Method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle and driver assistance system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a driver assistance system (5) of a motor vehicle, in which specific parameters of a vehicle occupant are recorded by means of a detection device (3) and an action of the driver assistance system (5) is initiated depending on the recorded parameters, wherein by means of the detection device (3) the occurrence of motion sickness of the vehicle occupant is monitored and, in the event of motion sickness being detected, the driving behavior of the motor vehicle is adjusted in autonomous mode as an action of the driver assistance system (5), characterized by the fact that The stomach activity of the vehicle occupant is recorded by means of the recording device (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to such a driver assistance system according to the preamble of claim 3.

[0002] It is already known that gastric activity can be measured using electrogastrography, an electrophysiological measurement method employing skin electrodes. For this measurement, electrodes are placed on the abdominal skin near the stomach to detect the movements of the stomach muscles. By recording the electrical activity of the stomach muscles, the muscle contractions can be interpreted.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further develop a method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle and a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above in such a way that it adapts the journey planning, particularly in autonomous driving, to the needs of the vehicle occupants.

[0004] The subsequently published DE 10 2017 206 435 A1 concerns a method for reducing motion sickness in an occupant of a means of transport, which includes the steps: automatically evaluating different routes leading to the same destination with regard to motion sickness risk and: selecting the route with the lowest motion sickness risk.

[0005] The subsequently published German patent application DE 10 2017 109 730 A1 discloses a system for managing vehicle operations based on temperature data. The system includes a temperature camera located in the vehicle to record temperature conditions inside the vehicle. The system also includes a hardware-based storage device containing a temperature data analysis module. When executed by a hardware-based processing unit, this module determines an activity or state of one or more vehicle occupants based on the temperature data within the vehicle. The storage device may also include: an action module that, when executed, determines an output action based on the activity or state; and an output interface module that, when executed, initiates the execution of the output action.The storage device may also, in various embodiments, include the hardware-based storage device which contains a database module which, when executed, obtains pre-stored inmate data corresponding to an inmate, and the determination of the output action is based on the pre-stored inmate data and the specific activity or state of the inmate.

[0006] The subsequently published German patent DE 10 2017 206 740 A1 relates to a method for creating or adapting a motion sickness profile of a vehicle occupant, comprising: 1. Receiving the following parameters by a receiver: a) motion sickness parameters representing the degree of motion sickness of a vehicle occupant; and b) vehicle parameters and / or environmental parameters. 2. Iteratively combining the parameters by a diagnostic unit to create or adapt a motion sickness profile of the vehicle occupant. 3. Making the motion sickness profile available to an end device by an output unit.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a driver assistance system with the features of claim 3. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle, in which a detection device records specific parameters of a vehicle occupant and, depending on the recorded parameters, initiates an action of the driver assistance system. The detection device can monitor the occurrence of motion sickness in a vehicle occupant and, upon detection of motion sickness, adjust the driving behavior of the motor vehicle in autonomous mode as an action of the driver assistance system.

[0009] This detection device can, for example, include sensors that measure the stomach muscle contractions of at least one vehicle occupant. For this purpose, the sensors must be attached to the skin surface of the abdomen near the stomach of the vehicle occupant. The data on the stomach muscle contractions of the vehicle occupant, recorded by the sensors, is transmitted to the driver assistance system. The driver assistance system records the data sent by the sensors and stores it, at least temporarily. Based on the data sent by the sensors to the driver assistance system, and in combination with data stored in the driver assistance system, the driver assistance system can determine whether one of the vehicle occupants is experiencing, or is likely to experience, motion sickness (also known as kinetosis) with a certain probability.

[0010] Alternatively, the detection device, in combination with the driver assistance system, can monitor the health status of at least one vehicle occupant with regard to motion sickness based on heart rate, perspiration on the forehead, facial color, movements, yawning, or a combination of these indicators. The detection device can monitor the heart rate of at least one vehicle occupant using electrocardiography. Skin conductance can be recorded to examine perspiration on the forehead of at least one vehicle occupant. Cameras can be installed in the vehicle to monitor facial color, movements, or yawning of at least one vehicle occupant.

[0011] If motion sickness is detected in a vehicle occupant, adjusting the driving behavior can prevent further deterioration of that occupant's health or even improve it. This can be achieved, for example, by modifying steering or adjusting braking and acceleration behavior. The short-term planning of driving behavior, which includes braking and acceleration, by the autonomous driving mode is called trajectory planning. By modifying the trajectory plan, fewer braking and acceleration maneuvers are performed, and excessive occupant movement caused by driving very fast through tight curves is avoided.This results in a smaller discrepancy between visual and vestibular stimuli, which can lead to motion sickness when, for example, the driver is looking at a display or has a restricted view to the outside.

[0012] In summary, it is evident that the invention can reduce motion sickness by providing real-time monitoring of the passenger's condition. By measuring the condition of at least one vehicle occupant, it is possible to assess their condition with regard to the onset of motion sickness symptoms and to make a very early assessment of their condition in relation to motion sickness.

[0013] In an advantageous configuration, the driver assistance system's action upon detecting motion sickness in a vehicle occupant consists of modifying the route planning. This includes the driver assistance system deciding whether to travel various sections of the route on the highway, expressway, or rural road. In the autonomous driving mode of the driver assistance system, detected motion sickness can also influence the initiation of an overtaking maneuver. For example, if motion sickness is detected in a vehicle occupant, the driver assistance system can decide not to initiate an overtaking maneuver that would normally be carried out. This is intended to prevent the health of the vehicle occupant experiencing motion sickness from deteriorating further.

[0014] Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0015] The second aspect of the invention relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle, comprising a detection device by which specific parameters of a vehicle occupant can be recorded. To optimally detect the gastric activity of the vehicle occupants, the detection devices, which may include sensors, are to be attached to the skin surface of the respective vehicle occupant near the stomach area. Based on the values ​​recorded by the sensors and transmitted to the driver assistance system, the system can monitor the vehicle occupant's condition with regard to motion sickness. If motion sickness is detected, the driver assistance system can adapt the driving behavior to the occupant's health condition by modifying the so-called trajectory planning. This trajectory planning encompasses route planning, as well as steering behavior and braking and acceleration behavior.By adjusting the trajectory planning in the autonomous mode of the driver assistance system, a further deterioration in the health of one of the vehicle occupants can be avoided.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device is a sensor that can be integrated into at least one of the vehicle's seat belts. Due to the mandatory seat belt law in Germany, all vehicle occupants are required to wear their seat belts for the entire duration of the journey. If this seat belt is positioned so that the integrated detection device is located on the skin surface near the stomach area of ​​the respective vehicle occupants, the driver assistance system can monitor the occupants' motion sickness throughout the entire journey.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises sensors that can be integrated into at least one accessory or article of clothing worn on the body and connectable to the motor vehicle. This could, for example, be a waist or kidney belt that connects to the driver assistance system after the occupant enters the vehicle. The connection between the detection device and the vehicle can be established via radio, Bluetooth, WLAN, a cable connection, or other means. The accessory or article of clothing worn on the body can, in particular, be a so-called "smart" garment.

[0018] The driver assistance system's assessment of the vehicle occupants' health status regarding motion sickness, based on sensors integrated into the seatbelt, enables the use of situational adjustments to prevent motion sickness. Unlike permanently applied adjustments, such as window position and size, these situational adjustments have additional effects on the passenger. This means that modifying the trajectory planning to reduce acceleration rates also minimizes the vehicle's speed, thus increasing travel time to the destination.

[0019] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the single figure alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings.

[0021] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with the accompanying drawing. The single figure shows a schematic and partial representation of the driver's compartment in a motor vehicle.

[0022] The single figure shows a schematic and partial view of the vehicle interior in the driver's area 1 of a vehicle. Both the cockpit and the driver's seat are shown. A seat belt 2 of the driver's seat includes a sensor 3 in the area that, when the seat belt 2 is fastened, serves as a so-called lap belt or abdominal belt and comes into contact with the stomach area of ​​the respective vehicle occupant. This sensor 3 comprises several individual sensors 4 which, when placed on the skin surface near the stomach area of ​​one of the vehicle occupants, can detect stomach activity. The data measured by this sensor 3 can be transmitted to a driver assistance system 5 of the vehicle. The driver assistance system 5 is only schematically indicated in the figure. The transmission of the data from the individual sensors 4 to the driver assistance system 5 can occur in various ways.The data can be sent via radio, Bluetooth, WLAN or other transmission methods, for example.

[0023] Another way to record the stomach activity of vehicle occupants would be to integrate the recording device or sensor 3 into an accessory or article of clothing worn on the body. For example, a waist or kidney belt would be conceivable. The data could be transmitted from the recording device to the vehicle via a transmitter and a receiver 6 (shown schematically). From this receiver 6, the data can be transmitted within the vehicle to the driver assistance system 5.

[0024] The data collected by the driver assistance system can be used to monitor the health of the vehicle occupants. If the health of the vehicle occupants deteriorates, the driver assistance system can detect this in the event of motion sickness via the data collected by the sensors and transmitted to the driver assistance system. This detection can be made either by comparison with stored data or with data collected during the journey.

[0025] If motion sickness is detected in one of the vehicle's occupants, particularly the driver, by the driver assistance system, the system can adjust the driving behavior, especially in autonomous mode. This can result in changes to braking and acceleration behavior. Steering behavior can also be influenced. Furthermore, depending on the health status of the vehicle occupants, the driver assistance system can decide whether initiating an overtaking maneuver could further exacerbate detected motion sickness. The health status of the vehicle occupants can also be considered by the driver assistance system when planning routes. The driver assistance system can utilize different route types for route planning. For example, it can plan the route through a town, along a country road, on a highway, or on a motorway.

[0026] If a vehicle occupant experiences motion sickness, the driver assistance system may choose to take a detour, for example via a highway or expressway, if this prevents the affected occupant from suffering from worsening motion sickness due to numerous braking and acceleration maneuvers, or acceleration through curves on rural roads or in urban areas. The driver assistance system can also use several of these control mechanisms to influence the driving behavior in such a way as to prevent the condition of the occupant suffering from motion sickness from deteriorating further. In summary, braking and acceleration behavior, route planning, steering behavior, and overtaking maneuver planning can be described as trajectory planning.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a driver assistance system (5) of a motor vehicle, in which specific parameters of a vehicle occupant are recorded by means of a detection device (3) and an action of the driver assistance system (5) is initiated depending on the recorded parameters, wherein by means of the detection device (3) the occurrence of motion sickness of the vehicle occupant is monitored and, in the event of motion sickness being detected, the driving behavior of the motor vehicle is adjusted in autonomous mode as an action of the driver assistance system (5), characterized by , that The stomach activity of the vehicle occupant is recorded by means of the recording device (3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that if motion sickness of the driver is detected, the action of the driver assistance system (5) consists of a change in route planning. [3] Driver assistance system (5) of a motor vehicle, comprising a detection device (3) by means of which specific parameters of a vehicle occupant can be detected, and an action of the driver assistance system (5) can be initiated depending on the detected parameters, wherein the occurrence of motion sickness of the vehicle occupant can be monitored by means of the detection device (3) and, in the event of detected motion sickness, the driving behavior of the motor vehicle in autonomous mode can be adapted as an action of the driver assistance system (5), characterized by , that the detection device (3) is designed to detect stomach activity of the vehicle occupant. [4] Driver assistance system (5) of a motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized by , that the detection device (3) comprises sensor technology (3,4) that can be integrated into at least one belly belt (2) of the motor vehicle. [5] Driver assistance system (5) of a motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized by, that the detection device (3) comprises sensor technology that can be integrated into at least one accessory or article of clothing to be worn on the body which can be connected to the motor vehicle.

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