the condition of the driver.
  • a method for monitoring the condition of a driver comprising at least steps for acquiring a first data concerning a pressure between the driver and the seat, and a second data concerning a vibration, determining a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, comparing the determined frequency response to a reference frequency response, detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response, analysing whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.
  • a system for monitoring a condition of a driver comprising at least pressure measuring means for acquiring a first data and a vibration measuring means for acquiring second data, means for determining frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, comparing means for the determined frequency response and a reference frequency response and for detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response, analysis means for determining whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of a driver.
  • a computer executable program comprising code means adapted, when run on a computer, to carry out the steps of acquiring a first data concerning a pressure and a second data concerning a vibration, determining a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, comparing the determined frequency response to a reference frequency response, detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response, analysing whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.
  • the current invention provides more accurate results when determining how alert the driver is and is she/he going to fall asleep.
  • the analysis is based on a measurement throughout those driver's body parts that should be active during driving. Therefore, when a relaxation of those body parts is detected, the fatigue of the driver can be assumed.
  • This invention does not depend on the size of the driver, but is suitable for everyone capable of driving.
  • the measurement does not require anything particular from the driver, even though his/her muscular characteristics are measured. That is possible because the measurement is carried out from the seat and not from the driver's body.
  • Current solutions are usually based on measuring either body by sensors attached to the body, or seat by sensors attached to the seat. Therefore one of the challenges of this invention is to provide reliable and accurate analysis for a measurement of the driver's muscle impedance when the measurement is done from the seat. According to the invention, the measurement is easier, cheaper and more extensive.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an example of a seat provided with pressure and acceleration sensors
  • Figures 2 illustrate examples of frequency responses for normal and relaxed position of a driver
  • Figure 3 illustrate example signals for normal position in the upper graph and for the relaxed position in the lower graph.
  • a seat 110 of a vehicle is provided with a pressure sensor.
  • the pressure sensor is for example a pair of sensor foils 115, 117, the function of which can be based on pressure sensing sheets (e.g. Force Sensing Resistor, FSR) or capacitive or electret polymer (e.g. EMFit, Electro Mechanical Film).
  • FSR Force Sensing Resistor
  • EMFit Electro Mechanical Film
  • the effective location for pressure measurement may vary between individuals due to differences in dimensions of body or seating posture, and pressure measurement should cover large sensing area. This can be accomplished also by comprising the sensor foils in a matrix like manner that gives the possibility to measure the local pressure distribution simultaneously at multiple positions of the seat.
  • the seat 110 is also provided with an acceleration sensor 120.
  • the acceleration sensor 120 is arranged to measure a vibration occurring in the seat 110.
  • the vibration can occur perpendicularly to the surface of the seat 110, and it can be provided by an electromechanical vibrator or it can be a result of a normal vibration of the vehicle.
  • the measured acceleration signal is used for determining a vibration, which is then utilized along with the measured pressure signals, when determining the fatigue of the driver.
  • Measured signals are amplified and if they are in analog form, they are converted into digital form by means of an A/D-converter. After the conversion, the signals are transferred to a computing unit that may locate within the seat 110 or e.g. in a vehicle computer. The computing unit carries out the calculation for d ⁇ ver's posture and muscular strain, and provides an alarm signal when fatigue is detected.
  • Driver's posture and muscular strain can be defined by mechanical impedance in a frequency region, e.g. from 0.1 to 50 Hz.
  • the mechanical impedance can be determined by a frequency response between the signals of the pressure sensor (115, 117) and the acceleration sensor 120.
  • the frequency response can be e.g. a transfer function that is calculated by a Fourier transform that is known as such.
  • the transfer function forms a spectrum, wherein the amplitude and optionally also phase at different frequencies indicate the muscular strain.
  • FIG. 2a — d examples of frequency responses are illustrated.
  • the frequency responses, shown in the figures, are measured by adjacent sensors in a matrix like sensor foil.
  • the upper graphs 2a, 2b show the upper back from left hand side (LHS) to right hand side (RHS), and the lower graphs 2c, 2d show the lower back from left hand side (LHS) to right hand side (RHS).
  • the thick curve show average response from several trial runs and thin curves show the individual trials. Stiff position with black color (see reference colors in the boxes 200) shows higher spectral amplitude in the narrow frequency range, as expected.
  • the calculated frequency responses are compared to reference responses in the computing unit. Notable deflection in the responses indicates of the fatigue.
  • pressures of every single sensor are taken into account.
  • spectral response may vary depending on the body part being measured. The relaxation of the sitting position is found from the flatter shape of the spectra when compared with normal position, which has higher muscular stiffness. The upper and lower side of the back give somewhat different responses, as well as the middle and left or right side of the back. However, in all cases the deflection from the reference responses is the one that needs to be observed.
  • Figure 3a illustrates example signals for normal position and figure 3b illustrates example signals for the relaxed position.
  • black curve shows a sensor signal from middle back location, and the grey curve shows the seat acceleration signal (see reference colors in the box 300).
  • the effect of muscle stiffness is difficult to find out before the spectral analysis.
  • the reference responses can be formed at the time the driver settles himself/herself on the seat, because at that point the driver can be assumed to be alert. In some situations, the reference responses can also be stored in the computing unit so, that the first measurement needs not to be done. However, in that situation for one vehicle there can be more than one driver, whereby there needs to be more than one reference value (as long reference values are formed in person) for differentiating different drivers. The driver needs to be identified in order to select the corresponding reference responses. Driver identification solutions (e.g. by personally programmed car keys) are provided in the related art, but because they do not directly relate to this invention, they are not discussed any further.
  • the signal processing and decision making procedures will be done fully automatic and in real time, in order to enable the warning signals for the driver in good time as the dangerous level of fatigue is detected.
  • the fatigue related analysis presented in here is not, however, highly time critical, as the detected fatigue level should rather indicate the high risk for accident than the inevitable and immediate crash. Therefore, to improve the reliability of operation, a time window length of several minutes can be used in averaging both the ⁇ ansfer function analysis and the classification results, before giving the alarm signal for the driver warning system.
  • the fatigue analysing system may be used also to follow the reaction of the driver for the warning.
  • the warning can be an alarm sound, vibration or a blinking light in a visual field. Depending on the amount of the relaxation, or if the driver gives no response to the given warning, the warning can be made in more obtrusive manner.
  • the analysis system comprises at least the pressure sensors, the acceleration sensor and a computing unit and has a connection to an alarming system.
  • the system can further be connected to a car computer or other computing devices.
  • the system can be a part of a safety system of the vehicle, or it can form an independent analysis system.
  • the driver monitoring system described here may comprise one part of analysis system, including also other measurement and analysis methods, which altogether give an enhanced result in the above-mentioned determination. Therefore it will be clear that variations and modifications of the examples are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as set forth in the claims.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a driving safety. Particularly this invention relates to a method, to a system and to a computer program product for monitoring a condition of a driver. In the current solution for monitoring condition of a driver, a first data concerning a pressure between driver and the seat and a second data concerning a vibration of seat or vehicle are acquired, a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance is determined, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, the determined frequency response is compared to a reference frequency response, possible deflecting of the determined frequency response from the reference frequency response is detected, the deflection is analysed whether it is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.

Description

A METHOD, A SYSTEM AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR MONITORING A CONDITION OF A DRIVER
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a driving safety. Particularly this invention relates to a method, to a system and to a computer program product for monitoring a condition of a driver.
Background of the Invention
Safety in motor vehicles, e.g. cars, has been one of the prime questions in vehicle development. For example safety belts and air bags improve the safety of a driver and passengers during car crashes, whereas anti-lock braking system and systems for preventing slipping improve the behaviour of the vehicle in unexpected conditions. What is common to these solutions is that they are addressed to situations where the result has already happened, i.e. they provide safety in a situation where the accident has already occurred or where the vehicle is in an unexpected situation. For these kinds of circumstances those solutions work fine. However, it would be most efficient to monitor the phenomena that induce high risk for accident, and prevent the accidents beforehand.
It is known that being tired behind the steering wheel can be as bad as being drunk, in terms of its effect upon performance. It is also known that many crashes are due to fatigue driver who has fell asleep. Therefore, one of the challenges in car safety researching has been methods for detecting driver's fatigue. Some of the known studies are concerned with tracking e.g. eyes of the driver. In these studies it is possible to localize and track the pupil of a driver when the driver is in front of the camera's field of view. During tracking it is possible to diagnose fatigue by monitoring the eyes for micro-sleeps. Some of the studies are concerned with position of a driver. In one of these studies (JP 2003-118458 A) a seat cushion property and an oscillation characteristics of a driver body are both measured by using acceleration sensors only, whereby the fatigue can be calculated quantitatively e.g. by neural network modelling.
However the current solutions, the more accurate they are, the more complex they become. In addition, the costs will rise in relation to the accuracy. Therefore the car safety matter may become available only for those who can afford to it.
Summary of the Invention
This invention aims to provide a solution for monitoring a driver and detecting his/her fatigue, which solution can be manufactured with low costs, but which still provides accurate calculation of the condition of the driver.
For achieving this aim, a method for monitoring the condition of a driver is provided, comprising at least steps for acquiring a first data concerning a pressure between the driver and the seat, and a second data concerning a vibration, determining a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, comparing the determined frequency response to a reference frequency response, detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response, analysing whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.
In addition a system for monitoring a condition of a driver is provided, comprising at least pressure measuring means for acquiring a first data and a vibration measuring means for acquiring second data, means for determining frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, comparing means for the determined frequency response and a reference frequency response and for detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response, analysis means for determining whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of a driver.
Further a computer executable program is provided, comprising code means adapted, when run on a computer, to carry out the steps of acquiring a first data concerning a pressure and a second data concerning a vibration, determining a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, comparing the determined frequency response to a reference frequency response, detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response, analysing whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.
The attached depended claims will further present examples of the invention.
The current invention provides more accurate results when determining how alert the driver is and is she/he going to fall asleep. The analysis is based on a measurement throughout those driver's body parts that should be active during driving. Therefore, when a relaxation of those body parts is detected, the fatigue of the driver can be assumed. This invention does not depend on the size of the driver, but is suitable for everyone capable of driving. In addition, the measurement does not require anything particular from the driver, even though his/her muscular characteristics are measured. That is possible because the measurement is carried out from the seat and not from the driver's body. Current solutions are usually based on measuring either body by sensors attached to the body, or seat by sensors attached to the seat. Therefore one of the challenges of this invention is to provide reliable and accurate analysis for a measurement of the driver's muscle impedance when the measurement is done from the seat. According to the invention, the measurement is easier, cheaper and more extensive.
Description of the Drawings
A better understanding of the invention may be obtained from the following considerations taken in conjunction wi th the accompanying drawings, where
Figure 1 illustrates an example of a seat provided with pressure and acceleration sensors,
Figures 2 illustrate examples of frequency responses for normal and relaxed position of a driver, and
Figure 3 illustrate example signals for normal position in the upper graph and for the relaxed position in the lower graph.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention is described in the following by means of an example as illustrated in figure 1. In this example a seat 110 of a vehicle is provided with a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is for example a pair of sensor foils 115, 117, the function of which can be based on pressure sensing sheets (e.g. Force Sensing Resistor, FSR) or capacitive or electret polymer (e.g. EMFit, Electro Mechanical Film). The effective location for pressure measurement may vary between individuals due to differences in dimensions of body or seating posture, and pressure measurement should cover large sensing area. This can be accomplished also by comprising the sensor foils in a matrix like manner that gives the possibility to measure the local pressure distribution simultaneously at multiple positions of the seat.
The seat 110 is also provided with an acceleration sensor 120. The acceleration sensor 120 is arranged to measure a vibration occurring in the seat 110. The vibration can occur perpendicularly to the surface of the seat 110, and it can be provided by an electromechanical vibrator or it can be a result of a normal vibration of the vehicle. The measured acceleration signal is used for determining a vibration, which is then utilized along with the measured pressure signals, when determining the fatigue of the driver.
Measured signals are amplified and if they are in analog form, they are converted into digital form by means of an A/D-converter. After the conversion, the signals are transferred to a computing unit that may locate within the seat 110 or e.g. in a vehicle computer. The computing unit carries out the calculation for dϊver's posture and muscular strain, and provides an alarm signal when fatigue is detected.
Driver's posture and muscular strain can be defined by mechanical impedance in a frequency region, e.g. from 0.1 to 50 Hz. The mechanical impedance can be determined by a frequency response between the signals of the pressure sensor (115, 117) and the acceleration sensor 120. The frequency response can be e.g. a transfer function that is calculated by a Fourier transform that is known as such. The transfer function forms a spectrum, wherein the amplitude and optionally also phase at different frequencies indicate the muscular strain.
In the figures 2a — d examples of frequency responses are illustrated. The frequency responses, shown in the figures, are measured by adjacent sensors in a matrix like sensor foil. The upper graphs 2a, 2b show the upper back from left hand side (LHS) to right hand side (RHS), and the lower graphs 2c, 2d show the lower back from left hand side (LHS) to right hand side (RHS). The thick curve show average response from several trial runs and thin curves show the individual trials. Stiff position with black color (see reference colors in the boxes 200) shows higher spectral amplitude in the narrow frequency range, as expected.
For determining the fatigue of the driver, the calculated frequency responses are compared to reference responses in the computing unit. Notable deflection in the responses indicates of the fatigue. When a matrix like sensor foil is used for determining the pressure profile, then pressures of every single sensor are taken into account. It should be noted that spectral response may vary depending on the body part being measured. The relaxation of the sitting position is found from the flatter shape of the spectra when compared with normal position, which has higher muscular stiffness. The upper and lower side of the back give somewhat different responses, as well as the middle and left or right side of the back. However, in all cases the deflection from the reference responses is the one that needs to be observed.
Figure 3a illustrates example signals for normal position and figure 3b illustrates example signals for the relaxed position. In both figures black curve shows a sensor signal from middle back location, and the grey curve shows the seat acceleration signal (see reference colors in the box 300). The effect of muscle stiffness is difficult to find out before the spectral analysis.
The reference responses can be formed at the time the driver settles himself/herself on the seat, because at that point the driver can be assumed to be alert. In some situations, the reference responses can also be stored in the computing unit so, that the first measurement needs not to be done. However, in that situation for one vehicle there can be more than one driver, whereby there needs to be more than one reference value (as long reference values are formed in person) for differentiating different drivers. The driver needs to be identified in order to select the corresponding reference responses. Driver identification solutions (e.g. by personally programmed car keys) are provided in the related art, but because they do not directly relate to this invention, they are not discussed any further.
The signal processing and decision making procedures will be done fully automatic and in real time, in order to enable the warning signals for the driver in good time as the dangerous level of fatigue is detected. The fatigue related analysis presented in here is not, however, highly time critical, as the detected fatigue level should rather indicate the high risk for accident than the inevitable and immediate crash. Therefore, to improve the reliability of operation, a time window length of several minutes can be used in averaging both the ϊansfer function analysis and the classification results, before giving the alarm signal for the driver warning system. After the warning is given, the fatigue analysing system may be used also to follow the reaction of the driver for the warning. The warning can be an alarm sound, vibration or a blinking light in a visual field. Depending on the amount of the relaxation, or if the driver gives no response to the given warning, the warning can be made in more obtrusive manner.
As said, the analysis system comprises at least the pressure sensors, the acceleration sensor and a computing unit and has a connection to an alarming system. The system can further be connected to a car computer or other computing devices. The system can be a part of a safety system of the vehicle, or it can form an independent analysis system. The driver monitoring system described here may comprise one part of analysis system, including also other measurement and analysis methods, which altogether give an enhanced result in the above-mentioned determination. Therefore it will be clear that variations and modifications of the examples are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

Claims:
1. A method for monitoring condition of a driver, characterized in that, said method comprises at least steps for - acquiring a first data concerning a pressure between driver and the seat, and a second data concerning a vibration of seat or vehicle,
- determining a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency,
- comparing the determined frequency response to a reference frequency response, - detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response,
- analysing whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first data is acquired from a pressure sensor (115, 117) placed on a seat (110).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first data is acquired from a plurality of pressure sensors placed on a seat in a matrix like manner.
4. The method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that, the first data is acquired from capacitive foil, Electro Mechanical Film (EMFi) or Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) placed on a seat.
5. The method according to one of the claims 1—4, characterized in that, said second data is acquired from a vibration of a seat measured by acceleration sensor (120).
6. The method according to one of the claims 1—5, characterized in that, the frequency response is determined by a spectrum of a transfer function.
7. The method according to one of the claims 1—6, characterized in that, the fatigue condition of the driver is alarmed.
8. A system for monitoring a condition of a driver, characterized in that said system comprises at least - pressure measuring means for acquiring a first data between the driver and the seat, and a vibration measuring means for acquiring second data,
- means for determining frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency,
- comparing means for the determined frequency response and a reference frequency response and for detecting whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response,
- analysis means for determining whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of a driver.
9. The system according to claim 8, characterized by a pressure sensor (115, 117) placed on a seat (110) for providing the first data.
10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by a plurality of pressure sensors placed in a matrix like manner for providing the first data.
11. The system according to claim 8 or 9 or 10, characterized by Electro Mechanical Film (EMFi) or Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) placed on a seat for providing the first data.
12. The system according to one of the claims 8—11 , characterized by an acceleration sensor (120) for measuring a vibration of a seat for providing said second data.
13. The system according to one of the claims 8—12, characterized in that said system is arranged to provide an alarm when the driver is in the fatigue condition.
14. A computer executable program comprising code means adapted, when run on a computer, to carry out the steps for monitoring a condition of a driver, characterized in that, said code means being adapted to
- acquire a first data concerning a pressure between a driver and the seat, and a second data concerning a vibration, - determine a frequency response between the first data and the second data for indicating a muscular impedance, where the frequency response consists of either amplitude, or phase, or both amplitude and phase measurements as a function of frequency, - compare the determined frequency response to a reference frequency response,
- detect whether the determined frequency response deflects from the reference frequency response,
- analyse whether the deflection is an indication of a fatigue condition of the driver.
15. The computer executable program according to claim 14, characterized in that, the first data is acquired from a sensor (115, 117) placed on a seat (110).
16. The computer executable program according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, the first data is acquired from a plurality of pressure sensors placed in a matrix like manner.
17. The computer executable program according to claim 14 or 15 or 16 characterized in that, the first data is acquired from capacitive foil, Electro Mechanical Film (EMFi) or Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) placed on a seat.
18. The computer executable program according to one of the claims 14—17, characterized in that, said second data is acquired from a vibration of a seat measured by acceleration sensor (120).
19. The computer executable program according to one of the claims 14 — 18, characterized in that, the frequency response is determined by a spectrum for a transfer function.
20. The computer executable program according to one of the claims 14 — 19, characterized in that, the fatigue condition of the driver is alarmed.
21. Carrier medium carrying the computer executable program as defined by claim 14.
PCT/FI2006/050221 2005-05-30 2006-05-29 A method, a system and a computer program product for monitoring a condition of a driver WO2006128968A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20055264A FI117310B (en) 2005-05-30 2005-05-30 Driver condition monitoring method for safe driving in cars involves indicating fatigue condition of driver by analyzing deflection of determined frequency response with reference frequency response of acquired data
FI20055264 2005-05-30

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WO2006128968A1 true WO2006128968A1 (en) 2006-12-07

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DE102011104203A1 (en) * 2011-06-15 2012-12-20 GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) Device for detecting tiredness of driver of motor car, has processing unit for detecting tiredness-characterizing displacement of weight of driver of motor car, and sensor for detecting displacement of weight and arranged in seat surface
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CN113347522A (en) * 2021-05-08 2021-09-03 歌尔股份有限公司 Earphone control method, device, equipment and storage medium

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CN109353252B (en) * 2018-12-06 2023-06-23 吉林大学 Intelligent automobile seat device with body pressure sensing function and application method

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EP2017139A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2009-01-21 IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.R.L. Occupant detection system for an automotive vehicle
WO2009010414A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.A. Occupant detection system for an automotive vehicle
CN101743147B (en) * 2007-07-17 2012-06-20 Iee国际电子工程股份公司 Occupant detection system for an automotive vehicle
EP2437657B1 (en) * 2009-06-05 2018-05-23 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Capacitive sensing system
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US20140275834A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. Health monitoring
CN113347522A (en) * 2021-05-08 2021-09-03 歌尔股份有限公司 Earphone control method, device, equipment and storage medium
CN113347522B (en) * 2021-05-08 2022-11-11 歌尔股份有限公司 Earphone control method, device, equipment and storage medium

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FI20055264A0 (en) 2005-05-30

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