Driver Sleepiness Response Control for Adaptive Alertness Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving support systems may reduce their effectiveness over time as drivers become accustomed to the requested information input operations, diminishing their ability to keep the driver awake.
Innovation Solution
A driving support device that detects signs of driver sleepiness using a driver monitoring camera, determines a response request based on vehicle environment or travel conditions, and notifies the driver through a user interface, with the option to control the vehicle to stop if the driver fails to respond appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driving support device repeatedly requests information input operations to keep the driver awake, then the driver is encouraged to remain alert, but the driver becomes accustomed to the routine operations, reducing the effectiveness of the support system
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the type of response request based on detected driver sleepiness signs and current driving conditions. Instead of using fixed routine operations, the system varies between different types of requests (e.g., voice responses, steering wheel interactions, dashboard inputs) depending on the situation, preventing driver habituation while maintaining effective alertness support
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the response requests by selecting different interaction modes and complexity levels based on the driver's state and environmental conditions. This includes adjusting the type of input required, the timing of requests, and the complexity of responses needed, thereby maintaining effectiveness without creating repetitive patterns that drivers can adapt to
2Reliability
If the system requests complex information input operations to effectively wake the driver, then driver alertness is maintained, but the driver's operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different levels of operation complexity to different situations. When mild sleepiness is detected, simpler responses are requested. When severe sleepiness is detected or time is critical, more direct and simple operations are prioritized. The system localizes the complexity level to match the specific situation and driver state, avoiding unnecessary operational burden while maintaining alertness
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the driver's existing grip on the steering wheel and natural driving motions to detect sleepiness signs and accept responses. By using the steering wheel as both a control device and an input interface, the system minimizes additional operational burden while effectively engaging the driver to maintain alertness
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors driver state and environment to determine appropriate response requests, then the accuracy of driver support is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing driver monitoring camera for multiple purposes: detecting driver presence, monitoring sleepiness signs, and verifying driver responses. This multi-functional use of a single component improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple detection and verification functions
Data Source
AI summary
A driving support device includes a processor configured to detect a sign of sleepiness of a driver of a vehicle, based on a driver image representing the driver's head generated by a driver monitoring camera configured to take a picture of the driver's head, determine a response request to the driver, depending on environment around the vehicle or a travel condition of the vehicle, when a sign of the driver's sleepiness is detected, and notify the driver of the response request via a user interface provided in the vehicle.