Method for determining a navigation route in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining a navigation route (10) in a vehicle (3) depending on the driver's state (5), wherein the driver's state (5) is monitored and / or recorded by an observation unit (7). The method provides that the driver's state (5) is recorded in real time and determined as the current driver state (9) fatigue, stress, distraction, a positive mood and / or a negative mood, wherein the navigation route (10) is automatically and in real time adapted to the respective current driver state (9) (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining a navigation route in a vehicle depending on the state of a driver, wherein the state of the driver is monitored and / or recorded by an observation unit.

[0002] Methods for determining navigation routes are generally known. For example, DE 10 2011 083 370 A1 discloses a method for determining a preferred route from a plurality of routes between a starting point and a destination point. This method comprises a step of reading in the value of an emotion parameter within a range of values, where the emotion parameter represents an emotion of a user of the method with respect to a predefined route property and / or a predefined route feature, and a step of determining the preferred route using the value of the emotion parameter and a value of at least one weighting parameter for at least one predefined route segment of at least one of the plurality of routes between the starting point and the destination point.

[0003] A system for determining a navigation route is known from US patent 2018 / 0164108 A1. The navigation route is determined based on at least one stress level of a vehicle driver.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for determining a navigation route.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The inventive method for determining a navigation route in a vehicle depending on the driver's condition, wherein the driver's condition is monitored and / or recorded by an observation unit, provides that the driver's condition is recorded in real time and the current condition of the driver is determined to be fatigue, stress, distraction, a positive mood and / or a negative mood, whereby the navigation route is automatically adapted to the respective current condition in real time.

[0008] One advantage of the invention is the increased driving safety. The risk of accidents can be reduced by adapting the navigation route to the driver's condition. This can contribute to the "Vision Zero" goal. Furthermore, considering the driver's condition when selecting the navigation route can ensure a more pleasant travel experience and improved driving comfort. The navigation route can also be adapted in stressful situations, reducing stress and ensuring a relaxed journey. Individually adapting the navigation route to the driver's needs can lead to an improved, personalized driving experience. In addition, the driver can be better supported in certain situations. Efficient route planning is improved by taking into account the driver's condition and individual needs.Overall, safety, comfort, and efficiency can be optimized.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0010] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematically, a flowchart of a procedure for determining a navigation route in a vehicle, and Fig. 2 schematically an adjustment of the navigation route.

[0011] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a flowchart of a procedure for determining a navigation route 10 in a vehicle 3. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an adjustment 11 of the navigation route 10 of the vehicle 3.

[0013] For the journey of vehicle 3, a desired navigation route 10 is determined, as shown in Fig.Figure 2 shows an example. For instance, a starting point 13 is planned, from which the vehicle 3 is to travel to an endpoint 15. For this purpose, the navigation route 10 can first be determined and / or selected, which is set up, for example, in such a way as to minimize the arrival time. In particular, the navigation route 10 is determined by means of a navigation system 1 and / or manually selected by the driver in the navigation system 1.

[0014] In contrast to conventional methods, the navigation route 10 in the vehicle 3 is determined based on the driver's state 5 (hereinafter also referred to as driver state 5). The driver state 5 can change during a journey of the vehicle 3. The driver state 5 can significantly influence traffic safety and comfort. Adjusting the navigation route 10 based on the driver state 5 can improve safety.

[0015] The determination, selection, activation and / or adaptation 11 of the navigation route 10 is carried out in particular by means of the navigation system 1. The navigation system 1 is, for example, configured to determine and / or adapt the determined navigation route 10 when driving the vehicle 3 along the determined navigation route 10 depending on the driver's condition 5.

[0016] The navigation system 1 includes, for example, an observation unit 7, which is configured, in a first step of the procedure, to record and / or monitor the driver's state 5. The observation unit 7 is, for example, configured to continuously monitor and / or record the driver's state 5. In particular, the state of the driver 5 is recorded by the observation unit 7 in real time while the vehicle 3 is traveling on the navigation route 10.

[0017] The observation unit 7 includes, in particular, a camera 7.1. Camera 7.1 is, for example, an interior camera already installed in vehicle 3. Camera 7.1 is, for example, adjustable and / or rotatable within vehicle 3 by means of actuators and / or is mounted there. Additionally, camera 7.1 can be configured to capture and / or monitor the driver, and in particular the driver's face. In this case, camera 7.1 can continuously capture image data of the driver, which is transmitted to an evaluation unit 8.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the observation unit 7 can include a biometric sensor 7.2. The biometric sensor 7.2 includes, in particular, sensors for recording the driver's heart rate, skin conductance, and other biometric data. The biometric sensor 7.2 is, for example, located in the vehicle 3 and configured to record the driver's biometric data, in particular to record the driver's biometric data in real time. Examples of the driver's biometric data recorded include heart rate, skin conductance, skin temperature, and the like. Additionally, the biometric sensor 7.2 can be configured to transmit the biometric data to the evaluation unit 8.

[0019] Furthermore, the observation unit 7 can include a monitoring unit 7.3. Monitoring unit 7.3 is configured, for example, to detect steering wheel and / or pedal movements. Specifically, monitoring unit 7.3 is configured to detect each steering wheel and / or pedal movement. Additionally, the respective actuation force can be determined. The frequency and amplitude of the movements can be determined as actuation data and transmitted to evaluation unit 8.

[0020] Additionally, a speech recognition unit 7.4 may be provided. The speech recognition unit 7.4 is configured, for example, to capture voice input and / or phrasing from the driver. In particular, the speech recognition unit 7.4 determines the driver's voice data.

[0021] The navigation system 1 can include the evaluation unit 8. The evaluation unit 8 is, for example, an integral part of the navigation system 1 and is configured as the central evaluation unit 8. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 8 can also be part of the observation unit 7. For example, the camera 7.1, the biometric sensor 7.2, and / or the optional monitoring unit 7.3 can each include their own evaluation unit 8. In particular, the evaluation unit 8 is configured to receive image data from the camera 7.1, biometric data from the biometric sensor 7.2, activation data from the monitoring unit 7.3, and / or the like. In particular, the evaluation unit 8 receives the data from the observation unit 7.

[0022] In a second step of the process, the data from the observation unit 7 are received, in particular by the evaluation unit 8, and subsequently evaluated and / or analyzed. The evaluation unit 8 is specifically configured to determine and / or output a current driver status 9.

[0023] The image data from camera 7.1 is continuously evaluated and / or analyzed by the evaluation unit 8. In particular, currently captured image data is analyzed for changes in the driver's current state 9. The evaluation unit 8 determines, for example, the driver's blink rate and / or yawn rate to detect driver fatigue. A weighting of the rates and a threshold value can be specified. For example, if the specified threshold value is exceeded, fatigue can be determined as the current driver state 9.

[0024] By analyzing the driver's current facial image data, stress levels can also be detected. For example, a driver's facial expression can be compared to stored facial expressions, with the stored expressions corresponding to the driver's stress levels. These facial expressions are stored, for example, in a database of evaluation unit 8. A predefined match threshold can be set, and if this threshold is exceeded, the current driver state (9) is determined to be stress. Similarly, a positive or negative mood of the driver can also be determined as the current driver state (9). For example, a smile or similar expression from the driver can indicate a positive mood (9). Conversely, a frown or similar expression from the driver can indicate a negative mood (9).

[0025] Driver distraction is detected, for example, by the driver's gaze direction. For instance, evaluation unit 8 can be configured to detect when the driver's gaze direction deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle 3, particularly when a predetermined amount of deviation and / or a predetermined duration of deviation is exceeded. A rate can be recorded, and if a predetermined rate is exceeded, the driver is classified as distracted.

[0026] The evaluation unit 8 can additionally evaluate and / or analyze the biometric data from the biometric sensor 7.2. Depending on the current driver state 9, the biometric data can change. In particular, threshold values ​​and / or limit ranges for the individual biometric data can be predefined, with at least one predefined threshold value and / or limit range representing at least one driver state 5. Upon reaching a predefined value and / or range, it can be recorded, for example, that the driver state 5 has changed, and / or a specific driver state 5 can be stored and determined accordingly. For example, if the driver's heart rate is rising or high and / or their skin conductance is high, the current driver state 9 can be determined as "stress". Similarly, if the driver's heart rate is falling or high, the driver state 9 can be determined as "stress".Low heart rate of the driver as current driver condition 9 fatigue can be determined.

[0027] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 8 can evaluate and / or analyze the actuation data from the monitoring unit 7.3 and / or from other sensors, such as steering wheel sensors, pedal sensors, or the like. The actuation data can change, in particular, depending on the driver's state 5. For example, patterns can be stored that represent a specific driver state 5. For example, a high frequency and / or high amplitude of steering wheel and / or pedal actuations can be determined as the current driver state 9 to be stress. Similarly, a low amplitude of steering wheel and / or pedal actuations can be determined as the current driver state 9 to be a positive mood.

[0028] Additionally, the evaluation unit 8 can evaluate and / or analyze the speech data from the speech recognition unit 7.4. For example, the driver can say "I am tired." as a voice input. The evaluation unit 8 can then determine the driver's current state as fatigue.

[0029] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 8 can also compare the captured image data, the captured biometric data, the captured voice data, and / or the captured actuation data with each other. In particular, it can be provided that the captured image data, the captured biometric data, the captured voice data, and / or the captured actuation data are checked for equality with regard to the driver state 5 in order to determine a similar driver state 5. After a comparison and / or agreement of the data, the evaluation unit 8 can determine exactly one current driver state 9 based on the individual determined driver states 9.

[0030] The evaluation unit 8 can also perform a plausibility check. For example, if a positive mood is determined as driver state 5 based on biometric data, the evaluation unit 8 can then evaluate and / or analyze the image data, speech data, and / or actuation data for plausibility with regard to the already determined positive mood of the driver. For example, plausibility can be established by a correlation between the determined driver states 5 based on the biometric data, image data, speech data, and / or actuation data.

[0031] For example, based on image data, biometric data, operating data, and voice data, the current driver state is determined to be 9 Stress. Here, the evaluation unit 8 can determine the current driver state to be 9 Stress due to the consistency of the data.

[0032] In another example, based on image data, speech data, and biometric data, driver state 5 is determined to be fatigue. However, based on sensor-acquired steering wheel and / or pedal input data, driver state 5 is determined to be a positive mood. In such a divergent case, a threshold or limit value analysis can be performed. For example, if a threshold or limit value for the detected fatigue is exceeded by a greater margin than a threshold or limit value for the detected positive mood, then fatigue can be determined as the current driver state 9 due to the larger margin or threshold deviation. For example, a weighting of the individual data points can be implemented.

[0033] The current driver state 9, at least one specific value, can then be displayed and / or stored. The evaluation unit 8 includes, in particular, an output unit configured to display the current driver state 9, for example, on a display unit and / or via a speaker unit in the vehicle. The current driver state 9 can, for example, be fatigue, stress, distraction, a positive mood, and / or a negative mood, displayed acoustically and / or visually.

[0034] In a third step of the process, the navigation system 1 adapts the navigation route 10. This adaptation is based on the determined current driver status 9, for example, using voice data. Furthermore, the adaptation can be performed automatically and in real time. Additionally, the system can provide that, after the determined adaptation, the resulting adapted navigation route 10 can be activated and / or selected automatically and / or manually. For example, the determined adapted navigation route 10 can be selected and / or activated automatically by the navigation system 1 and / or manually by the driver 5.

[0035] Additionally, depending on the current driver status, the navigation system can automatically determine and display breaks. Alternatively or additionally, the navigation system can be configured to issue and / or adjust at least one warning message. Furthermore, at least one infotainment function of the vehicle can also be adjusted by the navigation system.

[0036] If driver fatigue is detected as the current driver state 9, an adapted navigation route 100 is automatically selected and / or activated, on which autonomous driving of the vehicle 3 is possible. Alternatively or additionally, an adaptation 11 to an already activated navigation route 10 can also be performed, on which autonomous driving of the vehicle 3 is possible. In this case, for example, the adapted navigation route 100 is selected. Furthermore, adapted navigation routes 100 can also be selected that are less complex and require less demanding driving maneuvers. Additionally, conventional navigation routes 10 with high traffic volume or difficult road conditions can be avoided.

[0037] In particular, if driver fatigue is detected as the current driver condition 9, at least one break can be determined and issued. For example, this break can be scheduled at a suitable location, such as a rest stop. Furthermore, a warning message 17 can be adjusted and / or issued, for example, for potentially hazardous situations. Specifically, the advance warning time for sharp curves, sudden braking maneuvers by other vehicles, or similar situations can be extended. Additionally, the type of warning message 17 can be adjusted; for example, it can be switched from a visual warning 17 to an audible warning 17, or vice versa. Finally, an infotainment function 19 of the vehicle 3, such as the repetition of important navigation instructions, can be adjusted.

[0038] If driver stress is detected as the current driver state 9, the fastest navigation route 10 can be automatically selected and / or activated as an adapted navigation route 100. An adaptation 11 to an already activated navigation route 10 can also be made, whereby the determined and adapted navigation route 100, dependent on the current driver state 9, is then selected and / or activated. Additionally, routes with traffic jams, construction sites, and / or other disruptions can be avoided. As an infotainment function 19, information about alternative means of transport, such as Park & ​​Ride and / or public transport, is displayed. Furthermore, unimportant notifications, such as incoming emails, can be suppressed to avoid unnecessarily demanding the driver's attention.

[0039] If driver distraction is detected as the current driver condition 9, a route with low traffic volume is automatically selected and / or activated as an adapted navigation route 100. Alternatively, an adaptation 11 to an already activated navigation route 10 can be made, in which case the adapted navigation route 100 is then selected and / or activated. Furthermore, a navigation route 10 with easy road conditions can be selected. Additionally, warning messages 17 are issued, particularly at an increased volume. Furthermore, infotainment functions 19 can be restricted and / or deactivated. Specifically, social media, streaming services, web browsers, and similar services are deactivated.

[0040] If the driver's positive mood is detected as current driver state 9, an interesting route is automatically determined, displayed, selected, and / or activated as a customized navigation route 100. Alternatively, an adjustment 11 to the already activated navigation route 10 can be made, in which case the customized navigation route 100 is then selected and / or activated. The interesting navigation route 10 includes, for example, scenic sections, interesting sights, and / or similar features.

[0041] If the driver's negative mood is detected as the current driver state 9, the fastest route is automatically selected, activated and / or adjusted as the adapted navigation route 100 11.

[0042] The automatic adjustment 11 of the originally determined navigation route 10 can, for example, be adapted by the driver of vehicle 3, particularly to their personal preferences and / or needs. The automatic adjustment 11 of the determined navigation route 10 can also be made at the user's request or based on user feedback, such as statements from the driver like "I am tired."

[0043] For the journey of vehicle 3, a desired navigation route 10 is specified, activated, and / or selected by the navigation system 1, particularly when vehicle 3 starts. For example, vehicle 3 is to travel from starting point 13 to endpoint 15. Navigation route 10, which minimizes the arrival time, can initially be used for this purpose. Navigation route 10 is set individually and / or manually and / or initially configured by the driver of vehicle 3.

[0044] During the journey of vehicle 3, the evaluation unit 8 can determine the current driver state 9, for example, a positive mood, largely in real time, based on the data from the observation unit 7. Subsequently, an adjustment 11 to the navigation route 10 can be automatically performed during the journey of vehicle 3 based on the detected current driver state 9. For example, the adjusted navigation route 100 is generated, selected, displayed, and / or activated to, for example, see an interesting sight. Reference symbol list 1 Navigation route 3 vehicles 5 Driver's condition 7 observation units 7.1 Camera 7.2 biometric sensor 7.3 Monitoring unit 7.4 Speech Recognition Unit 8 evaluation units 9. Current condition of the driver / current driver condition 10 Navigation route 11. Adjusting the navigation route 13 Starting point 15 Endpoint 17 Warning 19 Infotainment function 100 adapted route / adapted navigation route QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2011 083 370 A1

[0002] US 2018 / 0164108 A1

[0003]

Claims

Method for determining a navigation route (10) in a vehicle (3) depending on a driver's condition (5), wherein the driver's condition (5) is monitored and / or recorded by an observation unit (7), characterized in that a driver's condition (5) is recorded in real time and determined as a current driver condition (9) fatigue, stress, distraction, a positive mood and / or a negative mood, wherein the navigation route (10) is automatically and in real time adapted to the respective current driver condition (9) (11). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the observation unit (7) comprises a camera (7.1), a biometric sensor (7.2), a monitoring unit (7.3) for detecting steering wheel operation and / or pedal operation and / or a speech recognition unit (7.4). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that breaks are automatically determined and issued depending on the current driver state (9) and / or at least one warning message (17) is issued and / or adapted and / or at least one infotainment function (19) of the vehicle (3) is adapted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the navigation route (10) is additionally set individually and / or manually and / or initially configured. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - if driver fatigue is detected as the current driver state (9), a navigation route (10) is automatically selected and / or activated as an adapted navigation route (100) on which autonomous driving of the vehicle (3) is possible; - if stress and / or a negative mood of the driver is detected as the current driver state (9), a fastest navigation route (10) is automatically selected and / or activated as an adapted navigation route (100); - if driver distraction is detected as the current driver state (9), a navigation route (10) with low traffic volume is automatically selected and / or activated as an adapted navigation route (100); - if a positive mood of the driver is detected as the current driver state (9), an interesting navigation route (10) is automatically selected and / or activated as an adapted navigation route (100).and / or - at the driver's request or upon the driver's statement, an adjustment (11) of the navigation route (10) is automatically made.

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