Driver State Detection Using Route-Based DRT and Physiological Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for collecting data on human psychophysiological states during driving are prone to biases and inconsistencies, making it difficult to derive reliable results for developing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Innovation Solution

A structured protocol involving a driving session with multiple route sections of varying complexity, including detection response tasks (DRTs) and self-reported data, using physiological and behavioral data collection methods such as ECG, eye-tracking, and cameras to gather heart rate, eye movement, and reaction data, while minimizing distractions and biases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple physiological parameters are monitored continuously, then the accuracy of psychophysiological state assessment is improved, but the complexity of the data collection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepsychophysiological state assessment accuracyVSAvoiddata collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple physiological sensors (ECG, eye-tracking, respiration, skin conductance) into a unified data collection platform that simultaneously monitors multiple parameters. This multi-functional approach achieves accurate psychophysiological state assessment while managing system complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate monitoring systems

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detection means for different physiological parameters are combined into a single coordinated data collection system. The ECG, eye-tracking, respiration, and skin conductance sensors are merged into one integrated platform that collects and synchronizes data across all parameters, achieving comprehensive assessment without proportionally increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If driving breaks with detection response tasks are inserted, then the cognitive workload measurement is improved, but the duration of the driving session increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecognitive workload measurement accuracyVSAvoiddriving session duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Detection response tasks (DRTs) are inserted periodically at predetermined locations along the driving route, creating structured intervals for cognitive workload measurement. This periodic insertion allows for systematic assessment of cognitive state without requiring continuous task performance, balancing measurement accuracy with acceptable session duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The protocol pre-schedules DRT insertion points at specific locations along the route based on route complexity sections. By preliminarily determining where cognitive tasks will be administered, the system optimizes the balance between obtaining sufficient cognitive workload data and maintaining reasonable overall session length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4437945A1Driver psychophysiological state detection
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4437945A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4437945A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4437945A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

It is herein disclosed a method of collecting data for determining a psychophysiological state of a human driver, comprising collecting data throughout a driving session, wherein the driving session comprises driving on a predetermined route by a driver in an automotive vehicle, wherein the predetermined route is divided into a plurality of route sections comprising a first route section having a first driving environment and a second route section having a second environment, wherein one of the first and second driving environments is a higher-complexity driving environment and the other of the first and second driving environments is a lower-complexity driving environment; wherein the driving session comprises a plurality of driving breaks, each break following immediately after driving in a respective route section is complete, wherein during each driving break a respective detection response task (DRT) is performed by the driver, wherein each DRT comprises the driver reacting to at least one visual stimulus; wherein said collecting data comprises: collecting, by a plurality of detection means, physiological data on the driver throughout the predetermined time period; wherein the physiological data collected comprises at least one of: heart rate data, eye movement data, and respiration data; and collecting driver behaviour data, comprising: recording the driver's reaction to the at least one visual stimulus during the plurality of DRTs.