Tiredness Detection via Steering Inactivity Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting driver tiredness in vehicles are not reliable, as they fail to accurately distinguish between tiredness-induced and distraction- or environment-induced steering actions, leading to incorrect detection and warnings.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines steering inactivity phase detection with subsequent steering action analysis, using a sensor for steering wheel angle and additional vehicle sensors, with a weighting system to classify steering situations and adjust the detection based on the severity of distractions and environmental factors, thereby improving the accuracy of tiredness detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steering inactivity phase and subsequent steering action are detected to identify driver tiredness, then detection capability is provided, but false detection occurs due to distraction-induced or environment-induced steering actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments steering situations into multiple distinct classes (tiredness-induced, distraction-induced, environment-induced) and evaluates each class separately with appropriate weighting factors. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different causes of steering inactivity and subsequent actions, reducing false detection of driver tiredness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weighting factors that change parameters of the detection algorithm based on the classified steering situation. Different weighting factors are applied to steering inactivity phase and subsequent steering action depending on whether the situation is classified as tiredness-induced, distraction-induced, or environment-induced, thereby adjusting the detection sensitivity appropriately for each scenario.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and weighting factors are used to classify steering situations, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing steering wheel angle sensor serve multiple functions: it continues to provide steering angle data for normal vehicle operation while simultaneously providing data for tiredness detection and steering situation classification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated sensors and minimizes device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a classification module that acts as an intermediary between the raw sensor data and the tiredness detection algorithm. This intermediary processes the steering wheel angle data, classifies the steering situation, and applies appropriate weighting factors, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex processing logic in a dedicated module.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and in a device for detecting when the driver of a motor vehicle becomes tired, the tiredness is determined as a function of a detected steering inactivity phase and a subsequent steering action. In this context, the steering inactivity phase is logically combined with the steering action, and the logic combination is stored at various times. The logic combination is stored with an assigned weighting factor, and the weighting factor is determined as a function of a classification of a steering situation.