Driver Rest Detection Using Hand Position Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording driver rest times are inadequate for fully autonomous driving, as they rely on driving interventions that are not applicable when a driver is relieved of all driving tasks, necessitating a new approach to accurately and reliably detect and record rest periods.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing sensors to detect and record the position and movement profile of a driver's hands and body, combined with a smart watch for time measurement and health monitoring, to determine and document rest times during autonomous driving, ensuring compliance with legal minimum rest periods and monitoring driver health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tachograph methods are used to record driver rest times, then rest times can be recorded during manual driving operations, but these methods cannot accurately record rest times during autonomous driving when the driver is relieved of all driving tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/driving-based detection methods (tachograph recording driving operations) with sensor-based detection methods. Hand sensors, body sensors, and smartwatches detect driver state through physiological and positional data, enabling reliable rest time recording during autonomous driving when traditional driving intervention methods are no longer applicable.
2Reliability
If hand sensors are used to detect driver hand position on the steering wheel, then rest times during autonomous driving can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional devices that serve both rest time detection and additional functions. Smartwatches monitor both hand position/rest time and driver health parameters (heart rate, etc.). The sensor system integrates multiple detection capabilities into unified devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable rest time detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the driver's own body and possessions as detection elements. The driver's hands naturally interact with the steering wheel, and personal devices like smartwatches are already worn by the driver. This eliminates the need for complex additional equipment while achieving reliable detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If body sensors are added to detect driver position and health data, then comprehensive rest time and health monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges rest time detection with health monitoring functions into a unified system. Body sensors that detect driver position (lying down, sitting) are combined with health monitoring capabilities in devices like smartwatches. This integration achieves comprehensive monitoring while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting and recording the rest periods of a driver of a commercial vehicle, particularly during autonomous driving. According to the invention, the position and/or movement profile of the driver's hands in a driver's cab relative to a steering wheel is detected by means of at least one sensor, preferably a hand sensor, and a detection and evaluation unit. The detected position and/or movement profile of the driver's hands is evaluated in such a way that the times during which the driver's hands were away from the steering wheel are determined and recorded as perceived rest periods.