WO2019008952A1 - Alertness maintenance device - Google Patents

Abstract

An alertness maintenance device that comprises: a stimulus control unit (207) that generates alertness stimuli, being stimuli for maintaining an alert state in a subject, from stimulus devices (22, 23, 24, 91, 92) that generate alertness stimuli; a drowsiness detection unit (202) that detects the degree of drowsiness of the subject; a selections presentation unit (205) that displays selections for selecting the stimulus intensity of an alertness stimulus; and an intensity selection unit (206) that selects the stimulus intensity for the alertness stimulus generated by the stimulus control unit, in accordance with an operation input, received from the subject, that makes a selection from the selections. The selections presentation unit changes the selections in accordance with the degree of drowsiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit.

Description

Wakefulness maintaining device Cross-reference to related applications

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-133048 filed on July 6, 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, according to Patent Document 1, when it is determined that the drowsiness level is equal to or higher than the reference value, a screen for allowing the user to input information indicating permission or non-permission of wakeup support start is displayed on the touch panel, and permission is selected. There is disclosed a technique for starting wakefulness support.

JP, 2011-118831, A

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, whether or not a screen for allowing the user to input information indicating permission or non-permission of start of awakening support is displayed depending on whether the degree of drowsiness is the reference value or more. Since only switching is performed, it is difficult for the user to be aware of the degree of sleepiness. Further, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the drowsiness level is equal to or higher than the reference value, uniform waking support is started, so a waking stimulus can not be performed according to the drowsiness level, and a waking effect is achieved. It is difficult to raise

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an awakening maintenance device that enables a subject to be aware of the degree of drowsiness while at the same time enhancing the awakening effect.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an awakening maintaining device including: a stimulation control unit that generates an awakening stimulus from a stimulation device that generates an awakening stimulus that is a stimulus for maintaining the awakening state of a subject; Stimulus of awakening stimulation generated by the stimulation control unit according to the drowsiness detection unit to be detected, an option presentation processing unit that presents an option to select the stimulation intensity of the awakening stimulation, and operation input received from the subject to select from options The option presentation processing unit changes the option according to the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detecting unit.

According to the awakening maintenance device, the target person changes the option for selecting the stimulus strength of the awakening stimulus to be presented by the option presentation processing unit according to the degree of sleepiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit. Makes it possible to be aware of the degree of sleepiness. In addition, since the stimulus intensity of the awakening stimulus to be generated by the stimulus control unit is selected according to the operation input for selecting from the option received from the subject, the awakening stimulus of the stimulus intensity corresponding to the actual drowsiness of the subject It can be generated, and the awakening effect can be further enhanced. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the awakening effect while making it possible for the subject to be aware of the degree of sleepiness.

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, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an HCU; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display indicating the degree of sleepiness; FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of a change according to the degree of drowsiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit, of options to be presented by the option presentation processing unit; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a rotation control unit and a fluctuation control unit, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of control of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the rotation control unit; FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an example of control of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the fluctuation control unit, FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a flow of wakeful stimulus related processing in the HCU according to the first embodiment, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control switching related processing in the HCU; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of wakeful stimulus related processing in the HCU in the second embodiment.

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)
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. In addition, it is good also as a structure using the travel distance calculated | required from the signal sequentially output from the vehicle speed sensor mounted in the own vehicle for positioning of a vehicle position.

Map DB4 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and stores link data, node data, road shape, a map data structure or the like. The link data includes link ID for specifying link, link length indicating link length, link direction, link travel time, link shape information, node coordinates (latitude / longitude) of start and end of link, road type, etc. It consists of each data of. 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 for the own vehicle by performing acceleration / deceleration control 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 in the case of performing the automatic operation, it is possible to switch to the manual operation.

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.

The vehicle control ECU 8 is an electronic control unit that performs acceleration / deceleration control or steering control of the own 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. 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, a vibrator 24, and an operation device 25. 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 orientation 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). In this embodiment, the case where the awakening degree is divided into six sleepiness levels of 0 to 5 in the DSM 21 will be described as an example. The drowsiness levels divided into six levels are, in order from high to low awakeness, drowsiness level “0” which seems not to be completely sleepy (in other words, awake state), slightly sleepy drowsiness level “1”, sleepy The sleepiness level is "2", the quite sleepy sleepiness level is "3", the very sleepy sleepiness level is "4", and the sleepy (in other words, sleep state) sleepiness level is "5". The DSM 21 outputs the detected sleepiness level to the HCU 20.

Examples of the display device 22 include a combination meter, a CID (Center Information Display), a HUD (Head-Up Display), an LED, and a display of a navigation device (hereinafter referred to as a navigation screen). 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. The LEDs are provided at the instrument panel, at the foot of the driver's seat, etc., and the light emission is controlled by the HCU 20. The display device 22 also corresponds to a stimulation device.

The audio output device 23 includes, for example, an audio speaker that outputs a sound, a buzzer that outputs a sound, and the like. The voice output device 23 also corresponds to a stimulation device. The vibrator 24 is provided at, for example, a steering wheel, a seat of a driver's seat, or the like where a driver of the vehicle contacts, and gives the driver a stimulus by vibration. The vibration of the vibrator 24 is controlled by the HCU 40. The vibrator 24 also corresponds to a stimulation device.

The operation device 25 is a switch group operated by the driver. For example, as the operation device 25, there are a steering switch provided in a spoke portion of a steering of the own vehicle, a touch switch integrated with the display device 22 having a display, and the like. In the present embodiment, a switch (hereinafter referred to as a stimulation request switch) for the driver to request generation of a stimulus (hereinafter referred to as awakening stimulation) for maintaining awakening in the operation device 25 and a stimulation intensity of awakening stimulation are selected. The following description will be made assuming that a switch for switching (hereinafter referred to as a strength selection switch) is included.

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.

Subsequently, a schematic configuration of the HCU 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The HCU 20 includes a trigger detection unit 201, a sleepiness detection unit 202, a presentation control unit 203, an intensity selection unit 206, and a stimulation control unit 207. 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 that the stimulation request switch of the operation device 25 receives an operation as a trigger for generating an awakening stimulation. The drowsiness detection unit 202 acquires the drowsiness level detected by the DSM 21 and detects the drowsiness level as the drowsiness level of the driver of the own vehicle.

The presentation control unit 203 causes the display device 22 or the audio output device 23 to present information. The presentation control unit 203 includes a sleepiness presentation processing unit 204 and an option presentation processing unit 205, as shown in FIG.

The drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 presents the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit 202. It is preferable that the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 presents the drowsiness level when the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection section 202 is equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value. The predetermined lower limit referred to here is a value which can be arbitrarily set, and may be, for example, the drowsiness level corresponding to a sleepy state such as the drowsiness level "1". According to this, by not presenting the degree of drowsiness when there is no drowsiness, it is possible to reduce the annoyance of the driver by receiving the presentation of the drowsiness degree despite the absence of drowsiness Become.

In addition, the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 causes a display indicating the degree of drowsiness to be constantly displayed by performing, for example, the constant operation of the own vehicle during the manual driving of the own vehicle, or displays the drowsiness degree or outputs the voice manually. It may be configured to be presented regularly, for example, periodically.

The drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 may be configured to perform presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness by display or by audio, but in the present embodiment, it is possible to present either display or audio. The following explanation will be given taking the example as an example. In the case of a configuration capable of presenting the degree of drowsiness in any of the display and the voice, it is preferable to perform the presentation by the display prior to the presentation by the voice. While sound is more likely to give the driver a bother than the display, it is likely that the driver is more likely to notice. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it becomes possible to give priority to noticeability as needed while enabling reduction of troublesomeness.

In addition, the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 may be configured to prompt an operation input for requesting generation of a wakefulness stimulus by the driver by performing presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness. As an example, the presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness may be configured to include a presentation that prompts an operation input that requires the driver to generate an awakening stimulus. Here, an example of a display indicating the degree of sleepiness to be presented by the sleepiness presentation processing unit 204 will be described using FIG. 3. As for the degree of drowsiness, for example, the drowsiness degree is expressed by a plurality of color-divided gauges (see Ga in FIG. 3), and an icon for prompting an operation input requesting generation of awakening stimulation by the driver (see Ic in FIG. 3) It may be configured to indicate the current degree of sleepiness by the position of.

The option presentation processor 205 presents an option for selecting the stimulus strength of the awakening stimulus. The option presentation processing unit 205 may be configured to make a presentation of an option for selecting the stimulus intensity of the awakening stimulus by voice, but presents an option for selecting the stimulus intensity of the awakening stimulus from the viewpoint of easy understanding of the option. Is preferably configured to be displayed.

The option presentation processing unit 205 may be configured to always or sequentially perform the display of options for selecting the stimulation intensity of the awakening stimulus (hereinafter referred to as option display) during manual driving of the vehicle, but the sleepiness presentation processing unit 204 It may be configured to be performed when a presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness is performed. As an example, in the display device 22 that performs display indicating the degree of drowsiness (hereinafter referred to as drowsiness degree display), option display is performed in addition to the drowsiness degree display, or switch to drowsiness level display to perform option display You should do it. According to this, it becomes easy for the driver to select the stimulus intensity of the awakening stimulus after being aware of the current degree of sleepiness. The drowsiness level display and the option display may be displayed on different display devices 22. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the option display is performed behind the drowsiness level display, and the drowsiness level display and the option display may be simultaneously started.

Further, the option presentation processing unit 205 changes the option of the stimulation intensity for performing presentation according to the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detection unit 202. It is preferable that the option presentation processing unit 205 be configured to reduce the number of options as the degree of sleepiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit 202 becomes high. According to this, when the degree of drowsiness is lower, the driver is made to think for selection by increasing the number of options to enhance the awakening effect while the degree of drowsiness is higher and the selection is made. If it is difficult for the driver to think for the purpose, it is possible to make the stimulation intensity easier to select by reducing the number of options.

More specifically, when the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit 202 is lower than the threshold, the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit 202 is two or more. In the case of the threshold or more, it is more preferable to make the number of stimulation intensity options one. The threshold referred to here is a value that can be set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, the drowsiness level corresponding to the state in which the drowsiness level is highest, such as the drowsiness level "4,". According to this, when the degree of drowsiness is very high and it is difficult for the driver to think about selection, it is very difficult to think for selection by making the number of stimulation intensity options one. It becomes possible for the driver to easily select the stimulation intensity.

Here, an example of a change according to the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detection unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, in the case of the drowsiness level "weak" such as the drowsiness level "1" or less, an option display including three options of "weak", "medium" and "strong" may be performed as the stimulus intensity options. Further, in the case of the drowsiness level "medium" such as the drowsiness levels "2" to "3", an option display including two options of "weak" and "strong" may be performed as the stimulus intensity options. Furthermore, in the case of the drowsiness level "strong" such as the drowsiness level "4" or more, an option display including one option of "strong" may be performed as a stimulus intensity option. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, the option display may be configured to include a “off” option that does not generate a stimulus, in addition to the option of the stimulus intensity.

The strength selection unit 206 selects the stimulation intensity of the awakening stimulation to be generated by the stimulation control unit 207 according to the operation input for selecting from the options presented by the option presentation processing unit 205 received from the driver. The operation input for selecting from the options may be received via the strength selection switch of the operation device 25. As an example, the strength selection switch is a touch switch integrated with the display device 22 for displaying options in the display device 22 having a display, and it is possible to select this option by touching the option display option. It is preferable that

Further, the strength selection switch and the stimulation request switch may be common, and the selection from the options may be a trigger for generating the awakening stimulation. In this case, the strength selection switch also receives an operation input that the driver requests the generation of the awakening stimulus. According to this, it is possible to save time and effort of separately operating and selecting the stimulation intensity of the awakening stimulation generated by the stimulation control unit 207 and the start of the awakening stimulation.

The stimulation control unit 207 includes a start determination unit 208, a reference intensity determination unit 209, a rotation control unit 210, and a fluctuation control unit 211, as shown in FIG. Generate stimulation simultaneously. As a stimulation device, there are a display device 22, an audio output device 23, a vibrator 24, an air conditioner unit 91, and an aroma unit 92. The stimulation control unit 207 controls the operation of the air conditioner unit 91 and the aroma unit 92 by outputting air conditioning request information to the air conditioning control ECU 90. The awakening stimulus generated from the display device 22 is, for example, light emission of an LED. An awakening stimulus generated from the voice output device 23 is, for example, an alarm sound. The awakening stimulus generated from the vibrator 24 is, for example, a vibration. 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.

The stimulation control unit 207 includes the start determination unit 208 as described above, and determines that the awakening stimulation is to be generated when the trigger detection unit 201 detects a trigger by the start determination unit 208. That is, it is determined that the awakening stimulus is to be generated when an operation input requiring the driver to generate the awakening stimulus is received. In the following, to start an awakening stimulus by accepting an operation input that requires the driver to generate the awakening stimulus will be referred to as starting to use the awakening stimulus manually.

In addition, the start determination unit 208 causes the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 to perform awakening when it does not manually start to use the awakening stimulation although the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 performs the presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness despite the setting timing being reached. It is determined that a stimulus is generated. In the following, to start the awakening stimulation despite the fact that the driver does not receive an operation input requiring the generation of the awakening stimulation is referred to as automatically starting to use the awakening stimulation. The setting timing is a timing that is set according to the elapsed time from the start of driving of the vehicle and the monotony of the traveling environment of the vehicle.

The elapsed time from the start of the driving of the own vehicle may be the elapsed time after the ignition power supply of the own vehicle is turned on and the traveling is started. The fact that the ignition power supply of the own vehicle is turned on and the start of traveling may be specified from the on / off of the ignition power supply of the own vehicle and the vehicle speed of the own vehicle detected by the vehicle speed sensor of the vehicle state sensor 7.

The monotonousness of the traveling environment of the own vehicle may be specified as the monotonicity of the own vehicle is increasing more than when traveling on the general road when the own vehicle is traveling on the expressway. Whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or traveling on a general road may be specified from the traveling environment recognized by the driving support ECU 6. In addition, the monotony of the traveling environment of the vehicle may be specified as monotony increasing as the degree of complexity of the driving operation of the driver of the vehicle decreases. As one example, the smaller the amount of change per unit time of the value detected by at least one of the accelerator position sensor, the brake stroke sensor, the steering angle sensor, and the vehicle speed sensor in the vehicle state sensor 7, the driver of the vehicle The degree of complexity of the driving operation may be specified low.

As an example, when the elapsed time from the start of driving of the own vehicle reaches a predetermined time when sleepiness tends to occur due to getting used to driving, such as 90 minutes, before the predetermined time is reached The setting timing may be advanced earlier than that. In addition, the start determination unit 208 may be configured to advance the setting timing as the traveling environment of the host vehicle increases. Further, when the start determination unit 208 sets both of the elapsed time from the start of driving of the host vehicle and the monotony of the traveling environment of the host vehicle as the condition of setting the timing, for example, both conditions set timing. The setting timing may be advanced earlier as the conditions for advancing are met.

In the case where the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 adopts a configuration in which presentation indicating the drowsiness level by display is performed prior to presentation indicating the drowsiness level by voice, the following configuration may be employed. The start determination unit 208 determines that the awakening stimulus is to be generated when the start timing of the awakening stimulus is not manually started although the setting timing has come after the presentation indicating the drowsiness level by the display. do it. In this case, when the sleepiness presentation processing unit 204 does not start to use the awakening stimulus manually within a set time that is earlier than the set timing after the presentation indicating the degree of sleepiness by display is performed, the sleepiness due to voice is It may be configured to make a presentation showing the degree. The setting time may be set according to the elapsed time from the start of the driving of the vehicle and the monotony of the traveling environment of the vehicle, as in the setting timing described above, or may be the setting timing. It may be a fixed time shorter than the time to timing.

The reference strength determination unit 209 determines a strength (hereinafter referred to as a reference strength) to be a reference in the rotation control unit 210, which will be described later, in accordance with the strength selected by the strength selection unit 206. As an example, the correspondence between the strength selected by the strength selection unit 206 and the reference strength is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20, and the reference strength is determined with reference to this correspondence. do it. In addition, the reference strength determination unit 209 may be configured to determine, for example, a predetermined strength as the reference strength when it is automatically started to use the awakening stimulus. As one example, the highest intensity that can be set as the reference intensity may be determined as the reference intensity, or the intensity of a section higher than the median value in the case of dividing the reference intensities by intensity may be determined as the reference intensity .

The stimulation control unit 207 also includes the rotation control unit 210 and the fluctuation control unit 211 as described above. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation control unit 210 includes an order control unit 212, a steepness control unit 213, a change cycle control unit 214, and an intensity difference control unit 215. A period control unit 216 and a fluctuation width control unit 217 are provided.

The stimulation control unit 207 causes the rotation control unit 210 to change (that is, rotate) the intensity of the awakening stimulation so that the intensities of the plurality of types of awakening stimulation generated from the stimulation device become stronger in order. Furthermore, the stimulation control unit 207 causes the fluctuation control unit 211 to change the intensity of the awakening stimulation so that fluctuation occurs in the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimulations generated from the stimulation device. The fluctuation referred to here indicates a state in which the intensity of the awakening stimulus periodically fluctuates up and down around the reference intensity or intermittently becomes zero.

When the intensity of the awakening stimulus generated from the display device 22 is to be changed, the light emission intensity of the LED may be changed as an example. When changing the intensity of the awakening stimulus generated from the voice output device 23, the volume of the alarm sound may be changed as an example. In the case of changing the awakening stimulus generated from the vibrator 24, as an example, the intensity of the vibration may be changed. When changing the awakening stimulus generated from the air conditioner unit 91, the temperature or the volume of the cold air may be changed as an example. In the case of changing the awakening stimulus generated from the aroma unit 92, the concentration of the aroma may be changed as an example.

Here, control of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the rotation control unit 210 will be described using FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, the case of three types of awakening stimulations, that is, awakening stimulations A to C will be described as an example. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 6 indicates the intensity, and the horizontal axis indicates the time.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rotation control unit 210 sequentially strengthens the strengths of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli by rotation. In the rotation control unit 210, when the intensity of a certain type of awakening stimulus is intensified, the intensity of the other type of awakening stimulus is weakened. FIG. 6 shows an example of increasing the intensity in the order of the awakening stimulus A, the awakening stimulus B, and the awakening stimulus C.

Further, the rotation control unit 210 causes the turn control unit 212, the steepness control unit 213, the change period control unit 214, and the intensity difference control unit 215 to increase the intensity of each of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli and the magnitude of the intensity. Control and switch over time rate of change (ie, steepness).

The order control unit 212 controls this order when the strengths of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device are intensified in turn by rotation. As an example, the order control unit 212 may be configured to control the order of rotation according to the default setting value for the order of rotation stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20.

In addition, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the order control unit 212 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 sleepiness detection unit 202 detects sleepiness more than a specified value although the awakening stimulation is generated by the stimulation control unit 207. The prescribed value referred to here is a value which can be arbitrarily set, and may be, for example, the above-mentioned predetermined lower limit value, or drowsiness which is estimated to be necessary to wake up. The order control unit 212 may be configured to randomly switch the order of rotation, or may be configured to switch the order of the reverse of the default setting value.

The sharpness control unit 213 controls the steepness of the intensity change when the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device is strongly changed by rotation. As an example, the sharpness control unit 213 is configured to control the steepness of the intensity change in accordance with the default setting value of the time change rate when changing the intensity of the awakening stimulus stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20. do it. In addition, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the sharpness control unit 213 switches the steepness of the intensity change of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. An example of the predetermined condition may be the same as that described in the order control unit 212. 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 214 controls a change cycle (hereinafter referred to as a change cycle) when strongly changing the intensities of a plurality of kinds of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device by rotation. As an example, the change cycle control unit 214 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. Further, the change cycle control unit 214 switches the change cycle of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device when the predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition may be the same as that described in the order control unit 212. 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 215 determines the intensity difference between the upper limit and the lower limit of each awakening stimulus (hereinafter referred to as a change intensity difference) when the intensity of a plurality of kinds of awakening stimuli respectively generated from the stimulator is strongly changed by rotation. Control. 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 215 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.

In addition, the intensity difference control unit 215 switches the change intensity differences of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition may be the same as that described in the order control unit 212. 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 213, the change period control unit 214, and the intensity difference control unit 215 may control the steepness, the change period, and the change intensity difference in different values depending on the type of arousal stimulus. In addition, the upper and lower limits of each awakening stimulus when the intensity of a plurality of kinds of awakening stimuli respectively generated from the stimulating device is strongly changed by rotation, while the intensity difference is kept constant, the aforementioned predetermined The configuration may be switched when the condition is satisfied.

Subsequently, control of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the fluctuation control unit 211 will be described using FIG. 7. Also in FIG. 7, for convenience, the case of three types of awakening stimuli A to C will be described as an example. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 7 indicates the intensity, and the horizontal axis indicates the time.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fluctuation control unit 211 changes the intensity of the awakening stimulation so that fluctuation occurs in the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimulations generated from the stimulation device. In FIG. 7, each of the awakening stimulus A, the awakening stimulus B, and the awakening stimulus C is cyclically based on the reference intensity (refer to the broken line in FIG. 7) used for control by the rotation control unit 210. Shows an example of changing the intensity up and down.

The fluctuation period control unit 216 controls the fluctuation period (hereinafter referred to as fluctuation period) when changing the intensity of the awakening stimulus so that the fluctuation occurs in the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. Do. As an example, the fluctuation period control unit 216 may be configured to control the fluctuation period according to the default setting value of the fluctuation period stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20.

Further, the fluctuation cycle control unit 216 switches the fluctuation cycle of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition may be the same as that described in the order control unit 212. 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 unit 216 compares the fluctuation cycle after switching with the change cycle controlled by the change cycle control unit 214. When fluctuation period was changed period or more, the fluctuation cycle after switching is changed to a short fluctuation period than the modification period. That is, when switching the fluctuation cycle, the fluctuation cycle control unit 216 switches the fluctuation cycle so that the fluctuation cycle becomes shorter than the change cycle. This is because when the fluctuation period becomes longer than the change period, the rotation of the awakening stimulus intensity in the change period control unit 214 and the fluctuation of the awakening stimulus intensity in the fluctuation period control unit 216 are confused to the driver. This is because the synergetic effect of intensity rotation and fluctuation weakens the effect of maintaining wakefulness.

The fluctuation width control unit 217 controls the fluctuation width of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the fluctuation when changing 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 causes a 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 217 may be configured to control the fluctuation width in accordance with the default setting value of the fluctuation width stored in advance in the non-volatile memory of the HCU 20.

In addition, the fluctuation width control unit 217 switches the fluctuation widths of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition may be the same as that described in the order control unit 212. 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 217 compares the fluctuation width after switching with the change intensity difference controlled by the intensity difference control unit 215. 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, when switching the fluctuation width, the fluctuation width control unit 217 switches the fluctuation width so that the fluctuation width becomes smaller than the change intensity difference. This is because, when the fluctuation width becomes larger than the change intensity difference, the rotation of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the intensity difference control unit 215 and the fluctuation of the intensity of the awakening stimulus in the fluctuation width control unit 217 The confusion is that the effect of maintaining the awakening state by the synergetic effect of the rotation of intensity and the fluctuation is weakened.

Subsequently, an example of the flow of processing related to control for generating an awakening stimulus in the HCU 20 (hereinafter, an awakening stimulus related process) will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 8. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, for example, the power of the HCU 20 may be turned on and started when the ignition power of the vehicle is turned on.

First, in S1, when the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detection unit 202 is equal to or more than the predetermined lower limit value described above (YES in S1), the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, when the degree of sleepiness is less than the predetermined lower limit (NO in S1), the process moves to S2. In S2, when the end timing of the awakening stimulation related processing (YES in S2), the awakening stimulation related processing is ended. 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 S3, the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 causes the display to show the drowsiness level. That is, the drowsiness level display is performed. In S4, the option presentation processor 205 presents an option for selecting the stimulus strength of the awakening stimulus. In S5, when the operation input for requesting the generation of the awakening stimulus by the driver is received within the set time described above after the drowsiness degree display is started (YES in S5), the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, when the operation input is not received within the set time (NO in S5), the process proceeds to S7. In S6, the stimulation control unit 207 receives from the driver the stimulation input selected by the strength selection unit 206 according to the operation input for selecting from the options presented by the option presentation processing unit 205 from the stimulation device as a reference intensity A plurality of types of awakening stimuli are generated simultaneously, and the process moves to S10.

In S7, the sleepiness presentation processing unit 204 causes the presentation indicating the degree of sleepiness to be performed by voice (that is, voice output). In S8, when the operation input for requesting generation of the awakening stimulus by the driver is received (YES in S8), the process proceeds to S6 until the set timing is reached. On the other hand, when the operation input for requesting the generation of the awakening stimulation by the driver is not received before the set timing (NO in S8), the start determination unit 208 determines that the awakening stimulation is to be generated, and S9. Move to In S9, the stimulation control unit 207 simultaneously generates a plurality of types of awakening stimulations from the stimulation device, using a predetermined stimulation intensity as a reference intensity, and proceeds to S10. As described above, as the predetermined stimulation strength, the highest strength that can be set as the reference strength is used as the reference strength, or a strength higher than the median of the reference strength divided by the strength is used as the reference strength. You should do it.

In S10, the rotation control unit 210 rotates the intensity of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. That is, rotation is added to a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. Further, with regard to the order of rotating the strength of the awakening stimulus, the steepness of the intensity change, the change period, and the change intensity difference, the order control unit 212, the sharpness control unit 213, the change period control unit 214 And controlled by the intensity difference control unit 215.

In S11, the fluctuation control unit 211 causes fluctuation in the intensity of each of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device. 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 in causing fluctuation in the strength of the awakening stimulus are controlled by the fluctuation period control unit 216 and the fluctuation width control unit 217 according to the default set values.

In S12, when the drowsiness detection part 202 detects the drowsiness more than the predetermined value mentioned above (YES in S12), it moves to S13. That is, when the awakening effect is poor in the awakening stimulation up to now, it moves to S13. On the other hand, when only drowsiness less than the prescribed value is detected (NO in S12), the stimulation control unit 207 terminates the awakening stimulation, and proceeds to S2. That is, when the driver is in a state of sufficient awakening by awakening stimulation, the process proceeds to S2. The process of S12 may be performed on the condition that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the start of the awakening stimulation in S6 or S9. The predetermined time referred to here may be any time that can be set arbitrarily.

In S13, the stimulation control unit 207 performs control switching related processing, and proceeds to S14. Here, an example of the flow of control switching related processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 9.

First, in S131, the order control unit 212 switches this order when increasing the strength of each of the plurality of types of awakening stimulations generated from the stimulation apparatus in order from the previous order when rotating in order. In S132, the change cycle control unit 214 switches the change cycles of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device from the change cycles up to that point. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to shorten the change cycle.

In S133, the intensity difference control unit 215 switches the change intensity differences of the plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device from the change intensity differences up to that point. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to increase the change intensity difference. In S134, the steepness control unit 213 switches the steepness of the intensity change of the plurality of types of awakening stimulation generated from the stimulation device from the steepness so far. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to increase steepness.

In S135, the fluctuation width control unit 217 switches the fluctuation widths of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device from the fluctuation widths up to that point. In order to enhance the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch so as to increase the fluctuation width.

In S136, the fluctuation width control unit 217 compares the fluctuation width after switching in S135 with the current change intensity difference controlled by the intensity difference control unit 215. Then, if the fluctuation width is less than the change intensity difference (YES in S136), the process proceeds to S138. On the other hand, if the fluctuation width is equal to or larger than the change intensity difference (NO in S136), the process moves to S137. In S137, the fluctuation width control unit 217 changes the fluctuation width after switching in S135 so as to be smaller than the current change strength difference while making it different from the fluctuation width before switching in S135.

In S138, the fluctuation period control unit 216 switches the fluctuation period of a plurality of types of awakening stimuli generated from the stimulation device from the fluctuation period up to that point. To increase the awakening effect, it is preferable to switch to fluctuation cycle is shortened.

In S139, the fluctuation period control unit 216 compares the fluctuation period after switching in S138 with the current change period controlled by the change period control unit 214. Then, if the fluctuation period is less than the change period (YES in S139), the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the fluctuation period is equal to or greater than the change period (NO in S139), the process proceeds to S130. In S140, the fluctuation cycle control unit 216 changes the fluctuation cycle after switching in S138 so as to be shorter than the current change cycle while making it different from the fluctuation cycle before switching in S138.

Returning to FIG. 8, in S14, when it is the end timing of the awakening stimulation related processing (YES in S14), 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 it is not the end timing of the awakening stimulation related processing (NO in S14), the processing returns to S12 and is repeated.

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the drowsiness detection unit 202 detects drowsiness more than a specified value in S12, the order for rotating the intensity of the awakening stimulus, the steepness of the intensity change, the change period, the change intensity difference, In addition, although a configuration is shown in which all the generation modes of the awakening stimulus such as the fluctuation period and the fluctuation width when causing fluctuation in the strength of the awakening stimulus are switched, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the stimulation control unit 207 determines whether the drowsiness detection unit 202 detects drowsiness more than the specified value each time while switching the generation mode of the awakening stimulus one by one, and the drowsiness detection more than the specified value continues Alternatively, the type of generation mode of the awakening stimulus to be switched may be increased one by one. Further, the processing of S136 and S137 in the flowchart of FIG. 8 may be omitted, or the processing of S139 and S140 may be omitted.

According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the driver changes the option for selecting the stimulus strength of the awakening stimulus to be presented by the option presentation processing unit 205 according to the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detecting unit 202, This change in option makes it possible to be aware of the degree of sleepiness. In addition, since the stimulus intensity of the awakening stimulus generated by the stimulus control unit 207 is selected according to the operation input for selecting from the option received from the driver, the awakening stimulus of the stimulus intensity according to the degree of actual drowsiness of the driver Can be generated and it is possible to further enhance the awakening effect. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the awakening effect while making it possible for the subject to be aware of the degree of sleepiness.

Besides, since the awakening stimulus is started when the operation input requiring the driver to generate the awakening stimulus is received, the awakening stimulus can be started when the driver needs it. In addition, even though the presentation showing the degree of drowsiness is performed, the awakening stimulation is automatically started when the awakening stimulation is not manually started, so the drowsiness is high and the awakening stimulation is manually performed. Even when there is no time to start, it is possible to start the awakening stimulation.

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, when the degree of drowsiness is high, the intensities of a plurality of waking stimuli are rotated or fluctuated, so that it is difficult to get used to each waking stimulus, and it becomes possible to enhance the waking effect. . 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 first embodiment, after the start determination unit 208 causes the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 to make a presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness, although the setting timing is reached, the use of the awakening stimulus manually does not start Although the configuration for determining that the awakening stimulus is generated is shown in FIG. For example, when the start determination unit 208 causes the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 to make a presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness, the awakening stimulation is not started when the manual awakening stimulation is not started even though a predetermined time has elapsed. The second embodiment may be configured to determine that it is to be generated. The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The driving support system 1 of the second embodiment is the same as the driving support system 1 of the first embodiment except that the processing of the HCU 20 is partially different. More specifically, the processing is the same as the driving support system 1 of the first embodiment except that the processing of the start determination unit 208 included in the stimulation control unit 207 is partially different. Here, an example of the flow of the awakening stimulus related process in the HCU 20 according to the second embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 10.

First, the processes of S1 to S7 are the same as the processes of S1 to S7 in the first embodiment. In S8a, when an operation input for requesting generation of an awakening stimulus by the driver is received (YES in S8a), the process proceeds to S6 until the certain time elapses after displaying the drowsiness degree display in S3. On the other hand, when the drowsiness degree display is performed in S3 and the operation input for requesting the generation of the awakening stimulus by the driver is not received until a predetermined time elapses (NO in S8a), the start determination unit 208 It is determined that an awakening stimulus is to be generated, and the process moves to S9. Here, the predetermined time is a time that can be arbitrarily set, and may be a time fixed in advance. The processes of S9 to S14 are the same as the processes of S9 to S14 in the first embodiment.

The configuration of the second embodiment is different from the configuration of the second embodiment because only the conditions for judging that the use of the awakening stimulus is not manually started are different although the presentation showing the degree of drowsiness is performed. As in the first embodiment, it is possible to further enhance the awakening effect while making it possible for the subject to be aware of the drowsiness level.

(Embodiment 3)
In the above-described embodiment, although the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 performs presentation showing the degree of drowsiness, a configuration is shown in which waking stimuli are automatically generated when manual use of waking stimuli is not started. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, even though the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 performs the presentation indicating the degree of drowsiness, the awakening stimulus may not be automatically generated even when manual use of the awakening stimulus is not started. In addition, although the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 causes the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 to present the drowsiness level automatically, the drowsiness detection unit does not manually start to use the awakening stimulus even though the drowsiness presentation processing unit 204 performs the presentation that The drowsiness level detected at 202 may be a certain level or more.

(Embodiment 4)
In the above embodiment, the rotation control unit 210 shows the configuration for switching the order of rotating the strength of the awakening stimulus, the steepness of the strength change, the change period, and the change strength difference, but this is not necessarily the case. 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 5
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the fluctuation control part 211 showed the composition which switches the fluctuation period and fluctuation width at the time of making fluctuation in strength of a wakeful 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 6
Although the above-mentioned embodiment showed composition which stimulus control part 207 provided with rotation control part 210 and fluctuation control part 211, it does not necessarily restrict to this. For example, the stimulation control unit 207 may not include the fluctuation control unit 211.

Seventh Embodiment
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 8)
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although a case where light, sound, vibration, a wind, and a fragrance were used was mentioned as an example and explained as awakening stimulus, it does not necessarily restrict to this. If the type of wakefulness stimulus is a plurality of types, it may be configured to use a part of light, sound, vibration, wind, and fragrance, or may be configured to use other types of wakefulness stimulus. Further, the plurality of types of stimulations are not limited to the configuration in which stimulations having different senses are used as the plurality of types of stimulations, but may be configurations using stimulations having different portions of the human body to be stimulated as the plurality of types of stimulations. Furthermore, as the plurality of types of stimulation, a combination of stimulation having different senses and stimulation having different portions of the human body to be stimulated may be used.

(Embodiment 9)
Although the drowsiness detection unit 202 detects the drowsiness level of the driver based on the detection result of the DSM 21 in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the drowsiness detection unit 202 may detect the drowsiness level of the driver from the measurement result measured by the biological sensor. As an example of a biological sensor used for detection of drowsiness and measurement results, an electroencephalogram measured with an electroencephalograph, a heart rate measured with a heart rate monitor, heart rate fluctuation, a pulse wave measured with a pulse wave meter, skin measured with a skin electroactivity meter There is conductance etc. Further, as a method of detecting drowsiness from the measurement result, a known method may be used.

In addition, the degree of drowsiness is detected from the yaw of the vehicle obtained from the position of the traveling lane line sequentially detected by the surrounding area surveillance camera, and the amount of variation in steering operation determined from the steering angle sequentially detected by the steering angle sensor. Alternatively, the drowsiness level may be detected.

(Embodiment 10)
Although the above-mentioned embodiment showed composition which HCU20 bears awakening stimulus related processing, it does not necessarily restrict to this. For example, the awakening stimulus related processing may be performed by the HCU 20 and the other ECU, or the awakening stimulus related processing may be performed by the 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 mobile bodies. For example, the driving support system 1 may be used in a vehicle other than a car such as a rail car, or as a structure used in a mobile other than a vehicle such as an aircraft or a ship It is also good. 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 target person of maintenance of the awakening state in the room corresponds to the target person.

The flowchart described in the present disclosure or the process of the flowchart is configured of a plurality of units (also referred to as steps), and each unit is expressed, for example, as S1. Furthermore, each part can be divided into a plurality of sub-parts, while a plurality of parts can be combined into one part. Furthermore, each part configured in this way can be referred to as a circuit, a device, a module, or a means.

Moreover, those combined each or a set of a plurality of parts described above, (i) hardware unit (e.g., computer) not only software parts in combination with, (ii) hardware (e.g., an integrated circuit, As part of hardwired logic, it may be implemented with or without the functionality of the associated device. Furthermore, the hardware part can also be configured inside the microcomputer.

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 (12)

1. A stimulation control unit (207) for generating the awakening stimulus from a stimulation device (22, 23, 24, 91, 92) that generates an awakening stimulus that is a stimulus for maintaining the awakening state of the subject;
   A sleepiness detection unit (202) for detecting the degree of sleepiness of the subject;
   An option presentation processing unit (205) for presenting an option for selecting the stimulation intensity of the wakefulness stimulus;
   And an intensity selection unit (206) for selecting the stimulation intensity of the wakefulness stimulus generated by the stimulation control unit according to an operation input for selecting from the options received from the subject.
   The option presentation processing unit changes the option according to the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detecting unit.
2. The awakening maintaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option presentation processing unit reduces the number of options in response to an increase in the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detecting unit.
3. The awakening maintaining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the option presentation processing unit causes the number of options to be two or more when the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detecting unit is lower than a threshold.
4. The awakening maintenance device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the option presentation processing unit makes the number of options one when the degree of sleepiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit is equal to or more than a threshold.
5. It further comprises a sleepiness presentation processing unit (204) for presenting the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detection unit,
   The drowsiness presentation processing unit presents the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection section when the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection section is a predetermined lower limit value or more. The awakening maintenance device according to the item.
6. The stimulation control unit may generate the awakening stimulation according to an operation input for requesting generation of the awakening stimulation, which is received from the subject, or may automatically generate the awakening stimulation.
   The drowsiness presentation processing unit presents the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection section when the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection section is equal to or higher than the lower limit value, and the subject generates the awakening stimulus. Prompt the operation input to request
   The stimulation controller automatically generates the wakefulness stimulus when the operation input for requesting generation of the wakefulness stimulus is not received from the subject even though the stimulus control unit presents the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detector. The awakening maintenance device according to claim 5, which generates
7. When the stimulation control unit does not receive an operation input for requesting generation of the awakening stimulation from the subject, although the certain period of time has elapsed since the stimulation control unit presents the degree of sleepiness detected by the sleepiness detecting unit. The awakening maintenance device according to claim 6, wherein the awakening stimulus is generated automatically.
8. Used in vehicles,
   When the stimulation control unit does not receive an operation input for requesting generation of the awakening stimulation from the subject although the stimulation control unit presents the drowsiness degree detected by the drowsiness detection unit and the setting timing is reached. The setting timing is automatically changed according to at least one of the elapsed time from the start of driving of the vehicle and the monotony of the traveling environment of the vehicle. The awakening maintenance device described in.
9. The awakening maintaining device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the drowsiness presentation processor presents the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detector by displaying.
10. The awakening maintaining device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the drowsiness presentation processing unit presents the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit by voice.
11. The drowsiness presentation processing unit can present the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit by display and voice, and the awakening although the drowsiness level is presented by display When the user does not receive an operation input requesting the generation of a stimulus from the subject, the degree of sleepiness is presented by voice.
    The stimulation control unit automatically displays the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit, even though the operation input for requesting the generation of the awakening stimulus is not received from the subject although the drowsiness level detected by the drowsiness detection unit is presented by voice. The wake maintenance device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, which generates wake stimulation.
12. The stimulation control unit,
    The stimulation device generates a plurality of different types of stimulation for maintaining the awake state of the subject as the awakening stimulation,
    The rotation which changes the intensity of the stimulation so that the intensity of the plurality of types of stimulation generated from the stimulation device becomes stronger in order when the degree of sleepiness detected by the drowsiness detection unit is equal to or higher than a prescribed value The awakening according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of fluctuation addition for changing the intensity of the plurality of types of stimulation generated from the stimulation device is performed so that fluctuation occurs in each of the plurality of types of stimulation generated. Maintenance device.

Images