Driver Monitoring With Light Feedback for Cognitive Distraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver monitoring technologies are not optimal for detecting and mitigating cognitive distraction during vehicle operation, leading to increased risks of accidents.

Innovation Solution

An electronic monitoring device connected to an image sensor and light sources within the vehicle, which detects abnormal driver behavior, emits light signals to stimulate the driver, and evaluates reactions to improve focus and reduce distraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current driver monitoring technologies are used, then basic driver behavior can be tracked, but cognitive distraction cannot be effectively detected and mitigated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver distraction detection accuracyVSAvoidaccident prevention effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where light signals are emitted to stimulate the driver, the driver's reaction is captured by the image sensor, and this reaction data is fed back to adjust subsequent stimulation. This continuous feedback loop enables effective detection and mitigation of cognitive distraction by adapting the stimulation strategy based on real-time driver response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Light signals serve as an intermediary stimulus between the monitoring system and the driver. The light sources emit controlled light patterns that act as a mediator to engage the driver's attention, while the image sensor captures the driver's reaction to this intermediary stimulus, enabling indirect measurement of cognitive state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If light signals are emitted to stimulate the driver, then driver attention can be improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver focus improvementVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light sources serve multiple functions: they illuminate the driver's face for image capture and simultaneously act as stimulation signals to engage driver attention. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by combining lighting and stimulation roles into a single component rather than requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver's own reaction to the light stimulation, captured by the image sensor, provides the feedback needed to adjust subsequent stimulation. The system uses the driver's natural response to self-regulate attention levels without requiring additional sensors or complex external monitoring equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple light sources are used for stimulation, then driver engagement can be enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver stimulation effectivenessVSAvoidsystem energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light sources emit stimulation signals in periodic pulses rather than continuous illumination. This periodic action maintains driver engagement effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous lighting, as the lights are activated only during stimulation intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system selectively activates specific light sources based on the driver's position and reaction patterns rather than illuminating all areas uniformly. This localized stimulation approach enhances engagement effectiveness by targeting relevant areas while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11834053B2Electronic device and method for monitoring the behavior of a driver with driving a vehicle, related electronic supervision system and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 FAURECIA INTERIEUR IND
  • US11834053B2 patent drawing
  • US11834053B2 patent drawing
  • US11834053B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device for monitoring the behavior of a driver is adapted to be carried on board a vehicle and to be connected to a sensor of at least one image of the driver's head and to at least one light source positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The monitoring device includes: a module for detecting abnormal behavior of the driver, from at least one image of his head acquired by the image sensor(s); a stimulation module configured, following the detection of said abnormal behavior, to command the emission of at least one light signal by switching on at least one respective light source according to an initial stimulation level; and a module for evaluating a reaction of the driver, on the basis of at least one image of the driver's head following the emission of the light signal(s).