Awakening Induction System

Abstract

To provide an awakening induction system capable of properly determining an awakening level of a driver when the driver is induced to an awakening state.SOLUTION: An awakening induction system 1 includes: a body temperature detection unit 231; an awakening level determination unit 232; and a cooling unit 24. The body temperature detection unit 231 detects body temperature of a driver. The awakening level determination unit 232 determines an awakening level of the driver based on reference body temperature that is the body temperature of the driver in an awakening state detected by the body temperature detection unit 231. The cooling unit 24 cools the driver based on determination results determined by the awakening level determination unit 232.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wake-up induction system. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional wakefulness induction system, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an wakefulness induction system that induces a driver to be in an wakeful state. This wakefulness induction system includes an wakefulness determination device that determines the wakefulness level of the driver based on an image of the driver and the driver's physiological state, a touch operation device having a touch operation unit that detects contact with the driver's operating hand, and an automatic driving device that controls automatic driving of the vehicle. When the wakefulness determination device determines that the driver's wakefulness level has decreased, the automatic driving device provides the driver with a command to move the operating hand to the touch operation unit, and when contact with the operating hand is detected by the touch operation unit, the touch operation unit lowers the temperature of the operating hand. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-061562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the wakefulness induction system described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 determines the wakefulness level of the driver based on an image of the driver and the driver's biological state, but it is desired to improve the accuracy of determining the wakefulness level of the driver.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an awakening induction system that can appropriately determine the driver's level of awakening when guiding the driver to an awakening state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the awakening induction system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a body temperature detection unit that detects the body temperature of the driver, a first awakening level judgment unit that judges the awakening level of the driver based on a reference body temperature, which is the body temperature of the driver in an awakening state detected by the body temperature detection unit, and a cooling unit that cools the driver based on the judgment result judged by the first awakening level judgment unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The wakefulness induction system according to the present invention can set the reference body temperature for determining the wakefulness level for each driver individually, and can therefore determine the wakefulness level appropriately according to the individual differences of each driver. As a result, the wakefulness induction system can appropriately induce the driver to be in an wakeful state by cooling the driver based on the determination result. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an awakening induction system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the awakening induction device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view showing a configuration example of an awakening induction device provided in an armrest according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example of an awakening induction device provided in an armrest according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the awakening induction system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the awakening induction process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the basal body temperature setting process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a configuration example of an awakening induction device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a top view showing a configuration example of an awakening induction device provided in an armrest according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a configuration example of an awakening induction device provided in an armrest according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configuration can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0010] [Embodiment] An awakening induction system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The awakening induction system 1 cools down the driver when the driver's level of awakening is low, thereby guiding the driver to an awakened state. The awakening induction system 1 is installed, for example, in a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, and when the driver's level of awakening is low during autonomous driving, the system cools down the driver and guides the driver to an awakened state, thereby enabling a safe transition from autonomous driving to manual driving. The awakening induction system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0011] 1, the awakening induction system 1 includes a monitoring device 10 and an awakening induction device 20. The monitoring device 10 and the awakening induction device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The monitoring device 10 is installed in a vehicle and determines the driver's level of alertness based on video. Here, alertness refers to the degree to which the driver is alert. A state of reduced alertness, in which the driver's level of alertness is reduced, is a state in which the driver may be hindered from driving the vehicle. A state of alertness, in which the driver's level of alertness is not reduced, is a state in which the driver is not hindered from driving the vehicle. The monitoring device 10 includes a camera 11 as an imaging unit, an information processing unit 12, and a transmission unit 13. The camera 11, the information processing unit 12, and the transmission unit 13 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0013] Camera 11 captures an image of the driver. Camera 11 is positioned with its camera lens facing the driver and captures an image of the driver's face. Camera 11 outputs the captured image to information processing unit 12.

[0014] The information processing unit 12 determines the level of alertness of the driver based on the video (image) output from the camera 11. The information processing unit 12 includes a camera video acquisition unit 121, a camera video analysis unit 122, and an alertness determination unit 123 as a second alertness determination unit. The camera video acquisition unit 121, the camera video analysis unit 122, and the alertness determination unit 123 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0015] The camera image acquisition unit 121 acquires the image output from the camera 11. The camera image acquisition unit 121 outputs the acquired image to the camera image analysis unit 122.

[0016] The camera image analysis unit 122 analyzes the image output from the camera image acquisition unit 121. For example, the camera image analysis unit 122 analyzes the driver's yawns, the number of blinks, etc. based on the image output from the camera image acquisition unit 121. Then, the camera image analysis unit 122 outputs analysis result information representing the analysis result to the awakening level determination unit 123.

[0017] The wakefulness determination unit 123 determines the wakefulness of the driver based on the analysis result information output from the camera image analysis unit 122. For example, if the driver is yawning or if the number of times the driver blinks exceeds a predetermined number, the wakefulness determination unit 123 determines that the driver is in a state of decreased wakefulness with a decreased wakefulness. On the other hand, if the driver is not yawning or if the number of times the driver blinks does not exceed a predetermined number, the wakefulness determination unit 123 determines that the driver is in a state of wakefulness with a non-decreased wakefulness. The wakefulness determination unit 123 outputs determination result information indicating the determination result to the transmission unit 13.

[0018] The transmission unit 13 transmits the determination result information output from the awakening level determination unit 123 to the awakening induction device 20. The transmission unit 13 transmits to the awakening induction device 20, for example, determination result information indicating that the driver's awakening level has decreased or that the driver's awakening level has not decreased.

[0019] Next, the awakening induction device 20 will be described. When the driver's level of awakening is low, the awakening induction device 20 cools the driver to induce the driver to be in an awakened state. The awakening induction device 20 includes a receiving unit 21, an alarm unit 22, a processing unit 23, and a cooling unit 24. The receiving unit 21, the alarm unit 22, the processing unit 23, and the cooling unit 24 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0020] Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the awakening induction device 20 is provided in the armrest R of the driver's seat. The armrest R includes a storage space Ra and a cover C. The storage space Ra is a space provided inside the armrest R and accommodates the processing unit 23 and the cooling unit 24. In this example, the storage space Ra accommodates the plate-shaped cooling unit 24 with the upper surface of the cooling unit 24 exposed to the outside through the opening of the storage space Ra. The cover C covers the opening of the storage space Ra. When the cover C is open, the upper surface of the cooling unit 24 is exposed to the outside through the opening of the storage space Ra, and when the cover C is closed, the upper surface of the cooling unit 24 is not exposed to the outside through the opening of the storage space Ra. Since the awakening induction device 20 is provided in the armrest R, the driver can place his or her hands on the cooling unit 24 in a comfortable position.

[0021] The receiving unit 21 receives the determination result information of the wakefulness level transmitted from the transmitting unit 13 of the monitoring device 10. The receiving unit 21 outputs the received determination result information to the alarm unit 22.

[0022] The warning unit 22 issues a warning based on the determination result information output from the receiving unit 21. For example, when the determination result information indicates that the driver's level of alertness has decreased, the warning unit 22 warns the driver to cool his / her hands because the level of alertness has decreased. On the other hand, when the determination result information indicates that the driver's level of alertness has not decreased, the warning unit 22 does not issue a warning to the driver.

[0023] The processing unit 23 executes a process of guiding the driver to an alert state in which the alertness of the driver is not decreased when the monitoring device 10 determines that the alertness of the driver is decreased. The processing unit 23 includes a body temperature detection unit 231, an alertness determination unit 232 as a first alertness determination unit, a release determination unit 233, and a setting unit 234. The body temperature detection unit 231, the alertness determination unit 232, the release determination unit 233, and the setting unit 234 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0024] The body temperature detection unit 231 detects the body temperature of the driver. The body temperature detection unit 231 includes a support member 231a and a temperature sensor 231b. The support member 231a extends vertically from the armrest R, and the temperature sensor 231b is fixed to the end of the support member 231a on the opposite side of the armrest R. The temperature sensor 231b detects the body temperature of the driver, and for example, detects the temperature of the back of the driver's hand when the driver's hand is placed on the armrest R. The temperature sensor 231b outputs the detected body temperature of the driver to the wakefulness determination unit 232. The temperature sensor 231b can maintain a constant distance from the back of the hand, and therefore can stably detect the temperature of the back of the hand.

[0025] The wakefulness determination unit 232 determines the wakefulness of the driver. The wakefulness determination unit 232 determines the wakefulness of the driver based on a reference body temperature, which is the body temperature of a driver in an awake state detected by the body temperature detection unit 231. That is, the wakefulness determination unit 232 determines the wakefulness of the driver based on a reference body temperature, which is the body temperature of a driver whose wakefulness has not decreased. The reference body temperature is the body temperature of the driver detected by the temperature sensor 231b when the monitoring device 10 determines that the wakefulness of the driver has not decreased. The reference body temperature is detected individually for each driver in advance and compared with the detected body temperature of each driver. For example, if the detected body temperature of the driver detected by the temperature sensor 231b is lower than the reference body temperature, the wakefulness determination unit 232 determines that the wakefulness of the driver has not decreased. On the other hand, if the detected body temperature of the driver detected by the temperature sensor 231b is equal to or higher than the reference body temperature, the wakefulness determination unit 232 determines that the wakefulness of the driver has decreased. The wakefulness determination unit 232 outputs determination result information indicating the determination result to the release determination unit 233 and the cooling unit 24. When the wakefulness determination unit 232 does not have a reference body temperature that is the body temperature of the driver in an awake state detected by the body temperature detection unit 231, the wakefulness determination unit 232 may use a body temperature that is 2°C less than the detected body temperature detected by the body temperature detection unit 231 as the reference body temperature.

[0026] If the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than the reference body temperature, the wakefulness determination unit 232 further determines whether the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than a target body temperature that is lower than the reference body temperature. Here, the target body temperature is, for example, a temperature that is approximately 2°C lower than the reference body temperature. The wakefulness determination unit 232 determines whether the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than the target body temperature, and prevents the detected body temperature of the driver from immediately returning to the reference body temperature by cooling the driver using the cooling unit 24 until the detected body temperature of the driver becomes lower than the target body temperature. The wakefulness determination unit 232 outputs determination result information indicating the determination result to the cooling unit 24.

[0027] The release determination unit 233 determines whether to release the alarm issued by the alarm unit 22. For example, when the alertness determination unit 232 outputs determination result information indicating that the driver's alertness has not decreased, the release determination unit 233 causes the alarm unit 22 to release the alarm. On the other hand, when the alertness determination unit 232 outputs determination result information indicating that the driver's alertness has decreased, the release determination unit 233 does not cause the alarm unit 22 to release the alarm.

[0028] The setting unit 234 sets a reference body temperature for each driver individually. When the monitoring device 10 determines that the driver's wakefulness level has not decreased, the setting unit 234 sets the body temperature of the driver detected by the temperature sensor 231b as the reference body temperature of the driver.

[0029] The cooling unit 24 cools the driver based on the determination result obtained by the wakefulness determination unit 232. The cooling unit 24 includes a time measurement unit 241 and a cooling execution unit 242. The time measurement unit 241 and the cooling execution unit 242 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0030] The time measurement unit 241 measures the cooling time. The time measurement unit 241 measures, for example, 50 seconds, which is the time for cooling the driver. The reason why the time for cooling the driver is set to 50 seconds is that it takes about 50 seconds for blood cooled in the palm of a human hand to circulate through the body and return to the palm.

[0031] The cooling execution unit 242 cools the palms of the driver. The cooling execution unit 242 is configured to include, for example, a cooling medium (e.g., a Peltier element) formed in a plate shape and a control unit that controls the cooling medium. The cooling medium is accommodated in the accommodation space Ra with its upper surface exposed to the outside through the opening of the accommodation space Ra. When the cover C is in an open state, the upper surface of the cooling medium is exposed to the outside through the opening of the accommodation space Ra, and when the cover C is in a closed state, the upper surface of the cooling medium is not exposed to the outside through the opening of the accommodation space Ra. When the cover C is in an open state, the driver's palms are placed on the upper surface of the cooling medium. The cooling execution unit 242 cools the palms of the driver based on the determination result information output from the wakefulness determination unit 232. For example, when the determination result information output from the wakefulness determination unit 232 indicates that the driver's wakefulness has decreased, the cooling execution unit 242 cools the driver's palms for a time period measured by the time measurement unit 241 (for example, 50 seconds). The palms contain arteriovenous anastomoses, which are blood vessels that regulate body temperature, and the cooling execution unit 242 can efficiently lower the body temperature by cooling the blood passing through these blood vessels. When the determination result information output from the wakefulness determination unit 232 indicates that the driver's wakefulness has not decreased, the cooling execution unit 242 does not cool the driver's palms. Furthermore, when the driver's body temperature has dropped from a reference body temperature or higher to a temperature lower than the reference body temperature, the cooling unit 24 cools the driver until the driver's body temperature becomes lower than a target body temperature that is lower than the reference body temperature.

[0032] Next, an example of the operation of the awakening induction system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. The awakening induction system 1 determines whether autonomous driving has started (step S1). If autonomous driving has started (step S1; Yes), the awakening induction system 1 activates the awakening induction device 20 (step S2). For example, the awakening induction system 1 opens the cover C of the armrest R to expose the upper surface of the cooling unit 24 to the outside through the opening of the accommodation space Ra. Next, the awakening induction system 1 monitors the driver's awakening state using the monitoring device 10 (step S3). For example, the monitoring device 10 captures an image of the driver's face using the camera 11, and analyzes the driver's yawns, the number of blinks, etc. based on the image output from the camera 11 to determine the driver's awakening level. The monitoring device 10 transmits determination result information indicating the determination result to the awakening induction device 20.

[0033] The awakening induction device 20 determines whether the driver's level of awakening has decreased based on the determination result information transmitted from the monitoring device 10 (step S4). If the driver's level of awakening has decreased (step S4; Yes), the awakening induction device 20 sounds an alarm to warn the driver that the driver's level of awakening has decreased and to advise the driver to cool his / her hands (step S5). Next, the awakening induction device 20 executes an awakening induction process (step S6). The awakening induction process is performed by executing the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. The awakening induction device 20 detects the driver's body temperature using the body temperature detection unit 231 (step T1). For example, the body temperature detection unit 231 detects the temperature of the back of the driver's hand. Next, the awakening level determination unit 232 determines whether the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than the reference body temperature (step T2). If the detected body temperature of the driver is equal to or higher than the reference body temperature (step T2; No), the cooling unit 24 cools the driver's palm (step T3). Then, the process returns to step T1, and the body temperature detection unit 231 detects the driver's body temperature. On the other hand, if the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than the reference body temperature (Step T2; Yes), the cancellation determination unit 233 causes the alarm unit 22 to cancel the alarm (Step T4). The cancellation determination unit 233 basically cools the driver in Step S3 and then causes the alarm unit 22 to cancel the alarm. This allows the cooling process to be incorporated before the alarm is canceled, and allows the driver's hand to move toward the awakening induction device 20 in a natural flow. If the cancellation determination unit 233 starts cooling the driver in Step T3, it may switch to a less intrusive alarm pattern by lowering the volume of the alarm or by issuing an alarm with a gap between sounds. Next, the awakening level determination unit 232 determines whether the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than the target body temperature (Step T5). If the detected body temperature of the driver is equal to or higher than the target body temperature (Step T5; No), the cooling unit 24 cools the driver's palm (Step T6). On the other hand, if the detected body temperature of the driver is lower than the target body temperature (step T5; Yes), the cooling unit 24 ends the process without cooling the palms of the driver (step T7).

[0034] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the awakening induction device 20 executes a process of setting a reference body temperature for each driver individually in advance (step S7). The process of setting the reference body temperature is performed by executing the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The body temperature detection unit 231 of the awakening induction device 20 detects the body temperature of the driver (step U1). Next, the awakening induction device 20 determines whether the driver's level of awakening has decreased based on the determination result information transmitted from the monitoring device 10 (step U2). If the driver's level of awakening has not decreased (step U2; Yes), the awakening induction device 20 adopts the body temperature of the driver detected by the body temperature detection unit 231 as the reference body temperature of the driver (step U3). On the other hand, if the driver's level of awakening has decreased (step U2; No), the awakening induction device 20 does not adopt the body temperature of the driver detected by the body temperature detection unit 231 as the reference body temperature of the driver (step SU4).

[0035] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the awakening induction system 1 determines whether the automatic driving has ended (step S8). If the automatic driving has ended (step S8; Yes), the awakening induction system 1 shuts down the awakening induction device 20 and ends the awakening induction. For example, the awakening induction system 1 closes the cover C of the armrest R so that the upper surface of the cooling unit 24 is not exposed to the outside through the opening of the accommodation space Ra. On the other hand, if the automatic driving has not ended (step S8; No), the awakening induction system 1 returns to the above-mentioned step S3 and monitors the driver's awakening state using the monitoring device 10. Note that in the above-mentioned step S1, if the automatic driving has not started (step S1; No), the awakening induction system 1 again determines the start of automatic driving. In the above-mentioned step S4, if the driver's awakening level has not decreased (step S4; No), the awakening induction device 20 skips the warning process in step S5 and the awakening induction process in step S6 and executes the reference body temperature setting process in step S7.

[0036] As described above, the awakening induction system 1 according to the embodiment includes the body temperature detection unit 231, the awakening level determination unit 232, and the cooling unit 24. The body temperature detection unit 231 detects the body temperature of the driver. The awakening level determination unit 232 determines the awakening level of the driver based on the reference body temperature, which is the body temperature of the driver in an awakened state detected by the body temperature detection unit 231. The cooling unit 24 cools the driver based on the determination result determined by the awakening level determination unit 232. With this configuration, the awakening induction system 1 can individually set the reference body temperature for determining the awakening level for each driver, and can therefore determine the awakening level according to individual differences between drivers. As a result, the awakening induction system 1 can appropriately induce the driver to be in an awakened state by cooling the driver based on the individual determination result.

[0037] In the above-described awakening induction system 1, the awakening level determination unit 232 determines that the driver's awakening level has not decreased if the driver's body temperature detected by the body temperature detection unit 231 is lower than the reference body temperature, and determines that the driver's awakening level has decreased if the driver's body temperature is equal to or higher than the reference body temperature. The cooling unit 24 does not cool the driver if the driver's awakening level has not decreased, and cools the driver if the driver's awakening level has decreased. With this configuration, the awakening induction system 1 can appropriately cool the driver according to the reference body temperature.

[0038] In the above-described awakening induction system 1, when the body temperature of the driver detected by the body temperature detection unit 231 falls below a reference body temperature, the cooling unit 24 cools the driver until the body temperature of the driver falls below a target body temperature that is lower than the reference body temperature. With this configuration, the awakening induction system 1 can prevent the detected body temperature of the driver from immediately returning to the reference body temperature after it has fallen to the reference body temperature. This allows the awakening induction system 1 to appropriately maintain the driver's awakening state.

[0039] The awakening induction system 1 further includes a camera 11 that captures an image of the driver and an awakening level determination unit 123. The awakening level determination unit 123 determines whether the driver is in an awakening state where the driver's awakening level is not reduced or in a reduced awakening state where the driver's awakening level is reduced, based on the image captured by the camera 11. If the awakening level determination unit 123 determines that the driver's awakening level is not reduced, the awakening level determination unit 232 does not determine the driver's awakening level based on the reference body temperature, but if the awakening level determination unit 123 determines that the driver's awakening level is reduced, the awakening level determination unit 232 determines the driver's awakening level based on the reference body temperature. With this configuration, the awakening induction system 1 determines the driver's awakening level based on the reference body temperature in addition to the image captured by the camera 11, compared to conventional cases in which the awakening level is determined based only on the image captured by the camera 11, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the awakening level.

[0040] [Modification] Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. In the modified example, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the awakening induction system 1 according to the embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 231 has a temperature sensor 231b fixed to the end of a support member 231a extending vertically from the armrest R, and the temperature of the back of the driver's hand is detected by the temperature sensor 231b. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the awakening induction system 1A according to the modified example of the embodiment differs from the awakening induction system 1 according to the embodiment in that it includes an awakening induction device 20A having a first temperature sensor 231c and a second temperature sensor 231d embedded inside the armrest R.

[0041] The first temperature sensor 231c is provided on one side of the cooling unit 24 and is embedded inside the armrest R. The first temperature sensor 231c detects the temperature of the fingertips of the palm of the driver's hand and outputs the detected body temperature of the driver to the wakefulness determination unit 232.

[0042] The second temperature sensor 231d is provided on the other side of the cooling unit 24 and is embedded inside the armrest R. The second temperature sensor 231d detects the temperature of the driver's wrist and outputs the detected body temperature of the driver to the wakefulness determination unit 232. The wakefulness determination unit 232 then determines the wakefulness of the driver based on the temperature of the fingertips of the palm detected by the first temperature sensor 231c and the temperature of the wrist detected by the second temperature sensor 231d. The wakefulness determination unit 232 determines the wakefulness of the driver based on, for example, the average temperature of the temperature of the fingertips of the palm detected by the first temperature sensor 231c and the temperature of the wrist detected by the second temperature sensor 231d.

[0043] In the above description, an example has been described in which the cooling unit 24 cools the driver when the body temperature of the driver drops below a reference body temperature until the body temperature of the driver drops below a target body temperature that is lower than the reference body temperature, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cooling unit 24 may use the reference body temperature as a trigger and cool the driver for a predetermined time when the body temperature of the driver drops below the reference body temperature.

[0044] In addition, an example has been described in which the alertness determination unit 232 determines the driver's alertness based on an image captured by the camera 11, and if it determines that the driver's alertness has decreased, determines the driver's alertness based on the reference body temperature.However, this is not limited to this, and for example, it is not necessary to determine the driver's alertness based on an image captured by the camera 11.

[0045] Furthermore, although the example in which the awakening induction system 1 is mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving function has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be mounted on a vehicle that does not have an automatic driving function, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. 1A Awakening Induction System 11 Camera (imaging unit) 231 Body temperature detection unit 232 Arousal level determination unit (first awakening level determination unit) 123 Arousal level determination unit (second awakening level determination unit) 24 Cooling section

Claims

1. a body temperature detection unit that detects the body temperature of the driver; a first wakefulness determination unit that determines a wakefulness level of the driver based on a reference body temperature that is the body temperature of the driver in an wakeful state detected by the body temperature detection unit; a cooling unit that cools the driver based on the determination result determined by the first awakening level determination unit, The cooling unit is configured to cool the driver until the driver's body temperature falls below a target body temperature that is lower than the reference body temperature when the driver's body temperature detected by the body temperature detection unit falls below the reference body temperature.

2. A body temperature detection unit that detects the body temperature of the driver; a first wakefulness determination unit that determines a wakefulness level of the driver based on a reference body temperature that is the body temperature of the driver in an wakeful state detected by the body temperature detection unit; a cooling unit that cools the driver based on the determination result determined by the first awakening level determination unit; an imaging unit that images the driver; a second wakefulness determination unit that determines the wakefulness state in which the wakefulness level of the driver is not decreased and the decreased wakefulness state in which the wakefulness level of the driver is decreased based on the image captured by the imaging unit, The first alertness determination unit does not determine the driver's alertness based on the reference body temperature when the second alertness determination unit determines that the driver's alertness has not decreased, and determines the driver's alertness based on the reference body temperature when the second alertness determination unit determines that the driver's alertness has decreased.

3. the first wakefulness determination unit determines that the wakefulness of the driver has not decreased when the body temperature of the driver detected by the body temperature detection unit is lower than the reference body temperature, and determines that the wakefulness of the driver has decreased when the body temperature of the driver is equal to or higher than the reference body temperature; The wakefulness induction system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooling unit does not cool the driver when the driver's wakefulness level is not reduced, and cools the driver when the driver's wakefulness level is reduced.

Images