WO2018235469A1

WO2018235469A1 - Alertness maintenance device

Info

Publication number: WO2018235469A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/019063
Authority: WO
Inventors: 知理蜂須賀; 勝柿崎
Original assignee: 株式会社デンソー
Priority date: 2017-06-22
Filing date: 2018-05-17
Publication date: 2018-12-27
Also published as: JP2019008468A

Abstract

Provided is an alertness maintenance device comprising: a stimulus control unit (203) for causing stimulus devices (91, 92) for generating alertness stimuli to generate an alertness stimulus, the alertness stimulus serving as a stimulus for maintaining the state of alertness of a subject; and a notification control device (202) for issuing a notification toward the subject. The stimulus control unit is capable of changing the generation mode of the stimulus, and changes the generation mode of the stimulus in synchronization with the commencement of the notification by the notification control unit.

Description

Wakefulness maintaining device

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-122435 filed on June 22, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to an alertness maintenance device for maintaining an alert state of a subject.

Conventionally, a technique is known which tries to stimulate the driver to maintain the awake state. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of changing a stimulation time interval for applying stimulation to a driver according to a traveling environment detected based on a vehicle speed fluctuation rate or an acceleration fluctuation rate.

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when the increase or decrease of the vehicle speed for a long time traveling the same environment such as highways no less is stimulation time interval has become constant, familiar occurs to the stimulus , The awakening effect may be reduced.

JP-7-201000 discloses

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an awakening maintenance device that enables the awakening effect to last longer.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, awakening maintainer, the stimulator for generating stimuli at which arousal stimuli for maintaining wakefulness of a subject, a stimulation control unit for generating the wake-up stimulus, toward the subject and a notification control unit that performs a notification. The stimulation control unit can change the generation mode of the stimulation, and changes the generation mode of the stimulation in synchronization with the start of the notification by the notification control unit.

According to the above-mentioned awakening maintenance device, since the generation mode of the awakening stimulus is changed in synchronization with the start of the alerting toward the subject in the alert control unit, even when the awakening stimulus is continued , Makes it easier for the subject to pay attention to the arousal stimulus. Therefore, accustomed to a subject's awakening stimuli been suppressed, it is possible to more time continue awakening effect.

The above object and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings. The drawing is
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a driving support system 1; Is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the HCU, Is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a rotation control unit and the fluctuation control unit, Are diagrams for a description of an example of a control of the intensity of awakening stimuli in rotation controller, Are diagrams for a description of an example of a control of the intensity of arousal stimulation with fluctuation control unit, Alternative notification factors are diagrams for explaining an example of a correspondence relationship between the stimulus pattern and the information importance, Is a flow chart showing an example of a flow of awakening stimuli related processing in HCU, It is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the interrupt control related processing in HCU20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, for convenience of explanation, among the plurality of embodiments, portions having the same functions as the portions shown in the figures used in the description so far are given the same reference numerals and may not be described. is there. The description in the other embodiments can be referred to for parts denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
<Schematic configuration of the driving support system 1>
Hereinafter will be described with reference to the drawings this embodiment. Driving support system 1 shown in FIG. 1, an automobile (hereinafter, simply vehicle) is intended to be used in, HMI (Human Machine Interface) system 2, locator 3, a map database (hereinafter, the map DB) 4, perimeter monitoring sensor 5 driving support ECU 6, the vehicle state sensor 7 includes a vehicle control ECU 8, and the air-conditioning system 9. The HMI system 2, the locator 3, the map DB 4, the driving support ECU 6, the vehicle state sensor 7, the vehicle control ECU 8, and the air conditioning system 9 are connected to, for example, an in-vehicle LAN. The vehicle on which the driving support system 1 is mounted is hereinafter referred to as a vehicle.

The locator 3 includes a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and an inertial sensor. The GNSS receiver receives positioning signals from multiple satellites. The inertial sensor includes, for example, a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The locator 3 sequentially measures the vehicle position of the vehicle equipped with the locator 3 by combining the positioning signal received by the GNSS receiver and the measurement result of the inertial sensor. Note that the positioning of the vehicle position may be configured to use a travel distance obtained from the signals sequentially outputted from a vehicle speed sensor mounted on the vehicle.

Map DB4 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and stores link data, node data, road shape, a map data structure or the like. Link data, a link ID identifying the link, the link length indicating the length of the link, link heading, the link travel time, node coordinates (latitude / longitude) of the shape information of the link, the beginning and end of the link, and the road attribute It consists of each data and the like. Data of the road attributes, for example, speed limit data, warning signs, data about road signs, such as signs, and is intended to include data for POI (Points Of Interest). The data of POI is composed of data such as the name, address, location, and type of facility. The map data may be configured to include a three-dimensional map including a road shape and a point group of feature points of a structure. The map data may be acquired from the outside of the vehicle using a communication module.

Peripheral monitoring sensor 5, Pedestrian, detects a moving object, and obstacle vehicle around such stationary object falling objects such as the path of the other vehicle or the like. In addition, road markings such as traveling division lines around the vehicle are detected. Peripheral monitoring sensor 5, for example, environment monitoring camera for taking a predetermined range around the vehicle, the millimeter-wave radar that transmits the search wave in a predetermined range around the vehicle, sonar, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging / Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) is a sensor, or the like. Periphery monitoring camera, sequentially outputs the captured image sequentially captured into the driving support ECU6 as sensing information. Sonar, millimeter wave radar, the sensor transmits a probe wave of such LIDAR, sequentially outputs the scanning result based on the received signal obtained when receiving a reflected wave reflected by the obstacle to the driver assistance ECU6 as sensing information.

The driving support ECU 6 is an electronic control unit that performs driving support for the vehicle. The driving support ECU 6 recognizes the surrounding environment of the own vehicle from the vehicle position of the own vehicle acquired from the locator 3, the map data acquired from the map DB 4, the sensing information acquired from the surrounding area monitoring sensor 5, and the like. Further, the driving support ECU 6 performs driving support of the own vehicle by performing acceleration / deceleration control and / or steering control of the own vehicle in cooperation with the vehicle control ECU 8 based on the recognized surrounding environment. Examples of driving support include support for maintaining and running the vehicle in the own lane, support for moving the vehicle at a constant speed, and support for automatically decelerating to avoid obstacles. Further, as the driving support, the acceleration of the vehicle, the braking and steering it to perform automatic vehicle control ECU 8, may be configured to perform automatic operation. In the present embodiment, even when the automatic driving is performed, the manual driving is performed according to the termination of the planned traveling of the automatic driving section, the sensing of the peripheral environment or the peripheral monitoring sensor 5 recognized, etc. it is preferred substitution is possible.

The vehicle state sensor 7 is a sensor group for detecting information related to the behavior of the vehicle such as the traveling state and the operation state of the vehicle. The vehicle state sensor 7, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed of the vehicle, a steering sensor for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle steering wheel, an accelerator position sensor for detecting the opening of the vehicle accelerator pedal, the vehicle brake pedal There is a brake stroke sensor or the like that detects the amount of depression of the vehicle. The vehicle state sensor 7 outputs the detection result to the in-vehicle LAN. The detection result of the vehicle state sensor 7 may be configured to be output to the in-vehicle LAN via the ECU mounted on the vehicle.

Vehicle control ECU8 is an electronic controller for acceleration and deceleration control and / or steering control of the vehicle. The vehicle control ECU 8 includes a steering ECU that performs steering control, a power unit control ECU that performs acceleration and deceleration control, and a brake ECU. Vehicle control ECU8 an accelerator position sensor mounted on the vehicle, the brake stroke sensor, steering angle sensor, acquires the detection signal output from each sensor, such as a vehicle speed sensor, the electronic control throttle, brake actuator, EPS (Electric Power Steering) outputs a control signal to each traveling control device such as a motor.

Air conditioning system 9 obtains the air-conditioning request information including the setting values conditioning-related set by the occupant of the vehicle from HCU20, vehicle interior temperature, cleaning, and cooling and heating system for a vehicle for adjusting airflow, etc. . Air-conditioning system 9, the air conditioning control ECU 90, and air conditioning unit 91 and aromas unit 92.

Air conditioning unit 91 generates hot air and cool air is supplied into the vehicle interior from the air outlet provided on an instrument panel or the like. In the present embodiment, as an example, the air conditioner unit 91 can adjust the wind direction, and can send wind to the driver's seat by selecting from four directions, front and rear, right and left. . For example, the driver's seat may be configured to send the wind from the four front and rear, right and left outlets, or the driver may be selected to send the wind from the four directions to the wind by controlling the wind direction. good. The outlet behind the driver's seat may be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the headrest of the driver's seat.

The aroma unit 92 atomizes an aroma oil such as an essential oil containing an aroma component. As the aroma component, a component having a waking effect is used. Fragrance that is atomized by the aroma unit 92 is supplied is mixed with the air flow generated by the air conditioning unit 91 into the passenger compartment. The air conditioner unit 91 and the aroma unit 92 correspond to a stimulator.

The air conditioning control ECU 90 is mainly configured of a microcomputer including a processor, a memory, an I / O, and a bus connecting these, and executes various processes by executing a control program stored in the memory. As used herein, memory is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that stores non-transitory computer readable programs and data. In addition, the non-transitional tangible storage medium is realized by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. Air conditioning control ECU90 is connected to the vehicle LAN, it receives the air-conditioning request information output to the in-vehicle LAN from HCU20. The air conditioning control ECU 90 is connected to the air conditioning unit 91 and the aroma unit 92, and controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 91 and the aroma unit 92 based on the acquired air conditioning request information.

The HMI system 2 includes a human machine interface control unit (HCU) 20, a driver status monitor (DSM) 21, a display device 22, an audio output device 23, and an operation device 24. HMI system 2, and receives an input operation from the driver, or to present information to the driver, or to monitor the status of the driver. This driver is equivalent to the subject.

The DSM 21 is configured of a near infrared light source and a near infrared camera, a control unit that controls these, and the like. DSM21 is disposed in the posture toward the near-infrared camera on the driver's seat side of the own vehicle, for example, on the upper surface of the instrument panel. The DSM 21 shoots the driver's head irradiated with near infrared light by the near infrared light source using a near infrared camera. The image captured by the near infrared camera is subjected to image analysis by the control unit. The control unit detects, for example, the face direction and / or the gaze direction of the driver from the captured image.

DSM21 is a like degree of opening of the eyes of the driver is extracted from the captured image, to detect the driver's alertness (ie, drowsiness). The DSM41 corresponds to the detection device. In the present embodiment, a description will be an example in which detection by dividing alertness to 6 stages of drowsiness 0-5 in DSM41. Sleepiness, which is divided into six stages are, in descending order of alertness, exactly the sleepy that seems (is awake in other words) sleepiness "0", somewhat sleepy sleepiness "1", sleepy sleepiness "2 "Sorry sleepy" 3 ", very sleepy sleepy" 4 ", sleepy (in other words, sleep state) sleepy" 5 ". The DSM 21 outputs the detected sleepiness to the HCU 20.

As the display device 22, for example, a combination meter, CID (Center Information)
Display), HUD (Head-Up Display), LED, display of the navigation device (hereinafter, there is a navigation screen), and the like. The combination meter is disposed in front of the driver's seat. The CID is disposed above the center cluster in the vehicle cabin. The combination meter displays various images for information presentation on the display screen of the liquid crystal display based on the image data acquired from the HCU 20. The HUD projects the light of the image based on the image data acquired from the HCU 20 onto the projection area defined on the windshield. The light of the image reflected to the vehicle interior by the windshield is perceived by the driver sitting on the driver's seat. The driver can visually recognize the virtual image of the image projected by the HUD superimposed on the external scenery in front of the host vehicle. LED is an instrument panel provided at the driver's seat feet, etc., light emission is controlled by HCU20. The audio output device 23, for example, an audio speaker, a buzzer or the like to output a sound to output the audio.

The operation device 24 is a switch group operated by the driver. For example, as the operation device 24, there are a steering switch provided in a spoke of the steering of the own vehicle, a touch switch integrated with the display device 22 having a display, and the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the operation device 24 includes a switch (hereinafter referred to as a stimulation request switch) for the driver to request generation of a stimulation (hereinafter referred to as awakening stimulation) for maintaining awakening. do.

The HCU 20 is mainly configured of a microcomputer including a processor, a memory, an I / O, and a bus connecting these, and executes various processes by executing a control program stored in the memory. As used herein, memory is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that stores non-transitory computer readable programs and data. In addition, the non-transitional tangible storage medium is realized by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. The HCU 20 corresponds to the awakening maintenance device. The details of the process in the HCU 20 will be described later.

<Schematic configuration of HCU20>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, a description schematic configuration of HCU20. HCU20 includes a trigger detection unit 201, notification control section 202, and a stimulus control unit 203. Note that part or all of the functions executed by the HCU 20 may be configured as hardware by one or more ICs or the like. Also, some or all of the functional blocks provided in the HCU 20 may be realized by a combination of software execution by a processor and hardware components.

The trigger detection unit 201 detects a trigger for generating an awakening stimulus. For example, the trigger detection unit 201 acquires sleepiness detected by the DSM 21 and detects the sleepiness as a trigger when the sleepiness is equal to or more than a threshold. Thus, the trigger detection unit 201 corresponds to the sleepiness detection unit. The threshold referred to here is drowsiness which is estimated to be necessary to wake up when the driver performs a driving operation, and may be drowsiness "2" as an example. The trigger detection unit 201, when receiving an operation on stimulation request switch of the manipulation device 24 may be configured to detect this as a trigger. Stimulation request switch driver when it is desired to generate a wake stimulation at its own timing, may be assumed that the driver performs an operation.

In addition, the trigger detection unit 201 monitors the driving support ECU 6 to switch the automation level of the automatic driving from the level without monitoring duty to the driver to the level with monitoring duty by the driver. It is good also as composition detected as a trigger for generating.

The notification control unit 202 performs notification on a notification factor such as the surrounding environment and / or behavior of the vehicle based on the information on the behavior of the vehicle detected by the surrounding environment and / or the vehicle state sensor 7 recognized by the driving support ECU 6 to perform. The notification factors are classified into a category of alerting for alerting the driver of the own vehicle and a category of information presentation for presenting information to the driver of the own vehicle. For example, the notification factors of the alerting category include the approach of another vehicle, the own vehicle's speed exceeding, a warning sign, and the like, and the notification factors of the information presentation category include a guide sign, facility guidance and the like.

As an example, with regard to the approach of another vehicle, the distance between the vehicle and the target other vehicle is less than the threshold based on the position of the vehicle and the other vehicle in the surrounding environment recognized by the driving support ECU 6 In this case, a notification may be issued to call attention to the approach of another vehicle. Threshold as referred to herein is a arbitrarily set may be configured to be set in accordance with the speed of the vehicle and / or other vehicles. Further, the other vehicle of interest, the preceding vehicle, following vehicle, a parallel running vehicle or the like in the adjacent lane of the own lane in the same direction of travel. The parallel running vehicles may be limited to those at the blind spot of the own vehicle. As a side note evoke informing the approach of another vehicle, or to perform the attention arouse display the approach of another vehicle on the display device 22, or the approach of another vehicle to output the attention arouse announcement sound to the sound output apparatus 23 Alarm it is sufficient or to output the sound. The approach of another vehicle Caution arouse notification may be, for example, such as to terminate when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle has returned above the threshold.

The speed of the own vehicle is determined based on the speed limit of the traveling route of the own vehicle among the surrounding environment recognized by the driving support ECU 6 and the velocity of the own vehicle detected by the vehicle state sensor 7. There If you exceed the speed limit of the travel path of the vehicle, it is sufficient to perform the attention arouse informing the overspeed of the vehicle. As a side note evoke notifying the overspeed of the vehicle, or to perform the attention arouse Show overspeed own vehicle on the display device 22, attention arouse announcement voice overspeed own vehicle to the audio output device 23 outputs You can make it sound or output an alarm sound. Note arouse informing the overspeed of the vehicle may be, for example, such as to terminate when the speed of the vehicle is below the speed limit of the travel path of the vehicle.

The warning label on the basis of the warning signs of the surrounding environment recognized by the driving support ECU6, in the case that has entered the road section in which the vehicle is provided with the warning signs (ie, link), warning the warning label a notification that it is sufficient done. As a side note evoke notifying an alert indicator, it is sufficient to output the attention arouse announcement voice warning label to the audio output device 23. The notification for alerting the warning sign may be ended, for example, when the vehicle has exited from the road section provided with the warning sign.

About a guide sign, when the distance to the guide sign of the route guidance located ahead of the course of the own vehicle becomes less than the threshold based on the guide sign of the route guidance of the surrounding environment recognized by the driving support ECU 6 , And notification may be performed to present information on a route guide sign. The threshold referred to here can be set arbitrarily. The signs for route guidance as the broadcast of information presentation, it is sufficient to perform display indicating guidance contents of the label of the route guidance to the navigation screen of the display device 22. The notification to present information on the guide sign of the route guidance may be ended, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the notification.

Regarding facility guidance, when the distance to the notification target facility located ahead of the route of the vehicle becomes less than the threshold based on the POI of the surrounding environment recognized by the driving support ECU 6, the facility of the notification target facility A notification may be issued to present information on guidance. The threshold referred to here can be set arbitrarily. Further, as notification target facilities, there are road facilities such as a service area (hereinafter, SA), a parking area (PA), and a road station. The facility guidance providing for information presentation of the notification target facility, it is sufficient to output the announcement voice explaining the notification target facility to the audio output device 23. The notification for presenting the facility guidance of the notification target facility may be ended, for example, when passing through the notification target facility, or ended when a predetermined time has elapsed from the notification.

Stimulus control unit 203, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a a standard control unit 204 and the interrupt controller 213. When the trigger detection unit 201 detects a trigger for generating an awakening stimulation, the standard control unit 204 simultaneously generates a plurality of types of awakening stimulation from a stimulation device that generates the awakening stimulation. As a stimulator, there are an air conditioner unit 91 and an aroma unit 92. Stimulus control unit 203, the air conditioning unit 91 and aromas unit 92 controls the operation by outputting the air-conditioning request information toward the air conditioning control ECU 90.

The awakening stimulus generated from the air conditioner unit 91 is, for example, a cold wind. Awakening stimuli to be generated from the aroma unit 92, a fragrance with awakening effect as an example. Moreover, as a kind of awakening stimulation, when the site | part of the human body which performs stimulation differs, it is set as a different kind of awakening stimulation. For example, the wind towards the wind and hand towards the neck, and different types of arousal stimulus. That is, the types of awakening stimuli include not only physically different types such as wind and fragrance but also types of differences in stimulation sites.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the standard control unit 204 includes a rotation control unit 205 and a fluctuation control unit 206. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the rotation control unit 205 includes an order control unit 207, a sharpness control unit 208, a change period control unit 209, and an intensity difference control unit 210. The fluctuation control unit 206 is a fluctuation. A period control unit 211 and a fluctuation width control unit 212 are provided.

The rotation control unit 205 changes (that is, rotates) the intensity of the awakening stimulus so that the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device becomes stronger in order. Further, the fluctuation control unit 206 to change the intensity of awakening stimuli such fluctuations occur on the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator. The fluctuation of our purposes here, the intensity of awakening stimuli, showing a state that varies periodically varies around the reference become strength.

Here, control of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the rotation control unit 205 will be described using FIG. 4. In Figure 4, for convenience, the type of awakening stimuli will be described by taking a case where the three types of awakening stimuli A ~ C as an example. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 4 indicates the intensity, and the horizontal axis indicates the time.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation control unit 205 will sequentially increase the intensity of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli in rotation. That is, the generation mode of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device is sequentially changed. The rotation control section 205, if you increase the intensity of a certain type of awakening stimuli, the intensity of other types of awakening stimuli are weak. FIG. 4 shows an example in which arousal stimuli A, arousal stimuli B, continue to increase the intensity in the order of awakening stimuli C.

Further, the rotation control unit 205 causes the turn control unit 207, the steepness control unit 208, the change period control unit 209, and the intensity difference control unit 210 to increase the intensity of the awakening stimulation in each stimulation device, and the magnitude of the intensity. , Control the time rate of change of intensity (ie, steepness) and switch. Also by this switching, the rotation control unit 205 changes the generation mode of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device.

Order control unit 207 controls the order of rotation for generating awakening stimuli from the stimulator. As an example, the order control unit 207, in accordance with default settings for the sequence of rotations is stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory of HCU20, it may be configured to control the order of rotation.

In addition, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the order control unit 207 switches the order when increasing the strength of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device in order by rotation. As an example of the predetermined condition, there is a case where the trigger detection unit 201 detects drowsiness more than a threshold although the awakening stimulation is generated by the stimulation control unit 203. The order control unit 207, the order of rotation, may be switched at random may be switched to the default settings in reverse order.

The sharpness control unit 208 controls the steepness of the intensity change when the intensity of the awakening stimulation generated from each stimulation device is strongly changed by rotation. As an example, the steepness control unit 208, in accordance with default settings for the time rate of change at the time of changing the intensity of the prestored awakening stimuli in a non-volatile memory of HCU20, with the configuration for controlling the order of rotation good. Further, sharpness control unit 208, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, switches the steepness of the change in intensity of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator. For an example of a predetermined condition it may be the same as that described in the order control unit 207. Switching the steepness of the change in intensity, may be switched so steepness increases, may be switched so that steepness decreases may be configured to switch the steepness randomly.

The change cycle control unit 209 controls a change cycle (hereinafter referred to as a change cycle) when the intensity of the awakening stimulus generated from each stimulation device is strongly changed by rotation. As an example, the change cycle control unit 209 may be configured to control the change cycle according to the default setting value of the change cycle stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20. Moreover, changing the frequency controller 209, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, switches the awakening stimulation changes the period of the plurality of types to be generated from the stimulator. For an example of a predetermined condition it may be the same as that described in the order control unit 207. The change cycle may be switched so as to shorten the change cycle, may be switched so as to increase the change cycle, or may be configured to randomly change the change cycle.

The intensity difference control unit 210 controls the intensity difference between the upper limit and the lower limit of each arousal stimulus (hereinafter referred to as change intensity difference) when the intensity of arousal stimulus generated from each stimulator is strongly changed by rotation. to. Difference changing intensity, at the time of changing the intensity of rotation for awakening stimuli to the intensity of two patterns, intensity differences and can be rephrased in while weak and strength while increase the intensity. As an example, the strength difference control unit 210 may be configured to control the change strength difference according to the default setting value of the change strength difference stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20.

The intensity difference control section 210, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, switches the change intensity difference of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator. For an example of a predetermined condition it may be the same as that described in the order control unit 207. The switching of the change strength difference may be switched to increase the change strength difference, may be switched to decrease the change strength difference, or may be switched to change the change strength difference at random. Further, the change strength difference may be switched by changing only the upper limit of the strength, or the change strength difference may be switched by changing only the lower limit of the strength, or both of the upper limit and the lower limit of the strength may be changed. The change strength difference may be switched by changing.

The steepness control unit 208, the change period control unit 209, and the intensity difference control unit 210 may control the steepness, the change period, and the change intensity difference in different values depending on the type of arousal stimulus.

Subsequently, it carried out, the described control of the intensity of arousal stimulation with fluctuation control unit 206 using FIG. Also in FIG. 5, for convenience, the type of awakening stimuli will be described by taking a case where the three types of awakening stimuli A ~ C as an example. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 5 indicates the intensity, and the horizontal axis indicates the time.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fluctuation control unit 206 changes the intensity of the awakening stimulus so that the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device fluctuates. That is, the generation mode of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device is sequentially changed. In FIG. 5, for each of the awakening stimulus A, the awakening stimulus B, and the awakening stimulus C, the reference is used with reference to the intensities according to the set values used for control in the rotation control unit 205 (see the broken line in FIG. 5). Shows an example of periodically changing the intensity up and down.

Fluctuation cycle control unit 211, when changing the intensity of each generated thereby awakening stimuli each intensity arousal as fluctuation occurs to stimuli from the stimulator, the period of the fluctuation (hereinafter, fluctuation cycle) to control the . As an example, the fluctuation cycle control unit 211 may be configured to control the fluctuation cycle according to the default setting value of the fluctuation cycle stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20.

Further, fluctuation cycle control unit 211, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, switches the fluctuation cycle of awakening stimuli generating from each stimulator. For an example of a predetermined condition it may be the same as that described in the order control unit 207. Switching the fluctuation period, may be switched to fluctuation cycle is shorter, it may be switched to fluctuation cycle becomes longer, it may be configured to switch the fluctuation cycle randomly.

Furthermore, when switching the fluctuation cycle, the fluctuation cycle control section 211 compares the fluctuation cycle after switching with the change cycle controlled by the change cycle control section 209. When fluctuation period was changed period or more, the fluctuation cycle after switching is changed to a short fluctuation period than the modification period. In other words, the fluctuation cycle control unit 211, when switching the fluctuation cycle, switches the fluctuation cycle so that fluctuation cycle is shorter than the modification period. This is because, when the fluctuation period has a length corresponding at least modification period, and the fluctuation of the intensity of awakening stimuli in rotation and fluctuation cycle controller 211 of the intensity of awakening stimuli change cycle control unit 209, the confusion to the driver This is because the synergetic effect of intensity rotation and fluctuation weakens the effect of maintaining wakefulness.

Fluctuation width control unit 212, when changing the intensity of each generated thereby awakening stimuli each intensity arousal as fluctuation occurs to stimuli from the stimulator to control the fluctuation width of the intensity of awakening stimuli in this fluctuation. Fluctuation width can also be called a intensity difference between the intensity of the upper and lower limits of awakening stimuli in fluctuation. As an example, the fluctuation width control unit 212 may be configured to control the fluctuation width according to the default setting value of the fluctuation width stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20.

Further, the fluctuation width control unit 212 switches the fluctuation width of the awakening stimulation generated from each stimulation device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For an example of a predetermined condition it may be the same as that described in the order control unit 207. Switching of the fluctuation width may be switched to the fluctuation width increases, it may be switched to the fluctuation width is reduced, it may be configured to switch the fluctuation width randomly. Further, it may be configured to switch the fluctuation width by changing only upper limit of the fluctuation width, it may be configured to switch the fluctuation width by changing only lower limit of the fluctuation width of the upper and lower limits of the fluctuation width The fluctuation width may be switched by changing both.

Furthermore, when switching the fluctuation width, the fluctuation width control unit 212 compares the fluctuation width after switching with the change intensity difference controlled by the intensity difference control unit 210. When the fluctuation width is equal to or greater than the change intensity difference, the fluctuation width after switching is changed to a fluctuation width in which the difference between the upper limit and the lower limit of the intensity is smaller than the change intensity difference. That is, the fluctuation width control unit 212, when switching the fluctuation width, switches the fluctuation width so that the fluctuation width is smaller than the change intensity difference. This is because when the fluctuation width is the size of the above changes intensity difference, intensity of awakening stimuli in rotation and fluctuation width control unit 212 of the intensity of awakening stimuli at an intensity difference controlling section 210 fluctuation and is the driver confused, because the effect of maintaining the awake state by the synergistic effect of the rotation and fluctuation of the intensity is weakened.

Returning to FIG. 2, the interrupt control unit 213 changes the generation mode of the awakening stimulation generated by the stimulation control unit 203 in synchronization with the start of the notification by the notification control unit 202. The interruption control unit 213 adjusts the stimulation pattern as the generation mode of the wakefulness stimulus after the change when the generation mode of the wakefulness stimulus is changed according to the notification factor of the notification performed by the notification control unit 202. For example, the interrupt controller 213 interrupts the control that has caused the awakening stimuli so far in the standard controller 204, by generating a wake stimulated with stimulation patterns adjusted by the interrupt control unit 213, the stimulation control unit 203 The generation mode of the awakening stimulus being generated at step (b) may be changed.

The stimulation pattern includes, for example, the degree of change of stimulation, the generation position of stimulation, the state of fluctuation, and the stimulation intensity, and reinforces the content of notification by the notification factor. For example, it is assumed that the content of the notification by the notification factor is reinforced by associating the generation position of the stimulus with the target of the notification. In the example of this embodiment, the degree of change in stimulation is the temperature change of the wind generated by the air conditioning unit 91. The generation position of the stimulation is the direction to the driver's seat of the wind blown out from the air conditioner unit 91. The state of fluctuation is the presence or absence of fluctuation, the period of fluctuation, and the fluctuation width described above. Stimulus intensity is a strength of awakening stimuli, for example, it assumed that the intensity is classified into three levels from 1 to 3 lower from those sequentially.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the non-volatile memory of HCU20, by notification factors, and the stimulation pattern, correspondence relationship between the information importance indicating the importance of the notification factor assumed to be stored in advance. The information importance is classified into, for example, three levels of 1 to 3 in order from the least important. Here, an example of the correspondence relationship between the stimulation pattern and the information importance degree for each notification factor will be described using FIG. In FIG. 6, for convenience, only some examples of the correspondence are shown.

About information factor "approach of the other car" of division "attention awakening", temperature change "-5 ° C", stimulation occurrence position "other car direction", fluctuation state "steady state" as information importance "3" and stimulation pattern ", Stimulus intensity" 3 "shall be matched. Fluctuation state "stationary" indicates a state without fluctuation. It is assumed that the stimulus generation position is determined by the interrupt control unit 213 according to the direction in which the other vehicle, which is the target of the notification, is positioned with respect to the host vehicle, as the stimulus generation position “target other vehicle direction”. Stimulus generating position may be, for example, be one that is divided into two directions back and forth with respect to the driver's seat, or may be divided into four directions of the left and right front and rear.

Information factor "2" for the notification factor "self-vehicle overspeed" in the category "attention awakening", temperature change "-5 ° C" as stimulus pattern, stimulus occurrence position "forward", fluctuation state "period 1 It is assumed that “2” and “2” are associated with the stimulation intensity “2”. Classification for notifying factors "warning label" of the "reminder" is information importance as "1", as a stimulus pattern, temperature change "0 ℃" stimulus generating position "warning label direction", fluctuation state "constant" stimulation it is assumed that are associated with each other and the intensity "1". It is assumed that the stimulus generation position is determined by the interrupt control unit 213 depending on the direction in which the warning sign, which is the target of notification, is positioned with respect to the host vehicle as the stimulus generation position “warning sign direction”. The stimulation generation position may be divided into, for example, two directions, left and right with respect to the driver's seat.

Classification for "signs for route guidance" notification factors "information presentation", information importance "2", as a stimulus pattern, the temperature change "+ 5 ° C." stimulus generating position "alternately left and right", fluctuation state "constant" , And the stimulation intensity "2". About notification factor "facility guidance of the notification target facility" of the division "information presentation", temperature change "+ 5 ° C", stimulation occurrence position "target facility direction", fluctuation state "as information importance" 1 "and stimulation pattern It is assumed that the fluctuation width increase and the stimulus strength "2" are associated with each other. Stimulus generating position "target facility direction" property is a notification of interest depending positioned in any direction with respect to the vehicle, stimulated generation position by the interrupt controller 213 is to be determined. The stimulation generation position may be divided into, for example, two directions, left and right with respect to the driver's seat. The fluctuation state "fluctuation width increase" indicates a state in which the fluctuation width is increased more than the fluctuation width up to that point.

When the notification control unit 202 performs a single notification of one type of notification factor, the interrupt control unit 213 generates an awakening stimulation according to the stimulation pattern associated with the notification factor. For example, when the notification control unit 202 performs a single notification of the notification factor “the speed of the vehicle is over”, the interrupt control unit 213 generates a wind about the awakening stimulation generated so far by the standard control unit 204. The temperature is lowered by 5 degrees, the blowout direction of the wind is from the front of the driver's seat, the period of fluctuation is 1⁄2, and the stimulation intensity serving as the reference of arousal stimulation is “2”.

The interrupt control unit 213, if the notification control unit 202 to perform a plurality of broadcast with different broadcast sources at the same time, by selecting the broadcast source to be prioritized according stimulus pattern associated with the selected broadcast factors it is preferable to generate the arousal stimuli. For example, the interrupt control unit 213, when a section of the plurality of notification sources encounters respectively as "alert" and "information presentation", if configured to prioritize notification factors that are classified as "reminder" good. According to this, one of the "warning" and "information presentation," I want you to notice because, in more driver it is possible to generate a stimulus to reinforce the notification of the notification factor of division that I want you to notice a more driver The notification of the notification factor of the classification is easily transmitted to the driver.

Furthermore, in the case where the categories of the plurality of notification factors are the same, the interrupt control unit 213 determines that the driver's sleepiness acquired by the trigger detection unit 201 and the information importance degree associated with the notification factors and From the stimulus intensity, the notification factor to be prioritized is selected. For example, the interrupt control unit 213, when the sleepiness is less than the threshold value, while the information importance that is correlated to prioritize higher notification factors, when drowsiness is not less than the threshold value is associated with stimulation It is preferable to give priority to notification factors with higher strength. Here, the threshold as referred, in the case of performing the driving operation by the driver may be the drowsiness is estimated to need to wake occurs. According to this, while when it is necessary to awaken enhance alertness effect in favor of stimulation intensity, if less necessity to waking in favor of information importance, want noticed more driver notification It is possible to make it easy for the driver to inform the driver of the cause.

<Awakening stimulus-related processing in the HCU20>
Subsequently, an example of a flow of processing (hereinafter, a waking stimulus related process) related to control for generating a waking stimulus in the HCU 20 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 7. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, for example, the HCU 20 may be turned on and started when the ignition power of the vehicle is turned on.

First, in step S1, when the trigger detection unit 201 detects a trigger for generating an awakening stimulus (YES in S1), the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, when not detected a trigger for generating the arousal stimuli (NO in S1), the flow proceeds to step S2. In step S2, when it is the completion | finish timing of a waking stimulus related process (it is YES at S2), a waking stimulus related process is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is not the end timing of the awakening stimulus related processing (NO in S2), the process returns to S1 and repeats the processing. As an example of the end timing of the awakening stimulus related processing, there are turning off of the ignition power supply of the own vehicle, switching to automatic driving of automation level without a duty of monitoring of a driver, and the like.

In step S3, the standard control unit 204 simultaneously generates a plurality of types of wakefulness stimuli from the stimulator. In step S4, the rotation control unit 205 causes the rotation of the respective intensities of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator. That is, rotation is added to a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. The order of the time to rotate the intensity of awakening stimuli, steepness of the intensity variation, modification period, the change intensity difference, the order control unit 207 according to the default settings, sharpness control unit 208, changes the frequency controller 209, and it is controlled by the intensity difference control section 210.

In step S5, the fluctuation control unit 206 causes a fluctuation in the intensity of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator. That is, fluctuation is added to a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. Further, the fluctuation period and fluctuation width at the time of causing fluctuation in the strength of the awakening stimulus are controlled by the fluctuation period control unit 211 and the fluctuation width control unit 212 according to the default set values.

In step S6, the trigger detection unit 201, when it detects a trigger for generating the arousal stimuli again (YES in S6), the flow proceeds to step S7. That is, when the awakening effect is poor in the awakening stimulation up to now, it moves to S7. On the other hand, the trigger detection unit 201, in a case where not detected trigger for generating the arousal stimuli (NO in S6), moves to S2. That is, when the driver is in the awake state by the awakening stimulation, the process proceeds to S2. The processing in S6 may be configured to be performed on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed or the start of the awakening stimulation with S3. The predetermined time referred to here may be any time that can be set arbitrarily.

In step S7, the order control unit 207 switches the order in which the intensities of the plurality of types of awakening stimulations generated from the stimulation device are intensified in turn by rotation from the order up to that time. In step S8, the change cycle control unit 209, the awakening stimulation changes the period of the plurality of types to be generated from the stimulator is switched from modification period until then. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to shorten the change cycle.

In step S9, the intensity difference control unit 210, the change intensity difference of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator is switched from changing intensity difference so far. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to increase the change intensity difference. In step S10, the steepness control unit 208, the steepness of the change in intensity of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator is switched from steepness so far. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to increase steepness.

In step S11, the fluctuation width control unit 212, a fluctuation width of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulator switches from the fluctuation width far. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to increase the fluctuation width.

In step S12, the fluctuation width control unit 212 compares the fluctuation width after switching, the current changes intensity difference that is controlled by the intensity difference control unit 210 in S11. Then, if the fluctuation width is less than the change intensity difference (YES in S12), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when the fluctuation width is equal to or larger than the change intensity difference (NO in S12), the process moves to step S13. In step S13, the fluctuation width control unit 212, the fluctuation width after switching at S11, while set to be different before switching fluctuation width in S11, modified to be smaller than the current change intensity difference.

In step S14, fluctuation cycle control unit 211, a plurality of types of awakening stimuli fluctuation cycle to be generated from the stimulator switches from the fluctuation period so far. To increase the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch to fluctuation cycle is shortened.

In step S15, the fluctuation period control unit 211 compares the fluctuation period after switching in step S14 with the current change period controlled by the change period control unit 209. Then, if the fluctuation period is less than the change period (YES in S15), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, when the fluctuation period was changed more periods (NO at S15), the flow proceeds to step S16. In step S16, fluctuation cycle control unit 211, the fluctuation cycle after switching at S14, while set to be different before switching fluctuation cycle in S14, to change so as to be shorter than the current modification period.

In step S17, when it is the end timing of the awakening stimulation related processing (YES in S17), the generation of the awakening stimulation from the stimulation device is ended, and the awakening stimulation related processing is ended. On the other hand, if not the end timing of awakening stimuli related processing (NO in S17), the process returns to S6.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the trigger detection unit 201 detects a trigger for generating the arousal stimuli in S6, order in which to rotate the intensity of awakening stimuli, steepness of the intensity variation, modification period, change Although the structure which switches all the generation | occurrence | production aspects of an awakening stimulus, such as a fluctuation | variation period at the time of producing a fluctuation | variation in the intensity | strength of alertness and intensity, and a fluctuation width, was shown, it is not necessarily restricted to this. For example, while switching one by one the generation mode of awakening stimuli, each time, to determine the standard controller 204 whether it has detected a trigger for the trigger detection unit 201 generates a wake stimulation, for generating a wake stimulation If the trigger detection continues, the type of mode for generating switching awakening stimuli may be minutely increased by gradually configure. Further, it may be configured to exclude processing of S12 and S13 in the flowchart of FIG. 7, it may be omitted step S15 and S16.

<Interrupt control related processing in HCU20>
Subsequently, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the processing associated with the control of changing the mode for generating synchronization with arousal stimulated notification in HCU20 (hereinafter, interrupt control related processing) will be described an example of the flow of. The flowchart in FIG. 8 may be configured to start, for example, when the awakening stimulus related process is started and the process of S5 is performed.

First, in step S31, when the notification factor classified into "attention" is a target to be notified by the notification control unit 202 (YES in S31), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, the notification factors are classified into "reminder" is, if not subject to perform a notification (NO in S31), the process moves to step S38.

In step S32, when the notification factor classified into "providing information" is a target to be notified by the notification control unit 202 (YES in S32), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, when the notification factor classified as "information provision" is not an object to be notified (NO in S32), the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S33, the interrupt control unit 213, it is subject to perform the notification by the notification control unit 202, "reminder" of a broadcast source that can be divided into broadcast factors and "Information Provider" which is divided into, Priority is given to notification factors classified as "attention".

In step S34, it has been the subject to perform the notification by the notification control unit 202, when a notification factors are classified as "reminder" is a plurality of types exists (YES in S34), the processing proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when there is only one type of notification factor classified as "attention" (NO in S34), this one type of notification factor is selected, and the process proceeds to step S43.

In step S35, in case the drowsiness of a driver acquired by the trigger detection unit 201 of the above threshold (YES in S35), while proceeds to step S36, when drowsiness of the driver is less than the threshold (NO in S35) the , the process proceeds to step S37. In step S36, among the plurality of types of informing factors classified as "alert", the interruption control unit 213 is the target of causing the informing control unit 202 to perform notification, the associated stimulus intensity is higher Priority is given to selecting a high notification factor, and the process proceeds to step S43. Further, in step S37, the interrupt control unit 213 is the target for the notification control unit 202 to make a notification, and among the plurality of types of notification factors classified into "attention", the information important is associated. The notification factor having a higher degree of priority is preferentially selected, and the process proceeds to step S43.

In step S38, when the notification factor classified into "providing information" is an object to be notified by the notification control unit 202 (YES in S38), the process proceeds to step S39. On the other hand, when the notification factor classified as "information provision" is not an object to be notified (NO in S38), the process proceeds to step S46.

In step S39, it has been the subject to perform the notification by the notification control unit 202, when a notification factors are classified as "information providing" has a plurality of types exists (YES in S39), the processing proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, when there is only one type of notification factor classified as "information provision" (NO in S39), this one type of notification factor is selected, and the process proceeds to step S43.

At step S40, in case the drowsiness of a driver acquired by the trigger detection unit 201 of the above threshold (YES in S40), while proceeds to step S41, when drowsiness of the driver is less than the threshold (NO in S40) the and proceeds to a step S42. In step S41, among the plurality of types of informing factors classified as "providing information", the interrupt control unit 213 is the target of causing the informing control unit 202 to perform notification. Priority is given to selecting a high notification factor, and the process proceeds to step S43. In step S42, the interrupt control unit 213, it is subject to perform the notification by the notification control unit 202, among a plurality of types of notification factors that are classified as "information providing", important information associated The notification factor having a higher degree of priority is preferentially selected, and the process proceeds to step S43.

At step S43, the interrupt control unit 213, a stimulus pattern associated with the selected broadcast factor, as a stimulus pattern of awakening stimuli generating interrupts the control that has caused the awakening stimuli so far in the standard controller 204 decide. At step S44, the interrupt control unit 213 sets the parameters for generating the arousal stimulated with stimulation patterns determined in S43.

In step S45, the interrupt control unit 213, in synchronization to initiate notified by the notification control unit 202, wake the control that has caused the awakening stimuli so far in the standard controller 204, in accordance with parameters set in S44 to interrupt the control for generating a stimulus. The process of S45, in synchronization to initiate notified by the notification control unit 202, a mode for generating a standard control unit 204 has been allowed to occur until then awakening stimuli, arousal stimuli be generated in the interrupt control unit 213 generates It is changed to an aspect. Awakening stimuli that generated by interrupts with the interrupt control unit 213, for example, ends when the predetermined time has elapsed, may be configured to return to the control for generating the arousal stimulation in a standard control unit 204. Additional awakening stimuli to be generated by the interrupt by the interrupt control unit 213, for example, ends when the notification in the notification control unit 202 is finished, a structure for returning the control to generate the arousal stimulation in a standard controller 204 it may be.

In step S46, when it is the end timing of the interrupt control related process (YES in S46), the interrupt control related process is ended. On the other hand, if it is not the end timing of the interrupt control related process (NO in S46), the process returns to S31 to repeat the process. As an example of end timing of the interrupt control related processing, arousal stimuli related processing of S1, S6 by not detect a trigger for generating the arousal stimuli, the ignition power supply of the vehicle is turned off, the driver It has been switched to the automatic level of automation level without the duty of monitoring of

<Summary of the first embodiment>
According to the configuration of the first embodiment, since the generation mode of the awakening stimulus is changed in synchronization with the start of the alerting to the driver by the notification control unit 202, the awakening stimulus is continued. also, the driver is likely to pay attention to the awakening stimulus. Therefore, the driver's habituation to the awakening stimulation is suppressed, and the awakening effect can be continued for a longer time.

Further, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, the generation mode of the awakening stimulus after the change when the generation mode of the awakening stimulus is changed in synchronization with the start of the notification toward the driver by the notification control unit 202. Is a generation mode that reinforces the content of the notification. Thus, by the addition of meaning to reinforce the content of the notification to awakening stimuli after the change, the driver tends towards more attention to awakening stimuli after the change, accustomed to awakening stimuli driver is further suppressed.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, since a plurality of types of wakefulness stimuli are simultaneously generated, it is difficult for the driver to get used to the stimulation compared to the case where a single stimulus is generated. In addition, since the intensities of a plurality of kinds of awakening stimuli are rotated or fluctuated, it is difficult to get used to each awakening stimulus. Furthermore, when the awakening effect of awakening stimuli diminished, order in which to rotate the intensity of awakening stimuli, steepness of the intensity variation, modification period, change the intensity difference, and the fluctuation of when to cause fluctuations in the intensity of awakening stimuli Since the period and fluctuation width are switched, it becomes very difficult to get used to the awakening stimulus. In particular, switching of the order in which to rotate the intensity of awakening stimuli, since it is considered to easily recognize the driver easily driver cause discomfort, be particularly familiar hardly occurs to awakening stimuli. As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it becomes more difficult for the user to get used to the awakening stimulation, so that the driver's awakening effect can be continued for a longer time.

Second Embodiment
In the above-described embodiment, the rotation control unit 205 shows the configuration for switching the order of rotating the intensity of the awakening stimulus, the steepness of the intensity change, the change period, and the change intensity difference. For example, the order of the time to rotate the intensity of awakening stimuli, steepness of the intensity variation may be switched only a part of the modification period, and change the intensity difference.

(Embodiment 3)
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the fluctuation control part 206 showed the structure which switches the fluctuation period and fluctuation width at the time of producing a fluctuation in the intensity | strength of an awakening stimulus, it does not necessarily restrict to this. For example, only one of the fluctuation period and the fluctuation width in causing fluctuation in the strength of the awakening stimulus may be switched.

(Embodiment 4)
Although the configuration in which the standard control unit 204 includes the rotation control unit 205 and the fluctuation control unit 206 has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, a standard control unit 204 may be configured to include only one of the rotation control section 205 and the fluctuation control unit 206.

Embodiment 5
In the above embodiments, a configuration has been shown to generate a plurality of types of awakening stimuli simultaneously, not necessarily limited thereto. For example, it may be configured that the timing of the intensity of the portion of awakening stimuli among a plurality of types of awakening stimuli becomes zero is present. In other words, it may be configured to generate at least a portion of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli simultaneously, it may be any of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli configured to generate sequentially at different timings.

Embodiment 6
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although wind and aroma were mentioned as an example and explained as awakening stimulus, it does not necessarily restrict to this. As arousal stimuli, wind, in addition to aromatic, light emitting, sound, etc. may be configured to use a vibration. With regard to light emission, light emission of a wavelength considered to have an awakening effect may be performed from an LED or the like of the display device 22. In this case, the display device 22 corresponds to the stimulation device. With regard to sound, a speaker, a buzzer or the like in the audio output device 23 may be configured to output an alarm sound and a buzzer sound. In this case, the audio output device 23 corresponds to the stimulator. With regard to the vibration, for example, a vibrator provided at a position where the driver of the vehicle comes in contact, such as a steering wheel or a seat of a driver's seat, may be vibrated. In this case, the vibrator is equivalent to the stimulator.

Seventh Embodiment
Although the above-mentioned embodiment showed composition which standard control part 204 generates a plurality of kinds of awakening stimulus, it does not necessarily restrict to this. For example, it may be configured to a standard control unit 204 does not only generate one type of awakening stimuli.

(Embodiment 8)
In the foregoing embodiment, as a stimulus pattern, the degree of change in stimulus generation position of the stimulus, fluctuation of the state, and showing the structure including the stimulation intensity, not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the stimulation pattern may be configured to be a part of the degree of change of stimulation, the generation position of stimulation, the state of fluctuation, and the stimulation intensity.

(Embodiment 9)
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the trigger detection part 201 detected that drowsiness of the driver detected by DSM21 was more than a threshold as a trigger for generating an awakening stimulus, it does not necessarily restrict to this. For example, the trigger detection unit 201 may be configured to detect a trigger for generating the awakening stimuli that drowsiness of the driver has been detected from the measurement result measured by the biometric sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold. The drowsiness detection from the measurement result measured by the living body sensor may be performed by the HCU 20, for example.

An example of a bio-sensor and a measurement result to be used for detection of drowsiness, brain waves measured by EEG, heart rate measured by heart rate, heart rate fluctuation, the pulse wave measured by the pulse wave detector, skin measured by electro dermal activity meter there is a conductance and the like. Further, as a method of detecting drowsiness from the measurement result, a known method may be used.

In addition, the trigger detection unit 201 detects that the driver's drowsiness detected from the information detected by the vehicle state sensor 7 and the surrounding area monitoring sensor 5 is equal to or higher than the threshold as a trigger for generating an awakening stimulus. it may be. The drowsiness detection from the information detected by the vehicle state sensor 7 may be performed by the HCU 20, for example. An example of a sensor and the information used for the detection of drowsiness, the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor, there is a traveling partition lines such as detected by the peripheral monitoring camera. For example, detecting drowsiness or detecting drowsiness from the vehicle in roll obtained from the position of the travel lane marking sequentially detects around surveillance cameras, the variation amount of the steering operation is determined from the steering angle of sequentially detected by the steering angle sensor it may be or.

(Embodiment 10)
Although the above-mentioned embodiment showed composition which HCU20 takes charge processing related to awakening stimulus and interrupt control, it is not necessarily restricted to this. For example, the awakening stimuli related processing and interrupt control related processing may be configured to play in the HCU20 and other ECU, it may be configured to bear awakening stimuli related processing and interrupt control related processing other ECU.

(Embodiment 11)
Although the above-mentioned embodiment showed composition used as driving support system 1 with a car, it is not necessarily restricted to this. The driving support system 1 can be used in various moving bodies, and may be used in vehicles other than cars such as railway cars and motor bikes, etc., or moving bodies other than vehicles such as aircraft and ships it may be configured to be used in.

In addition, the present disclosure may be configured to be used indoors in houses, facilities, and the like other than mobile objects. In this case, the subject of the maintenance of wakefulness in the chamber corresponds to the subject. The present disclosure, houses other than mobile, when used in the configuration used in indoor facilities, for broadcast to synchronize when changing the mode for generating awakening stimuli, with the configuration using the notification for the subject of this chamber Bayoi.

Here, the flowchart described in this application, or the processing of the flowchart is composed of a plurality of sections (or referred as step), each section, for example, is expressed as S1. Furthermore, each section can be divided into multiple subsections, while multiple sections can be combined into one section. Furthermore, each section configured in this way can be referred to as a device, a module, or a means.

Although the present disclosure has been described based on the examples, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, and further, other combinations and forms including only one element, or more or less than these elements are also within the scope and the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

From stimulator for generating stimuli at which arousal stimuli for maintaining wakefulness of the subject (91, 92), the stimulation control unit for generating the arousal stimulus (203),
And a notification control unit that performs a notification toward the subject (202),
The awakening maintenance device, wherein the stimulation control unit is capable of changing the generation mode of the stimulation, and changing the generation mode of the stimulation in synchronization with the start of notification by the notification control unit.
The stimulation control unit generates, from the stimulation device, different types of stimulations for maintaining the awake state of the subject as the awakening stimulation.
The stimulation control unit, the intensity of the plurality of types of the stimulus to be generated from the stimulation device is intended to perform the rotation to change the intensity of the stimulus to become stronger in order,
The stimulation control unit is synchronized to initiate the notification by the notification control unit, wakefulness maintaining apparatus according to claim 1 for changing the mode for generating the stimulus in the middle of the rotation.
The stimulation control unit generates, from the stimulation device, different types of stimulations for maintaining the awake state of the subject as the awakening stimulation.
The stimulation control unit is configured to change the intensity of the stimulation such that fluctuations occur in the intensities of the plurality of types of stimulation generated from the stimulation device.
The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stimulation control unit changes the generation mode of the stimulation during generation of the fluctuation in synchronization with the start of the notification by the notification control unit.
Used in vehicles,
The notification control unit, toward the subject, awakening maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to perform a notification regarding at least notification factor is either environment and behavior of the vehicle.
The awakening maintenance device according to claim 4, wherein the stimulation control unit adjusts the generation mode of the stimulus after the change when changing the generation mode of the stimulus according to the notification factor.
The stimulation control unit, in response to the notification factors, in the case of changing the mode for generating the stimulus, awakening maintenance device according to claim 5, at least adjusting the stimulation intensity of the stimulation after the change.
Further comprising a sleepiness detecting section (201) for detecting drowsiness of the driver of the vehicle,
The notification about the notification factor to be performed from the notification control unit is at least an importance degree and the stimulation intensity associated with each other for each notification factor, and a classification for calling attention for the driver of the vehicle If, which is divided into compartments and the information presentation for presenting information to the driver,
The stimulation control unit,
The case where the notification control unit simultaneously performs a plurality of the notifications having different notification factors, and the plurality of the notifications are divided into the same category among the alerting and the information presentation, When the sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detection unit is less than the threshold, the stimulation intensity of the stimulation after the change when the generation mode of the stimulation is changed according to the notification factor having the higher importance associated therewith while at least adjusted,
The case where the notification control unit simultaneously performs a plurality of the notifications having different notification factors, and the plurality of the notifications are divided into the same category among the alerting and the information presentation, If the drowsiness detection unit detects the drowsiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit is equal to or higher than a threshold, the stimulation intensity of the stimulation after the change when the generation mode of the stimulation is changed according to the notification factor having the higher stimulation intensity. awakening maintenance device according to claim 6, at least adjusted.
The notification about the notification factor to be performed from the notification control unit is divided into a warning category for calling the driver of the vehicle and a category for information presentation for presenting information to the driver. is shall,
The stimulation control unit,
In the case where the notification control unit simultaneously performs a plurality of the notifications with different notification factors, and the plurality of the notifications are divided into the alerting category and the information presentation category, respectively. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the mode of generation of the stimulus after the change is adjusted in the case of changing the mode of generation of the stimulus according to the notification factor classified into the alerting category. awakening maintenance device.