Driving Skill Evaluation Using Myoelectric Potentials and Steering Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving skill evaluation technologies, such as JP 2003-81040 A and JP 2002-230699 A, fail to accurately quantify driving skill and physical load, leading to inaccurate assessments and unnecessary alarm outputs or control interventions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that measure the degree of physical load and quantity of driving operations using myoelectric potentials, steering angle, and steering torque, calculating an evaluation value to assess driving skill, and inform drivers of their physical load efficiency, with reference values set based on vehicle and road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If driving skill is evaluated based uniquely on driving information (accelerator pedal depression, clutch pedal depression, transmission input shaft revolutions), then the evaluation system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision of driving skill level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines driving information (vehicle operation data) with driver state information (myoelectric potentials, heart rate, respiration) to comprehensively evaluate driving skill. This merging of multiple information sources resolves the contradiction by maintaining implementation feasibility while significantly improving measurement precision through multi-dimensional assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces myoelectric potential measurements as an intermediary indicator to indirectly assess the driver's physical load and mental state. This intermediary measurement enables precise evaluation of driving skill by capturing physiological responses that correlate with skill level, without requiring direct observation of cognitive processes.
2Measurement precision
If myoelectric potentials of both arms are measured to judge operation load, then the physical load on driver is quantified, but unnecessary alarm outputs occur when active steering is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively measuring myoelectric potentials from specific muscles (deltoid, biceps, triceps) rather than all arm muscles. This targeted approach distinguishes between myoelectric activity related to steering operations and activity indicating excessive physical load, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining accurate load quantification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the evaluation criteria by comparing myoelectric potential patterns against context-aware thresholds that account for driving conditions and operation types. This dynamic approach allows the system to differentiate between normal active steering and genuinely excessive load, improving alarm reliability.
3Measurement precision
If driving operation quantity is increased to improve evaluation accuracy, then the assessment becomes more comprehensive, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs myoelectric potential sensors that serve multiple functions: they quantify physical load, indicate mental state, and provide skill level assessment data. This multi-functionality increases evaluation accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single measurement modality addresses multiple evaluation dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the driver's own physiological signals (myoelectric potentials, heart rate, respiration) as self-service indicators of their state. This self-service approach provides comprehensive evaluation data without requiring external observers or complex instrumentation, thereby improving accuracy while limiting complexity growth.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Precise evaluation and quantification of driving skill and physical load, reducing unnecessary interventions and improving driving safety by providing accurate feedback to drivers.
Implementation Method 1
driver load measurement means for measuring the degree of physical load on the driver in a driving operation activity of the vehicle; specifically, physical load measurement means that measures the degree of physical load on the driver... myoelectric potential measurement means for measuring the degree of physical load on the driver
Implementation Method 2
driving operation quantity measurement means for measuring the quantity of driving operation performed by the driver for the vehicle; specifically, steering angle measurement means for measuring a steering angle of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
steering torque measurement means for measuring a steering torque about a steering shaft of the vehicle... the operation quantity information calculating section calculates... the workload performed by the driver for the vehicle as the quantity of driving operation from information on the steering angle and information on the steering torque
Data Source
AI summary
The driving skill evaluating apparatus is an apparatus that evaluates the driving skill of a driver who drives a vehicle. The evaluating apparatus includes: driver load measurement means for measuring the degree of physical load on the driver in a driving operation activity of the vehicle; driving operation quantity measurement means for measuring the quantity of driving operation performed by the driver for the vehicle in the driving operation activity; and evaluation means for evaluating the driving skill of the driver by using the degree of the physical load on the driver and the quantity of driving operation. And the driving load efficiency informing apparatus includes: the driver load measurement means: the driving operation quantity measurement means; load efficiency judgment value calculating means for calculating a load efficiency judgment value indicating a efficiency of efficiency of the physical load on the driver in the driving operation activity of the vehicle to the quantity of driving operation performed by the driver for the vehicle in the driving operation activity of the vehicle, by using the degree of the physical load on the driver and the quantity of driving operation; and informing means for informing the driver of the efficiency of the physical load on the driver to the driving operation activity of the vehicle in accordance with the load efficiency judgment value.