Warning device, warning system, warning method, and warning program

Abstract

To reduce warning due to erroneous detection of inattention driving.SOLUTION: A warning device includes a controller. The controller performs: outputting warning to a driver driving a vehicle when detecting an inattention state by the driver; stopping the output of the warning even when detecting the inattention state during an interval period after the output of the warning; and stopping the output of the warning by setting an extension period after the end of the interval period when a detection frequency of the inattention state during the interval period is equal to or more than a threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a warning device, a warning system, a warning method, and a warning program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology that warns a driver when it detects that the driver is inattentive while driving a vehicle. In the technology for detecting inattentiveness, the driver's facial orientation and the open / closed state of the eyes are detected by image analysis of a captured facial image, and the inattentive state is detected based on the detection results.

[0003] In such technology, false detection of inattention may occur depending on the accuracy of image analysis. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in order to reduce excessive warnings to the driver due to false detection of inattention, a certain interval period is set after the warning and the warning is stopped during the interval period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-204107 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, if an inattentive state is detected after the end of the interval period, a warning is issued even if the inattentive driving is falsely detected. Therefore, in the conventional technology, the warning due to the false detection of inattentive driving is annoying to the driver. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it is desired to reduce the number of warnings due to the false detection of inattentive driving.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a warning device, a warning system, a warning method, and a warning program that can reduce warnings due to erroneous detection of careless driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the warning device of the present invention has a controller, and when the controller detects a state of inattention by a driver while driving a vehicle, the controller outputs a warning to the driver, and stops outputting the warning during an interval period after the warning is output even if the controller detects the state of inattention, and when the number of times the state of inattention is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than a threshold, an extension period is set after the end of the interval period to stop outputting the warning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, warnings due to erroneous detection of inattentive states can be reduced in an environment where erroneous detection of inattentive states is likely to occur, thereby reducing warnings due to erroneous detection of inattentive driving. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a warning system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the warning process. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the warning device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting information related to interval periods. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the detection history of the inattention state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of timer information related to interval periods. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the driver database. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the warning device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes the warning device, warning system, warning method, and warning program disclosed in the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] First, an example of the configuration of a warning system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a warning system. As shown in Fig. 1, the warning system has a server device 1 and multiple warning devices 10. The server device 1 is connected to the multiple warning devices 10 via a communication network so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with them.

[0012] The plurality of warning devices 10 are mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The warning devices 10 are, for example, drive recorders. In the present disclosure, the warning devices 10 detect a driver's inattention state based on a driver image captured of the driver inside the vehicle. The driver's inattention state includes drowsy driving, distracted driving, operating a smartphone while driving, talking on a smartphone while driving, etc.

[0013] The warning device 10 detects the driver's line of sight, face direction, smartphone, etc. from the driver image to detect these inattentive states. When the warning device 10 detects an inattentive state, it issues a warning to the driver.

[0014] However, when detecting an inattentive state based on such a driver image, erroneous detection of an inattentive state may occur depending on the accuracy of image analysis. If erroneous detection of an inattentive state occurs repeatedly, a warning will be issued repeatedly.

[0015] Such false detection of an inattentive state may be repeated until the environment changes, such as when the angle of view of the driver image changes, etc. Therefore, in an environment where false detection of an inattentive state is likely to occur, false detection of an inattentive state may be repeated.

[0016] Therefore, once the warning device 10 detects an inattentive state and issues a warning, it sets an interval period during which it stops issuing the warning. Furthermore, the warning device 10 extends the interval period depending on the detection status of the inattentive state during the interval period.

[0017] In other words, the warning device 10 adjusts the interval period depending on the most recent detection status of the inattention state. As a result, the warning device 10 can suppress warnings due to erroneous detection of the inattention state in an environment where erroneous detection of the inattention state is likely to occur, and can appropriately issue warnings against the inattention state in an environment where erroneous detection of the inattention state is unlikely to occur.

[0018] 1 stores detection information transmitted from each warning device 10. The detection information is information relating to the detection result of an inattentive state. The server device 1 also has a function of identifying the driver by image authentication of the driver image transmitted from the warning device 10.

[0019] For example, when each vehicle starts traveling, the server device 1 acquires a driver image from the warning device 10 and identifies the driver from the acquired driver image. Then, the server device 1 reads out the setting information of the identified driver and transmits it to the warning device 10.

[0020] The setting information includes threshold information for the interval period and extension period, time information for the interval period and extension period, etc. Specific examples of the threshold information and time information will be described later. In this way, the server device 1 manages the information transmitted from each warning device 10.

[0021] As a result, the server device 1 can reduce the processing load of the warning device 10, eliminating the need for a high-performance computer and allowing the warning device 10 to be manufactured using inexpensive parts. This makes it possible to provide the warning device 10 to each driver at low cost. Note that the server device 1 may be designed so that the warning device 10 performs some or all of the functions of the server device 1.

[0022] Next, an overview of the warning process by the warning device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the warning process. The horizontal axis of Fig. 2 shows the relationship between the detection flag and the interval period. The detection flag is a flag that is set to "on" when a driver's inattention state is detected, and is set to "off" when a driver's inattention state is not detected.

[0023] First, a basic operation of the warning device 10 will be described with reference to A in Fig. 2. As shown in A in Fig. 2, the warning device 10 issues a warning to the driver when the detection flag changes from "off" to "on" and sets an interval period.

[0024] During the interval period, the warning device 10 stops issuing a warning even if the detection flag is "ON." That is, during the interval period, even if the warning device 10 detects a driver's inattention, it does not issue a warning.

[0025] Then, the warning device 10 warns the driver at the timing when the detection flag changes from "off" to "on" for the first time after the interval period has ended, and sets the interval period again.

[0026] Next, an exceptional operation by the warning device 10 will be described with reference to B in Fig. 2. The warning device 10 sets an extension period for the interval period according to the number of times the detection flag is set during the interval period.

[0027] 2A, the warning device 10 issues a warning to the driver when the detection flag changes from "off" to "on" and sets an interval period. Then, the warning device 10 counts the number of times the detection flag changes to "on" during the interval period.

[0028] That is, the warning device 10 counts the number of times that an inattention state is detected during an interval period during which a warning is stopped, and if the number of times that an inattention state is detected exceeds a threshold value th, the warning device 10 sets an extension period for the interval period.

[0029] That is, when the number of times that an inattentive state is detected exceeds the threshold th, the warning device 10 determines that the situation is prone to falsely detecting an inattentive state, and extends the interval period. Figure 2B shows a case in which the number of times that an inattentive state is detected during the interval period is 5, the threshold th is 3, and the number of times that an inattentive state is detected during the extension period is 1, and no warning is output even if an inattentive state is detected during the interval period or the extension period. This allows the warning device 10 to reduce the number of warnings associated with falsely detecting an inattentive state in an environment in which false detection of an inattentive state is likely to occur.

[0030] Furthermore, if the number of times that an inattentive state is detected during an interval period is equal to or less than the threshold value th, the warning device 10 does not set an extension period for the interval period. In other words, in an environment where an inattentive state is appropriately detected, the warning device 10 issues a warning when the next inattentive state is detected after the end of the interval period.

[0031] In this way, the warning device 10 of the embodiment outputs a warning to the driver when it detects that the driver is inattentive while driving the vehicle, and stops outputting the warning during the interval period after the warning is output, even if it detects that the driver is inattentive.

[0032] Then, the warning device 10 according to the embodiment provides an extension period for the interval period after the interval period has ended, depending on the number of times the inattention state is detected during the interval period, and stops outputting the warning.

[0033] Therefore, the warning device 10 of the embodiment can reduce warnings due to erroneous detection of a careless state in an environment where erroneous detection of a careless state is likely to occur, thereby reducing warnings due to erroneous detection of careless driving.

[0034] Next, a configuration example of the warning device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the warning device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the warning device 10 is connected to an in-camera 50 and an output unit 51.

[0035] The in-camera 50 is a camera that captures images inside the vehicle and is installed so as to capture an image of the upper body of the driver who is driving the vehicle. The output unit 51 is a device that outputs the warning output from the warning device 10 to the driver. For example, the output unit 51 is configured by a display device and a speaker.

[0036] 3, the warning device 10 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a controller 13. The communication unit 11 is realized by a network adapter or the like. The communication unit 11 is connected to a network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 1 via the network.

[0037] The storage unit 12 is realized by a storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 12 stores an image detection model for detecting an inattention state.

[0038] For example, the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of image processing models corresponding to types of inattention states, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, talking on a smartphone while driving, and operating a smartphone while driving.

[0039] The storage unit 12 also stores various information related to the interval period. The various information related to the interval period includes setting information, information related to the detection history of an inattention state, and timer information, which will be described later. Here, the information related to the interval period stored in the storage unit 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting information related to interval periods. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a detection history of inattention states. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of timer information related to interval periods. As shown in Fig. 4, the setting information related to interval periods has items such as "type of inattention," "interval period," and "extension period."

[0041] "Type of inattention" indicates the type of inattention state. As described above, types of inattention state include distracted driving, drowsy driving, smartphone talk, smartphone operation, etc. "Interval period" indicates setting information regarding the interval period, and "extension period" indicates setting information regarding the extension period.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the "interval period" and "extension period" each have items such as "time" and "threshold." "Time" indicates the duration of the interval period or extension period, and "threshold" indicates the threshold for the number of times an inattention state is detected.

[0043] If the number of times an inattentive state is detected during an interval period exceeds a threshold, an extension period is set for the interval period, and if the number of times an inattentive state is detected during the extension period exceeds the threshold, the extension period is further extended.

[0044] 4 shows a case where the time and threshold of the interval period and the time and threshold of the extension period are all the same regardless of the "type of inattention." However, the time and threshold of the interval period and the time and threshold of the extension period can be changed depending on the settings for the driver.

[0045] That is, in such a case, the driver can set the time and threshold of the interval period and the time and threshold of the extension period according to his / her preference. Therefore, the warning device 10 can implement a warning according to the driver's preference. Note that the time and threshold of the interval period and the time and threshold of the extension period can also be set by the server device 1, which will be described later.

[0046] Next, the inattention state detection history will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the inattention state detection history includes items such as "detection time" and "type of inattention." The detection history here is, for example, a detection history of inattention states detected within one trip from when the vehicle ignition is turned on to when it is turned off. As shown in Fig. 5, when an inattention state is detected, the detection time and type of inattention are newly added to the detection history.

[0047] Next, timer information relating to interval periods will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the timer information has items such as "carelessness type," "interval period," and "extension period."

[0048] Each "carelessness type" has an "interval period" and an "extension period," and each period has a start time and an end time. That is, the warning device 10 manages the start time and end time of the interval period and the extension period for each carelessness type using timer information.

[0049] The example in Fig. 6 shows a case where the start and end times of the interval period and the extension period are set for the inattention types "looking away" and "talking on smartphone." The example in Fig. 6 also shows a case where the start and end times of the interval period and the extension period are not set for the inattention types "dozing" and "operating smartphone."

[0050] That is, in the example of FIG. 6, inattentive driving is detected as an inattentive state at time T11, the start time of the interval period is time T11, and the end time of the interval period is time T12.

[0051] 6, the number of times inattentive driving has been detected between time T11, which is the start time of the interval period, and the current time, exceeds the threshold, so an extension period is set after the interval period, with its start time being time T13 and its end time being time T14. Note that time T12, which is the end time of the interval period, and time T13, which is the start time of the extension period, may be the same time.

[0052] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, the controller 13 will be described. The controller 13 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 13 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or the like. The controller 13 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 12, using RAM as a work area. The controller 13 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0053] When the controller 13 detects an inattentive state of the driver while driving the vehicle, it outputs a warning to the driver, and stops outputting the warning during an interval period after the warning is output even if an inattentive state is detected.

[0054] If the number of times that the inattention state is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the controller 13 sets an extension period for the interval period after the end of the interval period and stops outputting the warning.

[0055] First, when the ignition of the vehicle is turned on, the controller 13 transmits a driver image to the server device 1 via the communication unit 11. Then, the controller 13 receives setting information (see FIG. 4) related to the inattention state from the server device 1 and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0056] Next, while the vehicle is traveling, the controller 13 detects the driver's inattention state by image processing of the driver image input from the in-camera 50. For example, the controller 13 detects the inattention state for each type of inattention from the driver image using an image detection model generated in advance for each type of inattention. The image detection model is, for example, AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0057] When the controller 13 detects that the driver is inattentive, it issues a warning to the driver via the output unit 51. For example, the warning output by the output unit 51 includes a sound or an image.

[0058] After outputting the warning, the controller 13 sets an interval period, during which the controller 13 continues to detect an inattentive state but stops issuing a warning to the driver.

[0059] Next, the controller 13 counts the number of times that an inattentive state is detected during the interval period, and if the number of times that detection is equal to or greater than a threshold, sets an extension period after the end of the interval period and stops outputting the warning. For example, the controller 13 sets a longer extension period after the interval period as the number of times that an inattentive state is detected during the interval period increases.

[0060] This allows the controller 13 to extend the period for suspending warnings in an environment where erroneous detection of an inattentive state is likely to occur, thereby reducing warnings due to erroneous detection of an inattentive state. Furthermore, the controller 13 counts the number of detections of an inattentive state during the interval period, and if the number of detections is less than a threshold, when the interval period ends, transitions to a state in which a warning is output when an inattentive state is detected.

[0061] In this way, the controller 13 adjusts the interval period depending on the detection status of the inattention state, thereby enabling the controller 13 to reduce the number of warnings due to erroneous detection of the inattention state in an environment where erroneous detection of the inattention state is likely to occur.

[0062] Furthermore, the controller 13 counts the number of times that the careless state is detected during the extension period as well, and if the number of times that it is detected is equal to or greater than the threshold, sets another extension period after the extension period has elapsed and stops outputting the warning.

[0063] In other words, the controller 13 stops issuing a warning in response to the detection of an inattentive state until the user leaves the environment where an erroneous detection of an inattentive state is likely to occur. In this way, the controller 13 extends the extension period again if the number of detections of an inattentive state during the extension period is equal to or greater than the threshold, and omits extending the extension period if the number of detections during the extension period is less than the threshold.

[0064] In other words, the controller 13 determines whether to issue a warning in response to the detection of an inattentive state in the next period, depending on the most recent detection frequency of the inattentive state, thereby enabling the controller 13 to suppress warnings in response to erroneous detection of an inattentive state.

[0065] The extension period after the extension period may be the same as the previous extension period or may be different from the previous extension period. When a different extension period is set, the length of the extension period may be set, for example, according to the number of inattention states detected during the extension period. In this case, the controller 13 may set the next extension period longer as the number of inattention states detected during the previous extension period increases, or may set the next extension period shorter as the number of inattention states detected during the previous extension period increases.

[0066] Furthermore, the controller 13 may set the length of the extension period according to the number of times an inattention state is detected during the interval period. For example, in this case, the controller 13 may add a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) to the extension period every time the number of times the detection is increased.

[0067] The controller 13 may also accept settings for the interval period and the extension period from the driver. In this case, for example, the controller 13 accepts settings of the time and threshold for each of the interval period and the extension period.

[0068] The controller 13 then issues a warning when an inattentive state is detected according to the driver's settings, allowing the driver to customize the warning that accompanies the detection of an inattentive state to suit their own preferences.

[0069] Furthermore, the controller 13 manages the settings of the interval period and the extension period independently for each type of inattention. For example, if detection of smartphone calls occurs sporadically during a period in which detection of drowsy driving occurs frequently, the controller 13 stops warnings for false detection of drowsy driving, and stops warnings for smartphone calls only during the interval period.

[0070] That is, the controller 13 manages the interval period setting and the extension period setting independently for each type of carelessness, thereby reducing warnings due to erroneous detection, targeting types of carelessness that are prone to erroneous detection.

[0071] Furthermore, when the vehicle ignition is turned off, the controller 13 transmits the detection information, etc. to the server device 1 via the communication unit 11 and turns off its own power. For example, when the power is turned off, the cache of the current setting information, etc. stored in the storage unit 12 is deleted. Thereafter, when the vehicle ignition is turned on, the controller 13 receives the setting information, etc. from the server device 1 and stores it in the storage unit 12. Then, the controller 13 sets the interval period and the extension period after the detection of the inattention state based on the setting information, etc. stored in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the controller 13 adjusts the interval period and the extension period according to the detection status of the inattention state.

[0072] Furthermore, the controller 13 may set a longer interval period for a driver who has been detected as having a high number of inattentive states based on the inattentive state detection history. For example, in this case, the controller 13 stores the inattentive state detection history for each driver in the storage unit 3, and extends the interval period by a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) for a driver whose inattentive state detection frequency exceeds a threshold. The interval period may be extended in stages. In this way, the controller 13 can set an optimal interval period for the driver by adjusting the interval period according to the inattentive state detection history.

[0073] Next, a configuration example of the server device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server device 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the server device 1 includes a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, and a controller 4.

[0074] The communication unit 2 is realized by a network adapter, etc. The communication unit 2 is connected to a network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from each warning device 10 via the network.

[0075] The storage unit 3 is realized by a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, or a flash memory. The storage unit 3 stores various information transmitted from each warning device 10. The storage unit 3 has a driver database that stores detection information and the like for each driver. A specific example of the driver database will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the driver database.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the driver database of the storage unit 3 stores information items such as "driver ID," "authentication information," "detection history," and "setting information" in association with one another.

[0077] The "driver ID" item stores an identifier for identifying each driver. The driver ID may be an identifier for identifying the warning device 10 or the vehicle in which the warning device 10 is installed.

[0078] The "Authentication Information" item stores authentication information of a driver identified by a corresponding driver ID. The authentication information is, for example, information for authenticating a driver from an image, for example, information for identifying a driver from a driver image. Note that the driver authentication method is not limited to face authentication, and other biometric authentication methods, ID and password, etc. may also be used.

[0079] The "detection history" item stores the detection history of the driver identified by the corresponding driver ID. The detection history is a history of detection information on the inattention state of the corresponding driver. The detection information is information including, for example, the detection time and the type of inattention, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0080] The "Setting Information" item stores setting information for the driver identified by the corresponding driver ID. As shown in Figure 4, the setting information includes information on the time and threshold of the interval period and the time and threshold of the extension period for each type of inattention.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the controller 4 will be described. The controller 4 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 4 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, or the like. The controller 4 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 3, using the RAM as a work area. The controller 4 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0082] The controller 4 manages the warning information transmitted from each warning device 10. For example, the controller 4 performs driver authentication for each warning device 10 in response to an authentication request transmitted from each warning device 10.

[0083] The authentication information includes an image of the driver, and the controller 4 authenticates (identifies) the driver of the warning device 10 by facial authentication of the image of the driver. Note that the controller 4 may identify the driver by authentication using an ID and a password in addition to facial authentication.

[0084] After completing the driver authentication, the controller 4 extracts the setting information of the identified driver from the driver database in the storage unit 3 and transmits it to the warning device 10. After that, based on a save request transmitted from the warning device 10, the controller 4 registers the detection information and setting information transmitted from the warning device 10 in the driver database in the storage unit 3.

[0085] Then, the controller 4 updates the setting information based on, for example, the detection information. For example, the controller 4 updates the setting information of the interval period and the extension period in accordance with the number of times the inattention state is detected.

[0086] For example, the controller 4 sets a longer interval period for a driver who is frequently detected as being inattentive, and also sets a higher threshold value for the interval period for a driver who is frequently detected as being inattentive.

[0087] In addition, the controller 4 sets a longer extension period for a driver who is frequently detected as being inattentive. In addition, the controller 4 sets a higher threshold for the extension period for a driver who is frequently detected as being inattentive. The detection frequency can be calculated by "number of detections / driver's driving time."

[0088] In this way, the controller 4 updates the setting information of the interval period and the extension period in accordance with the frequency of detection of an inattentive state, thereby enabling the controller 4 to optimize the interval period and the extension period for each driver.

[0089] Next, a processing procedure executed by the warning device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed by the warning device 10. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the controller 13 of the warning device 10 from when the ignition of the vehicle is turned on until the ignition is turned off.

[0090] 9, when the ignition of the vehicle is turned on, the controller 13 starts acquiring an image of the driver from the in-camera 50 (step S101). Then, the controller 13 determines whether the driver is in an inattentive state (step S102).

[0091] The controller 13 inputs an image of the driver into an image detection model that has been created in advance for each type of inattention, and determines whether the driver is in an inattentive state according to the output of the image detection model.

[0092] If the controller 13 determines in step S102 that the user is not in an inattentive state (step S102; No), the controller 13 proceeds to processing in step S109, and if the controller 13 determines that the user is in an inattentive state (step S102; Yes), the controller 13 proceeds to processing in step S103.

[0093] Next, the controller 13 outputs a warning to the driver (step S103), and starts an interval period (step S104). Next, the controller 13 counts the number of times that an inattention state is detected during the interval period (step S105).

[0094] Next, the controller 13 determines whether the number of detections during the interval period is greater than a threshold value (step S106). If the controller 13 determines that the number of detections is greater than the threshold value (step S106; Yes), the controller 13 proceeds to the process of step S107, and if the number of detections is less than the threshold value (step S106; No), the controller 13 proceeds to the process of step S109.

[0095] Next, the controller 13 starts the extension period after the interval period (step S107), and stops the warning until the extension period ends (step S108). Then, the controller 13 determines whether the vehicle has stopped (step S109).

[0096] For example, when the ignition of the vehicle is turned from on to off, the controller 13 determines that the vehicle has stopped. When the controller 13 determines that the vehicle has stopped (step S109; Yes), the controller 13 ends the processing, and when the controller 13 does not determine that the vehicle has stopped (step S109; No), the controller 13 returns to the processing of step S102.

[0097] Next, a processing procedure executed by the server device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed by the server device 1. Note that the processing procedure shown below indicates processing executed by the controller 4 of the server device 1 for one trip of a vehicle equipped with the warning device 10.

[0098] 10, the controller 4 first receives a setting request from the warning device 10 (step S201). The setting request includes a driver authentication request and a request to transmit the driver's setting information.

[0099] The controller 4 identifies the driver by performing image authentication on the driver image transmitted from the warning device 10 (step S202). The controller 4 identifies the driver by performing facial authentication on the driver image.

[0100] Next, the controller 4 transmits the setting information of the driver identified by image authentication to the warning device 10 (step S203). The controller 4 extracts the setting information of the driver identified by image authentication from the driver database, and transmits the extracted setting information to the warning device 10.

[0101] Next, for example, when the ignition of the vehicle is turned off, the controller 4 receives the detection information from the warning device 10 (step S204). Note that if the setting information is changed on the warning device 10 side, the controller 4 may receive the setting information in addition to the detection information.

[0102] Thereafter, the controller 4 updates the setting information based on the received detection information (step S205), and ends the process.

[0103] As described above, the warning device 10 according to the embodiment has the controller 13. When the controller 13 detects an inattentive state of the driver while driving the vehicle, it outputs a warning to the driver, stops outputting the warning during an interval period after the warning is output even if an inattentive state is detected, and when the number of times an inattentive state is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than a threshold, sets an extension period after the interval period has ended and stops outputting the warning.

[0104] Therefore, according to the warning device 10 of the embodiment, it is possible to reduce warnings due to false detection of a careless state in an environment where false detection of a careless state is likely to occur, thereby reducing warnings due to false detection of careless driving.

[0105] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Server device 2. Communications Department 3 Storage section 4 Controller 10 Warning device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Controller 50 In-camera 51 Output section

Claims

1. a controller; The controller When an inattentive state of a driver while driving a vehicle is detected, a warning is output to the driver, and the output of the warning is stopped during an interval period after the output of the warning even if the inattentive state is detected; If the number of times the inattention state is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than a threshold, an extension period is set after the end of the interval period, and the output of the warning is stopped. Warning device.

2. The controller Detecting a plurality of types of the inattention state; The interval period is set after the warning is output for each of the plurality of types of inattention states. The warning device of claim 1 .

3. The controller Accepting settings for the interval period or the extension period from the driver The warning device of claim 1 .

4. The controller The extension period after the interval period is set to be longer as the number of times the inattention state is detected during the interval period increases. The warning device of claim 1 .

5. The controller Based on the detection history of the inattention state, the interval period is set to be long for a driver who has been detected as having a high number of inattention states. The warning device of claim 1 .

6. The controller If the number of times the inattention state is detected during the extension period exceeds a threshold, the extension period is set again after the extension period ends. The warning device of claim 1 .

7. a warning device that outputs a warning to a driver when detecting an inattentive state of the driver while driving the vehicle; a server device that stores detection information that indicates that the careless state has been detected by the warning device; The warning device a controller; The controller When a warning is output to the driver, the output of the warning is stopped during an interval period after the output of the warning even if the inattention state is detected; If the number of times the inattention state is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than a threshold value, an extension period is set after the end of the interval period, and the output of the warning is stopped; The server device The detection information is stored for each of the drivers. Warning system.

8. A controller-implemented alert method, comprising: The controller When an inattentive state of a driver while driving a vehicle is detected, if a warning is output to the driver, the output of the warning is stopped during an interval period after the output of the warning even if the inattentive state is detected; If the number of times the inattention state is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than a threshold, an extension period is set after the end of the interval period, and the output of the warning is stopped. Warning method.

9. a step of outputting a warning to a driver when an inattentive state of a driver operating a vehicle is detected, and then stopping output of the warning for an interval period after outputting the warning even if the inattentive state is detected; If the number of times the inattention state is detected during the interval period is equal to or greater than a threshold, setting an extension period after the end of the interval period and stopping the output of the warning. A warning program that causes your computer to run.

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