Drowsiness prevention system

Abstract

To provide a sleepiness prevention system capable of preventing sleepiness of a driver during driving a railway vehicle.SOLUTION: A drowsiness prevention system 100 that prevents drowsiness of a driver who is driving a railway vehicle includes an arousal level estimation unit 10 that estimates an arousal level of the driver, a vibration measurement unit 20 that measures vehicle vibration of the railway vehicle, a setting unit 30 that sets alarm vibration information on the basis of the arousal level estimated by the arousal level estimation unit 10 and the vehicle vibration measured by the vibration measurement unit 20, and an alarm unit 40 that vibrates according to the alarm vibration information set by the setting unit 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drowsiness prevention system, and more particularly to a drowsiness prevention system that can prevent a driver from becoming drowsy while operating a railway vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In today's railways, the introduction of safety devices such as ATS (Automatic Train Stop) and ATC (Automatic Train Control) has significantly reduced the likelihood of a driver's lack of attention due to drowsiness directly leading to a serious accident. However, forward monitoring while driving and speed control under speed restrictions still depend on the driver's attention, and the problem of drowsiness while driving cannot be ignored for the sake of safe and stable transportation. To prevent drivers from losing attention due to drowsiness or falling asleep while driving, it is desirable to detect when the driver's alertness level is decreasing, i.e., when the driver is experiencing drowsiness or showing signs of drowsiness, and to prevent or suppress the driver's drowsiness.

[0003] Under such circumstances, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for estimating a level of arousal of a person to be estimated, the method including an arousal level estimation step of estimating a level of arousal of a person to be estimated by machine learning based on frame-by-frame images of feature points of the person to be estimated, and an arousal level estimation step of estimating a level of arousal of the person to be estimated by machine learning based on time-series images of feature points of the person to be estimated, and a comprehensive estimation step of comprehensively estimating a level of arousal of the person to be estimated based on the estimation result in the arousal level estimation step. Patent Document 1 also discloses presenting a predetermined warning to the person to be estimated based on the estimation result.

[0004] Similar to train drivers, drowsiness during driving is a problem in the automotive field, where various studies have been conducted to prevent driver drowsiness. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a stimulating device including at least one of a first vibrating device mounted on a chair where a user sits and stimulating the tendon of the user's latissimus dorsi muscle, and a second vibrating device mounted on the chair and stimulating the tendon of the user's gluteus medius muscle, and a control device including a drive control unit that drives and controls at least one of the first vibrating device and the second vibrating device to stimulate the user. Patent Document 2 also discloses that the stimuli applied by the first vibrating device and the second vibrating device are set to have a frequency of 90 to 110 Hz and a continuous application time of 20 to 40 seconds. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a vehicle alarm device that includes a danger detection means including a vehicle lane departure prediction / detection means and / or a driver drowsiness detection means, and an alarm motor control means that outputs a forward / reverse rotation signal when it receives a detection signal from the danger detection means, thereby rotating a motor that operates an electric seat forward or reverse to generate an alarm vibration in the electric seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-152500 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-153969 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-260444 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, there is still room for improvement in systems for preventing drowsiness in rail vehicle drivers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The drowsiness prevention system of the present invention is a drowsiness prevention system that prevents a driver from becoming drowsy while operating a railway vehicle, and includes an alertness estimation unit that estimates the driver's alertness, a vibration measurement unit that measures vehicle vibrations of the railway vehicle, a setting unit that sets warning vibration information based on the alertness estimated by the alertness estimation unit and the vehicle vibrations measured by the vibration measurement unit, and an alarm unit that vibrates in accordance with the warning vibration information set by the setting unit.

[0008] In the above-described drowsiness prevention system, the warning vibration information may include vibration acceleration level information and vibration frequency information. The above-mentioned drowsiness prevention system may further include a history storage unit that stores a history of the operation of the alarm unit, and the setting unit may set the alarm vibration information by referring to the history stored in the history storage unit. In the above-described drowsiness prevention system, the alarm unit may be attachable to the wrist of the driver. In the above drowsiness prevention system, the setting unit may set the warning vibration information when the alertness level estimated by the alertness level estimation unit falls below a predetermined level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the drowsiness prevention system of the present invention, even if a driver feels drowsy while operating a railway vehicle, this drowsiness can be effectively prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a drowsiness prevention system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the drowsiness prevention system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between vehicle vibration and the optimum warning vibration to be presented to the driver in response to the vehicle vibration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <<Drowsiness prevention system>> Hereinafter, a drowsiness prevention system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0012] A drowsiness prevention system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the system of the present disclosure) is a drowsiness prevention system for preventing drowsiness in a driver operating a railway vehicle, and as shown in Fig. 1, includes an alertness estimation unit 10 that estimates the alertness of the driver, a vibration measurement unit 20 that measures vehicle vibrations of the railway vehicle, a setting unit 30 that sets warning vibration information based on the alertness estimated by the alertness estimation unit 10 and the vehicle vibrations measured by the vibration measurement unit 20, and an alarm unit 40 that vibrates in accordance with the warning vibration information set by the setting unit 30. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Arousal level estimation unit) The system 100 of the present disclosure includes an alertness estimation unit 10. The alertness estimation unit 10 estimates the alertness of a driver operating a railway vehicle. The alertness estimation unit 10 is not limited, and any conventionally known means capable of estimating the alertness of a driver, in other words, the driver's drowsiness level, can be appropriately selected. The system 100 as an example of the present disclosure includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to set warning vibration information using the setting unit 30 based on the alertness of the driver estimated by the alertness estimation unit 10. In other words, the system 100 includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the alertness of the driver estimated by the alertness estimation unit 10 is equal to or lower than a reference value. The reference value here refers to a reference value used when determining whether or not the driver is experiencing drowsiness, or whether or not the driver is showing signs of drowsiness. An example of the determination unit is a computer, etc.

[0014] An example of the arousal level estimation unit 10 detects the face of a driver based on a captured image of the driver while the train is running, extracts feature points, and estimates the driver's arousal level based on the feature points of the driver's face. The example of the arousal level estimation unit 10 estimates the driver's arousal level using the arousal level estimation method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-152500, and includes an arousal level estimation step of estimating the arousal level of the estimation target by machine learning based on frame-by-frame images of the feature points of the estimation target, and estimating the arousal level of the estimation target by machine learning based on time-series images of the feature points of the estimation target, and a comprehensive estimation step of comprehensively estimating the arousal level of the estimation target based on the estimation result in the arousal level estimation step.

[0015] The alertness estimation unit 10, as an example, estimates the alertness of a driver based on the driver's vital signs monitored using a monitoring device. Examples of the driver's vital signs include a pulse rate and a respiratory rate. Examples of the monitoring device include a smart watch. The alertness estimation unit 10, as an example, estimates the alertness of a driver using the alertness estimation method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-1914. The alertness estimation unit 10 includes a biosensor that continuously measures predetermined biometric data related to the driver's alertness; an acquisition unit that acquires the biometric data from the biosensor; a normalization processing unit that performs a predetermined normalization process on the biometric data; a feature calculation unit that calculates a predetermined feature based on biometric data in a calibration section for adjusting for individual differences among the biometric data after the normalization process; a threshold calculation unit that calculates a threshold based on a predetermined regression equation and the feature; and an estimation unit that estimates the alertness of the driver based on the threshold and the biometric data after the calibration section among the biometric data after the normalization process.

[0016] (Vibration measurement section) The system 100 of the present disclosure includes a vibration measurement unit 20. The vibration measurement unit 20 measures vehicle vibrations of a railway vehicle. There are no limitations on the method for measuring vehicle vibrations by the vibration measurement unit 20, and a conventionally known method in the field of railway vehicles can be appropriately selected for measurement. Examples of vehicle vibrations to be measured include vertical translational mode vibrations of the carbody, pitch mode vibrations of the carbody, bending mode vibrations of the carbody, and roll mode vibrations of the carbody. As an example, the vibration measurement unit 20 constantly measures vehicle vibrations while the railway vehicle is running. As an example, the vibration measurement unit 20 measures vehicle vibrations at necessary timing while the railway vehicle is running, for example, at timing when it is determined that the driver's alertness level estimated by the alertness estimation unit 10 is low (the driver is feeling drowsy or is showing signs of becoming drowsy).

[0017] An example of the vibration measurement unit 20 includes a vehicle vibration measurement means and a frequency component identification means. An example of the vehicle vibration measurement means is an acceleration sensor that monitors vehicle vibration. An example of the system 100 of the present disclosure includes one or more acceleration sensors attached to a railway vehicle. An example of the acceleration sensor is attached to the body of the railway vehicle. An example of the frequency component identification means is a computer that receives the vibration signal measured by the acceleration sensor via a wired or wireless connection, performs fast Fourier transform processing (FFT processing) on ​​the received signal, and identifies the frequency components contained in the vehicle vibration.

[0018] (Settings section) The system 100 of the present disclosure includes a setting unit 30. The setting unit 30 sets warning vibration information based on the level of alertness estimated by the alertness level estimation unit 10 and the vehicle vibration measured by the vibration measurement unit 20. According to the system 100 of the present disclosure, a warning vibration based on the vehicle vibration of a moving railway vehicle can be presented to the driver, thereby effectively preventing the driver from becoming drowsy. The warning vibration refers to a stimulating vibration that stimulates the driver. Note that a moving railway vehicle generates vibrations unique to the railway vehicle. If a warning vibration is presented to the driver without taking these vibrations into consideration, the stimulating vibration effect of the warning vibration presented to the driver may be weakened depending on the vibration of the railway vehicle, and the warning vibration may not be effective enough to prevent the driver from becoming drowsy. The system 100 of the present disclosure presents a warning vibration to the driver that takes into account the vehicle vibration of the railway vehicle measured by the vibration measurement unit 20, thereby effectively preventing the driver from becoming drowsy.

[0019] As an example, when it is determined that the level of alertness estimated by the alertness estimation unit 10 is low, for example, when the system 100 of the present disclosure includes a determination unit and the determination unit determines that the driver is feeling drowsy or that the driver shows signs of becoming drowsy, the setting unit 30 sets warning vibration information for presenting (applying) a warning vibration to the driver, taking into account the vehicle vibration measured by the vibration measurement unit 20. Hereinafter, the operation of the setting unit 30 will be described using as an example a case where the level of alertness of the driver estimated by the alertness estimation unit 10 is below a predetermined level.

[0020] The system 100 as an example of the present disclosure includes a database 35. The setting unit 30 as an example sets warning vibration information corresponding to the vehicle vibration measured by the vibration measuring unit 20 by referring to the database 35 that stores data in which vehicle vibrations are previously associated with optimal warning vibration information to be presented to the driver in response to the vehicle vibrations. Examples of data stored in the database 35 include data created based on a relationship (see FIG. 3 ) derived through experiments or the like between vehicle vibrations and optimal warning vibrations to be presented to the driver in response to the vehicle vibrations. As an example, the warning vibration information includes either or both of vibration acceleration level information and vibration frequency information. In a preferred embodiment, the setting unit 30 sets the vibration acceleration level information and the vibration frequency information by referring to the database 35 that stores data in which the frequency of the vehicle vibration measured by the vibration measuring unit 20 is associated with optimal vibration acceleration level information and vibration frequency information for the frequency of the vehicle vibrations.

[0021] The database 35, as an example, stores data in which vehicle vibrations are pre-associated with optimal warning vibration information to be presented to the driver for each level of arousal. For example, the database 35 stores data such that, even for the same vehicle vibration, the vibration acceleration level (dB) increases as the driver's level of arousal decreases. The database 35, as an example, stores data indicating that warning vibration information should not be set when the level of arousal estimated by the arousal level estimation unit 10 is determined to be high.

[0022] The system 100 as an example of the present disclosure includes a history storage unit that stores a history of the operation of the alarm unit 40. In other words, the system 100 includes a history storage unit that stores the number of times the alarm unit 40 has presented an alarm vibration to the driver. In this embodiment, the database 35 as an example stores data in which, for each number of times the alarm unit 40 has presented an alarm vibration to the driver, vehicle vibrations are pre-associated with optimal alarm vibration information to be presented to the driver for that vehicle vibration. For example, the database 35 stores data such that, even for the same vehicle vibration, the vibration acceleration level (dB) increases as the number of presentations from the alarm unit 40 increases. According to the system 100 of this embodiment of the present disclosure, the next alarm vibration to be presented can be set taking into account the driver's familiarity with the previously presented alarm vibration, thereby more effectively preventing the driver from becoming drowsy.

[0023] (Alarm section) The system 100 of the present disclosure includes an alarm unit 40. The alarm unit 40 vibrates in accordance with the alarm vibration information set by the setting unit 30. The system 100 of the present disclosure can prevent the driver from becoming drowsy by presenting a stimulating vibration from the alarm unit 40 to the driver. The alarm unit 40 can receive the alarm vibration information set by the setting unit 30, such as vibration acceleration level information or vibration frequency information, and can appropriately select and use a unit that can vibrate based on this information.

[0024] Examples of such an alarm unit 40 include one that can be attached to or built into a member that comes into contact with the driver while the railway vehicle is running, and one that can be attached to the driver. An example of a member that comes into contact with the driver is the chair in the driver's cab. One example of the alarm unit 40 is one that is attached to or built into the seat in the driver's cab, such as the seat or backrest. Examples of the alarm unit 40 that can be attached to the driver include a watch-type alarm unit 40 that can be attached to the driver's wrist, a necklace-type alarm unit 40 that can be attached to the driver's neck, a ring-type alarm unit 40 that can be attached to the driver's finger, a pad-type alarm unit 40 that can be attached by sticking it to the driver's uniform (including cap) or the driver's bare skin, and an earphone-type alarm unit 40 that can be attached to the driver's ear.

[0025] Among these alarm units 40, those that can be attached to the driver are preferable because they are less susceptible to interference from vehicle vibrations. In particular, a wristwatch-type alarm unit 40 such as a smart watch with a clock function is preferable.

[0026] Next, an example of the operation of the system 100 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0027] First, the arousal level estimation unit 10 estimates the arousal level of a driver who is driving a railway vehicle (step S1). Next, it is determined whether the arousal level of the driver estimated by the arousal level estimation unit 10 is low or not (step S2).

[0028] In the process of step S2, if it is determined that the estimated level of arousal is high, that is, if it is determined that there is no need to present a warning vibration to the driver, the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the estimated level of arousal is low, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0029] If it is determined in the processing of step S2 that the estimated level of alertness is low, the setting unit 30 refers to the database 35 and sets warning vibration information based on the number of presentations stored in the history memory unit and the vehicle vibrations measured by the vibration measuring unit 20 (step S3), and transmits the set warning vibration information to the warning unit 40.

[0030] Next, the alarm unit 40 receives the alarm vibration information set in the processing of step S3 and presents the driver with an alarm vibration according to the set alarm vibration information (step S4). Next, the history storage unit adds 1 to the number of times the alarm unit 40 has operated (step S5), and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0031] After performing the process of step S5, the arousal level estimation unit 10 again estimates the arousal level of the driver while the railway vehicle is traveling (step S6). Next, it is determined whether the arousal level of the driver estimated by the arousal level estimation unit is low (step S7). If it is determined in the process of step S7 that the driver's arousal level is high, the number of presentations stored in the history storage unit is cleared (step S8), and the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of step S7 that the driver's arousal level is low, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0032] If it is determined in the process of step S2 that the level of wakefulness is not low, and after the process of step S8 is completed, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is moving (step S9). In other words, it is determined whether or not the driver is driving the railway vehicle. If it is determined in the process of step S9 that the vehicle is moving, the process proceeds to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is not moving, the process by the system 100 of the present disclosure is completed.

[0033] Although the drowsiness prevention system 100 of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 10. Arousal level estimation unit 20. Vibration measurement section 30. Setting section 35···Database 40...Alarm section 100···Drowsiness prevention system

Claims

1. A drowsiness prevention system for preventing drowsiness in a driver operating a railway vehicle, an alertness estimation unit that estimates the alertness of the driver; a vibration measurement unit for measuring vehicle vibrations of the railway vehicle; a setting unit that sets warning vibration information based on the level of alertness estimated by the level of alertness estimation unit and the vehicle vibration measured by the vibration measurement unit; an alarm unit that vibrates in accordance with the alarm vibration information set by the setting unit, Anti-drowsiness system.

2. The warning vibration information includes vibration acceleration level information and vibration frequency information. The drowsiness prevention system of claim 1 .

3. Further, a history storage unit is provided for storing a history of the operation of the alarm unit, the setting unit sets the warning vibration information by referring to the history stored in the history storage unit. The drowsiness prevention system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The alarm unit can be attached to the driver's wrist. The drowsiness prevention system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the setting unit sets the warning vibration information when the alertness level estimated by the alertness level estimation unit falls below a predetermined level. The drowsiness prevention system according to claim 1 or 2.

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