Method for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving and device for carrying out the method

Abstract

A method for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving in an appropriate driving environment enables simultaneous and comprehensive evaluation of driving-related cognitive functions in a manner that provides information easily interpretable both by drivers and by professionals conducting the assessment. The device for carrying out the method comprises a first unit (I) operated by an evaluator and a second unit (II) operated by the person being assessed, the units (I; II) being data-connected.

Description

METHOD FOR ASSESSING COGNITIVE ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR DRIVING AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving and to a device for carrying out said method.

[0002] Driving a vehicle is a complex task based on various visual, perceptual, physical sensorimotor and cognitive abilities. Drivers are expected not only to operate the vehicle but also to monitor the environment, communicate with other road users and comply with traffic regulations while attempting to reach their intended destination. A decline in any set of abilities due to a medical condition, neuropsychological disorder or other cognitive impairment may be reflected in the driving performance of an individual driver.

[0003] Existing methods for assessing cognitive functions required for driving are mostly focused on capturing data on a single cognitive function (for example, inhibition or divided attention), aiming for a precise evaluation of the selected cognitive ability. However, since driving requires a combination of numerous skills, drivers can compensate for a deficit in one skill by relying more heavily on other, better-preserved functions. For example, a driver who recognises a decrease in information processing speed may compensate by driving more slowly and focusing on detecting stimuli and preventing interference before an expected event occurs. Consequently, the assessment of individual functional abilities in isolation may lead to incorrect conclusions regarding overall driving competence. Conversely, focusing all cognitive resources on the performance of a single function (for instance, divided or selective attention only) may result in better outcomes than would occur in a dynamic driving situation, potentially leading to an incorrect evaluation that a person is fit to drive. Ageing is accompanied by narrowing of the visual field, reduced contrast sensitivity, longer time required for refocusing, slower eye movement, impaired depth perception and slower decision-making. Drivers with cognitive impairments may therefore be more sensitive to complex traffic situations that require simultaneous performance of multiple tasks, further highlighting the need for assessment tests and measurements adapted to the drivingenvironment and capable of evaluating all relevant skills simultaneously.

[0004] Most existing methods employ paper-based or computer-based tests that are not directly related to driving or the driving environment. An additional problem arises from the mode of performing such tests, which, when computer-based, require the use of a keyboard or mouse for input. Due to lower digital literacy or limited familiarity with computer equipment, test subjects may show slower reaction times and consequently poorer results, which do not reflect their actual abilities. Assessing capabilities in an appropriate environment using driving-related tasks or tests can simplify this process for both the driver and the evaluator. Although the use of an actual vehicle might appear a logical solution, it is rarely employed due to high costs and, for safety reasons, is usually restricted to strictly controlled driving environments. Such assessments therefore do not provide sufficient information about the overall driving ability and are more often used as supportive rather than primary assessment methods.

[0005] Documents GB 2 412 188 A, US 7,294,107 B2 and US 2012 / 0214143 Al disclose systems for assessing neurological or cognitive functions. The drawback of these known solutions lies in their focus on detecting abilities influenced by alcohol or drugs, or on the general assessment of cognitive functions.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a novel method for assessing the abilities required for driving and a device for carrying out said method.

[0007] This objective is achieved by the features defined in the characterising part of claim 1. Further details of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. In the description, the term “driver” is used broadly to include, for example, drivers of land-based road and / or rail vehicles, operators of watercraft, pilots of aircraft and similar. To overcome the shortcomings of known solutions for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving, the proposed invention provides a device and a method for assessing cognitive abilities necessary for driving in an appropriate driving environment, enabling simultaneous and comprehensive evaluation of driving-related cognitive functions in a way that providesinformation easily interpretable both by drivers and by professionals conducting the assessments.

[0008] The invention is explained in greater detail below based on a non-limiting embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing in Fig. 1, which schematically shows a device for carrying out the method for assessing abilities required for driving.

[0010] The device for assessing cognitive functions required for driving comprises a first unit I, operated by an evaluator, and a second unit II, operated by the person being assessed, wherein said units I; II are data-connected.

[0011] The aforementioned first unit I comprises a first computer unit 1 having at least one computer program configured to simulate a driving environment; a memory unit 2 in which a set of tests evaluating cognitive functions in a digital driving environment and data relating to the tested persons are stored; a first user interface 3 enabling the evaluator to manage the tests and the obtained results; and a second computer unit 6 configured to capture and process collected data and to automatically prepare a report for both the evaluator and the person being assessed, wherein the data are categorised within ranges or norms corresponding to the demographic population of the test subject.

[0012] The aforementioned second unit II comprises an additional user interface 4 which visually and audibly presents tasks to the person being assessed; and a mechanical unit 5 consisting of vehicle components enabling the performance of the tests.

[0013] The aforementioned first computer unit 1 of the first unit I, configured to simulate a driving environment, may simulate an environment consisting of various urban and regional roads, motorways and test-track roads marked with appropriate traffic signs and signals. The simulated driving environment may also include other traffic participants such as vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and the like. Additional infrastructure and environmental elements may be included to simulate a natural driving setting.

[0014] The aforementioned memory unit 2 of the first unit I, which stores the set of tests evaluating cognitive functions in a digital driving environment, comprises a collection of optional tests, two of which are presented below as examples.

[0015] First Example - InhibitionThis test is primarily intended for assessing inhibition, while also allowing the collection of data on reaction and response times, adherence to traffic regulations, and vehicle handling as indirect indicators of cognitive abilities, planning skills and sustained attention.

[0016] The person being assessed is seated in the mechanical unit 5 of the second unit II, consisting of vehicle components enabling test performance, said mechanical unit 5 representing a vehicle interior. The driving environment is displayed using screens or virtual reality devices that provide a view comparable to that of a real driver. The environment may consist, for example, of a two-lane one-way road with a constant speed limit corresponding to the road type (for example, urban). Speed limit signs display the permitted speed at the beginning of the test and once again midway through the test. During driving, stimuli appear in the side and rear-view mirrors at randomly selected intervals, differing in shape and / or colour (for example, arrows or X marks in black and white). The driver’s task is to react as quickly as possible only to a stimulus of a specific colour and shape, for example a white arrow, by changing lane in the direction indicated by the arrow. The driver is expected to use the appropriate indicator before changing lanes and to check for surrounding vehicles that may obstruct the intended manoeuvre.

[0017] Before performing the actual test, the person being assessed completes a practice test to familiarise themselves with the tasks and the test procedure.

[0018] To evaluate inhibition ability, the following are recorded: the number of responses to correct stimuli, the number of responses to incorrect stimuli, and the number of correct stimuli without a response. Reaction time is measured as the time between the display of a stimulus and the use of the turn signal or rotation of the steering wheel by at least 2°. Response time is measured as the time between the display of a correct stimulus and themoment when the lane change is completed or the vehicle is fully within the new lane. Planning, adherence to traffic rules and vehicle handling are evaluated based on data regarding proper indicator use, safe execution of the lane change manoeuvre, compliance with speed limits (longitudinal vehicle control), lane stability (lateral control), and the number of collisions with infrastructure or other traffic participants. Sustained attention is evaluated from data on vehicle speed and changes in stimulus detection performance over time.

[0019] The task can be performed at multiple difficulty levels, namely: a) a first level, where stimuli differ only by one attribute (for example, colour); b) a second level, where stimuli differ by two attributes (for example, colour and shape); and c) a third level, where stimuli differ by two attributes (for example, colour and shape) and by location of appearance (for example, only in the left rear-view mirror).

[0020] Additionally, weather conditions and visibility, and consequently driving difficulty, can be varied. The use of the test at multiple difficulty levels can also serve as cognitive and driving skill training.

[0021] Second Example - Divided AttentionThis test is primarily intended for the assessment of divided attention, that is, the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. It also enables the collection of data on reaction and response times, compliance with traffic regulations, and vehicle control ability, which serve as indirect indicators of cognitive functions and sustained attention. The test, in several levels of difficulty, may also be used for cognitive training, rehabilitation, and the training of driving skills.

[0022] The person being assessed is seated in the mechanical unit 5 of the second unit II, representing a vehicle interior. The driving environment is displayed using screens or virtual reality devices providing a driver’s view comparable to that in a real vehicle. The driving environment consists of a three-lane one-way road (for example, a motorway) where thespeed limit changes at randomly determined distances, the changes being indicated by speed limit signs. During driving, only one of the three lanes is open for traffic, with changes occurring at random distances. Changes and notifications regarding open or closed lanes are displayed by traffic control signs such as digital gantries (variable message signs positioned, for example, above motorway lanes). The driver’s task is to simultaneously maintain the current speed limit indicated by the last traffic sign and to drive in the only open lane indicated by the traffic portal. The person being assessed is instructed to drive as close as possible to the speed limit and to perform lane and speed changes as quickly as possible in accordance with the displayed information.

[0023] Before the actual test, the person being assessed completes a practice test to become familiar with the tasks and test procedure.

[0024] To evaluate divided attention ability, the number of correct responses to changes in speed and lane availability is recorded. Reaction time to light stimuli is measured as the time from the display of a change on the traffic portal to the use of the turn signal or rotation of the steering wheel by at least 2°. Reaction time to a traffic sign stimulus is measured as the time from the point where the sign enters the subject’s field of view to the moment they begin accelerating or braking by more than 10 % of pedal force or using another longitudinal control device. Response time to a light stimulus is measured as the time from the display of the change on the traffic portal to the completion of the lane change, when the vehicle is fully in the correct lane. Response time to a traffic sign stimulus is measured as the time from when the sign enters the driver’s visual field to the moment when the new prescribed speed indicated by the sign is reached, with deviations of up to 10 % permitted. Compliance with traffic rules and vehicle handling are evaluated based on proper use of indicators, safe lane change execution, adherence to speed limits (longitudinal control), lane stability (lateral control), and the number of collisions with infrastructure or other participants. Sustained attention is evaluated through data on appropriate speed adaptation and changes in detection performance overtime.

[0025] The task may be performed at multiple difficulty levels, namely:a) a first level, with no other traffic participants on the road and lane changes always permitted (for example, dashed lines throughout); b) a second level, with no other traffic participants on the road, but lane changes permitted only in specific sections (for example, only when a dashed line separates the current lane from the target lane indicated by the portal); and c) a third level, with other traffic participants present who may obstruct lane changes, and with lane changes permitted only in specific sections (for example, only when a dashed line separates the current lane from the target lane indicated by the portal).

[0026] Additionally, weather conditions may change, which can consequently affect visibility and the difficulty of operating the vehicle. The use of the test at various levels of difficulty may also be applied for cognitive training, rehabilitation, and the training of driving skills.

[0027] The aforementioned first user interface 3 of the first unit I, enabling the evaluator to manage tests and results, is preferably a digital interface displayable on a computer or mobile device, such as a tablet. The interface 3 enables the evaluator to import and / or enter data regarding the person being assessed, such as demographic data, medical reports, and driving experience. Furthermore, the interface 3 enables management of the entire system for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving. It allows the selection, initiation and termination of tests, selection of difficulty levels, and modification of certain test parameters such as the number of stimuli and duration of the test. The interface 3 enables the viewing of real-time data, review of collected data upon test completion, export of data to other software, and output of data in digital or printed form.

[0028] The aforementioned additional user interface 4 of the second unit II for the person being assessed is a digital interface displayable on a flat or curved projection surface or on a virtual reality device. The interface 4 presents tests, practice tests, test instructions and test results.

[0029] The aforementioned mechanical unit 5 of the second unit II, consisting of vehiclecomponents and enabling the performance of tests, comprises vehicle parts such as a seat and other components enabling test execution, including a steering wheel with levers and buttons, accelerator and brake pedals, clutch, gearbox, various vehicle control aids for physically impaired persons, and similar. Individual components are equipped with measuring cells allowing the capture of data as defined in the tests.

[0030] The aforementioned second computer unit 6 of the first unit I, which captures and processes the collected data, receives input from the first computer unit 1 of the first unit I and from the mechanical unit 5 of the second unit II, together forming the remainder of the system for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving. The second computer unit 6 comprises a data-processing algorithm that, upon completion of each test, automatically prepares a report and classifies it within the ranges or norms corresponding to the demographic population of the person being assessed. The report contains a descriptive and visual representation of the results.

Claims

Patent claims1. A method for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving, comprising: a) activating a first unit (I), operated by an evaluator, and a second unit (II), operated by the person being assessed, wherein the units (I; II) are data-connected; b) importing and / or entering data about the person being assessed via the evaluator and a first user interface (3) of the first unit (I) into a first computer unit (1) of the first unit (I); c) selecting a test via the evaluator and the first user interface (3) of the first unit (I) from a set of tests stored in a memory unit (2) of the first unit (I); d) simulating a driving environment, if a trial test is selected, using the computer unit (1) of the first unit (I), which visually and audibly presents the test via an additional user interface (4) of the second unit (II), the person being assessed performing the test using a mechanical unit (5); e) if the trial test is completed, displaying the result to the evaluator on the first user interface (3) of the first unit (I) and to the person being assessed on the additional user interface (4) of the second unit (II), and proceeding to the next step; otherwise, the test is terminated; f) selecting, by the evaluator and depending on the trial test result, the difficulty level of the test using the first user interface (3) of the first unit (I) and the second computer unit (6) of the first unit (I); g) displaying to the person being assessed the instructions for the test at the selected difficulty level on the additional user interface (4) of the second unit (II); h) simulating a driving environment for the selected test using the computer unit (1) of the first unit (I), which visually and audibly presents the test via the additional user interface (4) of the second unit (II), the person being assessed performing the test using the mechanical unit (5); i) if the person being assessed completes the test, generating a report for the person being assessed and for the evaluator using the second computer unit (6) of the first unit (I); otherwise, repeating the testing from step (e); j) displaying the report for the evaluator on the first user interface (3) of the first unit(I), wherein the evaluator decides, based on the test result, whether to display said report also on the additional user interface (4) of the second unit (II) or to repeat the procedure from step (c).

2. A device for carrying out the method for assessing cognitive abilities required for driving according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a first unit (I), operated by an evaluator, and a second unit (II), operated by the person being assessed, wherein the units (I; II) are data-connected.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that the first unit (I) comprises a first computer unit (1) with at least one computer program for simulating a driving environment; a memory unit (2) storing a set of tests assessing cognitive functions in a digital driving environment and data about persons being assessed; a first user interface (3) enabling the evaluator to manage tests and results; and a second computer unit (6) for acquiring and processing collected data and automatically generating reports for both the evaluator and the person being assessed, wherein the data are classified within ranges or norms corresponding to the demographic population of the tested individual.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that the second unit (II) comprises an additional user interface (4) for visually and audibly presenting tasks to the person being assessed, and a mechanical unit (5) composed of vehicle components enabling the performance of the tests.

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