Procedure for operating a rail vehicle with monitoring of the driver

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a rail vehicle (1) in which a driver (7) operating the rail vehicle (1) is monitored by means of a monitoring device (4, 204, 304). The monitoring device (4, 204, 304) records biometric characteristics of the driver (7) (A, AA, AAA, AAAA). Based on these biometric characteristics, a state of impairment in the driver (7) that affects the safe operation of the rail vehicle (1) is detected (B, BB, BBB, BBBB).

Description

[0001] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

[0002] The invention relates to a method for operating a rail vehicle, in which a driver operating the rail vehicle is monitored by means of a monitoring device. The invention further relates to a device for operating a rail vehicle, comprising: a monitoring device configured to monitor a driver operating the rail vehicle.

[0003] It is generally known to monitor rail vehicle drivers. For example, so-called safety control circuits (Sifa for short) are known, which trigger a safety-related measure if the driver fails to perform a specified action, such as pressing the so-called Sifa button, within a specified time period.

[0004] DE 10 2012 105 160 A1 describes a solution in which the driver's ability to work is monitored. In addition to the safety monitor, an attention detection device is provided to determine the driver's level of attention. A control unit is connected to the safety control system on the rail vehicle in such a way that the control unit is configured to activate and deactivate the safety control system depending on the driver's level of attention. The described safety device is thus provided in addition to the safety control system on the rail vehicle.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to improve the operation of a rail vehicle.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method according to the invention of the type mentioned above, in which the monitoring device records biometric characteristics of the vehicle driver. Based on the biometric characteristics, a state of impairment of the vehicle driver that impairs the safe operation of the rail vehicle is detected.

[0007] The invention is based on the realization that driver monitoring in existing multiple units is carried out exclusively by the safety control system (Sifa). This system warns the driver, for example, via voice output and prompts them to press one of the Sifa control elements, such as the so-called Sifa button. If the driver fails to react, emergency braking is initiated, for example.

[0008] The inventive solution creates an additional monitoring instance and thus increases safety during rail vehicle operation. Furthermore, the inventive method allows the impairment condition to be detected early (and not only when the driver fails to react).

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the biometric features represent a state of fatigue of the vehicle driver.

[0010] This is particularly useful because fatigue can impair the safe operation of the rail vehicle, especially if microsleep occurs.

[0011] Preferably, a request to move (to the driver) is made to at least temporarily relieve the fatigue. The driver can respond, for example, by briefly standing up and performing specified movements. Furthermore, the driver can preferably be prompted via a message to acknowledge the performed movements. Acknowledgment is made, for example, by pressing a button.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the monitoring device comprises a portable device which is carried by the vehicle driver and has a detection device for detecting the biometric characteristics of the vehicle driver.

[0013] The wearable device is preferably (removably) attached to the driver's wrist in such a way that the biometric characteristics are captured by the capture device. For example, the wearable device is a wearable device, such as a smartwatch. The capture device is, for example, a heart rate monitor of the wearable device.

[0014] In a preferred development of the above-described embodiment, the biometric features are captured by the capture device. A detection device of the portable device uses the biometric features to determine whether the impairment is present. A notification is issued to the driver that the impairment has been detected.

[0015] The notification is preferably issued via an output device on the portable device. For this purpose, the portable device displays, for example, a notification message and additionally supports the output with a vibration. Alternatively or additionally, the impairment information is transmitted to a mobile device carried by the driver. The notification can be issued via an output device on the mobile device. The mobile device is, for example, a tablet that the driver carries.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the portable device is physically and informationally separated from a safety control system (Sifa) of the rail vehicle. In this way, the additional monitoring by means of the monitoring device is carried out independently of the safety control system. This has the advantage that no further homologation is required for the safety control system if the rail vehicle is supplemented with the monitoring system according to the invention (for example, after production and homologation).

[0017] According to a further preferred development of the above-described embodiment, the portable device is connected to the rail vehicle via information technology. The biometric features are captured by the capture device. A recognition device uses the biometric features to determine whether the impairment condition exists. Impairment information representing the impairment condition is sent to the safety control system of the rail vehicle.

[0018] In this way, the safety control system becomes aware of the impairment and can initiate appropriate measures. For example, a warning or warning message can be issued to the driver via an output device of the safety control system. Alternatively or additionally, monitoring the driver and transmitting the impairment information can serve to relieve the driver from the constant pressing of the safety control button. If the driver is continuously monitored, it may be preferable to require the driver to press the safety control button only when the impairment is detected.

[0019] If the impairment information indicates that the driver is suffering from an acute health impairment, the warning issued by the output device preferably requests the driver to bring the rail vehicle to a stop immediately. Alternatively or additionally, the safety control system initiates, for example, an emergency braking of the rail vehicle.

[0020] The recognition device is preferably a recognition device of the portable device. For example, the recognition is performed by a computing device of the portable device. This is done, for example, using a recognition algorithm. Alternatively or additionally, the recognition is performed using an artificial neural network.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the detection device is permanently installed in the rail vehicle, for example as part of a server device permanently installed in the rail vehicle.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the monitoring device comprises an optical detection device which detects the face and / or at least one of the eyes of the vehicle driver.

[0023] The optical detection device is, for example, part of a camera system installed in the vehicle. The camera system can be permanently installed during the rail vehicle's production or retrofitted after production.

[0024] The optical detection device comprises, for example, an eye scanner that detects the driver's fatigue level based on the movement of the eyes and / or eyelids.

[0025] In a preferred development of this embodiment, the biometric features are captured using the optical capture device. A recognition device uses the biometric features to determine whether the impairment is present. An indication that the impairment has been detected is output to the driver via an output device.

[0026] The detection device is preferably part of a monitoring device arranged in the rail vehicle, which has the optical detection device. The monitoring device can be permanently installed during the rail vehicle's manufacture or retrofitted after the rail vehicle's manufacture. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device is part of a server device permanently installed in the rail vehicle.

[0027] The output device, for example, is permanently installed in the rail vehicle.

[0028] In a preferred development of this embodiment, the optical detection device and the recognition device are part of a camera device. Impairment information representing the impairment state is sent wirelessly to a mobile device carried by the vehicle driver. Upon receipt of the impairment information, the indication that the impairment state has been detected is output to the vehicle driver via the output device of the mobile device.

[0029] In a further preferred development of this embodiment, the optical detection device is connected to the rail vehicle via information technology. The biometric features are detected by the optical detection device. The detection device uses the biometric features to detect whether the impairment condition exists. An indication that the impairment condition has been detected is sent to a safety control system. Upon receipt of the impairment information, an indication that the impairment condition has been detected is output to the vehicle driver via the output device of the safety control system.

[0030] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a computer program. The computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the device to carry out the method of the type described above. The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising a computer program of this type. The computing device is preferably, at least in part, a computing device of the track-bound vehicle and / or a computing device of a land-based facility.

[0031] The object mentioned above is further achieved by a provision device for the computer program of the type described above, wherein the provision device stores and / or provides the computer program. The provision device is, for example, a storage unit that stores and / or provides the computer program. Alternatively and / or additionally, the provision device is, for example, a network service, a computer system, a server system, in particular a distributed, for example, cloud-based computer system and / or virtual computer system, which stores and / or provides the computer program product, preferably in the form of a data stream.

[0032] The provision takes place in the form of a program data block as a file, in particular as a download file, or as a data stream, in particular as a download data stream, of the computer program. However, this provision can also take place, for example, as a partial download consisting of multiple parts. Such a computer program is, for example, read into a system using the provision device, so that the method according to the invention is executed on a computer.

[0033] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a device of the aforementioned type. In this device according to the invention, the monitoring device is configured to detect biometric characteristics of the vehicle driver. A recognition device is configured to detect, based on the biometric characteristics, a state of impairment of the vehicle driver that impairs the safe operation of the rail vehicle.

[0034] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved by a rail vehicle which comprises a device of the type described above.

[0035] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a system. The system comprises a rail vehicle with a detection device. The system further comprises a monitoring device for a device of the type described above.

[0036] For advantages, embodiments and design details of the computer program according to the invention, the provision device according to the invention, the device according to the invention, the rail vehicle according to the invention and the system according to the invention, reference can be made to the above description of the corresponding method features of the method according to the invention for operating a rail vehicle.

[0037] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 schematically shows the structure of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Fig. 2 schematically shows the sequence of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, Fig. 3 schematically shows the structure of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, Fig. 4 schematically shows the sequence of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, Fig. 5 schematically shows the structure of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, Fig. 6 schematically shows the sequence of a third embodiment of the method according to the invention, Fig. 7 schematically shows the structure of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention and Fig. 8 schematically shows the sequence of a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a rail vehicle 1 with a device 2 for operating the rail vehicle 1. The rail vehicle 1 is, for example, a multiple unit.

[0039] The device 2 has a monitoring device 4 as part of a smartwatch 5.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram illustrating the process of the method according to the invention for operating the Fig. 1. The rail vehicle 1 travels during operation in the Fig. 1, a route 26 is shown. The rail vehicle 1 is driven by a driver 7. The driver 7 carries the smartwatch 5 with him, ie the smartwatch is attached to the wrist of the driver 7, switched on, and booted up.

[0041] The monitoring device 4 comprises a detection device 6 as part of the smartwatch 5. In a method step A, the smartwatch 5 uses the detection device 6 to detect biometric characteristics of the driver 7. These biometric characteristics include, for example, pulse, respiration, and blood oxygen saturation. Sensors of the smartwatch 5 are used as the detection device 6 for the detection. These sensors detect biometric characteristics on the wrist of the driver 7.

[0042] The monitoring device 4 also has a detection device 8, which, in a method step B, detects a state of impairment of the vehicle driver 7, wherein the impairment impairs the safe operation of the rail vehicle 1. An impairment of this type is, for example, a state of fatigue of the vehicle driver 7. This is because fatigue can impair the safe operation of the rail vehicle 1, particularly in the event of microsleep. The detection device 8 has a computing device 9 and is part of the smartwatch 5.

[0043] In other words, the device 2 is designed as a smartwatch 5 and comprises the monitoring device 4. The monitoring device 4 comprises the detection device 6 and the recognition device 8.

[0044] Upon detection of the impairment state, in a method step C, an indication is output to the driver 7 via an output device 10 of the smartwatch 5. This indication is, for example, an acoustic indication supported by a vibration of the smartwatch 5. The indication contains, for example, a message displayed on a display 12 of the smartwatch 5, which prompts the driver 7 to move to counteract fatigue.

[0045] If an acute health impairment of the vehicle driver 7 is detected, the message requests the vehicle driver 7 to bring the rail vehicle 1 to a stop immediately.

[0046] The notification can be issued alternatively or additionally via a mobile device, for example, a tablet, which the driver 7 carries with him. For this purpose, the smartwatch 5 is connected to the mobile device, for example, via Bluetooth. Impairment information representing the impairment is transmitted from the smartwatch 5 to the mobile device. The notification is issued via an output device of the mobile device, for example, via a display of the tablet.

[0047] The Fig. The smartwatch 5 shown in Figure 1 and / or the mobile terminal (not shown) are physically and information-technically separated from the rail vehicle 1, in particular from a safety driving circuit 120 of the rail vehicle 1.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the device 102 according to the invention. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals as in relation to Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram representing the sequence of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is carried out using the device 102.

[0049] Analogous to that in relation to Fig. 2 In the embodiment described above, in a method step AA, the smartwatch 5 detects biometric features of the vehicle driver 7 by means of a detection device 6 (the monitoring device 4).

[0050] In contrast to the first embodiment according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the smartwatch 5 in the second embodiment is connected to the rail vehicle 1 via information technology. In a method step BB, the detection device 8 of the smartwatch 5 detects an impairment of the vehicle driver 7.

[0051] Impairment information representing the impairment state is sent to a safety control circuit 120 of the rail vehicle 1 in a method step CC. This occurs, for example, via a wireless connection 122 between the smartwatch 5 and a wireless interface 123 of the rail vehicle 1.

[0052] Upon receipt of the impairment information, an indication is output to the vehicle driver 7 by means of an output device 124 of the safety driving circuit 120 in a method step DD.

[0053] If the impairment information indicates that the vehicle driver 7 is suffering from an acute health impairment, the notification issued by the output device 124 requests the vehicle driver 7 to bring the rail vehicle 1 to a stop immediately. Alternatively or additionally, the safety drive circuit 120 initiates an emergency braking of the rail vehicle 1 in a method step EE.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the device 202 according to the invention. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals as in relation to the Fig. 1 or Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram representing the sequence of a third embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is carried out using the device 202.

[0055] In contrast to the first and second embodiments according to the Fig. 1 to 4, biometric characteristics of the vehicle driver are captured in a method step AAA using an optical capture device 230 arranged in the driver's cab. The optical capture device 230 is, for example, part of a camera device. The camera device forms a monitoring device 204.

[0056] The optical detection device 230 detects in particular the face and / or at least one of the eyes of the vehicle driver 7. The optical detection device 230 has, for example, an eye scanner that detects the fatigue state of the vehicle driver 7 based on the movement of the eyes and / or the eyelids.

[0057] A detection device 208 for detecting the impairment state in a method step BBB is, for example, part of the camera device 230. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device can be part of a computing device 211 permanently installed in the rail vehicle.

[0058] In a method step CCC, impairment information representing the detected impairment is wirelessly sent to a terminal device 234 carried by the vehicle driver 7. The terminal device 234 is, for example, a tablet 235.

[0059] Upon receipt of the impairment information, a notification is issued to the vehicle driver 7 in a method step DDD by means of an output device 224 of the mobile terminal 234. The notification indicates that the impairment state has been detected.

[0060] Fig. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the device 302 according to the invention. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals as in relation to the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 or Fig. 5. Fig. 8 shows a schematic flow diagram representing the sequence of a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is carried out using the device 302.

[0061] Analogous to that in relation to Fig. In the exemplary embodiment described above in section 6, biometric characteristics of the vehicle driver 7 are captured in method step AAAA using an optical capture device 330 (a monitoring device 304) arranged in the driver's cab. The optical capture device 330 is, for example, part of a camera device.

[0062] In contrast to the third embodiment according to Fig.6, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, the monitoring device 304 is connected to the rail vehicle 1 via information technology. In a method step BBBB, a detection device 308 of the monitoring device 304 detects an impairment of the vehicle driver 7. In the fourth exemplary embodiment shown, the detection device 308 is part of the camera device. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device can be part of a computing device 311 permanently installed in the rail vehicle.

[0063] Impairment information representing the impairment state is sent to a safety control circuit 120 of the rail vehicle 1 in a method step CCCC. This occurs, for example, via a wireless connection 322 between the monitoring device 304 and a wireless interface 123 of the rail vehicle 1.

[0064] Upon receipt of the impairment information, an indication is output to the vehicle driver 7 by means of an output device 124 of the safety driving circuit 120 in a method step DDDD.

[0065] If the impairment information indicates that the vehicle driver 7 is suffering from an acute health impairment, the notification issued by the output device 124 requests the vehicle driver 7 to bring the rail vehicle 1 to a stop immediately. Alternatively or additionally, the safety drive circuit 120 initiates an emergency braking of the rail vehicle 1 in a method step EEEE.

[0066] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. 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] DE 10 2012 105 160 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a rail vehicle (1), in which a driver (7) driving the rail vehicle (1) is monitored by means of a monitoring device (4, 204, 304), characterized by , that the monitoring device (4, 204, 304) records biometric characteristics of the driver (7) (A, AA, AAA, AAAA) and based on the biometric characteristics, an impairment of the driver (7) which impairs the safe driving of the rail vehicle (1) is detected (B, BB, BBB, BBBB). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the biometric characteristics represent a state of fatigue of the driver (7). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the monitoring device (4) comprises a portable device (5) which - is carried by the driver (7) and - a detection device (6) for detecting the biometric characteristics of the vehicle driver (7). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the biometric features are recorded by means of the recording device (6) (A, AA) and by means of a recognition device (8) of the portable device (5) on the basis of the biometric features (B, BB) it is recognized whether the impairment condition exists, and a message is given to the driver (7) (C, DD) that the impairment condition has been detected. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that the portable device (5) is physically and information-technically separated from a safety driving circuit (120) of the rail vehicle (1). [6] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the portable device (5) is connected to the rail vehicle (1) by means of information technology, the biometric features are recorded by means of the recording device (6) (AA), by means of a recognition device (8) based on the biometric features it is recognized (BB) whether the impairment condition exists, and impairment information representing the impairment state is sent to the safety driving circuit (120) of the rail vehicle (1) (CC). [7] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the monitoring device (204, 304) comprises an optical detection device (230, 330) which detects the face and / or at least one of the eyes of the vehicle driver (7) (AAA, AAAA). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that the biometric features are detected by means of the optical detection device (230, 330) (AAA, AAAA), it is recognized by means of a recognition device (208, 308) on the basis of the biometric features (BBB, BBBB) whether the impairment state exists, and an indication that the impairment state has been detected is output to the vehicle driver (7) by means of an output device (224, 124) (DDD, DDDD). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the optical detection device (230) and the recognition device (208) are part of a camera device, impairment information, which represents the impairment state, is sent wirelessly to a mobile terminal (234) which the vehicle driver (7) carries (CCC), upon receipt of the impairment information, the indication that the impairment state has been detected is output to the vehicle driver (7) by means of the output device (224) of the mobile terminal (234) (DDD). [10] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the optical detection device (330) is connected to the rail vehicle (1) by means of information technology, the biometric features are captured by means of the optical capture device (330) (AAAA), by means of the recognition device (308) on the basis of the biometric features it is recognized (BBBB) whether the impairment condition exists, and an indication that the impairment condition has been detected is sent to a safety drive circuit (120) (CCCC) and upon receipt of the impairment information, an indication that the impairment state has been detected is output to the vehicle driver (7) by means of the output device (124) of the safety driving circuit (120) (DDDD). [11] Computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing device (9, 211, 311), cause the computing device (9, 211, 311) to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10. [12] A provision device for the computer program according to claim 11, wherein the provision device stores and / or provides the computer program. [13] Device for operating a rail vehicle (1), comprising: a monitoring device (4, 204, 304) which is arranged to monitor a driver (7) who is driving the rail vehicle (1), characterized byin that the monitoring device (4, 204, 304) is designed to detect biometric features of the vehicle driver (7), wherein a recognition device (8, 208, 308) is designed to use the biometric features to recognize an impairment state of the vehicle driver (7) that impairs the safe driving of the rail vehicle (1). [14] A rail vehicle comprising a device according to claim 13. [15] System comprising: - a rail vehicle (1) with a detection device (208, 308) and - a monitoring device (204, 304) of a device according to claim 13.

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