Wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system, vehicle, recording medium having computer program recorded therein, and wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery method

Abstract

The present application provides a wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system that can be adapted to an environment in which a subject is present and that makes it possible to appropriate keep the subject, such as a driver, awake or cause the subject to recover from fatigue. In particular, a vehicle M or an aroma generation control device 200 which is mounted on the vehicle M is configured to be able to perform aroma release control for keeping the driver awake or causing the driver to recover from fatigue, while coordinating with the environment set by the driver (that is, coordinating control).

Description

Wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system, vehicle, recording medium recording a computer program, and wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system, a vehicle, a recording medium storing a computer program, and a wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery method.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a driver monitoring system that monitors a driver mounted on a vehicle has become known as a means for monitoring the driver's condition and ensuring driving safety.

[0003] Such a driver monitoring system photographs the driver's face to obtain a facial image, and by analyzing the obtained facial image, it recognizes the driver's condition, such as whether the driver is drowsy, looking away, or has a sudden illness, and supports safe driving.

[0004] Recently, such systems have also become known that detect the driver's drowsiness level and provide the driver with stimuli such as sound, scent (fragrance), or vibration according to the drowsiness level, thereby providing the driver with an optimal awakening effect suited to the driver (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] JP 2020-52482 Public Relations

[0006] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 does not cooperate with the air conditioning control in the vehicle cabin, and may not provide an appropriate awakening effect to the driver.

[0007] In other words, the awakening effect changes not only depending on the situation of each driver but also on the in-vehicle environment, such as room temperature, so the system described in Patent Document 1, which does not have such cooperative control, may sometimes find it difficult to provide the driver with an appropriate awakening effect.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an alertness maintenance and fatigue recovery system that can adapt to the environment in which the subject, such as a driver, is present and accurately wake up the subject or recover from fatigue.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery system that maintains the wakefulness or recovers from fatigue in a subject, and comprises: a filling unit filled with an aroma or an object that emits the aroma having an awakening component for awakening the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering from fatigue in the subject; a release unit that releases the aroma into a specific space; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: perform a subject detection process that detects the wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma release control process that includes at least controlling the aroma release temperature when the aroma is released from the release unit based on the detected wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0010] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, a vehicle according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle equipped with an alertness maintenance and fatigue recovery system that maintains the alertness of a subject or recovers from fatigue, wherein the alertness maintenance and fatigue recovery system comprises: a filling unit filled with an aroma or an object that emits the aroma having an alertness component for alerting the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering from fatigue of the subject; an emission unit that releases the aroma into a specific space; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: perform a subject detection process that detects the alertness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma release control process that includes at least controlling the aroma release temperature when the aroma is released from the emission unit based on the detected alertness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program applied to an alertness maintenance and fatigue recovery system that maintains the alertness of a subject or recovers from fatigue, wherein the alertness maintenance and fatigue recovery system comprises: a filling unit filled with an aroma or an object that emits the aroma having an alertness component for alerting the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering from fatigue of the subject; an emission unit that emits the aroma into a specific space; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: perform a subject detection process that detects the alertness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma emission control process that at least controls the aroma emission temperature when the aroma is released from the emission unit based on the detected alertness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery method according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery method that uses an wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery system to maintain the wakefulness of a subject or recover from fatigue, wherein the wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery system comprises: a filling unit filled with an aroma or an object that emits the aroma having an awakening component for awakening the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering from fatigue of the subject; and a release unit that releases the aroma into a specific space, and is configured to perform a subject detection process that detects the wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma release control process that at least controls the aroma release temperature when releasing the aroma from the release unit based on the detected wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0013] The wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system disclosed herein can be adapted to the environment of a specific space, such as a vehicle, to accurately wake up a subject or recover from fatigue while performing a given task, such as driving a vehicle.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance control device mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of an fragrance emission control device mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a questionnaire for determining driver attributes according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a clustering model and fragrance information according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a driver state detection process executed in an fragrance emission control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a fragrance emission control process executed in an fragrance emission control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of a driving assistance control process (including wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery support process) executed by a driving assistance control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of a driving assistance control process (including wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery support process) executed by a driving assistance control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of an embodiment.

[0015] [A] Characteristics of an embodiment of the present disclosure (1) An embodiment of the present disclosure is an alertness maintenance and fatigue recovery system that maintains alertness or recovers from fatigue in a subject, comprising: a filling unit filled with an aroma or an object that emits the aroma having an alertness component for alerting the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering from fatigue in the subject; a release unit that releases the aroma into a specific space; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: perform a subject detection process that detects the alertness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma release control process that includes at least controlling the aroma release temperature when the aroma is released from the release unit based on the detected alertness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0016] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be realized by a vehicle equipped with an alertness maintenance fatigue recovery system that performs each of the above-mentioned processes, a recording medium on which a computer program for performing each of the above-mentioned processes is recorded, or a alertness maintenance fatigue recovery method that performs each of the above-mentioned processes.

[0017] With this configuration, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can be adapted to the environment within a specific space, such as a vehicle, to accurately wake up the subject or recover from fatigue while performing a given task, such as driving a vehicle.

[0018] In other words, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can wake up a subject while adapting to the environment in which the subject is present, or control the release of fragrance to recover from fatigue (i.e., coordinated control).

[0019] Therefore, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can prevent problems such as lack of concentration, distraction or drowsiness, and vehicle accidents caused by lack of concentration, distraction or drowsiness.

[0020] The term "target person" refers to, for example, a passenger in a vehicle, including a driver who drives a vehicle equipped with the system, or a user who uses the system.

[0021] The "specific space" refers to a personal space such as a vehicle or a room, and indicates a space where the subject is present or where the subject is expected to be present.

[0022] The "release temperature" refers to, for example, the temperature of the aroma itself, or the temperature of the steam when the aroma is mixed with the vapor (steam) and released.

[0023] The "air conditioning control device" may be, for example, an air conditioning device such as an air conditioner (a so-called air conditioner), or a device that controls the air conditioning device.

[0024] "Air conditioning control status" includes, for example, the on / off status of the air conditioning control device (air conditioner), set temperature, set humidity, air volume, air blow direction, and type (heating, cooling, or dehumidification).

[0025] (2) Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the specific space is a cabin of a vehicle driven by the subject as a driver, the processor executes a driving environment detection process to detect an environment related to driving of the vehicle while it is in motion as a driving environment, and executes a fragrance emission control process based on the detected driving environment, the detected level of alertness or fatigue of the subject, and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0026] With this configuration, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can wake up the subject or recover from fatigue by taking into account the driving environment.

[0027] For example, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can more quickly increase wakefulness or recover from fatigue even in situations where wakefulness is low or fatigue has accumulated, in environments where there is a high risk of accidents, such as in environments with many pedestrians and bicycles or when driving at high speeds, or in environments where serious accidents may occur.

[0028] The "driving environment" includes, for example, the traffic environment such as the number of pedestrians and bicycles around the vehicle and the surrounding traffic volume, the road environment such as the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling, the shape of the road on which the vehicle is traveling or the width of the road, and the weather during driving (sunny, rainy, and snowy).

[0029] (3) Furthermore, the embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which the driving environment includes at least one of a driving situation indicating the driving status of the vehicle and a surrounding environment indicating the environment around the vehicle while it is driving.

[0030] With this configuration, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can wake up the subject or recover from fatigue by taking into account the driving conditions, the surrounding environment, or both.

[0031] The "driving conditions" include vehicle speed, driving in urban areas, driving on a highway, driving in traffic jams, and driving for long periods of time.

[0032] The "surrounding environment" includes the type or number of surrounding traffic participants, the time of day (night or day), and the surrounding conditions (blind spots or many obstacles).

[0033] (4) Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which the processor: executes a first determination process to determine whether the detected alertness or fatigue level of the subject satisfies a given first condition and whether the detected level satisfies a second condition different from the first condition; executes a second determination process to determine whether the detected driving environment satisfies a given third condition; if the first condition is satisfied, determines a fragrance emission temperature as a first output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status, and executes the fragrance emission control process in accordance with the determined first output condition; and if the second condition and the third condition are satisfied, determines a fragrance emission temperature different from the first output condition as a second output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status, and executes the fragrance emission control process in accordance with the determined second output condition.

[0034] With this configuration, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can improve the wakefulness of a driver in a shorter time when the driver's wakefulness level is significantly low than when the driver is simply in an unaware state.

[0035] In addition, the wakefulness maintenance fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can control the reduction or elimination of fatigue levels in a shorter time when the driver's fatigue level is significantly high than when the driver is simply in a fatigued state.

[0036] In other words, the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present disclosure can reliably recover from lack of concentration, distraction, or drowsiness when the driver's wakefulness or fatigue state is significantly low or high.

[0037] The "first condition" refers to a condition for determining whether the driver is in a state of unawareness that requires awakening, or in a state of fatigue that requires recovery from fatigue, and indicates a condition based on a predetermined threshold, such as whether the level of awakening or fatigue is above or below a threshold.

[0038] The "second condition" refers to a condition based on a predetermined threshold value, for example, a condition for determining whether the driver's level of alertness is lower than that of the first condition and the driver's level of alertness is significantly low, or whether the driver's level of fatigue is higher than that of the first condition and the driver's level of fatigue is significantly high.

[0039] The "third condition" is, for example, a condition in which the driving environment requires a certain level of attention, and is a condition for determining an environment that requires greater attention than other environments, such as an environment with many pedestrians or bicycles, or an environment with heavy traffic or a high risk of accidents.

[0040] The "first output condition" refers to, for example, a condition for outputting a fragrance to change a driver's drowsiness into an awakened state, or to reduce or eliminate the driver's fatigue.

[0041] The "second output condition" indicates, for example, a condition for outputting a fragrance to wake up a driver who is in a less awake state, or to reduce or eliminate the fatigue state of a driver who is more tired.

[0042] [B] Details of the Preferred Embodiments of the Present Disclosure Hereinafter, details of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In the following embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the subject is the driver, and the specific space is the cabin of the vehicle M driven by the driver.

[0044] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0045] [B1] First Embodiment [B1.1] Overview A vehicle M of this embodiment is a vehicle incorporating a driving assistance function that uses fragrance to maintain the driver's alertness or to recover from fatigue.

[0046] In particular, the vehicle M of this embodiment has a driving assistance function that provides a fragrance into the passenger compartment to wake up the driver or relieve fatigue when it is predicted that the driver will be in a state of drowsiness or accumulated fatigue, which will hinder safe driving.

[0047] In addition, the vehicle M of this embodiment has a configuration that is capable of performing fragrance emission control (i.e., cooperative control) to wake up the driver or to recover from fatigue, while taking into account the environment in which the driver is present.

[0048] [B1.2] Vehicle First, the vehicle M of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] Note that Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle M of this embodiment, and Figure 2 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance control device 100 installed in the vehicle M of this embodiment.

[0050] (Basic Configuration of Vehicle) As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle M has a driving force source 9 that generates a driving torque for the vehicle M, and is configured to transmit the driving torque output from the driving force source 9 to the wheels 3.

[0051] In particular, the vehicle M is configured as a four-wheel drive vehicle that transmits drive torque to a left front wheel 3LF, a right front wheel 3RF, a left rear wheel 3LR, and a right rear wheel 3RR.

[0052] The driving force source 9 may be an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, a driving motor, or may include both an internal combustion engine and a driving motor.

[0053] The vehicle M may be, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with two drive motors, a front-wheel drive motor and a rear-wheel drive motor, or may be an electric vehicle equipped with drive motors corresponding to each wheel 3.

[0054] In addition, if the vehicle M is an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehicle M is equipped with a secondary battery that stores power to be supplied to the drive motor, or a generator such as a motor or fuel cell that generates power to charge the battery.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle M is equipped with a driving force source 9, an electric steering device 15, and brake devices 17LF, 17RF, 17LR, and 17RR (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "brake devices") as devices used to control the operation of the vehicle.

[0056] The drive power source 9 outputs a drive torque that is transmitted to the front drive shaft 5F and the rear drive shaft 5R via a transmission (not shown) and a front wheel differential mechanism 7F and a rear wheel differential mechanism 7R.

[0057] The drive of the drive power source 9 and the transmission is controlled by a vehicle drive control unit 40 that includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs).

[0058] An electric steering device 15 including an electric motor and a gear mechanism (not shown) is provided on the front wheel drive shaft 5F, and the electric steering device 15 is controlled by the vehicle drive control unit 40 to adjust the steering angle of the left front wheel 3LF and the right front wheel 3RF.

[0059] During manual driving, the vehicle drive control unit 40 controls the electric steering device 15 based on the steering angle of the steering wheel 13 by the driver.

[0060] The brake devices 17LF, 17RF, 17LR, and 17RR apply braking forces to the front, rear, left, and right drive wheels 3LF, 3RF, 3LR, and 3RR, respectively.

[0061] The brake devices 17 are configured as hydraulic brake devices, for example, and the hydraulic pressure supplied to each brake device 17 is controlled by the vehicle drive control unit 40 to generate a predetermined braking force.

[0062] In addition, when the vehicle M is an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, the brake device 17 is used in combination with a regenerative brake using a drive motor.

[0063] The vehicle drive control unit 40 includes one or more electronic control devices that control the drive of the drive power source 9, the electric steering device 15, and the brake device 17, and has the function of controlling the drive of the transmission that changes the speed of the output from the drive power source 9 and transmits it to the wheels 3 as necessary.

[0064] (Exterior Cameras) The exterior cameras 31 are cameras for acquiring information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle M, and are composed of front cameras 31LF and 31RF and a rear camera 31R.

[0065] In particular, the front imaging cameras 31LF, 31RF and the rear imaging camera 31R are equipped with imaging elements such as CCDs (Charged-Coupled Devices) or CMOSs ​​(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductors).

[0066] The front photographing cameras 31LF, 31RF and the rear photographing camera 31R photograph the front or rear of the vehicle M to generate image data, and provide the generated image data to the driving assistance control device 100.

[0067] The front photographing cameras 31LF, 31RF are configured as stereo cameras including a pair of left and right cameras, and the rear photographing camera 31R is configured as a so-called monocular camera, but each may be either a stereo camera or a monocular camera.

[0068] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the front photographing cameras 31LF, 31RF and the rear photographing camera 31R, for example, cameras mounted on the side mirrors 11L, 11R to photograph the left rear or right rear may be provided.

[0069] (Ambient Environment Sensor) The ambient environment sensor 32 is a sensor that detects people or obstacles around the vehicle M. For example, the ambient environment sensor 32 has one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of a high-frequency radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a LiDAR.

[0070] In particular, the surrounding environment sensor 32 has the function of detecting any objects present around the vehicle M, such as other vehicles or bicycles, buildings, utility poles, traffic signs, traffic lights, natural objects, or other obstacles.

[0071] The surrounding environment sensor 32 then transmits a sensor signal including the detected data to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance emission control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100 .

[0072] (Vehicle Operation / Behavior Sensor) The vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35 is composed of at least one sensor that detects the operation state and behavior of the vehicle M.

[0073] For example, the vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35 has at least one of a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor, and detects information on the behavior of the vehicle M, such as vehicle speed, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, and yaw rate.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35 includes at least one of an accelerator position sensor, a brake stroke sensor, a brake pressure sensor, a steering angle sensor, an engine rotation speed sensor, a brake lamp switch, and a blinker switch.

[0075] The vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35 detects information on the vehicle operation state, such as the steering angle of the steering wheel or steering wheels, accelerator opening, brake operation amount, on / off of the brake lamp switch, and on / off of the blinker switch.

[0076] Furthermore, the vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35 provides the detected behavior, speed, steering wheel position, and other information of the vehicle M to the driving assistance control device 100.

[0077] (GNSS Antenna) The GNSS antenna 37 receives satellite signals from satellites such as GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, and transmits position information of the vehicle M on map data contained in the received satellite signals to the driving assistance control device 100.

[0078] In addition, instead of the GNSS antenna 37, an antenna that receives satellite signals from other satellite systems that identify the position of the vehicle M may be provided.

[0079] (Map Data Storage Unit) The map data storage unit 33 is a storage medium that is configured from a storage device such as a memory element, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory, and stores map data.

[0080] For example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) is used as a storage element. A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used as a magnetic disk. A CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is used as an optical disk. A SSD (Solid State Drive) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory is used as a flash memory.

[0081] Further, the map data storage unit 33 provides the corresponding map data (including data related to the map) to the navigation system 39 under the control of the navigation system 39 .

[0082] The map data storage unit 33 of this embodiment may be a storage medium that stores map data for guiding the vehicle M to a predetermined destination.

[0083] (Navigation System) Under the control of the driving assistance control device 100, the navigation system 39 works in conjunction with the map data storage unit 33 to identify the current position of the vehicle M based on the position information acquired from the GNSS antenna 37, and provides the identified current position to the HMI 43.

[0084] (HMI) The HMI 43 is driven by the driving assistance control device 100 and has a function of notifying the driver of various information by means of image display, audio output, etc., for example, a display device and a speaker (not shown) provided in the instrument panel.

[0085] In particular, the HMI 43 works in conjunction with the navigation system 39 to display various types of information (image information and sound information including map information) generated by the navigation system 39 for providing driving assistance to the driver as images or as audio output.

[0086] The display device may be a HUD (head-up display) that displays information on the front window superimposed on the scenery around the vehicle M.

[0087] (In-Vehicle Camera) The in-vehicle camera 41 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor).

[0088] The in-vehicle camera 41 captures an image of the driver's upper body, including the face, generates image data, and provides the generated image data to the driving assistance control device 100. The in-vehicle camera 41 is also configured to be able to detect the driver's line of sight.

[0089] (Vehicle Drive Control Unit) The vehicle drive control unit 40 has at least one control system that controls the drive of the vehicle M.

[0090] The vehicle drive control unit 40 has an engine control system or a motor control system that controls the driving force of the vehicle M, a steering wheel, an electric steering device 15 that controls the steering angle of the steering wheels, and a brake device 17 that controls the braking force of the vehicle M.

[0091] The vehicle drive control unit 40 may also have a transmission system that changes the speed of the output from the engine or drive motor and transmits it to the drive wheels.

[0092] (Air Conditioner) The air conditioner 300 is configured to be capable of performing a ventilation operation for sending air from outside the vehicle M into the vehicle interior, and a cooling / heating operation for sending cool air or warm air into the vehicle interior.

[0093] In particular, the air conditioner 300 has a cooling function for cooling air and a heating function for heating air, and also has a blower fan 310 and is configured to send conditioned air, including outside air, into the vehicle cabin.

[0094] The air conditioning unit 300 has a structure for blowing cooled conditioned air, heated conditioned air, or outside air into the vehicle cabin from a plurality of outlets (not shown) via ducts (not shown).

[0095] The blower fan 310 is also connected to a battery (not shown), and its operation is controlled by switching on and off the power supply from the battery.

[0096] (Light Sensor) The light sensor 64 is a light receiving sensor that detects the brightness around the vehicle M and turns on a headlight (not shown).

[0097] The light sensor 64 also outputs an on signal or an off signal to the headlights to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance emission control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100 .

[0098] (Outside air temperature sensor) The outside air temperature sensor 65 is formed on an outer wall surface (not shown) of the vehicle M, detects the outside air temperature and outside air humidity, and outputs the detected outside air temperature and outside air humidity information to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance generation control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100.

[0099] (Solar radiation sensor) The solar radiation sensor 66 is formed on an outer wall surface (not shown) of the vehicle M, and is a sensor that measures the amount of solar radiation radiated over a certain area and for a certain period of time. It is configured to measure the amount of heat generated by exposure to sunlight and detect the amount of solar energy.

[0100] The solar radiation sensor 66 then outputs the detected amount of solar energy to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance emission control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100 as appropriate.

[0101] (Odor Sensor) The odor sensor 67 is provided at a predetermined location outside the vehicle and is a sensor for detecting odors outside the vehicle.

[0102] In particular, the odor sensor 67 is a sensor for detecting the type of odor in the vicinity of the vehicle M by utilizing response characteristics that differ depending on the type of substance in the air.

[0103] The odor sensor 67 then outputs the detected type of odor to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance emission control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100 as appropriate.

[0104] (Interior Temperature Sensor) The interior temperature sensor 68 is provided at a predetermined location in the vehicle interior and is a sensor for detecting the temperature and humidity in the vehicle interior.

[0105] The interior temperature sensor 68 outputs the detected temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance emission control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100 as appropriate.

[0106] The interior temperature sensor 68 may be a sensor that acquires the temperature, humidity, and air volume in the vehicle interior that are set by the air conditioning device 300 .

[0107] (Rain Sensor) The rain sensor 69 is a sensor that is provided, for example, on a windshield (not shown) of the vehicle M and detects raindrops on the windshield.

[0108] The rain sensor 69 outputs information on the presence or absence of raindrops and the amount of raindrops to the driving assistance control device 100 and to the fragrance emission control device 200 via the driving assistance control device 100 .

[0109] [B1.3] Driving Assistance Control Device Next, an example of the configuration of the driving assistance control device 100 for the vehicle M of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0110] FIG. 2 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the driving assistance control device 100 mounted on the vehicle M of this embodiment.

[0111] The driving assistance control device 100 functions as a device that assists the driving of the vehicle M by executing a computer program using one or more processors such as CPUs.

[0112] In particular, the driving assistance control device 100 of this embodiment is configured to provide predetermined driving assistance to the driver in cooperation with the fragrance emission control device 200 or independently.

[0113] In addition, the driving assistance control device 100 is connected to an exterior camera 31, a surrounding environment sensor 32, and a vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35 either directly or via a communication means such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) or a LIN (Local Internet).

[0114] The driving assistance control device 100 is connected to a map data storage unit 33, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna 37, and a navigation system 39 via communication means.

[0115] Furthermore, the driving assistance control device 100 is connected to a vehicle drive control unit 40, an in-vehicle camera 41, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 43, an aroma emission control device 200, and an air conditioning device 300 via communication means.

[0116] In the vehicle M, the vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35, the GNSS antenna 37, the map data storage unit 33, the HMI 43, and the vehicle drive control unit 40 are each directly connected to the driving assistance control device 100. However, these may also be indirectly connected to the driving assistance control device 100 via communication means such as CAN or LIN.

[0117] 2, the driving assistance control device 100 includes a processing unit 110, an operation input unit 120, a storage unit 140, a communication unit 170, and an information storage medium 180. However, the driving assistance control device 100 may be configured to omit some of these components.

[0118] Furthermore, part or all of the driving assistance control device 100 may be configured as updatable firmware or the like, or may be a program module or the like that is executed by instructions from a CPU or the like.

[0119] The processing unit 110 drives hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) based on the application stored in the information storage medium 180 to execute each process of this embodiment.

[0120] It should be noted that any type of application may be stored in the information storage medium 180. Furthermore, the processing unit 110 of this embodiment may read out programs and data stored in the information storage medium 180, temporarily store the read out programs and data in the storage unit 140, and perform various processes based on the programs and data.

[0121] The processing unit 110 also executes various processes using a main memory unit 141 in the storage unit 140 as a work area, or realizes these processes using application programs.

[0122] Specifically, the processing unit 110 is configured from a communication control unit 111, an operation reception processing unit 112, and a driving support processing unit 113. However, the processing unit 110 may be configured to omit some of these units.

[0123] The communication control unit 111 controls the communication unit 170, establishes a communication line with a server device (not shown) via a network N such as a mobile communication network or the Internet, and transmits and receives data (predetermined information digitized).

[0124] The operation reception processing unit 112 recognizes input information input by the driver from the operation input unit 120 and outputs the recognized information to the aroma emission control device 200 .

[0125] The driving assistance processing unit 113 performs driving assistance processing related to control for automatic driving of the vehicle M (i.e., automatic driving control) or driving assistance control for assisting the driver in driving the vehicle M based on various data and information.

[0126] In particular, if the driving assistance processing unit 113 determines that the driver's alertness or fatigue level does not improve even after performing the fragrance emission control processing as described above, it executes processing to switch to automatic driving or processing to execute a predetermined processing such as an emergency stop processing.

[0127] The operation input unit 120 is a device used when the driver inputs given information, and is configured to output the information input by the driver (hereinafter referred to as "input information") to the processing unit 110.

[0128] For example, the operation input unit 120 is configured with a lever, a button, a dial-type operation device, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, a camera for receiving input by a mouse or gestures, and the like.

[0129] The operation input unit 120 also includes a detection unit (not shown) that detects input information (input signal) from the driver.

[0130] In particular, when the operation input unit 120 is configured with a microphone, the detection unit configures a voice recognition device that accepts input from the voice of a passenger such as a driver.

[0131] Furthermore, when the operation input unit 120 is configured with a camera, the detection unit configures an image recognition device that accepts input of a gesture captured by the camera.

[0132] The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 110 and the like, and its functions are realized by hardware such as RAM (VRAM).

[0133] The storage unit 140 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 141 used as a work area, and a data storage unit 142. However, the storage unit 140 may be configured to omit some of these units.

[0134] In particular, the data storage unit 142 stores computer programs used to execute each process, table data, and the like.

[0135] The functions of the communication unit 170 are realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like.

[0136] The information storage medium 180 is readable by a computer, and may store various data including various apps, an OS (operating system), and an ID corresponding to each driving assistance control device 100.

[0137] That is, the information storage medium 180 stores applications for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (applications for causing a computer to execute the processing of each part), an ID for communicating with a server device not shown, and the like.

[0138] For example, the information storage medium 180 is configured by a memory element or a storage device such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory.

[0139] [B1.4] Fragrance Emission Control Device [B1.4.1] Overview of the Fragrance Emission Control Device Next, the fragrance emission control device 200 for the vehicle M of this embodiment will be described.

[0140] The fragrance emission control device 200 of this embodiment is configured to emit fragrance containing an awakening component to awaken the driver or a fatigue recovery component to recover from fatigue into the vehicle cabin, thereby maintaining the driver's awakening or recovering from fatigue while driving.

[0141] In other words, the fragrance emission control device 200 of this embodiment has a configuration for executing a driving assistance process (hereinafter also referred to as "alertness maintenance / fatigue recovery assistance process") that assists the driver in maintaining alertness and recovering from fatigue while driving.

[0142] The fragrance emission control device 200 of this embodiment is configured to perform fragrance emission control (i.e., cooperative control) to adapt to the vehicle interior environment desired by the driver, while waking up the driver or relieving fatigue.

[0143] Specifically, the fragrance emission control device 200 has a filling unit 210 that is filled with an object that emits a fragrance having an awakening component to awaken the driver or a fatigue recovery component to recover from fatigue of the subject.

[0144] The aroma emission control device 200 also has an emission unit 220 that emits aroma from the filling unit 210 into a specific space.

[0145] The fragrance emission control device 200 has a control unit 230 composed of one or more processors and one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors in order to execute the wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery support processing.

[0146] In particular, the fragrance emission control device 200 is configured to execute a driver state detection process to detect the driver's level of alertness or fatigue, and to execute an air conditioning status acquisition process to acquire the air conditioning control status of the air conditioning device 300 that controls the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin.

[0147] In addition, the fragrance emission control device 200 is configured to execute a fragrance emission control process, which includes at least controlling the fragrance emission temperature when emitting fragrance from the filling unit 210, based on the detected driver's alertness or fatigue level and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0148] Furthermore, the aroma emission control device 200 of this embodiment has a configuration for executing a driving environment detection process for detecting the environment related to the driving of the vehicle M while it is traveling as the driving environment.

[0149] The fragrance emission control device 200 is configured to execute fragrance emission control processing based on the detected driving environment, the detected driver's alertness or fatigue level, and the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0150] With this configuration, the fragrance emission control device 200 of this embodiment can perform fragrance emission control (i.e., cooperative control) to wake up the driver or recover from fatigue while adapting to the environment inside the vehicle cabin in which the driver is present.

[0151] Therefore, the fragrance emission control device 200 of this embodiment can prevent problems such as lack of concentration, distraction or drowsiness, and vehicle accidents caused by lack of concentration, distraction or drowsiness.

[0152] Although the fragrance emission control device 200 is provided separately from the driving assistance control device 100, it may be incorporated into the driving assistance control device 100.

[0153] [B1.4.2] Configuration of the Fragrance Emission Control Device Next, a specific configuration of the fragrance emission control device 200 for the vehicle M of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0154] FIG. 3 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the aroma emission control device 200 mounted on the vehicle M of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a questionnaire for determining driver attributes in this embodiment.

[0155] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the clustering model and aroma information of this embodiment.

[0156] The filling unit 210 has a structure that allows attachment of a plurality of cartridges 201 to 203 filled with fragrances containing an awakening component for waking up the driver or a fatigue recovery component for recovering from fatigue of the subject.

[0157] In particular, the filling unit 210 has a mounting portion 211 to which a plurality of cartridges 201 to 203 can be mounted.

[0158] Each of the cartridges 201 to 203 is filled with a plurality of different kinds of fragrances, which are essential oils extracted from plants, fruits, etc. as substances that emit fragrances.

[0159] For example, each cartridge 201 to 203 is filled with essential oils such as geranium, lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot, rose, or rosemary, which are effective in easing menstrual pain, depression, or lack of motivation.

[0160] Furthermore, for example, each cartridge 201 to 203 is filled with essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, and mint that relieve drowsiness, or essential oils such as geranium and marjoram that balance female hormones, and peppermint, cypress, and jasmine that relieve irritability.

[0161] The mounting portion 211 has a structure that allows each of the cartridges 201 to 203 to be attached and detached, and is arranged at a position where each of the cartridges 201 to 203 can be attached and detached by, for example, a passenger such as a driver or a mechanic who maintains the vehicle M.

[0162] For example, the mounting part 211 is preferably formed inside a duct (not shown) between the blower fan 310 and an air outlet (not shown), but it may be arranged in a position where the fragrance is output.

[0163] The emission unit 220 is a unit for emitting the aroma of each of the cartridges 201 to 203 into the vehicle cabin using the conditioned air emitted from the air conditioner 300 and the blower fan 310 .

[0164] The emission unit 220 has a function of mixing the corresponding aroma into the conditioned air under the control of the control unit 230 .

[0165] Specifically, the emission unit 220 has the function of controlling the supply or stopping of conditioned air to each cartridge 201 to 203, controlling the release or blocking of the fragrance released from each cartridge 201 to 203, or controlling both.

[0166] The discharge unit 220 is a mechanism controlled by the control unit 230, and may be provided between each cartridge 201 to 203 and the blower fan 310, and may only have the function of an airflow interrupter that controls the amount of air blowing on each cartridge 201 to 203.

[0167] Furthermore, for example, the emission unit 220 may have a switching function controlled by the control unit 230, and may have a control function (including a structure that realizes this) such as an emission path leading to an outlet not shown.

[0168] The emission unit 220 may emit the aroma as a gas or as steam, and when it is output as steam, it controls not only the temperature but also the humidity. However, when it is output as steam, it is preferable that the emitted humidity, together with the emitted temperature, be controlled by the air conditioner 300.

[0169] The control unit 230 is configured with one or more processors such as central processing units or micro processing units (MPUs) and one or more memories.

[0170] Note that part or all of the control unit 230 may be configured with updatable firmware or the like, or may be a program module or the like that is executed by instructions from a CPU or the like.

[0171] The functions of the control unit 230 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) or application programs.

[0172] Specifically, the control unit 230 works in conjunction with the air conditioning device 300 and the emission unit 220 to spray (spray) the fragrance components of each cartridge 201 to 203 from an outlet (not shown) and perform control (i.e., emission control) to emit the fragrance into the vehicle cabin.

[0173] The control unit 230 includes a storage section 231 that functions as a memory for performing release control, and a processing section 235 that performs various processes for release control.

[0174] The storage unit 231 serves as a work area for the processing unit 235 and the like, and its functions are realized by hardware such as RAM (VRAM).

[0175] The storage unit 231 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 232 used as a work area, a data storage unit 233, and a driver-related information storage unit 234. However, the storage unit 231 may be configured to omit some of these units.

[0176] The data storage unit 233 stores computer programs used to execute each process, table data, and the like.

[0177] In addition, the data storage unit 233 stores, for each driver attribute, information on the type of fragrance that will awaken the driver having that attribute, the type of fragrance that will help them recover from fatigue, or the type of fragrance that will achieve both, as fragrance information.

[0178] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the fragrance information specifies, for each driver attribute, information on the type of fragrance that is optimal for awakening the driver (optimal fragrance for the driver), optimal fragrance for recovering from fatigue, or optimal fragrance for the driver that has both effects.

[0179] The fragrance information includes information (hereinafter referred to as "standard spray information") that specifies, for each driver-optimized fragrance, the standard spray temperature and spray humidity at which the fragrance effect is most likely to be achieved, which are predetermined standard spray temperatures and spray humidity (standard spray temperature and humidity).

[0180] The information on the type of driver-optimal scent may include information on the combination of multiple scents that constitute the driver-optimal scent and the ratio of the scents.

[0181] The driver-related information storage unit 234 stores attribute information indicating the attributes of each driver and a clustering model (learning model) for identifying the attributes of each driver.

[0182] Specifically, the driver-related information storage unit 234 stores, for example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, a plurality of attributes clustered based on information obtained from a questionnaire entered in advance by each driver, and one attribute is defined for each driver.

[0183] For example, the questionnaire may include basic attributes that indicate the driver's basic attributes, the driver's internal attributes (hereinafter referred to as "internal attributes"), and habitual attributes (hereinafter also referred to as "habits").

[0184] In particular, the basic attributes include age (generation), gender, occupation, driving experience, and living environment, and the internal attributes include information on driving load sensitivity such as the Driving Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Workload Sensitivity Questionnaire (WSQ).

[0185] Habitual attributes also include information about eating and drinking habits, including alcohol intake, and behavioral habits, such as how people spend their holidays.

[0186] The attributes identified by the questionnaire results entered by each driver and the clustering model are stored in the driver-related information storage unit 234 as driver attribute information.

[0187] The driver-related information storage unit 234 may also store, for each driver, facial image data (i.e., facial image data) for identifying the driver by image.

[0188] The processing unit 235 executes various processes using the main memory unit 232 as a work area, or realizes these processes using application programs.

[0189] Specifically, the processing unit 235 is composed of a driver-optimized scent identification unit 236, a driver state detection processing unit 237, a scent output control unit 238, and a driving environment detection unit 239. However, the processing unit 235 may be configured to omit some of these units.

[0190] The driver optimum scent specification unit 236 specifies the driver optimum scent for waking up the driver, for recovering the driver's fatigue, or for achieving both, at a predetermined timing such as when the vehicle M starts to be driven.

[0191] The driver state detection processing unit 237 detects the state of the driver while driving, such as whether or not the driver is awake, whether or not the driver is tired, and the level of fatigue.

[0192] The fragrance output control unit 238 determines whether the driver is in a drowsy state, and if the driver is in a drowsy state, controls the emission of a fragrance optimal for the driver.

[0193] The driving environment detection unit 239 detects the traffic environment such as the number of pedestrians and bicycles around the vehicle M, the surrounding traffic volume, the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling, the shape of the road on which the vehicle is traveling or the width of the road, and the weather during driving (sunny, rainy, or snowy).

[0194] [B1.4.3] Identification of the Optimal Scent for the Driver Next, the identification of the optimal scent for the driver that achieves driver awakening, fatigue recovery, or both, according to this embodiment will be described.

[0195] The driver optimum scent identification unit 236 identifies the individual driver and the attributes of the driver at a predetermined timing, such as when the vehicle M starts to drive.

[0196] The driver optimum scent specifying unit 236 then specifies the driver optimum scent for waking up the driver, for recovering from fatigue of the driver, or for achieving both of these.

[0197] Specifically, first, the driver optimal scent identification unit 236 identifies the driver using facial image data collected in advance by the in-vehicle camera 41 or the like, or using information input via the driving assistance control device 100 (operation input unit 120).

[0198] For example, the driver optimal scent identification unit 236 may input information identifying the driver to the driving assistance control device 100, or may identify the driver by searching the driver-related information storage unit 234 for a facial image that matches the facial image captured by the in-vehicle camera 41.

[0199] Next, the driver optimum scent specifying unit 236 specifies the driver attribute information stored in the driver related information storage unit 234 in association with the specified driver.

[0200] In particular, the driver optimum scent identification unit 236 identifies attribute information based on a questionnaire (information on basic attributes, inner attributes, and habits) previously entered by the driver and a clustering model modeled based on information on multiple drivers, as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0201] The clustering model may be stored in advance in the driver-related information storage unit 234, or may be acquired from a server device (not shown).

[0202] Then, the driver optimum scent specification unit 236 searches for scent information stored in the data storage unit 233 based on the specified driver attribute, and specifies, from the scent information, a scent stored in association with the specified driver attribute as the driver optimum scent.

[0203] [B1.4.4] Driver Condition Detection Processing Next, the driver condition detection processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0204] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the driver state detection process executed in the aroma emission control device 200 of this embodiment.

[0205] (Overview of driver state detection processing) The driver state detection processing unit 237 detects the driver's level of alertness, level of fatigue, or both, and executes driver state detection processing to detect whether the driver is in an unaware state, a fatigued state, or both.

[0206] In particular, the driver state detection processing unit 237 detects given evaluation indices such as blink bursts and drowsiness evaluation values ​​from the facial image data, thereby detecting the driver's alertness, fatigue level, or both.

[0207] In addition, the driver state detection processing unit 237 performs a state determination process to determine whether the driver is in a state of unawareness, a state of fatigue, or both, by comparing the detected evaluation value of the level of alertness, the level of fatigue, or both, with predetermined determination criteria.

[0208] (Detection of evaluation value) The driver state detection processing unit 237 acquires facial image data of the driver while driving using the in-vehicle camera 41, and detects an evaluation value of the alertness level, the fatigue level, or both based on the acquired facial image data.

[0209] For example, the driver state detection processing unit 237 detects evaluation indices such as the number of blink bursts (multiple blinks occurring within a predetermined time interval), the period of eye closure during the blink burst, and drowsiness assessment scores (eye movement, head movement, yawning, etc.) from the facial image data.

[0210] Then, the driver state detection processing unit 237 detects the evaluation value of the driver's alertness, fatigue level, or both, based on the detected evaluation index and the judgment criteria associated with each evaluation.

[0211] (State Determination Processing) The driver state detection processing unit 237 executes a first determination processing to determine whether the detected driver's alertness or fatigue level satisfies a given first condition, and whether it satisfies a second condition different from the first condition.

[0212] The driver state detection processing unit 237 also executes a second determination process to determine whether or not the detected driving environment satisfies a given third condition.

[0213] If the first condition is met, the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines that the driver is in an awake state or a fatigued state.

[0214] Furthermore, when the second and third conditions are met, the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines that the driver is in an awake state or a fatigued state and is in an emergency response state.

[0215] In particular, the driver state detection processing unit 237 uses a condition of being below a first threshold (or above the first threshold) as the first condition, and a condition of being below a second threshold (or above the second threshold) different from the first threshold as the second condition.

[0216] For example, if the level of alertness is defined in the range of "0" to "1", the threshold A for alertness is set to "0.7" and the threshold B is set to "0.4" (the higher the value, the higher the level of alertness).

[0217] Also, for example, if fatigue level is defined in the range of "0" to "1", the threshold A for fatigue level is set to "0.7" and the threshold B is set to "0.4" (the higher the value, the higher the fatigue level).

[0218] On the other hand, the driver state detection processing unit 237 uses a condition determined based on the driving environment as the third condition, and also uses, for example, an ambient complexity obtained by normalizing a predetermined element to an evaluation value of 1.

[0219] For example, in the case of the degree of alertness, as shown in Figure 6, the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines that the driver is in an alert state if the level is equal to or lower than threshold A, and further determines that the driver is in an emergency response state if the level is equal to or lower than threshold B, which is equal to or lower than threshold A, on the premise that the third condition is met.

[0220] Then, for example, the driver state detection processing unit 237 uses a third threshold value based on the surrounding complexity as a third condition through a predetermined calculation, as shown in FIG.

[0221] In particular, the ambient complexity is a value defined by an arbitrary design function having two or more parameters as variables.

[0222] For example, the surrounding complexity is defined by the vehicle speed (the speed of vehicle M in this embodiment) and the number of surrounding moving objects, or by two parameters: the vehicle speed and the number of types of surrounding moving objects.

[0223] Furthermore, for example, when the surrounding complexity is defined by three parameters, namely the vehicle speed, the number of surrounding moving bodies, and the number of types of moving bodies, it is defined by a function having all variables (i.e., three dimensions).

[0224] The vehicle speed is defined as increasing complexity because the faster the speed, the faster the rate at which the visibility conditions change, and the number of surrounding moving objects is defined as increasing the number of objects to be watched as the number of moving objects around the vehicle increases.

[0225] In addition, the number of types of moving objects (vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians) is defined as the more types there are, the more diverse behaviors should be monitored, such as random walking by pedestrians or linear movement by automobiles.

[0226] Furthermore, when defining the ambient complexity, normalized or standardized values ​​may be used for each parameter, or physical values ​​may be used as they are.

[0227] [B1.4.5] Air Conditioning Status Acquisition Process Next, the air conditioning status acquisition process executed by the aroma emission control device 200 of this embodiment will be described.

[0228] The aroma output control unit 238 is linked to the air conditioner 300 and executes an air conditioning status acquisition process to acquire the temperature and humidity set in the air conditioner 300 as air conditioning control information.

[0229] In particular, in order to adapt to the environment inside the vehicle cabin and appropriately wake up the driver while driving the vehicle M or to help him recover from fatigue, the fragrance output control unit 238 is configured to acquire air conditioning control information for the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle cabin desired by the driver.

[0230] Specifically, the aroma output control unit 238 acquires, as air conditioning control information, the on / off status, temperature setting, and humidity setting of the air conditioner 300 as the air conditioning control status.

[0231] The aroma output control unit 238 of this embodiment may acquire the air volume, air blowing direction, and type (heating, cooling, or dehumidification) of the air conditioner 300 as the air conditioning control information.

[0232] [B1.4.6] Driving Environment Detection Processing Next, the driving environment detection processing executed by the fragrance emission control device 200 of this embodiment will be described.

[0233] The driving environment detection unit 239 identifies the driving environment around the vehicle M based on information from the exterior camera 31, the surrounding environment sensor 32, the vehicle operation / behavior sensor 35, the light sensor 64, the solar radiation sensor 66 and the rain sensor 69.

[0234] In particular, the driving environment detection unit 239 identifies, as the driving environment, the driving situation indicating the driving status of the vehicle M and the surrounding environment indicating the environment around the vehicle M while it is driving.

[0235] Specifically, the driving environment detection unit 239 identifies the driving conditions, such as the speed of the vehicle M, whether it is driving in an urban area, whether it is driving on a highway, whether it is driving in a traffic jam, and whether it is driving for a long time.

[0236] The driving environment detection unit 239 then identifies the type (e.g., pedestrians or bicycles) or number (number) of surrounding traffic participants, the road environment (road type, road shape or road width), and the surrounding conditions (blind spots, number of obstacles, etc.) as the driving environment.

[0237] The driving environment detection unit 239 also identifies the driving environment, such as the time of day (night or day) and the weather during driving.

[0238] The driving environment detection unit 239 then outputs the identified driving conditions and surrounding environment to the fragrance output control unit 238 .

[0239] On the other hand, the driving environment detection unit 239 may calculate the surrounding complexity based on the identified driving conditions, the surrounding environment, or both, and provide the calculated surrounding complexity to the fragrance output control unit 238 as the driving environment to be used in the fragrance emission control process.

[0240] Specifically, the driving environment detection unit 239 performs a predetermined calculation based on the type or number of surrounding traffic participants, the road environment, the surrounding conditions, the time of day (night or day), and the weather at the time of driving, and calculates the surrounding complexity (for example, a value between "0" and "1.0").

[0241] For example, the surrounding complexity may simply be the number of moving objects including surrounding traffic participants, or the number of types of moving objects including surrounding traffic participants, or this value may be corrected based on the road environment, time of day, or weather.

[0242] [B1.4.7] Emission Control Process Next, the aroma emission control process executed by the aroma emission control device 200 of this embodiment will be described.

[0243] (Basic Principles of Fragrance Emission Control Processing) The fragrance output control unit 238 acquires the driver's alertness or fatigue level detected by the driver state detection processing and the air conditioning control status acquired by the air conditioning status acquisition processing.

[0244] Then, the fragrance output control unit 238 executes a fragrance emission control process based on the detected driver's alertness or fatigue level and the acquired air conditioning control status, which includes at least controlling the fragrance emission temperature when the fragrance is emitted from the emission unit 220.

[0245] In particular, the fragrance output control unit 238 controls the release of fragrance to awaken the subject or to relieve fatigue, while coordinating with the environment set by the driver (i.e., cooperative control).

[0246] In addition, as part of the emission control process, the fragrance output control unit 238 controls the set temperature, set humidity, and air volume in the air conditioning device 300, and also controls the emission unit 220 to mix the driver-optimized fragrance corresponding to the conditioned air output from the air conditioning device 300.

[0247] In particular, the aroma output control unit 238 is configured to control the aroma emission temperature and emission humidity by controlling the air conditioning temperature (steam temperature) when the aroma is mixed with the conditioned air (steam) and emitted.

[0248] Basically, the fragrance output control unit 238 performs an emission control process (hereinafter referred to as "normal emission control process") that provides wakefulness assistance or fatigue recovery assistance depending on the air conditioning control status, based on whether the detected driver is in an awake state or a fatigued state.

[0249] On the other hand, when the level of alertness is significantly low or the level of fatigue is high, the fragrance output control unit 238 executes an emission control process (hereinafter referred to as "emergency response emission control process") that quickly provides alertness assistance or fatigue recovery assistance as an emergency response, instead of the normal emission control process.

[0250] That is, as the release control process, the fragrance output control unit 238 selectively executes a normal release control process or an emergency release control process based on the detected state of wakefulness or fatigue of the driver.

[0251] Specifically, when the driver is in an awake state or a fatigued state, the fragrance output control unit 238 determines the fragrance emission temperature and emission humidity as the first output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0252] Then, the aroma output control unit 238 executes aroma emission control processing (i.e., normal emission control processing) in accordance with the first output condition.

[0253] On the other hand, when the driver is in an emergency response state and the driving environment meets specified conditions, the fragrance output control unit 238 determines the fragrance emission temperature and emission humidity to be a temperature different from the first output condition as the second output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status.

[0254] Then, the aroma output control unit 238 executes aroma emission control processing (i.e., emergency response emission control processing) in accordance with the determined second output condition.

[0255] In addition, the fragrance output control unit 238 may cancel the emission control instead of executing the normal emission control process or the emergency response emission control process, depending on the result of the state determination process performed by the driver state detection processing unit 237.

[0256] The aroma output control unit 238 may control the temperature of the aroma itself as the release temperature, or may control only the release temperature without controlling the release humidity.

[0257] (Normal release control processing) As described above, when the detected level of alertness or fatigue level satisfies the first condition and it is determined that the driver is in an unaware state, the fragrance output control unit 238 executes emergency response release control processing.

[0258] In particular, the fragrance output control unit 238 refers to the outside air temperature and humidity, and the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle cabin (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle cabin temperature" and "vehicle cabin humidity"), and adjusts the set temperature and set humidity of the air conditioning unit 300 to set the emission temperature and emission humidity of the driver's optimal fragrance.

[0259] Generally, the fragrance effect requires a temperature and humidity that are likely to result in a positive fragrance evaluation by human sensory evaluation.

[0260] Therefore, the fragrance output control unit 238 of this embodiment is configured to specify not only the reference temperature and humidity (i.e., standard spray information), but also the temperature and humidity, and select highs for the air temperature and humidity, and the indoor temperature and humidity, and select the temperature and humidity that are likely to affect the human sensory state.

[0261] Specifically, the fragrance output control unit 238 first sets the emission temperature and emission humidity (hereinafter referred to as the "provisional spray setting value") of the driver's optimal fragrance to be emitted from the emission unit 220 based on predefined standard spray information, the outside air temperature and humidity, and the vehicle interior temperature and humidity.

[0262] For example, the fragrance output control unit 238 selects the highest temperature and humidity from the standard spray information, including temperature and humidity, outside temperature and humidity, and vehicle interior temperature and humidity, and sets the highest temperature and humidity as the provisional spray setting value.

[0263] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 performs a predetermined calculation based on the provisional spray setting value and the set temperature and set humidity of the air conditioning device 300 acquired by the air conditioning status acquisition process, and sets the official spray temperature and spray humidity as the first output condition (official spray setting value).

[0264] For example, the fragrance output control unit 238 calculates the average of the provisional spray setting value and the set temperature and set humidity of the air conditioning device 300, and sets the calculated average value as the official spray setting value, and sets the emission temperature and emission humidity of the driver's optimal fragrance emitted from the emission unit 220.

[0265] The fragrance output control unit 238 then controls the set temperature and set humidity of the air conditioning unit 300 based on the set official spray setting value, and performs switching control on the emission unit 220 to output the driver's optimal fragrance into the vehicle cabin from an outlet (not shown).

[0266] The fragrance output control unit 238 sets the provisional spray temperature and humidity by Select High, but in order to prevent burns, etc., the provisional spray temperature and humidity set by Select High may be set to a maximum of "60 degrees."

[0267] Furthermore, the driver state detection processing unit 237 may use the driving environment to control the emission of the driver-optimized fragrance when performing the normal emission control process.

[0268] Specifically, the driver state detection processing unit 237 changes the first condition according to the surrounding complexity, such as by relaxing the first condition as the surrounding complexity increases, and executes normal emission control processing when the changed first condition is met.

[0269] For example, when there are many traffic participants (high surrounding complexity), such as when driving in an urban area, the driver state detection processing unit 237 may lower the threshold value of the first condition, and emit the driver-optimized scent when it detects a state of drowsiness or fatigue compared to normal driving (low surrounding complexity).

[0270] (Emergency response release control processing) As described above, the fragrance output control unit 238 executes emergency response release control processing when the detected level of alertness or fatigue meets the second condition, the driver is in an unaware or fatigued state, and the driving environment meets the third condition.

[0271] In particular, unlike the normal emission control process, the fragrance output control unit 238 prioritizes the standard spray information and sets the temperature and humidity specified in the standard spray information as the emission temperature and emission humidity of the driver's optimal fragrance.

[0272] The fragrance output control unit 238 then controls the set temperature and humidity of the air conditioning unit 300 based on the temperature and humidity specified in the set standard spray information, and performs switching control on the emission unit 220 to output the driver-optimized fragrance from an outlet not shown.

[0273] [B1.5] Operation of this Embodiment Next, the driving assistance control process executed by the aroma emission control device 200 of this embodiment, which mainly consists of wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery assistance process, will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG.

[0274] 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the driving assistance control process (including wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery assistance process) executed by the driving assistance control device 100 of this embodiment.

[0275] This operation is an operation when applied to maintaining the driver's level of alertness in the alertness maintenance / fatigue recovery support process performed on the driver while driving the vehicle M.

[0276] In addition, in this operation, the individual driver is identified based on the driver's facial image or operations on the driving assistance control device 100 before driving, and the driver's attributes are identified based on the driver-related information and fragrance information that have already been stored.

[0277] In this operation, it is assumed that the driver's optimum scent has already been set based on the identified driver's attributes.

[0278] It should be noted that this operation will be described as an operation including an emergency awakening assistance process for awakening the driver in a short time when the driver's level of awakening has significantly decreased.

[0279] First, when the fragrance output control unit 238 detects that the vehicle M has started to be driven (step S100), it detects whether or not the timing to start the wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery support process has arrived (step S101).

[0280] The timing for starting the wakefulness maintenance / fatigue recovery support process may include, for example, when a certain period of time has passed since the engine started, when the vehicle M has traveled a certain distance since it began to travel, or when a predetermined time has arrived.

[0281] Next, when it detects that the timing for starting the alertness maintenance / fatigue recovery support process has arrived, the driver state detection processing unit 237 acquires image data from the in-vehicle camera 41 and executes the driver state detection process to detect the driver's level of alertness (step S102).

[0282] Next, the driver state detection processing unit 237 executes a driver state detection process to determine whether or not the driver is in an awake state based on the detected driver's wakefulness (step S103).

[0283] Specifically, the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines whether the detected driver's wakefulness satisfies a predetermined non-wakefulness condition (for example, whether it is equal to or less than a first threshold value).

[0284] At this time, if the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines that the driver is not in an awake state, the process proceeds to step S115. However, if the fragrance emission control unit 238 is currently executing fragrance emission control, the fragrance emission control unit 238 stops the fragrance emission control (step S120) and proceeds to step S115.

[0285] On the other hand, if the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines that the driver is in an awake state, it determines whether the detected driver's wakefulness satisfies a predetermined emergency wakefulness assistance determination condition (step S104).

[0286] That is, the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform emergency awakening assistance. The driver state detection processing unit 237 then determines, as an emergency awakening assistance determination condition, whether or not the detected awakening level is equal to or lower than a predetermined second threshold value.

[0287] At this time, if the driver state detection processing unit 237 determines that the driver's level of alertness meets the emergency awakening assistance judgment conditions, it proceeds to processing of step S105, and if it determines that the driver's level of alertness does not meet the emergency awakening assistance judgment conditions, it proceeds to processing of step S108.

[0288] Next, if the driving environment detection unit 239 determines that the driver's level of alertness meets the emergency awakening assistance judgment conditions, it executes a driving environment detection process to detect the driving environment (driving conditions, surrounding environment, or both) while the vehicle M is traveling (step S105).

[0289] For example, the driving environment detection unit 239 calculates the surrounding complexity based on one or more driving conditions such as the number of types of surrounding moving objects, the number of such moving objects, or high-speed driving.

[0290] The driving environment detection unit 239 may calculate the surrounding complexity based not only on the identified driving situation but also on the surrounding environment or on the driving situation and the surrounding environment.

[0291] Next, the driving environment detection unit 239 determines whether the detected driving environment (specifically, the surrounding complexity) satisfies the driving environment emergency determination condition (for example, whether it is equal to or less than the third threshold) (step S106).

[0292] At this time, if it is determined that the detected driving environment does not satisfy the driving environment emergency determination condition, the fragrance output control unit 238 proceeds to the process of step S108.

[0293] On the other hand, if the detected driving environment is determined to satisfy the driving environment emergency judgment conditions, the fragrance output control unit 238 sets the emission temperature and emission humidity of the driver-optimized fragrance to execute the emergency awakening support process (step S107), and proceeds to the processing of step S112.

[0294] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 receives outputs from the outside air temperature sensor 65 and the interior temperature sensor 68, and detects the temperature and humidity of the outside air and the temperature and humidity of the interior of the vehicle (step S108).

[0295] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 sets the spray temperature and humidity of the driver's optimal fragrance that have already been set as the provisional spray setting values ​​based on the stored fragrance information of the driver's optimal fragrance, the temperature and humidity of the outside air, and the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle cabin (step S109).

[0296] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 acquires the temperature and humidity set in the air conditioning device 300 as air conditioning control information, and compares the air conditioning control information with the provisional spray temperature and humidity to identify the official spray setting values ​​(step S110).

[0297] Specifically, the fragrance output control unit 238 calculates the average of the temperature and humidity as air conditioning control information obtained from the air conditioning device 300 and the provisional spray temperature and humidity, and identifies the calculated average as the official spray setting value.

[0298] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 sets the set official spray setting values ​​(i.e., temperature and humidity) as the emission temperature and emission humidity of the driver's optimum fragrance (step S111).

[0299] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 executes the emission control of the driver-optimized fragrance based on the set emission temperature and emission humidity (step S112).

[0300] Next, the fragrance output control unit 238 determines whether or not the end of this operation, such as the end of driving, has been detected (step S115).

[0301] At this time, if the fragrance output control unit 238 determines that the end of this operation has been detected, it stops the fragrance emission control (step S116) and ends this operation, and if it determines that the operation has not ended, it proceeds to processing in step S102.

[0302] When the fragrance output control unit 238 determines that the end of this operation has been detected and fragrance emission control has not been executed in step S116, it ends this operation.

[0303] [B1.6] Variations [B1.6.1] Variation 1 In this embodiment, the fragrance emission control process detects the driver's level of alertness or fatigue and determines whether to emit, continue, or stop the emission of the driver's optimal fragrance. However, the amount of fragrance emitted may also be controlled along with the emission temperature and emission humidity of the driver's optimal fragrance.

[0304] [B1.6.2] Modification 2 In this embodiment, the odor intensity of the outside air may be detected, and the emission of the driver-optimized scent may be controlled based on the detected presence or absence of odor or the level of odor.

[0305] For example, the fragrance output control unit 238 may be configured to control the air conditioner 300 when taking in outside air, and to physically or chemically deodorize the odor.

[0306] In addition, the fragrance output control unit 238 may have a configuration that can be used to control the release of the driver's optimal fragrance, such as by converting the odor into another fragrance, or may have a configuration that can control the release of the driver's optimal fragrance so that it is perceived as stronger than the odor in question.

[0307] [B1.6.3] Variation 3 In this embodiment, while the release control process for the driver's optimal scent is being executed, the driver's level of alertness or fatigue is detected. If an improvement in alertness or recovery in fatigue is not observed, a different scent may be set as the driver's optimal scent and its release control may be executed.

[0308] In other words, if the fragrance output control unit 238 determines that even if the initially set driver-optimal fragrance emission control is executed, it is not expected to improve alertness or recover from fatigue, it may switch to a cartridge 201 that emits fragrance.

[0309] Specifically, if the level of alertness or fatigue has not improved after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the normal emission control process, the fragrance output control unit 238 determines that the driver's optimal fragrance is not effective and switches the driver's optimal fragrance to that optimal fragrance.

[0310] For example, the driver's optimum scent to be switched may be specified in advance or may be determined randomly.

[0311] It is also possible that some drivers may adapt to the driver-optimized scent that is released during the normal release control process (they may become accustomed to the scent and their alertness or fatigue level may not improve).

[0312] In order to improve this adaptation, the fragrance output control unit 238 similarly switches the driver's optimal fragrance if, after the start of the normal emission control process, the alertness or fatigue level after a predetermined period of time has elapsed has not improved compared to the alertness or fatigue level detected immediately before.

[0313] That is, the fragrance output control unit 238 detects the change in the level of alertness or fatigue, and if the value of the level of alertness or fatigue has not improved from the level of alertness or fatigue detected immediately before, or if it has not improved for a predetermined number of consecutive times, it determines that the driver has adapted to the fragrance and switches to the driver's optimal fragrance.

[0314] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if the level of alertness improves after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the normal emission control process, the fragrance output control unit 238 maintains the emission control of the driver's optimal fragrance that was initially set.

[0315] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the initially determined driver optimum fragrance is released, if the level of alertness is not improved compared to the level detected immediately before, the fragrance output control unit 238 switches the driver optimum fragrance to another fragrance.

[0316] Note that Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of this embodiment, and shows that after the normal emission control process was performed, the level of alertness gradually improved, but then decreased again, so the driver's optimal scent was switched.

[0317] The fragrance output control unit 238 may also detect whether or not adaptation has occurred based on the slope of a graph showing the progression of the alertness or fatigue level.

[0318] That is, the fragrance output control unit 238 may switch the driver's optimum fragrance when the slope of the graph showing the change in alertness or fatigue level becomes "negative."

[0319] [B1.6.4] Modification 4 Next, in this embodiment, standard spray setting values ​​(temperature and humidity) may be acquired from a server device (not shown).

[0320] The fragrance output control unit 238 of this modified example may work in conjunction with the driving assistance control device 100, and based on the control of the communication control unit 111, connect to a server device (not shown) via the communication unit 170 and obtain standard spray setting values ​​from the server device.

[0321] [B2] Second embodiment [B2.1] Overview This embodiment is characterized in that, unlike the first embodiment in which the fragrance emission control process is executed based on the driving environment while being linked to the air conditioning device 300, the fragrance emission control process is executed in linkage with the air conditioning device 300 regardless of the driving environment.

[0322] Except for the above-mentioned features, this embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0323] [B2.2] Aroma release control processing The aroma output control unit 238 of this embodiment executes the same normal release control processing as in the first embodiment, but as an emergency response release control processing, it determines the release temperature and humidity as the second output conditions based on the air conditioning control status acquired when only the second condition is met.

[0324] That is, in the state determination process, the fragrance output control unit 238 executes a first determination process to determine whether the detected driver's alertness or fatigue level satisfies the first condition and whether the detected driver's alertness or fatigue level satisfies the second condition, as in the first embodiment.

[0325] On the other hand, when the second condition is met, the fragrance output control unit 238 determines the fragrance emission temperature as the second output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status without performing the second judgment process of the first embodiment.

[0326] Then, the aroma output control unit 238 executes aroma emission control processing (i.e., emergency response emission control processing) in accordance with the determined second output condition.

[0327] [B2.3] Modifications As with the first embodiment, the present embodiment can be applied with each modification, and has the same effects.

[0328] [C] Others Each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described using an example of a device incorporated into a vehicle M as the wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system of the present invention, but the system can be applied to any device that diffuses a fragrance such as a diffuser into a specific space to help the user (subject) maintain wakefulness or recover from fatigue.

[0329] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited in the description of the specification or drawings as broadly defined or synonymous can be replaced with broadly defined or synonymous terms in other descriptions of the specification or drawings.

[0330] The embodiments of the present disclosure include configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the above embodiments (for example, configurations with the same function, method, and result, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the above embodiments are replaced. The embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the above embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the above embodiments.

[0331] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail as above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0332] M: Vehicle 100: Driving assistance control device 110: Processing unit 111: Communication control unit 112: Operation reception processing unit 113: Driving assistance processing unit 120: Operation input unit 140: Memory unit 141: Main memory unit 142: Data memory unit 170: Communication unit 180: Information storage medium 200: Aroma emission control device 201: Cartridge 202: Cartridge 203: Cartridge 210: Filling unit 211: Mounting unit 220: Emission unit 230: Control unit 231: Memory unit 232: Main memory unit 233: Data memory unit 234: Driver-related information memory unit 235: Processing unit 236: Driver-optimized scent identification unit 237: Driver state detection processing unit 238: Aroma output control unit 239 : Driving environment detection unit 300 : Air conditioner 310 : Blower fan

Claims

1. A system for maintaining wakefulness and recovering from fatigue that maintains the wakefulness of a subject or recovers from fatigue, comprising: a filling unit filled with an aroma having an awakening component for awakening the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering the fatigue of the subject, or an object that emits the aroma; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform a subject detection process to detect the wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process to acquire the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma emission control process that includes at least controlling the aroma emission temperature when releasing the aroma from the emission unit based on the detected wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status. The system for maintaining wakefulness and recovering from fatigue comprises: a filling unit filled with an aroma having an awakening component for awakening the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering the fatigue of the subject, or an object that emits the aroma; one or more processors 2. A wakefulness maintaining and fatigue recovery system as described in claim 1, wherein, when the specific space is the cabin of a vehicle driven by the subject as a driver, the processor executes a driving environment detection process to detect the environment related to the driving of the vehicle while it is traveling as a driving environment, and executes the fragrance emission control process based on the detected driving environment, the detected wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject, and the acquired air conditioning control status.

3. A wakefulness maintenance and fatigue recovery system as described in claim 2, wherein the driving environment includes at least one of a driving condition indicating the driving condition of the vehicle and an ambient environment indicating the environment around the vehicle while it is traveling.

4. A wakefulness maintaining and fatigue recovering system as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the processor: executes a first determination process to determine whether the detected wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject satisfies a given first condition and whether it satisfies a second condition different from the first condition; executes a second determination process to determine whether the detected driving environment satisfies a given third condition; if the first condition is satisfied, determines a fragrance emission temperature as a first output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status and executes the fragrance emission control process in accordance with the determined first output condition; if the second condition and the third condition are satisfied, determines a fragrance emission temperature different from the first output condition as a second output condition based on the acquired air conditioning control status and executes the fragrance emission control process in accordance with the determined second output condition.

5. A vehicle equipped with an alertness maintaining and fatigue recovery system that maintains the alertness of a subject or recovers from fatigue, the alertness maintaining and fatigue recovery system comprising: a filling unit filled with an aroma having an alertness component for alerting the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering the fatigue of the subject, or an object that emits the aroma; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform a subject detection process that detects the alertness or fatigue level of the subject; perform an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status in an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and perform an aroma emission control process that includes at least controlling the aroma emission temperature when releasing the aroma from the emission unit based on the detected alertness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

6. A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program applied to an alertness maintaining and fatigue recovery system that maintains the alertness of a subject or recovers from fatigue, the alertness maintaining and fatigue recovery system comprising: a filling unit filled with an aroma having an alertness component for alerting the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering the fatigue of the subject, or an object that emits the aroma; one or more processors; and one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors, the one or more processors performing a subject detection process that detects the alertness or fatigue level of the subject; performing an air conditioning status acquisition process that acquires the air conditioning control status of an air conditioning control device that controls the air conditioning in the specific space; and performing an aroma emission control process that at least controls the aroma emission temperature when releasing the aroma from the emission unit based on the detected alertness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

7. A method for maintaining wakefulness or recovering from fatigue in a subject using an wakefulness maintaining fatigue recovery system, the wakefulness maintaining fatigue recovery system comprising: a filling unit filled with an aroma or an object that emits the aroma having an awakening component for awakening the subject or a fatigue recovery component for recovering the fatigue of the subject; and an emission unit that releases the aroma into a specific space, and the method for maintaining wakefulness and fatigue recovery comprises: executing a subject detection process to detect the wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject; executing an air conditioning status acquisition process to acquire an air conditioning control status in an air conditioning control device that controls air conditioning in the specific space; and executing an aroma emission control process to at least control the aroma emission temperature when releasing the aroma from the emission unit based on the detected wakefulness or fatigue level of the subject and the acquired air conditioning control status.

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