Methods for minimizing driver fatigue in a motor vehicle and support system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for minimizing driver fatigue of a motor vehicle (10) by means of a support system (14) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: detecting the driver by means of a first detection device (16); detecting the driver by means of a second detection device (18); determining driver fatigue as a function of the detection of the driver by means of the first detection device (16) and the second detection device (18) by means of an electronic computing device (20); determining a first fatigue mitigation measure and a second fatigue mitigation measure different from the first fatigue mitigation measure for minimizing fatigue by means of the electronic computing device (20);and generating a first control signal for a first actuator (22) to generate the first drowsiness measure at a first time point and generating a second control signal for a second actuator (24) to generate the second drowsiness measure at a second time point later than the first by means of the electronic computing device (20). The invention further relates to a support system (14).

Description

[0001] The following invention relates to a method for minimizing driver fatigue in a motor vehicle by means of a support system of the motor vehicle according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a corresponding support system.

[0002] Driver fatigue detection systems are already known, which warn of driver fatigue through sounds, displays, or vibrations. Scent detection systems are also known, but these do not react dynamically to objectively detected fatigue, and conventional car air fresheners distribute the scent evenly throughout the entire interior, not precisely or on demand.

[0003] DE 10 2016 225 136 relates to a method for implementing measures against driver fatigue of a motor vehicle, wherein at least one parameter of at least one wakefulness measure influencing the driver's attention is changed according to a predetermined time sequence in order to keep the driver awake.

[0004] The object of the following invention is to create a method and a support system by which driver fatigue can be minimized.

[0005] This problem is solved by a method and a support system according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for minimizing driver fatigue in a motor vehicle by means of a driver assistance system. The driver is detected by a first detection device of the assistance system. The driver is then detected by a second detection device of the assistance system, which is different from the first. The driver's fatigue level is determined based on the detection by the first and second detection devices using an electronic computing unit of the assistance system. Finally, a first fatigue reduction measure and a second fatigue reduction measure, which is different from the first, are determined by the electronic computing unit to minimize fatigue.A first control signal is then generated for a first actuator device to produce the first drowsiness measure at a first time point, and a second control signal is generated for a second actuator device to produce the second drowsiness measure at a second time point later than the first by means of the electronic computing device.

[0007] In particular, the invention proposes a method and a support system that delivers an ultra-short-term fragrance / cold stimulus to the driver only when fatigue or drowsiness is detected, for example via a directed micro-jet pulse. The stimulus consists of non-toxic, rapidly volatile fragrances, such as methanol, eucalyptus, or citrus, which have been scientifically proven to provide short-term sensory activation.

[0008] In particular, multimodal fatigue detection and corresponding trigger logic can be provided. Fatigue detection is based on a combination of factors such as head tilt (detected via infrared sensor), blink rate, micro-steering movements, and heart rate variability-based stress markers on the steering wheel. Activation occurs when at least two of these indicators detect drowsiness. Specifically, a dual-impulse mode is then enabled. The first impulse could be, for example, a very brief burst of scent, and the second impulse, after 10-15 seconds, could be the generation of a small, cool air puff, for example, 2-4 degrees Celsius cooler than the ambient temperature. Thus, a two-stage sequence is proposed.

[0009] According to an advantageous design, a scent stimulus and / or air conditioning is generated as a fatigue-inducing measure.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the fragrance impulse is generated at the first time and the air conditioning is generated at the second time.

[0011] It has also proven advantageous to maintain a predetermined time interval between the first and second points in time.

[0012] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the fatigue-inducing measures are directed at the driver.

[0013] The presented method is, in particular, at least partially a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means which, when executed by the electronic computing device, cause the electronic computing device to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with at least the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0015] A further aspect of the invention relates to a support system for a motor vehicle for minimizing driver fatigue, comprising at least a first detection device, a second detection device, an electronic computing device, a first actuator device, and a second actuator device, wherein the support system is configured to carry out the method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the support system.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention therefore also relates to a motor vehicle with at least one support system according to the preceding aspect.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the process are considered to be advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, the support system, and the motor vehicle. The support system and the motor vehicle, in particular, possess tangible features to enable the execution of the corresponding process steps.

[0018] A computing unit / electronic computing device can be understood, in particular, as a data processing device containing a processing circuit. The computing unit can therefore process data to perform arithmetic operations. This may also include operations to perform indexed access to a data structure, such as a lookup table (LUT).

[0019] The computing unit may, in particular, contain one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more systems on a chip (SoCs). The computing unit may also contain one or more processors, for example, one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also include a physical or virtual array of computers or other units of the aforementioned type.

[0020] In various embodiments, the computing unit includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more storage units.

[0021] A storage unit can be volatile data storage, for example as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), or as non-volatile data storage, for example as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or flash EEPROM, ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), or magnetoresistive random access memory.It can be designed as MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or as phase-change random access memory, PCRAM (phase-change random access memory).

[0022] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] This shows: Fig. 1. A schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a support system; and Fig. 2 a schematic flowchart according to one embodiment of the method.

[0024] In the figures, identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. In the following exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 has at least one seat 12, in which, in particular, a driver (not shown) can sit. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 has at least one assistance system 14. The assistance system 14 is designed to minimize driver fatigue. For this purpose, the assistance system 14 has at least a first detection device 16 and a second detection device 18. Furthermore, at least one electronic computing device 20 is provided. The assistance system 14 also has at least a first actuator 22 and a second actuator 24.

[0026] The support system 14 can be used, in particular, to minimize driver fatigue. For this purpose, the driver is detected by the first detection device 16. The driver is then detected by the second detection device 18. The driver's fatigue level is determined by the electronic computing unit 20 based on the data from both the first and second detection devices 18. The electronic computing unit 20 then determines a first fatigue mitigation measure and a second, different measure to minimize fatigue.A first control signal for the first actuator unit 22 to generate the first drowsiness measure is then generated at a first time point, and a second control signal for the second actuator unit 24 to generate the second drowsiness measure is generated at the first time point and at a later second time point point by means of the electronic computing unit 20.

[0027] This may include, in particular, the generation of a scent stimulus and / or the activation of air conditioning as a fatigue-inducing measure. Furthermore, it may be stipulated that the scent stimulus is generated first and the air conditioning activated second. It may also be stipulated that a predetermined time interval is observed between the first and second activations. Finally, the fatigue-inducing measures may be directed specifically at the driver.

[0028] The overall plan envisions a micro-nozzle, for example, located on the top of the steering wheel or a headrest, which emits a very narrow, focused pulse towards the driver's nose. This leaves the rest of the interior unaffected, a feature not found in conventional fragrance systems. Specifically, a combination of at least two indicators of drowsiness is proposed. These could include, for example, head tilt, blink rate, micro-steering movements, and a heart rate variability-based stress marker on the steering wheel. An initial pulse, such as a brief burst of fragrance, is then generated. After 10 to 15 seconds, a second pulse can be produced, ideally as a micro-cloud of air that is 2 to 4 degrees cooler.

[0029] The nozzles also self-clean, for example with neutral air via a miniaturized piezo compressor. Furthermore, the system can automatically shut itself off if an interior temperature sensor or a VOC sensor detects an excessively high fragrance concentration.

[0030] The Support System 14 continuously monitors fatigue indicators. It delivers a focused activation pulse when a fatigue index exceeds a certain threshold. A microprocessor controls the duration (e.g., 0.15 seconds), direction, and intensity of this pulse. After the second pulse, for example, a two-minute lockout occurs to prevent overstimulation. The rider may also be prompted to take a break if drowsiness continues to increase.

[0031] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart according to one embodiment of the method. In a first step S1, the sensors are initialized. In a second step S2, a camera can detect eyelid closure or head tilt. In a third step S3, a steering pattern can be detected. In a fourth step S4, an HRV sensor in the steering wheel can detect the corresponding heart rate variability.

[0032] In a fifth step, S5, the corresponding sensor values ​​are then combined. In a sixth step, S6, the fatigue index is calculated. In a seventh step, S7, it is checked whether the fatigue index exceeds a predefined threshold. If this is not the case, the system proceeds to an eighth step, S8, in which the driver continues to be monitored.

[0033] As an alternative to step eight (S8), a ninth step (S9) can be performed, particularly if the fatigue index exceeds the threshold. In step nine (S9), it is checked whether at least two indicators are reporting fatigue. If this is not the case, the system proceeds to step ten (S10), which requires further monitoring of the driver. As an alternative, if the two indicators do show fatigue, step eleven (S11) is performed, which initiates a stimulus sequence. In step twelve (S12), an odor pulse can then be applied. For this, a micro-nozzle is activated in step thirteen (S13), for example, a directed odor burst lasting 150 milliseconds. In step fourteen (S14), a cold pulse is applied, for example, after 10 seconds. For this, the cold pulse nozzle is activated in step fifteen (S15), and a temperature pulse is applied, for example, lasting 250 milliseconds.In a sixteenth step, S16, a waiting period of, for example, two minutes is introduced. In a seventeenth step, S17, the nozzle itself is cleaned, specifically a neutral air purge is performed. In an eighteenth step, S18, VOC sensors can check whether the fragrance concentration is within acceptable limits. Based on the eighteenth step, S18, the tenth step, S10, and the eighth step, S8, it is then checked again whether the driver is fit to drive, i.e., not tired, which is done in a nineteenth step, S19. From the nineteenth step, S19, the system can then jump back to the fifth step, S5. Reference symbol list 10 motor vehicle 12 seats 14 Support system 16 First recording device 18 Second recording device 20 Electronic computing equipment 22 First actuator setup 24 Second actuator unit S1-S19 Steps of the procedure QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2016 225 136

[0003]

Claims

Method for minimizing driver fatigue of a motor vehicle (10) using a support system (14) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: - detecting the driver using a first detection device (16) of the support system (14); - detecting the driver using a second detection device (18) of the support system (14) that is different from the first detection device (16); - determining driver fatigue as a function of the detection of the driver using the first detection device (16) and the second detection device (18) using an electronic computing device (20) of the support system (14); - determining a first fatigue action and a second fatigue action different from the first fatigue action to minimize fatigue using the electronic computing device (20);and- generating a first control signal for a first actuator unit (22) of the support system (14) to generate the first fatigue measure at a first time point and generating a second control signal for a second actuator unit (24) of the support system (14) to generate the second fatigue measure at a second time point later than the first by means of the electronic computing unit (20).; Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a scent impulse is generated and / or an air conditioning is generated as a fatigue-inducing measure. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the fragrance impulse is generated at the first time and the air conditioning is generated at the second time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a predetermined time interval is observed between the first time point and the second time point. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fatigue-inducing measures are directed towards the driver. Support system (14) for a motor vehicle (10) for minimizing fatigue of a driver of the motor vehicle, comprising at least a first detection device (16), a second detection device (18), an electronic computing device (20), a first actuator device (22) and a second actuator device (24), wherein the support system (14) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5.

Images