Method and device for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle

Abstract

Method for adapting a driving strategy (5) of an at least partially automated vehicle (50), wherein the adaptation is carried out on the basis of at least one occupant state of an occupant detected by means of at least one sensor system (2), wherein a sleep phase (4, 4-x) is determined by means of the at least one sensor system (2) during a sleep state of the occupant, wherein the driving strategy (5) is adapted as a function of the determined sleep phase (4, 4-x) by means of a control device (3), characterized in that, on the basis of the determined sleep phase (4, 4-x), a sensitivity value (8) of the sleeping occupant with respect to external environmental influences is estimated or determined by means of the control device (3), wherein the adaptation of the driving strategy (5) is carried out as a function of the estimated or determined sensitivity value (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle.

[0002] In future automated and semi-automated vehicles, deployment scenarios will be possible in which vehicle occupants can relax as they wish or even fall asleep. Of particular interest here are deployment scenarios in which people are transported overnight from a starting point (e.g., front door) to a destination in an automated vehicle, allowing the person to sleep during the journey.

[0003] From DE 10 2016 221 236 A1 a method for adapting the driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle is known, wherein the adaptation is based on an occupant state and / or a state of the current route or the route to be traveled and / or a predetermined arrival time at a destination or a combination thereof.

[0004] From DE 10 2015 122 245 A1 a method for operating a motor vehicle is known, in which a degree of fatigue of a driver of the motor vehicle is determined by means of a condition monitoring device, wherein a motor vehicle component of the motor vehicle can be operated in a normal mode and in a different rest mode depending on the degree of fatigue, and in the rest mode a parameter characterizing the function of the motor vehicle component is changed with regard to the functional perception felt by the driver.

[0005] From DE 10 2013 012 750 A1, a method is known for operating a driver assistance system which is designed for automatic driving by intervening in the engine control, in a transmission and in a braking system of a motor vehicle, wherein a sleep mode is activated by a driver in which at least one vehicle component is controlled in such a way that it enables the driver to take a comfortable rest or sleep break.

[0006] DE 10 2014 222 355 A1 discloses smart glasses comprising a display and a sensor for measuring a property of the body of the wearer of the smart glasses. At least part of the sensor is configured to be in contact with the body of the wearer when the smart glasses are worn as intended. The sensor can be used to determine, for example, a pulse, skin conductance, respiratory rate, breathing depth, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, eyelid closure, pupil size, voltage fluctuations on the head surface, and / or muscle contraction.

[0007] DE 10 2017 212 111 A1 discloses a method for operating a means of transport based on a specific sleep phase. The method comprises the steps of sensor-based determination of a sleep phase of a first occupant of the means of transport and adjusting the guidance of the means of transport depending on the sleep phase.

[0008] DE 10 2016 224 205 A1 discloses a method for influencing the falling asleep or sleeping phase of passengers in a fully autonomously operated motor vehicle. The method detects a falling asleep or sleeping phase of the passengers in the fully autonomously operated motor vehicle. To influence the falling asleep or sleeping phase, the method involves generating a rocking motion for the passengers. Such cyclical movements of the passengers' bodies have a calming effect and can thus influence the falling asleep or sleeping phase. In contrast, strong rocking motions can influence the falling asleep or sleeping phase by causing the passengers to wake up.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved method and an improved device for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle, in which, in particular, a restful sleep of an occupant is promoted in an improved manner.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a device having the features of patent claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0011] In particular, a method is provided for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle, wherein the adaptation is carried out on the basis of at least one occupant state of an occupant detected by means of at least one sensor system, wherein during a sleep state of the occupant a sleep phase is determined by means of the at least one sensor system, and wherein the driving strategy is adapted by means of a control device as a function of the determined sleep phase.

[0012] Furthermore, a device for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle is provided, comprising at least one sensor system for detecting an occupant state of an occupant, and a control device for adapting the driving strategy, wherein the at least one sensor system is designed to determine a sleep phase during a sleep state of the occupant, and wherein the control device is designed to adapt a driving strategy depending on the determined sleep phase.

[0013] The invention has the advantage that the sleep of the occupant can be supported depending on the sleep phase in which the occupant is currently located, thereby increasing the comfort, fitness, health and well-being of the occupant.

[0014] According to the invention, a sensitivity value of the sleeping occupant to external environmental influences is estimated or determined by the control device based on the determined sleep phase, with the driving strategy being adapted depending on the estimated or determined sensitivity value. A possible driving strategy, and in particular a possible route or a possible driving style, can then be assigned an influence value, or such an influence value can be estimated for the respective route. All characteristics of the route can be taken into account, for example, the route (curved sections, straight sections, tunnels, city traffic, highways, country roads, etc.), necessary acceleration and deceleration, etc.The influence value of a route can then be compared with the estimated or specified sensitivity value, and a route can be selected or adjusted based on the comparison result. In the simplest case, the sensitivity value and the influence value have the same dimension, so they can be directly compared. The sensitivity value can then serve as a threshold, and if exceeded or not, this determines the selection or adjustment of the route. However, different dimensions can also be provided, so that a comparison, selection, and adjustment are carried out using appropriate conversions or calculations.

[0015] The described method assumes that the occupant in the automated vehicle is currently falling asleep, has already fallen asleep, or is waking up. This means, in particular, that the occupant is in one of several sleep phases.

[0016] Healthy sleep includes several sleep phases. Typically, four or five such sleep phases are distinguished (e.g., awake, REM, I, II, III, IV). The sleep phases (also called sleep stages) are best identified by brain activity, which can be determined, for example, using electroencephalography (EEG). From the time you fall asleep through to deep sleep, sleep remains essentially uniform. This changes suddenly with the onset of so-called REM sleep, or dream sleep. The REM phase owes its name to the rapid eye movements that are characteristic of this phase of sleep. REM stands for "rapid eye movement." Brain activity accelerates considerably, and the EEG shows many small spikes—similar to when you fall asleep. People dream primarily during the REM phase of sleep.Sleep researchers assume that during the REM sleep phase, primarily emotional sensory impressions, but also information, are processed.

[0017] The falling asleep phase is also known as sleep phase 1. As the name suggests, this comprises the first few minutes of falling asleep and afterward. The falling asleep phase is primarily characterized by the organism's progressively lowering state of calm and relaxation. The heart rate slows, breathing becomes deeper, and the number of breaths decreases. Many people experience the falling asleep phase as a time of heaviness or falling, perceived as dream-like. During the falling asleep phase, sleep is still very superficial. Even minor disturbances can awaken the sleeper, who is immediately wide awake again upon awakening.

[0018] The light sleep phase accounts for about half of sleep. It is also referred to as sleep phase 2. Sometimes, phases 1 and 2 are combined into the light sleep phase: During this phase, brain activity is primarily limited to low frequencies. Consciousness is switched off, and the person sleeps with relaxed muscles and virtually no eye movement.

[0019] People recover particularly well during the deep sleep phase. As the name suggests, people sleep deeply and soundly during this phase. Many people are very difficult to awaken during the deep sleep phase. If this happens, they only slowly return to consciousness. The deep sleep phase is also the phase of deepest physical relaxation. Many studies show that the deep sleep phase is the most valuable sleep phase for physical and mental recovery. Sleep researchers also divide the deep sleep phase into phases 3 and 4.

[0020] In healthy, well-sleep individuals, the sequence of sleep phases repeats itself several times per night. A complete cycle lasts approximately 90 minutes—give or take 10 minutes. Of this, approximately 50 minutes are spent in the falling asleep or light sleep phase. The deep sleep phase and the REM sleep phase account for approximately 40 minutes of this sleep cycle. Deep sleep predominates at the beginning of the night; towards the end of the sleep period, the body spends more time in the REM sleep phases, preparing for waking.

[0021] As already described, sleep phases can be determined primarily through brain activity. Depending on the frequency of brain waves recorded on a person's scalp using electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, a distinction is made between beta waves (12-30 Hz), alpha waves (8-12 Hz), theta waves (4-7 Hz), and delta waves (0-4 Hz). Alpha waves occur when the person is relaxed with their eyes closed. A transition from alpha waves to theta waves occurs in light sleep shortly after falling asleep (sleep stage I). Theta waves continue to occur in sleep stage II. In sleep stage III, which marks a transition to the deep sleep phase, delta waves occur more frequently. Sleep stage IV, in which the body is in deep sleep, essentially corresponds to a high proportion of delta waves. REM sleep is similar to sleep stage I, meaning theta waves predominate, along with the eye movements described above.

[0022] Sensors are used to determine the occupant's sleep phase during a sleep state. The sleep state here specifically refers to a state that is the opposite of a waking state, although the boundary between a waking state and a sleep state does not have to be clearly defined. The sensor technology can include various sensors, e.g. camera-based motion detection, sensors for recording brain wave activity, electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, motion sensors, for example in the form of a wristband, sensors for recording breathing rate, heart rate and / or body and / or skin temperature and / or other vital functions of the body. The vital functions recorded by the sensors can at least be used to estimate the current sleep phase. For example, movement patterns provide information about how deeply the body is sleeping.Body temperature and breathing rate also provide clues as to how deeply the body is sleeping. Furthermore, brain activity can also be determined, for example, through a state of arousal or tension in the neck muscles, as these correlate with brain activity. When using virtual or augmented reality glasses, for example, it can be designed to record brain activity via skin contact sensors arranged on the glasses and thus determine a sleep phase.

[0023] Once the sleep phase has been determined, the driving strategy is adjusted by the control unit depending on the specific sleep phase. To this end, the control unit can communicate with a vehicle control system, for example, via a vehicle bus system, and transmit appropriate instructions to the vehicle control system for adjusting the driving strategy. The driving strategy encompasses both a driving route, meaning, in particular, a set of driving maneuvers, and a driving style, meaning the manner in which the vehicle executes a route or individual driving maneuvers, or how (dynamically) the vehicle is controlled automatically.

[0024] The control device and the sensor system can each be designed as a combination of hardware and software, for example as program code that is executed on a microcontroller or microprocessor.

[0025] In particular, it can be provided that, in order to adapt the driving strategy, at least one driving route and / or a driving style are adapted and / or selected depending on the specific sleep phase. A driving route should, in particular, refer to a trajectory of the vehicle, i.e., a set of interconnected positions in a coordinate system, for example, based on positions on roads in a road map. A driving style should, in particular, refer to the manner in which such a trajectory, i.e., the individual interconnected positions, are traveled. The driving style includes, in particular, limit values ​​for longitudinal and lateral acceleration as well as for speeds.

[0026] In one embodiment, in particular, it can be provided that the route is selected or adjusted in such a way that the occupant's sleep is supported depending on the specific sleep phase or is adjusted to this. Depending on the current sleep phase in which the occupant is, they are more or less sensitive to external environmental influences. This can be taken into account when adapting the driving strategy, in particular when selecting or adjusting the route and / or driving style.

[0027] For example, it may be intended that the vehicle is moved exclusively during a deep sleep phase, since the human body is largely insensitive to external environmental influences during this phase. In contrast, it may be intended that the vehicle is moved as little as possible or not at all during falling asleep and during the light sleep phase.

[0028] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the driving strategy is adapted depending on an estimated or expected volume on a route implemented as part of the driving strategy. For this purpose, for example, an average volume value or noise exposure can be determined and / or estimated and, based on the estimated or specified sensitivity value, used to select a route depending on the specific sleep phase. For example, in the lighter sleep phases, routes can be selected for which a lower average volume value was estimated. In a deep sleep phase, however, routes can be selected regardless of an average volume. Alternatively or additionally, a maximum volume value can also be estimated and used to select or adapt the route.Noise levels can be estimated using simulations or based on empirical measurements. For example, a road map can show how loud certain sections of the road are or how high the respective noise levels are, based on the type of road (secondary road, main road, federal highway, motorway, etc.). Based on these noise level estimates or noise exposure estimates stored in the road map and a planned route, the total noise exposure for sleeping passengers can be estimated. Alternatively or additionally, the noise level can also be estimated based on current traffic reports, for example, based on current traffic density. Weather information can also be taken into account, for example by adjusting the route to avoid noise exposure caused by rain and / or storms.

[0029] In one embodiment, to adapt the driving strategy, accelerations are reduced if a sleep phase with a low sleep depth has been determined, and accelerations are increased if a deep sleep phase has been determined. This has the advantage of minimizing mechanical environmental influences on the sleeping occupant during the light sleep phases, while transporting the occupant occurs unhindered during the deep sleep phase, which is less sensitive to environmental influences. Furthermore, this also allows for adjusting the volume or noise exposure.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the vehicle is brought to a standstill if a falling asleep phase has been determined as the sleep phase, wherein a suitable route is selected for this purpose or the route is adjusted accordingly. This has the advantage that the sleeping occupant is assisted in falling asleep, since the complete standstill of the vehicle leads to a minimization of environmental influences, in particular mechanical environmental influences such as accelerations. Noise is also generally minimized by the complete standstill of the vehicle. In particular, it can be provided that the suitable route is selected such that a quiet location can be reached for a stop as quickly as possible after the occupant has fallen asleep. Furthermore, it can be provided that safety criteria (protection against robberies, etc.) are also taken into account when selecting the location for the stop.

[0031] In one embodiment, it is provided that a future sleep phase and / or a waking-up time or a waking-up time window of the sleeping occupant is estimated on the basis of a specific sleep phase and / or a determined temporal progression of specific sleep phases. This can be done in particular on the basis of a sleep cycle. On the basis of the determined current sleep phase and / or the determined temporal progression of the specific sleep phases, a time or a time window for the sleeping occupant to enter a different sleep phase can then be estimated on the basis of the sleep cycle. This can be used to proactively select or adapt a travel route. If the vehicle is stationary, for example, because the occupant is currently in a lighter sleep phase, a time or a time window for the sleeping occupant to enter a different sleep phase can be estimated.a time window for a transition into a deep sleep phase can be estimated and a route can be selected or adjusted in advance, which already slowly steers the vehicle from a parking lot onto a country road.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least one infrastructure feature is selected depending on the determined sleep phase and / or an estimated future sleep phase, with a travel route additionally being selected or adapted based on the at least one infrastructure feature of the travel route. An infrastructure feature can be, for example, a rest area with a public restroom on a highway or a country road. A service station, for example, with a restaurant or café, can also be such an infrastructure feature. Furthermore, a conventional or electric charging station can also be such an infrastructure feature.For example, based on an expected light sleep phase and the subsequent awakening of the sleeping occupant, a rest stop with a toilet can be approached to allow the occupant to use the toilet and perform personal hygiene, as well as access to food and drinks for refreshment. If the vehicle is stationary, to enable the occupant to sleep restfully during lighter sleep phases, a charging station at an electric vehicle charging station can be approached so that an electric vehicle can be charged during the standstill. In particular, a predictive selection or predictive adjustment of the route can be made based on the determined current sleep phase and, in particular, based on an estimated future sleep phase, taking into account the desired infrastructure properties.

[0033] In a further embodiment, it is provided that a sleeping occupant is awakened depending on the estimated awakening time or awakening time window. By waking up at the estimated awakening time or within an estimated awakening window, the sleeping occupant perceives waking up as particularly pleasant.

[0034] In one embodiment, it is provided that at least one sleep profile of an occupant is stored or can be stored in the control device, wherein the driving strategy is adapted on the basis of the stored sleep profile of the occupant. For this purpose, the control device comprises, for example, a memory device in which the at least one sleep profile is stored. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the occupant stores the sleep profile in the control device or the memory device when getting into the vehicle. The sleep profile includes, in particular, preferences regarding the behavior of the vehicle for the occupant's individual sleep phases. For example, an occupant who is generally less sensitive can also determine that the vehicle may drive any route or routes with certain characteristics during lighter sleep phases.In contrast, an occupant with sensitive sleep patterns can specify via the sleep profile that the vehicle be brought to a standstill during lighter sleep phases and only be driven during deep sleep phases. Furthermore, the sleep profile can also specify limits for maximum accelerations that may occur during a journey. Furthermore, the sleep profile can also store the occupant's usual sleep-fall times, which enables proactive route planning. This allows for individual occupant comfort and relaxation to be determined and enhanced.

[0035] If there are multiple occupants in the vehicle, a corresponding set of rules can be used, for example, to specify which of the occupants is given priority. For example, it can be specified that the route is only adjusted if all occupants are asleep. Alternatively, it can be specified that a compromise is found between sleeping and awake occupants regarding a route and / or driving style. For example, a driving style can be adjusted if at least one of several occupants is asleep, but the vehicle is not brought to a standstill so as not to delay the onward travel of the non-sleeping occupants.

[0036] In order to assist the sleep of the occupant(s), it may be provided to darken the interior of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a sleeping state, i.e. largely independently of the specific sleep phase.

[0037] It may also be possible to use machine learning methods to determine for a passenger which driving strategy promotes restful sleep and which strategies hinder it. Characteristics of the driving strategies for restful sleep can then be stored, for example, in a sleep profile in the control unit.

[0038] Features of the device design are evident from the description of the method designs. The advantages of the individual device designs are the same as those of the method designs.

[0039] The invention will be explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of individual sleep phases of a typical night's sleep of a person to illustrate the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of the method for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device 1 for adapting a driving strategy 5 of an at least partially automated vehicle 50. The vehicle 50 can be driven automatically, so that an occupant of the vehicle 50 does not have to manually control the vehicle 50 while driving and can sleep. The device 1 comprises a sensor system 2 for detecting a sleep state of a passenger of the vehicle 50 and a control device 3. The sensor system 2 and control device 3 can be embodied as a combination of hardware and software, for example, as program code executed on a microcontroller or microprocessor.

[0041] The sensor system 2 can comprise various sensors, e.g. camera-based motion detection, sensors for recording brain wave activity, electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, motion sensors, for example in the form of a wristband, sensors for recording a breathing rate, a heart rate and / or body temperature and / or other vital functions. When using virtual or augmented reality glasses, it can be provided, for example, to record brain activity via skin contact sensors arranged on the glasses and to use this to determine a sleep phase. The vital functions recorded by the sensors can at least be used to estimate a current sleep phase. For example, movement patterns provide information about how deeply the body is sleeping. Body temperature and breathing rate also provide information about how deeply the body is sleeping. Furthermore, brain activity can, for example, also provide information about a state of arousal orTension in the neck muscles can be determined, as this correlates with brain activity. A sensor for detecting a state of excitation or tension in the neck muscles can be arranged, for example, in a neck support of a seat of the vehicle 50.

[0042] The sensor system 2 determines a sleep phase 4 during a sleep state of an occupant of the vehicle 50. This is done, for example, by the sensor system 2 detecting the occupant's brain waves and classifying the brain waves, in particular according to frequency (e.g., into alpha, beta, theta, delta waves). The occupant's current sleep state 4 is determined from the assigned class and transferred to the control device 3. For example, the sleep phase 4 can be one of the following: falling asleep phase, light sleep phase, deep sleep phase, or REM sleep phase.

[0043] Depending on the determined sleep phase 4, the control device 3 adapts a driving strategy 5. The driving strategy 5 can include both a driving route 6 and a driving style 7. In particular, the driving strategy 5 is adapted by the control device 3 in such a way that sleep and recovery of the sleeping occupant are promoted. The driving strategy 5 or a driving route 6 and / or a driving style 7 are fed by the control device 3 to a vehicle controller 51, which implements the driving strategy 5 accordingly.

[0044] It is provided that, based on the determined sleep phase 4, a sensitivity value 8 of the sleeping occupant to external environmental influences is estimated or determined by means of the control device 3, wherein the adaptation of the driving strategy 5 occurs depending on the estimated or determined sensitivity value 8. A possible driving strategy 5 and in particular a possible driving route 6 or a possible driving style 7 can each be assigned an influence value, or such an influence value can be estimated for the respective driving strategy 5, etc. All characteristics of the driving route 6 can be taken into account, for example, the route (curved sections, straight sections, tunnels, city traffic, highways, country roads, etc.), necessary acceleration and deceleration, etc.The influence value of a driving strategy 5 can then be compared with the estimated or defined sensitivity value 8 and, on the basis of a comparison result, a driving strategy 5 or a driving route 6 and / or a driving style 7 can be selected or adapted.

[0045] It can be provided that the adaptation of the driving strategy 5 takes place depending on an estimated or expected noise level on a route 6 implemented within the framework of the driving strategy 5.

[0046] It can further be provided that, in order to adapt the driving strategy 5, accelerations are reduced if a sleep phase 4 with a low depth of sleep (light sleep phase) has been determined and accelerations are increased if a deep sleep phase has been determined as sleep phase 4.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that the vehicle 50 is brought to a standstill if a falling asleep phase has been determined as the sleep phase 4, wherein a suitable route 6 is selected for this purpose or the route 6 is adapted accordingly.

[0048] It can be provided that a future sleep phase 9 and / or a waking time 10 of the sleeping occupant is estimated on the basis of a specific sleep phase 4 and / or a determined temporal course of specific sleep phases 4.

[0049] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one infrastructure property is selected depending on the determined sleep phase 4 and / or an estimated future sleep phase 9, wherein a travel route 6 is additionally selected or adapted on the basis of the at least one infrastructure property of the travel route 6.

[0050] In a further development, it can be provided that a sleeping occupant is woken up depending on the estimated waking time 10.

[0051] It can be provided that at least one sleep profile 11 of an occupant is stored in the control device 3 or can be stored there, wherein the driving strategy 5 is adapted on the basis of the stored sleep profile 11 of the occupant.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of individual sleep phases 4-x of a typical human night's sleep as a function of a period of time 12 after falling asleep to illustrate the invention. After falling asleep, the body needs approximately 1 hour to progress from a waking state 13 through sleep phases 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 to a sleep phase 4-4 of deep sleep. After approximately another 90 minutes, the body is back in sleep phase 4-1, i.e., a light sleep phase, with REM sleep 4-5 occurring in this sleep phase 4-1. Subsequently, sleep becomes deeper again, and another sleep phase 4-4 of deep sleep follows. After about half of the night, i.e. after about 4 hours, deep sleep no longer occurs and the body remains in the lighter sleep phases 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, whereby the sleep becomes increasingly lighter and in the last hours of the night only the sleep phases 4-1, 4-2 remain.

[0053] Depending on sleep phase 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, and 4-5, the body is more sensitive to external environmental influences, such as mechanical impacts in the form of shocks and / or acceleration, light, and / or noise. This is taken into account when adapting the driving strategy. For example, during the lighter sleep phases 4-1 and 4-2, when the body is more sensitive, the vehicle is moved less vigorously or not at all (stationary). In the deeper sleep phases 4-3 and 4-4, particularly during deep sleep in sleep phase 4-4, the vehicle can be moved without restriction, meaning that no or only minimal restrictions are necessary when selecting a route or driving style.

[0054] It may further be provided to adapt the driving strategy, in particular a driving route, in such a way that an infrastructure can be provided during the lighter sleep phases 4-1, 4-2 or in anticipation of the lighter sleep phases 4-1, 4-2, such as a toilet and / or a rest area, etc. For this purpose, a rest area is approached, for example, during these sleep phases 4-1, 4-2.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of the method for adapting a driving strategy of an at least partially automated vehicle.

[0056] The method is initiated when a vehicle occupant's sleep state is detected and determined. To this end, a method step 100 checks whether the occupant is asleep or not. This is done using sensors. If the occupant is asleep, the method is initiated with method step 101.

[0057] In method step 101, a sleep phase is determined during the occupant's sleep state using at least one sensor. This is done, for example, based on brain wave analyses and / or an evaluation of the excitation state of the occupant's neck muscles. The occupant's movement patterns can also be recorded and evaluated, as can a heartbeat, respiratory rate, eye movements, and / or other vital functions.

[0058] In method step 102, the driving strategy is adapted by a control device depending on the determined sleep phase. "Adapting" also means that a driving strategy can be maintained if it is appropriate or if a sleep phase does not change. For this purpose, method step 102 comprises method steps 103-105.

[0059] For the sake of simplicity, the following assumes two possible scenarios during the sleep of a vehicle occupant. A distinction is made between a light sleep phase and a deep sleep phase.

[0060] In method step 103, a check is made to determine whether the current sleep phase determined in method step 101 is a light sleep phase. If so, a driving strategy of the automated vehicle is adapted or set in method step 104. The driving strategy includes both a route and a driving style. For example, it may be provided that the vehicle is driven to the nearest parking space so that the occupant's light sleep phase is not disturbed or sleep is supported. The adapted driving strategy is transferred from the control device for implementation, for example, to a vehicle control system.

[0061] If, however, the result of the check in method step 103 is that the vehicle is not in a light sleep phase, but in a deep sleep phase, the driving strategy is adjusted in method step 105 so that transport to a destination is carried out as quickly as possible. For this purpose, a route and driving style are adjusted; in particular, expressways can be prioritized and stronger accelerations can be used. The adjusted driving strategy is transferred from the control device, for example, to a vehicle control system for implementation.

[0062] The process is then repeated by returning to process step 100 or process step 101.

[0063] In method steps 104 and 105, it is provided that, on the basis of the determined sleep phase, a sensitivity value of the sleeping occupant to external environmental influences is estimated or determined by means of the control device, wherein the adaptation of the driving strategy takes place depending on the estimated or determined sensitivity value.

[0064] Furthermore, it can be provided in a further development that the adaptation of the driving strategy takes place depending on an estimated or expected noise level on a route implemented within the framework of the driving strategy. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 Sensor technology 3 Control device 4 sleep phases 4-x sleep phase 4-5 REM sleep phase 5 Driving strategy 6 Route 7 Driving style 8 Sensitivity value 9 future sleep phase 10 Wake-up time 11 Sleep profile 12 Duration 13 waking state 20 Duration 50 vehicles 51 Vehicle control 100-105 procedural steps

Claims

[1] Method for adapting a driving strategy (5) of an at least partially automated vehicle (50), wherein the adaptation is carried out on the basis of at least one occupant state of an occupant detected by means of at least one sensor system (2), wherein during a sleep state of the occupant, a sleep phase (4, 4-x) is determined by means of the at least one sensor system (2), wherein the driving strategy (5) is adapted as a function of the determined sleep phase (4, 4-x) by means of a control device (3), characterized by that on the basis of the determined sleep phase (4,4-x) a sensitivity value (8) of the sleeping occupant with respect to external environmental influences is estimated or determined by means of the control device (3), wherein the adaptation of the driving strategy (5) takes place as a function of the estimated or determined sensitivity value (8). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the adaptation of the driving strategy (5) takes place depending on an estimated or expected volume on a route (6) implemented within the framework of the driving strategy (5). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in order to adapt the driving strategy (5), accelerations are reduced if a sleep phase (4,4-x) with a low sleep depth has been determined and accelerations are increased if a deep sleep phase has been determined as the sleep phase (4,4-x). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vehicle (50) is brought to a standstill if a sleep phase has been determined as the sleep phase (4,4-x), wherein for this purpose a suitable route (6) is selected or the route (6) is adapted accordingly. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat on the basis of a specific sleep phase (4,4-x) and / or a determined temporal course of specific sleep phases (4,4-x), a future sleep phase (4-x) and / or a waking time (10) or waking time window of the sleeping occupant is estimated. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one infrastructure property is selected depending on the determined sleep phase (4,4-x) and / or an estimated future sleep phase (9), wherein a travel route (6) is additionally selected or adapted on the basis of the at least one infrastructure property of the travel route (6). [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that waking up a sleeping occupant occurs depending on the estimated waking time (10) or waking time window. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one sleep profile (11) of an occupant is stored or can be stored in the control device (3), wherein an adaptation of the driving strategy (5) takes place on the basis of the stored sleep profile (11) of the occupant. [9] Device (1) for adapting a driving strategy (5) of an at least partially automated vehicle (50), comprising: at least one sensor (2) for detecting an occupant state of an occupant, and a control device (3) for adapting the driving strategy (5), wherein the at least one sensor system (2) is designed to determine a sleep phase (4, 4-x) during a sleep state of the occupant, wherein the control device (3) is designed to adapt a driving strategy (5) depending on the determined sleep phase (4,4-x), characterized by , that the control device (3) is further designed to estimate or determine a sensitivity value (8) of the sleeping occupant to external environmental influences on the basis of the determined sleep phase (4,4-x), and to adapt the driving strategy (5) as a function of the estimated or determined sensitivity value (8).

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