Steering wheel with heart rate monitoring structure

By integrating the heart rate sensing module, data processing module and emergency notification module in the steering wheel, and monitoring and processing heart rate data is solved by using contactless infrared photoelectric sensors, the problem that the existing steering wheel cannot detect heart rate abnormalities in time, improving driving safety and health Monitoring capability improves driving experience.

CN119239733APending Publication Date: 2025-01-03SHENZHEN BLUEWHALE INTEL-CONNECTIVITY S&T CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411392927.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-08
Publication Date
2025-01-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing steering wheel lacks heart rate monitoring function, and cannot detect abnormal heart rate of drivers in time, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

Method used

Design a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure, including a heart rate sensing module, a data processing module and an emergency notification module. It uses a contactless infrared photoelectric sensor to collect heart rate data, compare it with the preset range through the data processing module, and send it if it exceeds the normal range. Warn or trigger emergency notification.

Benefits of technology

Real-time monitoring of driver's heart rate is achieved, timely preventing traffic accidents caused by fatigue or tension, enhancing driving safety and health monitoring capabilities, and improving driving experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119239733A_ABST
    Figure CN119239733A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of steering wheels, and discloses a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure. The heart rate sensing module is located on the edge of the inner side of the steering wheel body and close to the lower portion or the side face of a frequently-used hand holding area of a driver, the position facilitates sensing of heart rate signals of wrists or fingers of the driver, meanwhile, normal driving operation is not affected, and the heart rate sensing module is responsible for collecting heart rate data of the driver; the heart rate is measured and calculated by monitoring blood flow changes of fingertips or wrists. The heart rate change of a driver can be monitored in real time, heart rate abnormity caused by fatigue, tension or body discomfort can be found in time, and therefore traffic accidents caused by the poor state of the driver are prevented, and when the emergency notification module detects that the heart rate is seriously abnormal or other emergencies are detected, the emergency notification module gives an alarm to the driver. An emergency notification can be quickly sent through the vehicle-mounted communication module, precious rescue time is won for a driver, and the accident risk is reduced.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of steering wheels, and in particular to a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure. Background Art

[0002] The steering wheel in the prior art does not have the function of heart rate monitoring. Heart rate is one of the important indicators reflecting the physiological state of the human body. During driving, the driver's heart rate may change due to tension, fatigue, physical discomfort or sudden illness. If the steering wheel does not have the heart rate monitoring function, the driver cannot detect abnormal changes in his heart rate in time, and thus cannot take corresponding measures in time, such as resting, adjusting driving status or seeking medical help, which increases the risk of traffic accidents.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to design a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the shortcomings in the prior art and to propose a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure, comprising: Steering wheel body; The heart rate sensing module is located on the inner edge of the steering wheel body, close to the lower or side of the driver's hand holding area. This position is convenient for sensing the heart rate signal of the driver's wrist or finger without affecting normal driving operations. It is responsible for collecting the driver's heart rate data and uses a non-contact heart rate sensor to measure the heart rate by monitoring the changes in blood flow at the fingertips or wrists. The data processing module is built into the housing in the center area of ​​the steering wheel body and is integrated with the steering wheel electronic control system. It receives the data transmitted by the heart rate sensing module, performs signal amplification, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, and compares and analyzes the data with the preset normal heart rate range to determine whether the driver's heart rate is within a safe range. The display and communication module is built into the housing in the center area of ​​the steering wheel body and is integrated into the smart cockpit system through software; The emergency notification module is built into the housing in the center area of ​​the steering wheel body, integrated at the software level of the data processing module, and physically connected to the on-board communication module to ensure the smooth delivery of the emergency notification. These communication modules are located in the communication control unit in the vehicle's central control area or trunk.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, in the heart rate sensing module, the non-contact heart rate sensor built into the heart rate sensing module adopts infrared photoelectric sensor technology. This sensor works by emitting infrared light of a specific wavelength and receiving its reflected light. When the infrared light is irradiated to the driver's fingertips or wrists, the hemoglobin in the blood will absorb part of the light, and the flowing blood will cause periodic changes in the intensity of the reflected light. This change is closely related to the heart's beating cycle. The sensor can calculate the driver's real-time heart rate by capturing and analyzing the changes in these light signals. The heart rate sensing module is not only responsible for collecting heart rate data, but also has preliminary data processing capabilities. The original light signal collected by the sensor will be amplified, filtered and analog-to-digital converted by the internal circuit to extract effective information related to the heart rate. The processed heart rate data will be transmitted to the vehicle's data processing center via a data cable or wirelessly for further analysis, display and storage.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, in the data processing module, the original heart rate signals sent by the heart rate sensing module are received through the data transmission interface. These signals are analog signals, containing heart rate information as well as noise and interference. The data processing module will first preprocess these signals, including signal amplification, filtering and analog-to-digital conversion. The preprocessed heart rate data will be sent to the core processing unit of the data processing module for further analysis. The module will compare and analyze according to the preset normal range of heart rate to determine whether the driver's heart rate is within a safe range. If the heart rate is within the normal range, the system will not take any action immediately, but will continue to monitor and update the heart rate data. If the heart rate exceeds the normal range, the system will issue a warning to the driver through sound, light signals or display screens, reminding him to pay attention to his physical condition and recommending rest or other safety measures. In extreme cases, such as severe abnormalities in the heart rate and continued unabated, the system will automatically trigger the emergency rescue process, contact the emergency center or send an alarm to the emergency contact.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the display and communication module includes one or more small display screens for directly displaying vehicle information, navigation instructions, telephone communication status, and driving assistance information on the steering wheel, so that the driver can quickly obtain the required information while keeping his eyes on the road ahead. The module integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless communication technologies, allowing the driver to quickly connect to mobile phones, smart watches and smart devices to realize phone making / answering, music playing, and voice assistant control functions. The display and communication module communicates and interacts with other parts of the smart cockpit system through software interfaces. These interfaces are based on standard communication protocols or dedicated communication protocols. The driver can access and control the various functions of the display and communication module through the user interface of the smart cockpit system. The display screen supports touch operation, allowing the driver to execute specific commands or adjust settings by tapping or sliding the screen.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, in the emergency notification module, the emergency notification module relies on the heart rate data provided by the data processing module. When an abnormal heart rate or other emergency health condition of the driver is detected, the module will immediately trigger the emergency response process. Once it is confirmed that an emergency notification needs to be sent, the emergency notification module will independently decide whether to send the emergency notification according to preset rules and conditions, and determine the content and priority of the notification. The emergency notification module is connected to the on-board communication module through a dedicated data line or bus interface. When the emergency notification module decides to send an emergency notification, it will send the notification content to the designated recipient through the on-board communication module, including an emergency center, an emergency contact or a remote service center of the vehicle manufacturer. The on-board communication module is located in a communication control unit in the central control area or the trunk of the vehicle. The control unit integrates multiple communication technologies to ensure that the vehicle can maintain communication with the outside world in various environments. The emergency notification module interacts with these control units through the on-board communication module.

[0010] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Improve driving safety: The heart rate sensing module can monitor the driver's heart rate changes in real time and promptly detect abnormal heart rate caused by fatigue, tension or physical discomfort, thereby preventing traffic accidents caused by poor driver condition. When the emergency notification module detects serious abnormal heart rate or other emergency situations, it can quickly send an emergency notification through the vehicle communication module to buy precious rescue time for the driver and reduce the risk of accidents; 2. Enhanced health monitoring capabilities: The non-contact heart rate sensor provides drivers with a convenient means of health monitoring. It can continuously monitor heart rate while driving without the need for additional equipment, helping drivers to understand their health status in a timely manner. The data processing module compares and analyzes the heart rate data with the preset range, providing drivers with instant feedback on whether their heart rate is within a safe range, encouraging drivers to pay attention to and manage their own health; 3. Improve driving experience: The display and communication module is integrated into the smart cockpit system through software, allowing the driver to easily view heart rate data, receive health tips or emergency notifications and other information, enhancing the information interactivity and convenience during driving. The integrated design on the steering wheel body reduces the need for the driver to distract attention to view or operate other devices, helping the driver to stay focused and improve the driving experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure proposed by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a module schematic diagram of a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure proposed by the present invention.

[0012] In the figure: 1 steering wheel body, 2 heart rate sensing module, 3 data processing module, 4 display and communication module, 5 emergency notification module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0014] Reference Figure 1-2 , a steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure, comprising a steering wheel body 1; The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure also includes a heart rate sensing module 2, which is located at the inner edge of the steering wheel body 1, close to the bottom or side of the driver's common hand holding area. This position is convenient for sensing the heart rate signal of the driver's wrist or finger without affecting normal driving operations. It is responsible for collecting the driver's heart rate data and adopts a non-contact heart rate sensor to measure the heart rate by monitoring the blood flow changes in the fingertips or wrists. In the heart rate sensing module 2, the built-in non-contact heart rate sensor in the heart rate sensing module 2 adopts infrared photoelectric sensor technology. This sensor works by emitting infrared light of a specific wavelength and receiving its reflected light. When the infrared light irradiates the driver's When the driver touches the fingertips or wrists, the hemoglobin in the blood will absorb part of the light, and the flowing blood will cause the periodic change of the intensity of the reflected light. This change is closely related to the heartbeat cycle. The sensor can calculate the real-time heart rate of the driver by capturing and analyzing the changes in these light signals. The heart rate sensing module 2 is not only responsible for collecting heart rate data, but also has preliminary data processing capabilities. The original light signal collected by the sensor will be amplified, filtered and analog-to-digital converted by the internal circuit to extract effective information related to the heart rate. The processed heart rate data will be transmitted to the vehicle's data processing center via a data line or wirelessly for further analysis, display and storage; The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure also includes a data processing module 3, which is built into a shell in the central area of ​​the steering wheel body 1 and integrated with the steering wheel electronic control system. It receives data transmitted by the heart rate sensing module, performs signal amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion, and compares and analyzes the data with a preset normal range of heart rate to determine whether the driver's heart rate is within a safe range. In the data processing module 3, the original heart rate signals sent by the heart rate sensing module 2 are received through the data transmission interface. These signals are analog signals, which contain heart rate information as well as noise and interference. The data processing module 3 first pre-processes these signals, including signal amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion. After pre-processing, the data processing module 3 performs The heart rate data after the heart rate is collected will be sent to the core processing unit of the data processing module 3 for further analysis. The module will compare and analyze the heart rate data according to the preset normal range to determine whether the driver's heart rate is within the safe range. If the heart rate is within the normal range, the system will not take any action immediately, but will continue to monitor and update the heart rate data. If the heart rate exceeds the normal range, the system will warn the driver through sound, light signal or display screen to remind him to pay attention to his physical condition and recommend taking rest or other safety measures. In extreme cases, if the heart rate is abnormally severe and continues to increase, the system will automatically trigger the emergency rescue process, contact the emergency center or send an alarm to the emergency contact; The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure also includes a display and communication module 4, which is built into a shell in the central area of ​​the steering wheel body 1 and integrated into the smart cockpit system through software. The display and communication module 4 includes one or more small display screens for directly displaying vehicle information, navigation instructions, telephone communication status, and driving assistance information on the steering wheel, so that the driver can quickly obtain the required information while keeping his eyes on the road ahead. The module integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless communication technologies, allowing the driver to quickly connect to mobile phones, smart watches, and smart devices to realize phone dialing / answering, music playback, and voice assistant control functions. The display and communication module communicates and interacts with other parts of the smart cockpit system through software interfaces. These interfaces are based on standard communication protocols or dedicated communication protocols. The driver can access and control various functions of the display and communication module through the user interface of the smart cockpit system. The display screen supports touch operation, allowing the driver to execute specific commands or adjust settings by tapping or sliding the screen; The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure also includes an emergency notification module 5, which is built into a shell in the central area of ​​the steering wheel body 1, integrated at the software level of the data processing module, and physically connected to the vehicle communication module to ensure the smooth sending of the emergency notification. These communication modules are located in the communication control unit in the central control area or trunk of the vehicle. In the emergency notification module 5, the emergency notification module 5 relies on the heart rate data provided by the data processing module. When an abnormal heart rate or other emergency health condition of the driver is detected, the module will immediately trigger the emergency response process. Once it is confirmed that an emergency notification needs to be sent, the emergency notification module 5 will autonomously send an emergency notification according to preset rules and conditions. Decide whether to send an emergency notification, and determine the content and priority of the notification. The emergency notification module 5 is connected to the on-board communication module through a dedicated data line or bus interface. When the emergency notification module 5 decides to send an emergency notification, it will send the notification content to the designated recipient through the on-board communication module, including the emergency center, emergency contact or the vehicle manufacturer's remote service center. The on-board communication module is located in the communication control unit in the vehicle's central control area or trunk. The control unit integrates a variety of communication technologies to ensure that the vehicle can maintain communication with the outside world in various environments. The emergency notification module 5 interacts with these control units through the on-board communication module.

[0015] The specific working principle of the present invention is as follows: When the driver holds the steering wheel to drive, the heart rate sensing module 2 located at the inner edge of the steering wheel body 1 will start working. The non-contact infrared photoelectric sensor in the heart rate sensing module 2 emits infrared light of a specific wavelength. These lights are irradiated to the fingertips or wrists of the driver. As the heart beats, the hemoglobin in the blood absorbs part of the light, and the flowing blood causes the periodic change of the intensity of the reflected light. The heart rate sensing module 2 captures the changes of these light signals, and after amplification, filtering and analog-to-digital conversion processing by the internal circuit, the effective information related to the heart rate is extracted and converted into a digital signal. These heart rate data are then transmitted to the data processing module 3 via a data line or wirelessly; After receiving the heart rate data, the data processing module 3 first performs further signal processing and analysis, including further signal amplification and filtering to ensure the accuracy of the data, and then compares and analyzes it with the preset normal range of heart rate. If the heart rate is within the safe range, the system will continue to monitor and update the data; if the heart rate exceeds the normal range, the system will immediately trigger the alarm mechanism and warn the driver through sound, light signals or the display screen on the steering wheel to remind him to pay attention to his physical condition and may suggest taking rest or other safety measures. In extreme cases, such as severe abnormal heart rate and continued unabated, the data processing module 3 will also start the response process of the emergency notification module 5; Once activated, the emergency notification module 5 will autonomously determine whether to send an emergency notification according to preset rules and conditions, and determine the content and priority of the notification. Through a dedicated data line or bus interface, the emergency notification module 5 is connected to the vehicle communication module, and the emergency notification content is sent to a designated recipient, such as an emergency center, an emergency contact, or a remote service center of the vehicle manufacturer, through the vehicle communication module. The vehicle communication module is located in the communication control unit in the central control area or the trunk of the vehicle, ensuring that the vehicle can maintain communication with the outside world in various environments, thereby providing the driver with necessary assistance and support in the shortest time; At the same time, the display and communication module 4 on the steering wheel also plays an important role. It is integrated into the smart cockpit system through software, providing a small display screen to display vehicle information, navigation instructions, telephone communication status and driving assistance information, helping the driver to quickly obtain the required information while keeping his eyes on the road ahead. In addition, the module also supports wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing drivers to easily connect to smart devices such as mobile phones and smart watches to realize functions such as making / answering calls, playing music, and voice assistant control, thereby improving driving convenience and safety.

[0016] The above description is only a preferred specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can replace or change the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure, characterized in that: include: Steering wheel body (1); The heart rate sensing module (2) is located at the inner edge of the steering wheel body (1), close to the lower side or the side of the area where the driver usually holds his hands. This position is convenient for sensing the heart rate signal of the driver's wrist or finger, and does not affect normal driving operation. It is responsible for collecting the driver's heart rate data and uses a non-contact heart rate sensor to measure the heart rate by monitoring the changes in blood flow at the fingertips or wrists. The data processing module (3) is built into a housing in the central area of ​​the steering wheel body (1), is integrated with the steering wheel electronic control system, receives data transmitted by the heart rate sensing module, performs signal amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion, and compares and analyzes the data with a preset normal heart rate range to determine whether the driver's heart rate is within a safe range; A display and communication module (4) is built into a housing in the central area of ​​the steering wheel body (1) and is integrated into the smart cockpit system through software; The emergency notification module (5) is built into a housing in the central area of ​​the steering wheel body (1), integrated at the software level of the data processing module, and physically connected to the vehicle communication module to ensure smooth transmission of the emergency notification. These communication modules are located in the communication control unit in the vehicle's central control area or the trunk.

2. The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the heart rate sensing module (2), the non-contact heart rate sensor built into the heart rate sensing module (2) adopts infrared photoelectric sensor technology. This sensor works by emitting infrared light of a specific wavelength and receiving its reflected light. When the infrared light irradiates the driver's fingertips or wrists, the hemoglobin in the blood absorbs part of the light, and the flowing blood causes periodic changes in the intensity of the reflected light. This change is closely related to the heart's beating cycle. The sensor can calculate the driver's real-time heart rate by capturing and analyzing the changes in these light signals. The heart rate sensing module (2) is not only responsible for collecting heart rate data, but also has preliminary data processing capabilities. The original light signal collected by the sensor will be amplified, filtered and processed by analog-to-digital conversion through the internal circuit to extract effective information related to the heart rate. The processed heart rate data will be transmitted to the vehicle's data processing center via a data line or wirelessly for further analysis, display and storage.

3. The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the data processing module (3), the original heart rate signals sent by the heart rate sensing module (2) are received through the data transmission interface. These signals are analog signals, which contain heart rate information as well as noise and interference. The data processing module (3) will first pre-process these signals, including signal amplification, filtering and analog-to-digital conversion. The pre-processed heart rate data will be sent to the core processing unit of the data processing module (3) for further analysis. The module will compare and analyze according to the preset normal range of heart rate to determine whether the driver's heart rate is within a safe range. If the heart rate is within the normal range, the system will not take any action immediately, but will continue to monitor and update the heart rate data. If the heart rate exceeds the normal range, the system will issue a warning to the driver through sound, light signal or display screen, reminding him to pay attention to his physical condition and recommending taking rest or other safety measures. In extreme cases, such as severe abnormal heart rate and continued unabated, the system will automatically trigger an emergency rescue process, contact the emergency center or send an alarm to the emergency contact.

4. The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display and communication module (4) includes one or more small display screens for directly displaying vehicle information, navigation instructions, telephone communication status, and driving assistance information on the steering wheel, so that the driver can quickly obtain the required information while keeping his eyes on the road ahead. The module integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless communication technologies, allowing the driver to quickly connect to a mobile phone, smart watch, or smart device to realize phone call making / answering, music playing, and voice assistant control functions. The display and communication module communicates and interacts with other parts of the smart cockpit system through software interfaces. These interfaces are based on standard communication protocols or dedicated communication protocols. The driver can access and control the various functions of the display and communication module through the user interface of the smart cockpit system. The display screen supports touch operation, allowing the driver to execute specific commands or adjust settings by lightly touching or sliding the screen.

5. The steering wheel with a heart rate monitoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the emergency notification module (5), the emergency notification module (5) relies on the heart rate data provided by the data processing module. When an abnormal heart rate or other emergency health condition of the driver is detected, the module will immediately trigger an emergency response process. Once it is confirmed that an emergency notification needs to be sent, the emergency notification module (5) will independently decide whether to send the emergency notification according to preset rules and conditions, and determine the content and priority of the notification. The emergency notification module (5) is connected to the vehicle communication module through a dedicated data line or bus interface. When the emergency notification module (5) decides to send an emergency notification, it will send the notification content to a designated recipient through the vehicle communication module, including an emergency center, an emergency contact or a remote service center of the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle communication module is located in a communication control unit in the vehicle's central control area or the trunk. The control unit integrates a variety of communication technologies to ensure that the vehicle can maintain communication with the outside world in various environments. The emergency notification module (5) interacts with these control units through the vehicle communication module.