Compressed air driver wake-up system for delivering at least one air blast as a fatigue warning to a driver of a vehicle, vehicle with such a compressed air driver wake-up system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compressed air driver wake-up system (2) for emitting at least one blast of air as a fatigue warning to a driver (3) of a vehicle (1), a vehicle with such a compressed air driver wake-up system and a method.The compressed air driver wake-up system is designed to be installed in a vehicle (1) in such a way that the at least one blast of air can be emitted in the direction of the driver (3) of the vehicle (1), wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) is designed to be coupled to a fatigue detection device (11) for detecting a fatigue state of the driver (3) and / or to an external fatigue detection device (11) of the vehicle for detecting a fatigue state of the driver (3), wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) has a compressed air device (4) for emitting at least one blast of air in the direction of the driver (3) when a fatigue state of the driver (3) has been detected by the fatigue detection device (11).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a compressed air driver wake-up system for emitting at least one blast of air as a fatigue warning to a driver of a vehicle, as well as to a vehicle with such a compressed air driver wake-up system and to a method for emitting at least one blast of air as a fatigue warning to a driver of such a vehicle. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] US Pat. No. 9,129,508 B2 discloses a method for preventing traffic accidents by waking drivers who have fallen asleep or are otherwise completely inactive at the steering wheel. This involves a haptic alarm in the steering wheel that is capable of safely waking a sleeping driver whose hands are still resting on the steering wheel.

[0003] Furthermore, US 6 236 968 B1 discloses an automatic dialogue system that is capable of keeping a driver awake during a long journey or a journey that extends into the late evening. The system conducts a conversation with the driver on various topics using a natural dialogue system. The system comprises an automatic speech recognition module, a speech generation module that includes speech synthesis or pre-recorded speech and possibly a dynamic combination of speech synthesizer and pre-recorded speech, and a natural language processing module. The natural dialogue system analyses the driver’s response and the content of the response, along with their speech patterns, to determine whether they are paying attention while driving. The system warns the driver or changes the subject of conversation if the system detects that the driver is in danger of falling asleep.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2020 111 427 A1 discloses a method and a correspondingly designed device for issuing a drowsiness warning to the driver of a motor vehicle. The output of the determined personalized drowsiness warning when a drowsiness situation is detected can be in acoustic form via an output unit integrated in the vehicle, e.g. loudspeaker, or a mobile output unit located in the vehicle, e.g. mobile phone. The personalized drowsiness warning can, for example, be a defined (voice) output or one individually specified by the driver. The personalized drowsiness warning can be issued in a natural voice. The personalized drowsiness warning can (also) include a name of the driver or a passenger.

[0005] From DE 10 2017 002 582 A1 a driver assistance system for determining the fatigue of a driver during driving is known, whereby vital data of the driver and / or passenger are recorded and, based on the vital data, the time for triggering a warning message is determined. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved system for preventing microsleep in a driver of a vehicle.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a compressed air driver wake-up system having the features of patent claim 1, by a vehicle having the features of patent claim 7 and by a method having the features according to patent claim 11.

[0008] According to the invention, a compressed air driver wake-up system is provided for emitting at least one or a plurality of air blasts as a fatigue warning to a driver of a vehicle, wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system is designed to be installable in a vehicle such that the at least one or the plurality of air blasts can be emitted in the direction of the driver of the vehicle, wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system is designed to be coupled to a fatigue detection device for detecting a fatigue state of the driver and / or to an external fatigue detection device of the vehicle for detecting a fatigue state of the driver, and wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system has a compressed air device for emitting at least one or a plurality of air blasts in the direction of the driver when a fatigue state of the driver has been detected by the fatigue detection device.

[0009] According to the compressed air driver awakening system according to the invention, a driver who is in a state of fatigue can be awakened very effectively by applying a respective blast of air to the driver.

[0010] Furthermore, a vehicle, in particular a car, truck, van or bus, is provided, the vehicle being equipped with the aforementioned compressed air driver wake-up system, the vehicle and / or the compressed air driver wake-up system having a fatigue detection device for detecting a state of fatigue of the driver, the fatigue detection device of the vehicle being coupled to the compressed air driver wake-up system, the compressed air driver wake-up system being installed in the vehicle in such a way that at least one or a plurality of air blasts can be emitted in the direction of the driver of the vehicle by the compressed air driver wake-up system, and the compressed air driver wake-up system emits at least one or a plurality of air blasts in the direction of the driver depending on a state of fatigue of the driver detected by the fatigue detection device.

[0011] Furthermore, a method is provided for delivering at least one or a plurality of air puffs as a fatigue warning to a driver of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - Providing a fatigue detection device for detecting a driver's fatigue state; - Providing a compressed air driver wake-up system comprising a compressed air device for delivering at least one or a plurality of air blasts towards the driver of the vehicle, - Determine whether the driver is alert or in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device, - Emitting a warning signal to the driver when a state of driver fatigue has been determined by the fatigue detection device.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the compressed air driver wake-up system is designed to be at least partially or completely installed in an A-pillar, a B-pillar, the roof, a door frame, a dashboard, a vehicle seat, and / or a headrest of the vehicle. This allows it to easily deliver a respective blast of air toward the driver. For example, the compressed air driver wake-up system can be partially or completely installed in the driver's seat, the driver's headrest, as well as in the front passenger seat or the front passenger headrest in order to deliver a corresponding blast of air toward the driver and, in particular, toward their head, thus waking them up when they are feeling tired.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the compressed air driver wake-up system comprises at least one air nozzle device which is connected to the compressed air device in such a way as to deliver the at least one air blast in the direction of the driver.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a pressure adjustment device is provided between the at least one air nozzle device and the compressed air device for setting a predetermined pressure of the air blast or for limiting the pressure of the air blast delivered by the compressed air device to a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure of the air blast is preferably selected such that the pressure is sufficient for the air blast to wake the driver without startling him. The air blast can have a pressure of, for example, 1 bar.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compressed air device comprises at least one compressed air cylinder and / or an air compressor. The at least one compressed air cylinder or the air compressor is connected to the at least one air nozzle device, for example, via a hose system.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air nozzle device has a nozzle diameter of approximately 2.5 mm and / or a nozzle opening angle in a range of approximately 8° to 10° and / or an internal nozzle pressure of approximately 1 bar and / or the compressed air device has a pressure of approximately 10 bar.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the compressed air driver awakening system is installed in the vehicle at least partially or completely in an A-pillar, a B-pillar, the roof, a door frame, a dashboard, a vehicle seat, and / or a headrest of the vehicle.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one air nozzle device, one or more compressed air cylinders, and / or an air compressor of the compressed air driver awakening system is / are installed in the A-pillar, the B-pillar, the roof, the door frame, the dashboard, the vehicle seat, and / or the headrest. The at least one air nozzle device is installed in the vehicle aligned with the driver and, in particular, the driver's head, for delivering the at least one blast of air through the compressed air device of the compressed air driver awakening system toward the driver.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air nozzle device is installed in the vehicle at a distance of approximately 0.5 m from the driver, and in particular, the driver's head, and is directed toward the driver, and in particular, the driver's head. The distance preferably depends on the driver's seat position and the placement of the air nozzle device.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step: - Re-determining whether the driver is alert or in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device, and - Emitting at least one blast of air by the compressed air device towards the driver as a warning signal if a state of fatigue of the driver has been determined again by the fatigue detection device at least once or several times, in particular twice or three times in succession.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps: - issuing a first warning signal once a state of fatigue of the driver has been detected by the fatigue detection device, wherein the first warning signal is in particular an acoustic warning signal, a haptic warning signal, a vibration warning signal and / or an air blast warning signal, in which at least one air blast is emitted as a warning signal to the driver, and preferably - issuing a second warning signal if a state of fatigue of the driver has been detected again by the fatigue detection device after the first warning signal has been issued, wherein the second warning signal is in particular an acoustic warning signal, a haptic warning signal, a vibration warning signal and / or an air blast warning signal, in which at least one air blast is emitted as a warning signal to the driver, and particularly preferably - Emitting a third warning signal if a state of fatigue of the driver has been detected again by the fatigue detection device after the second warning signal has been emitted, wherein the third warning signal is in particular an acoustic warning signal, a haptic warning signal, a vibration warning signal and / or an air blast warning signal in which at least one air blast is emitted as a warning signal to the driver.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the further step: - Providing a vehicle control system for initiating emergency braking of the vehicle, the vehicle control system being coupled to the pneumatic driver awakening system and the fatigue detection device, - Determining whether the driver is alert or in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device after issuing at least a first, second or third warning signal, and - initiation of an emergency braking by the vehicle control system if the driver is in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device after issuing the at least one first, second or third warning signal.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the further step: - Determining the filling level of the compressed air device, and - Outputting a fill level signal, in particular an acoustic and / or optical fill level signal, that the compressed air device must be replaced because there is no longer sufficient compressed air available.

[0024] The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0025] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle with a compressed air driver wake-up system according to the invention for emitting at least one or a plurality of air bursts as a fatigue warning to the driver of the vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the compressed air driver wake-up system according to the invention according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the compressed air driver wake-up system according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the compressed air driver wake-up system according to the invention; Fig. 5 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that in the drawings, corresponding parts and features are designated by corresponding reference characters.

[0027] In Fig.1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle 1 which is provided with a compressed air driver awakening system 2 according to the invention for emitting at least one or a plurality of air bursts as a fatigue warning to the driver 3 of the vehicle 1.

[0028] The compressed air driver wake-up system 2 according to the invention comprises a compressed air device 4 and at least one air nozzle device 5, which is connected to the compressed air device 4 for delivering air from the compressed air device 4 in the form of one or more air bursts to the driver 3 of the vehicle 1. The compressed air device 4 can, for example, comprise one or more compressed air bottles 6, as in the exemplary embodiments in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and / or an air compressor 7, possibly with at least one of its own compressed air bottles (not shown) to be filled by it, as in the embodiment in Fig.4. In the embodiment in Fig. 2, the compressed air device 4 comprises one or more small compressed air cylinders 6, e.g. 20g gas cylinders, which can be easily installed in an A-pillar 8, B-pillar 9, the roof 10, the vehicle seat 14, the headrest 15 or the door etc. of the vehicle 1, in particular can be installed interchangeably. In the embodiment in Fig. 3, a large compressed air cylinder 6, e.g. a 60L gas cylinder, is provided, which can be installed, for example, at another location in the vehicle interior, e.g. under the seat, in the engine compartment or in the trunk, etc., and in particular can be installed in an interchangeable manner. In the embodiment in Fig.4, however, an air compressor 7 is provided, which can optionally also be equipped with at least one dedicated compressed air cylinder (not shown) for filling by the air compressor. The air compressor 7 can also be installed, for example, at a location other than the A and B pillars 8, 9 in the vehicle compartment, e.g., in the engine compartment.

[0029] A fatigue detection device 11 for detecting a driver's fatigue state determines whether the driver 3 of the vehicle 1 is in a fatigue state or is alert and does not require a warning signal to wake him up.

[0030] The compressed air driver wake-up system 2 can be configured with such a fatigue detection device 11 and / or coupled to an external fatigue detection device 11 of the vehicle 1 for detecting a fatigue state of the driver 3. The fatigue detection device 11 thus determines, in particular during driving or even before the start of the journey, whether the driver is in a fatigued state or is alert.

[0031] If the fatigue detection device 11 determines that the driver 3 is tired, it forwards the information to a controller (not shown) of the compressed air driver wake-up system 2. The compressed air driver wake-up system 2 then triggers a warning signal to wake the driver 3 based on the tiredness state of the driver 3 determined by the fatigue detection device 11. As a warning signal, at least one or more air blasts are delivered to the driver 3 via the compressed air device 4 of the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 and the at least one air nozzle device 5 connected to the compressed air device 4, for example several air blasts one after the other at short time intervals, e.g. of 0.5 seconds.

[0032] In this case, the control of the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 opens, for example, a respective compressed air bottle 6 of the compressed air device 4 and / or switches on the air compressor 7 and, if present, opens its own compressed air bottle which can be filled by it.

[0033] For example, the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 can switch the respective compressed air bottles 6 and / or the air compressor 7 on and off at least once or several times in succession at time intervals, in particular short time intervals, in order to deliver at least one or more bursts of air as a warning signal to the driver via the at least one air nozzle device 5.

[0034] The compressed air from the respective compressed air cylinder 6 or the compressed air generated by the air compressor 7 is fed to the at least one air nozzle device 5, in particular via a corresponding hose system 12 that connects the respective compressed air cylinder 6 or the air compressor 7 to the at least one air nozzle device 5. Between the respective compressed air cylinder 6 and / or the air compressor 7 and the at least one air nozzle device 5, a pressure adjustment device, in particular a pressure reducer 13, can optionally be interposed, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. This can adjust, limit, or reduce the pressure of the air blast delivered via the at least one air nozzle device 5 and can be controlled accordingly by the control of the compressed air driver wake-up system 2.

[0035] If there is too little compressed air in the compressed air device 4 and in particular in one or more of its compressed air cylinders 6 or if a compressed air cylinder 6 is empty, this can be determined by the controller or a sensor system connected to the controller for determining the fill level of the compressed air cylinders 6 and displayed to the driver 3, for example, via a display device (not shown) of the vehicle connected to the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 and its controller, or a warning, e.g. an acoustic signal, etc., can be issued by the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 itself. The driver 3 can then, for example, replace the respective empty compressed air cylinder 6. The display device can, for example, be a display device on the dashboard or on the handlebars of the vehicle, etc.The low fill level can be displayed as described above or, for example, with the help of a pop-up in the vehicle's infotainment system / cluster, prompting you to replace the compressed air bottle.

[0036] In the Fig.1 shows a highly simplified view of a vehicle 1 with the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 according to the invention. The at least one air nozzle device 5 is installed in a vehicle pillar, here, for example, the A-pillar 8, and is directed at the driver 3, in particular at his head. If a state of fatigue of the driver 3 is detected, the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 emits one or more air blasts in succession via its compressed air device 4 and the at least one air nozzle device 5 connected to it, in order to wake the driver 3 with the supplied air blast. The air nozzle device 5 can be attached to the A-pillar 8 or B-pillar 9 at a suitable distance from the driver 3 in the vicinity of the driver 3 and his head in the vehicle 1, as shown in the Fig.1 and 2-4. In the case of sufficiently small compressed air cylinders 6, e.g. 20g compressed air cylinders, as are available from Decathlon, these can also be installed in the vehicle pillar 8, 9 or in the door panel or roof, etc. and can be installed interchangeably and connected to the respective compressed air cylinder 6 via a corresponding hose system 12. An embodiment of such small compressed air cylinders 6 is shown in Fig. 2. In the case of a large compressed air cylinder 6, e.g. a 60L compressed air cylinder, this can instead be installed in the engine compartment, in the trunk, under the seat or in another suitable place in the vehicle 1, in particular be installed replaceably, as in the embodiment in Fig.3 is indicated. The same applies to the air compressor 7 and an associated compressed air cylinder connected to the air compressor 7, which can be filled by the air compressor 7. This can also be installed in the engine compartment, etc., in the vehicle 1. The respective compressed air device 4, comprising one or more compressed air cylinders 6 and / or an air compressor 7, is connected to the at least one air nozzle device 5 via the hose system 12. As previously described, a pressure adjustment device, in particular a pressure reducer 13, can be interposed.

[0037] In the embodiment in Fig. 1 and Fig.2, the compressed air device 4 and compressed air bottles 6, e.g. small 20g compressed air bottles, are connected via a hose system 12 to the at least one air nozzle device 5 for supplying the compressed air from the respective compressed air bottle 6 to the at least one air nozzle device 5. In this case, a pressure setting device can additionally be provided between the at least one air nozzle device 5 and the compressed air device 4 or its compressed air bottle 6 or compressed air bottles 6 for setting a predetermined pressure of the air blast or for limiting the pressure of the air blast emitted by the compressed air device 4 to a predetermined pressure.The pressure control device can, for example, be a pressure limiter 13 which limits the pressure of the compressed air that is passed on from the compressed air bottles 6 to the at least one air nozzle device 5, so that ultimately a respective air blast can be delivered to the driver 3 at a lower pressure than the pressure in the compressed air bottles 6. The pressure of the air blast delivered to the driver 3 via the air nozzle device 5 is only, for example, 1 bar and is, for example, lower than the bar number of the compressed air bottle 6 to which the air nozzle device 5 is connected. The pressure of the air blast is selected or adjustable such that it wakes the driver 3 when it hits him, e.g. on the side of his head, without the pressure of the air blast being too strong, so that it startles the driver 3 or impairs him in any way.Instead of or in addition to one or more compressed air bottles 6, the compressed air device 4 can also have an air compressor 7, as in . Fig. 4, which sucks in air and compresses or pressurizes it and, if necessary, stores it in an associated, dedicated compressed air bottle, and then forwards it to the at least one air nozzle device 5 via a hose system 12. In this case, a pressure relief valve 13 can also be provided between the at least one air nozzle device 5 and the air compressor 7, as shown in the following Fig.4, a pressure adjustment device may be provided for setting a predetermined pressure of the air blast or for limiting the pressure of the air blast delivered by the compressed air device to a predetermined pressure. The pressure adjustment device may also be, for example, a pressure limiter 13 that limits the pressure of the compressed air generated by the air compressor 7, which is passed on to the at least one air nozzle device 5, so that ultimately a respective air blast can be delivered to the driver 3 at a lower pressure than the pressure generated by the air compressor 7.

[0038] The at least one air nozzle device 5 of the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 is, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig.4 is shown installed in the vehicle 1 in such a way that it aims the air blast of the compressed air device 4 emitted by it at the driver 3 and in particular at his head, for example at the face, the head, the ears and / or the neck, etc., to name just a few examples of the parts of the driver's 3 body to which the respective air blast can be emitted in order to wake him up if a state of fatigue of the driver 3 has been detected.

[0039] In order to wake the driver 3 with a blast of air, compressed air is required, as described above. A compressed air bottle 6, in particular a gas bottle, stores the compressed air and makes it available when needed. As soon as the compressed air bottle 6, in particular a gas bottle, is opened, the compressed air flows through the associated hose system 12 to the air nozzle device 5, which blows the air onto the head of the driver 3 for a total of, for example, 0.5 seconds. A further positive side effect is that the driver 3 is woken by the pressure noise of the air nozzle device 5. The positioning of the air nozzle device 5 is an important factor here. Depending on the vehicle architecture, it can be positioned, for example, in the A-pillar 8 or in the B-pillar 9 at head height with a distance to the head of preferably, for example, approximately 0.5 m.This ensures that the airflow hits the head of driver 3 regardless of the driver's seating position, allowing the alarm function to function correctly. The lateral positioning of the air nozzle device 5 prevents air from being blown directly into the face or eyes of driver 3. The large discharge angle of the air nozzle device 5 ensures that the entire area of ​​the driver's seat is covered by the airflow. The air nozzle device 5 has, for example, an air nozzle diameter of 2 mm to 2.5 mm or 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0040] A 20-gram CO 2 -Cylinder as compressed air bottle 6 can be used as a storage tank. Due to its small dimensions, e.g. 10cm length, 3cm diameter, and its weight of e.g. 120 grams, it can be installed near the air nozzle device 5, here e.g. in the A-pillar 8 or B-pillar 9, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig.2 is indicated. This 20g compressed air cylinder 6 can be purchased, for example, from Decathlon httos: / / www.decathlon.de / p / co2-kartusche-20-g / / Rp-168753, which is already used for inflating mobile bicycle tires and is therefore ideal for this purpose of specifically delivering at least one blast of air as a warning signal to a driver 3 of a vehicle 1. If a larger quantity or a reservoir is required, larger compressed air cylinders 6, in particular gas cylinders, e.g. 36cm long, 6cm diameter and / or an air compressor 7 can be used. These can then be connected from their possibly more distant installation locations in the vehicle 1 via a correspondingly longer hose system 12 to the at least one air nozzle device 5, e.g. in the A or B pillar 8, 9, etc. If the compressed air cylinder 6, in particular the gas cylinder, is used up after repeated use, the driver 3 is informed via a display device of the vehicle 1, e.g.An infotainment system / cluster automatically notifies the driver that the gas cylinder is empty and that they should visit the dealer for a replacement. In the case of the gas cylinder described in . Fig. 4, no visit to the workshop for replacement is required as is the case with the compressed air cylinder 6, in particular the gas cylinder, since the air compressor 7 automatically refills at least one compressed air cylinder coupled to it after use.

[0041] The following is a calculation of the mass flow at the air nozzle outlet of the air nozzle device 5 in the example in Fig. 2 executed.

[0042] The following assumptions were made to determine the suitable components for the compressed air driver wake-up system 2: - Distance of the air nozzle device 5 to the head of the driver 3: 0.5 m - CO 2 -Cartridge: 20 g at assumed 10 bar - Air nozzle diameter: 2.5 mm with approx. 8°~ 10° opening angle - Blow-off time / nozzle opening time at stationary flow 0.5s / closed - open - closed - The density of CO 2 is slightly higher than that of general air, but still assumed to be pure air at 20°C with 1.204 kg / m 3 = 830.5 liters / kg = 0.83 liters / g - Outlet pressure of air nozzle after manometer check assumed 1 bar - Geodetic potential = 0 Temperature is constant - Friction is negligible - No dissipation connected / no disturbing flow - 1 bar nozzle internal pressure to atmospheric outlet pressure Contents of the compressed air bottle at 10 bar overpressure: 20 g * 0.83 liters / g = 16.6 liters mass flow at the nozzle outlet: → ~ 0.6 liters (0.7 g cartridge charge) per firing cycle m=AV1∗2∗p1∗v1∗(KK−1)∗((p2p1)2K−(p2p1)k−1K)

[0043] With the 20g bottle 6 (exemplary example according to Fig.2) at an atmospheric overpressure of 10 bar with appropriate cartridges and an inner diameter of the supply line to the air nozzle of more than 2.5 mm, approximately ~ 27 cycles should be possible (with a constant stationary 1 bar outflow pulse).

[0044] If you replace the 20g bottle with the 60L bottle (example according to Fig. 3), the number of cycles can be increased to ~ 100. However, the size of the 60-liter bottle does not allow installation in the A- or B-pillar, as in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 is possible.

[0045] According to the National Safety Council (NSC)*, approximately 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths will be caused by drowsy driving in 2020. Drowsiness reduces driver concentration while driving, thereby slowing reaction time and significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

[0046] Although there has been a minimal decrease in drowsiness-related accident statistics due to fatigue detection systems, wake-up methods such as vibrations and audible alarms fail to keep drivers awake, causing the driver to fall asleep at the wheel, and many accidents still occur.

[0047] 2.2% of all fatal car accidents are caused by drowsy drivers, as can be seen from Table 1 below. Table 1: factor Number of fatal accidents Percentage of fatal accidents Driving too fast 10,295 19,1% Under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication 6,246 11,6% Failure to comply with the prescribed lane 3,337 6,2% Failure to give way 3,663 6,8% Distracted (by phone, talking, eating, objects, etc.) 2,968 5,5% Careless driving 2,356 4,4% Overcorrecting / oversteering 1,744 3,2% Failure to observe traffic signs, signals or traffic police 2,250 4,2% hectic, reckless, careless or negligent driving 3,958 7,3% Swerving or avoiding due to weather, an object, or a driver 1,138 2,1% Blurred vision 1,533 2,8% Driving in the wrong direction 1,060 2% fatigue 1,165 2,2% Wrong turn 368 0,7%

[0048] The compressed air driver wake-up system 2 according to the invention, as exemplified above with reference to the Fig. 1-4, helps to prevent the driver from falling asleep or microsleep with the help of a puff of air in order to maintain high concentration and avoid accidents. ⇒ Compressed air blows particularly onto the head, e.g. onto the face, cheeks, ears, forehead and / or neck, etc. of the driver, in order to create a noticeable impact, which leads to an immediate increase in concentration and, if necessary, to waking up if the driver is in a microsleep, in the worst case. ⇒ The Pneumatic Driver Awakening System 2 expands on existing fatigue detection methods and provides a definitive wake-up call for emergencies. This can prevent many accidents and save lives every year.

[0049] Core of the compressed air driver wake-up system 2 and process, which in the following Fig.5 using an exemplary embodiment, is to keep the driver awake with the aid of compressed air or one or more blasts of air. If the fatigue detection device for detecting a driver's fatigue cannot keep the driver awake, for example using conventional methods, the driver is warned / woken up with a blast of compressed air, for example as a last attempt, until the compressed air driver awakening system then optionally also initiates emergency braking. For this purpose, for example, compressed air from a replaceable / refillable reservoir, i.e. a compressed air bottle, or an on-board air compressor coupled to the compressed air driver awakening system and / or a separate additional air compressor of the compressed air driver awakening system is delivered to the driver via the at least one air nozzle device, in particular near the driver's head, e.g. in the area of ​​the A or B pillar, for a period of 0.5 seconds.

[0050] Compared to the state of the art mentioned in the introduction, waking the driver with compressed air is unique and new. The compressed air driver wake-up system can also be a complement to existing fatigue reduction systems.

[0051] In Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a method according to the invention for emitting at least one air blast as a fatigue warning to a driver of a vehicle.

[0052] Step S1: The vehicle is started, and the drowsiness detection device monitors the driver. The drowsiness detection device can be part of the compressed air driver wake-up system according to the invention or, as an external device of the vehicle, can be coupled to the compressed air driver wake-up system.

[0053] Step S2: The drowsiness detection device monitors the driver's inattention and detects whether the driver is in a state of drowsiness or alertness. If it is determined in step S2 that the driver is in a state of drowsiness, a warning signal, such as an acoustic warning signal or an alarm tone, is issued in step S3.

[0054] Step S3: Provides a first warning level, issuing a first warning signal to the driver.

[0055] Step S4: The fatigue detection device checks whether the driver's attention has increased or whether he or she is still in a state of fatigue. If the driver remains in a state of fatigue, a second warning stage is issued in step S5. If, on the other hand, the driver's attention has increased, the method proceeds to step S10 in the example in Fig.5. In step S10, the monitoring starts again from the beginning and can either (not shown) return directly to step S1, in which the fatigue detection device determines whether the driver is in a state of fatigue or is still alert. Likewise, the process from step S10, as in Fig. 5, return to step S11, in which the method initially ends and from there can optionally return to step S1 and again begin with the check by the fatigue detection device as to whether the driver is in a state of fatigue or is still attentive.

[0056] Step S5: Provides a second warning level, whereby a second warning signal is issued to the driver. The second warning signal can again be, for example, an acoustic warning signal, or a vibration and / or haptic warning signal to awaken the driver from their drowsy state.

[0057] Step S6: The drowsiness detection system checks again whether the driver's attention has increased or whether he or she is still in a state of drowsiness. If the driver remains in a state of drowsiness, a third warning level is issued in step S7.

[0058] Step S7: Provides a third warning level, whereby a third warning signal is issued to the driver. The third warning signal is the delivery of at least one or more air blasts to the driver by means of the device according to the invention, which was previously described by way of example with reference to Fig. 1-4 described, compressed air driver wake-up system.

[0059] Step S8: The fatigue detection system checks again whether the driver's attention has increased or whether they are still in a fatigued state. If the driver remains in a fatigued state, an escalation stage occurs in step S9, in which an emergency braking maneuver is instructed and initiated by the vehicle.

[0060] Step S9: provided an escalation stage in which the fatigue detection device instructs, for example, a vehicle controller of the vehicle to perform an emergency braking of the vehicle.

[0061] Step S11: After the occurrence of a critical situation, such as a rear-end collision, has been prevented by the driver due to his fatigue in step S9 through the final emergency braking, the process ends in step S11 and can optionally return to step S1.

[0062] As soon as the driver wakes up from his tired state and switches the vehicle on again, the method starts again with step S1 and the monitoring of the driver and the determination of whether the driver is in a tired state or alert starts again.

[0063] Step S10: If the driver is awake or alert, monitoring starts again

[0064] The compressed air driver wake-up system and method according to the invention serve to keep the driver awake using compressed air while driving and, if necessary, to wake them up when conventional methods such as vibrations and alarm tones fail to keep them awake. This way, accidents can be avoided and, if already present in the vehicle, its drowsiness detection system can be used and coupled with the compressed air driver wake-up system and its control system.

[0065] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many ways. This applies to all embodiments of the invention as described above with reference to the Fig. 1-5. The previously described with reference to the Fig. The embodiments described in 1-5 can also be combined with one another, in particular individual features thereof. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 vehicle 2 compressed air driver wake-up system 3 drivers 4 Compressed air device 5 Air nozzle device 6 compressed air cylinders 7 Air compressor 8 A-pillar 9 B-sows 10 Roof 11 Fatigue detection device 12 hose system 13 pressure reducers 14 Vehicle seat 15 Headrest QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 9 129 508 B2

[0002] US 6 236 968 B1

[0003] DE 10 2020 111 427 A1

[0004] DE 10 2017 002 582 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Compressed air driver wake-up system (2) for emitting at least one blast of air as a fatigue warning to a driver (3) of a vehicle (1), wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) is designed to be installable in a vehicle (1) in such a way that the at least one blast of air can be emitted in the direction of the driver (3) of the vehicle (1), wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) is designed to be coupled to a fatigue detection device (11) for detecting a fatigue state of the driver (3) and / or to an external fatigue detection device (11) of the vehicle for detecting a fatigue state of the driver (3), wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) has a compressed air device (4) for emitting at least one blast of air in the direction of the driver (3) when a fatigue state of the driver (3) has been detected by the fatigue detection device (11). [2] Compressed air driver wake-up system according to claim 1, wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) is designed to be at least partially or completely installed in an A-pillar (8), a B-pillar (9), the roof (10), a door frame, a dashboard, a vehicle seat (14), and / or a headrest (15) of the vehicle. [3] Compressed air driver wake-up system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) has at least one air nozzle device (5) which is connected to the compressed air device (4) in such a way as to deliver the at least one air blast in the direction of the driver (3). [4] Compressed air driver awakening system according to claim 3, wherein a pressure setting device (13) is provided between the at least one air nozzle device (5) and the compressed air device (4) for setting a predetermined pressure of the air blast or for limiting the pressure of the air blast emitted by the compressed air device (4) to a predetermined pressure, wherein the predetermined pressure of the air blast is selected such that the pressure is sufficient for the air blast to wake the driver (3) without startling him. [5] Compressed air driver wake-up system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed air device (4) has at least one compressed air bottle (6) and / or an air compressor (7), wherein the at least one compressed air bottle (6) or the air compressor (7) is connected to the at least one air nozzle device (5) via a hose system (12). [6] Compressed air driver wake-up system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one air nozzle device (5) has a nozzle diameter of approximately 2.5 mm and / or a nozzle opening angle in a range of approximately 8° to 10° and / or a nozzle internal pressure of approximately 1 bar and / or the compressed air device has a pressure of approximately 10 bar. [7] Vehicle (1) with a compressed air driver awakening system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (1) and / or the compressed air driver awakening system (2) has a fatigue detection device (11) for detecting a fatigue state of the driver, wherein the fatigue detection device (11) of the vehicle (1) is coupled to the compressed air driver awakening system (2), wherein the compressed air driver wake-up system (2) is installed in the vehicle (1) in such a way that at least one blast of air can be emitted in the direction of the driver (3) of the vehicle (1) by the compressed air driver wake-up system (2), and wherein the compressed air driver awakening system (2) emits at least one blast of air in the direction of the driver (3) depending on a state of fatigue of the driver (3) detected by the fatigue detection device (11). [8] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the compressed air driver awakening system is at least partially or completely installed in an A-pillar (8), a B-pillar (9), the roof (10), a door frame, a dashboard, a vehicle seat (14), and / or a headrest (15) of the vehicle (1). [9] Vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least the at least one air nozzle device (5), one or more compressed air bottles (6) and / or an air compressor (7) of the compressed air driver awakening system (2) is / are installed in the A-pillar (8), the B-pillar (9), the roof (10), the door frame, the dashboard, the vehicle seat (14), and / or the headrest (15), wherein the at least one air nozzle device (5) is installed in the vehicle (1) aligned with the driver (3) and in particular the head of the driver (3) for delivering the at least one blast of air through the compressed air device (4) of the compressed air driver awakening system (2) in the direction of the driver (3). [10] Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the at least one air nozzle device (5) is installed in the vehicle (1) at a distance of approximately 0.5 m from the driver (3) and in particular his head and is directed towards the driver (3) and in particular his head. [11] Method for delivering at least one air blast as a fatigue warning to a driver (3) of a vehicle (1), in particular a vehicle (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, the method comprising the steps of: - Providing a fatigue detection device (11) for detecting a fatigue state of a driver (3); - Providing a compressed air driver wake-up system (2), in particular a compressed air driver wake-up system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, which has a compressed air device (4) for delivering at least one blast of air towards the driver (3) of the vehicle (1), - Determining whether the driver (3) is attentive or in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device (11), - issuing a warning signal to the driver (3) when a state of fatigue of the driver (3) has been determined by the fatigue detection device (11). [12] The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the step of: - determining again whether the driver (3) is attentive or in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device (11), and - Emitting at least one blast of air by the compressed air device (4) in the direction of the driver (3) as a warning signal when a fatigue state of the driver (3) has been determined again at least once or several times, in particular twice or three times in succession, by the fatigue detection device (11). [13] A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of emitting a warning signal comprises the step of: - issuing a first warning signal once a state of fatigue of the driver (3) has been detected by the fatigue detection device (11), wherein the first warning signal is in particular an acoustic warning signal, a haptic warning signal, a vibration warning signal and / or an air blast warning signal, in which at least one air blast is emitted to the driver as a warning signal, and preferably - issuing a second warning signal if a state of fatigue of the driver (3) has been detected again by the fatigue detection device (11) after the first warning signal has been issued, wherein the second warning signal is in particular an acoustic warning signal, a haptic warning signal, a vibration warning signal and / or an air blast warning signal, in which at least one air blast is emitted as a warning signal to the driver, and particularly preferably - issuing a third warning signal if a state of fatigue of the driver (3) has been detected again by the fatigue detection device after the second warning signal has been issued, wherein the third warning signal is in particular an acoustic warning signal, a haptic warning signal, a vibration warning signal and / or an air blast warning signal, in which at least one air blast is emitted to the driver as a warning signal. [14] A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the method comprises the further step of: - Providing a vehicle control for initiating an emergency braking of the vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle control is coupled to the compressed air driver awakening system (2) and the fatigue detection device (11), - determining whether the driver (3) is alert or in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device (11) after issuing at least one first, second or third warning signal, and - initiating an emergency braking by the vehicle control system when the driver (3) is in a state of fatigue by the fatigue detection device (11) after issuing the at least one first, second or third warning signal. [15] A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the method comprises the further step of: - determining the filling level of the compressed air device (4), and - Outputting a fill level signal, in particular an acoustic and / or optical fill level signal, that the compressed air device (4) must be replaced because there is no longer sufficient compressed air available.

Images