JP2014021873A - Doze prevention device, doze prevention method, doze prevention program, and recording media - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from having a doze.SOLUTION: A doze prevention device 100 comprises an instruction section 101, a reception section 102, a determination section 103 and an output section 104. The instruction section 101 instructs a user to input at predetermined intervals. The reception section 102 receives an input from the user. The determination section 103 determines whether or not the input in response to the instruction by the instruction section 101 is received by the reception section 102. The output section 104 outputs an alarm when the determination section 103 determines that the input is not received.

Description

  The present invention relates to a dozing prevention device, a dozing prevention method, a dozing prevention program, and a recording medium that output an alarm when there is no input from a user.

  In recent years, accidents caused by so-called dozing driving have become a major social problem, such as an accident in which a vehicle user (so-called driver) has fallen asleep while driving, causing the vehicle to enter a line of children on the way to school. . In order to prevent such an accident, for example, when it is detected that the movement of the user's eyelid has not been performed for a certain time or more, an alarm is issued (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2007-38911 A

  However, the problem with the conventional technology is that it is impossible to prevent the user from sleeping. For this reason, for example, in the prior art, the user may sleep while driving, which may lead to a decrease in the safety of the user or a person in the vicinity of the vehicle driven by the user. In addition, for example, with the conventional technology, it is impossible to prevent a doze when the user does not want to sleep, such as during studying or during a meeting, but the user's convenience is reduced. Sometimes it was connected.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the dozing prevention apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes an instruction unit that instructs the user to perform input at a predetermined interval, and a reception unit that receives an input from the user. A determination unit that determines whether or not an input to the instruction by the instruction unit is received by the reception unit; and an output unit that outputs an alarm when it is determined that the input is not received by the determination unit. And

  Moreover, the dozing prevention method according to the invention of claim 5 is a dozing prevention method performed by the dozing prevention device, wherein the dozing prevention device instructs the user to input at a predetermined interval; and When it is determined that the receiving step for receiving input from the user, the determining step for determining whether or not the input for the instruction in the indicating step has been received by the receiving step, and the determining step has not been received, And an output step of outputting the alarm.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dozing prevention program that causes a computer to execute the dozing prevention method according to the fifth aspect.

  A recording medium according to a seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that the dozing prevention program according to the sixth aspect is recorded.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the dozing prevention apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the dozing prevention apparatus of this Embodiment performs. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the navigation apparatus of a present Example performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start condition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an instruction | indication timing setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an instruction | indication timing change process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the instruction | indication and warning by the navigation apparatus of a present Example.

  Exemplary embodiments of a snoozing prevention apparatus, a snoozing prevention method, a snoozing prevention program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Functional configuration of the snooze prevention device)
First, the functional configuration of the dozing prevention device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a dozing prevention apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes functional units such as an instruction unit 101, a reception unit 102, a determination unit 103, and an output unit 104.

  The instruction unit 101 has a function of instructing a user to perform input at a predetermined interval. The instruction content of the instruction unit 101 is determined in advance by the manufacturer of the dozing prevention device 100 or the like. For example, the instruction unit 101 sends a voice “Please press the operation button” from the speaker 110 via the output unit 104. By outputting, the user is instructed to input.

  In addition, the instruction unit 101 may instruct the user to perform an input by displaying characters such as “please press the operation button” on the display 120. Further, for example, the instruction unit 101 may instruct the user to perform an input by turning on or blinking an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like built in the operation button.

  For example, the instruction unit 101 instructs to perform an input (for example, a simple operation such as “pressing an operation button”) that does not depend on success or failure according to the skill of the user. For example, the instructing unit 101 instructs to perform an input depending on the skill of the user, such as “turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle smoothly turns along the running curve”. Suppose that In this case, even if the user is clearly conscious, the user may not be able to input as instructed by the instruction unit 101 because his skill is low. From the viewpoint of preventing an alarm from being output to such a user, the instruction unit 101 preferably instructs the user to make an input that does not depend on success or failure according to the skill of the user.

  In addition, for example, if the instruction unit 101 instructs each time with a certain instruction content, it is conceivable that the user can habitually perform the instructed input even if the user is not conscious. Therefore, the instruction unit 101 may change the instruction content for each instruction. For example, when the instruction unit 101 instructs “please press the operation button once” in the previous instruction, the next instruction indicates “please press the operation button twice”. The instruction is different from the instruction.

  In this case, for example, the instruction unit 101 stores a plurality of instruction patterns representing instruction contents that are different depending on the manufacturer of the dozing prevention apparatus 100. For each instruction, the instruction unit 101 selects one instruction pattern from a plurality of instruction patterns in a predetermined order, and instructs the instruction content represented by the selected instruction pattern. Moreover, the instruction | indication part 101 may select one instruction pattern at random from several instruction patterns by arbitrary lottery processes.

  Thereby, the instruction | indication part 101 can change instruction | indication content for every instruction | indication, and it can prevent that a user becomes able to input with respect to an instruction | indication conventionally. In addition, by changing the instruction content at each instruction, the instruction unit 101 can prevent the user from getting tired of repeating a certain input and annoying the input.

  The instruction unit 101 may instruct the user to input in a game format. For example, the instruction unit 101 presents a quiz to the user, such as “The longest river in Japan is the Shinano River. If you think it is correct, please press the A button. Then, the user inputs instructions for answering this quiz. Also, the instruction unit 101 may instruct the user to input in a shiritori format, for example, “Start shiritori. Sanma. Please answer nouns beginning with“ ma ””.

  If the instruction unit 101 is configured to instruct an input in a game format, the user can input while having fun compared to simply instructing an input without a game characteristic such as “please press the operation button”. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the user for the input. In addition, if the instruction unit 101 is configured to instruct input in a game format, the user uses his / her head for input, and thus the user can be further prevented from becoming bored and sleepy. .

  When the instruction unit 101 instructs to input in a game format, for example, the dozing prevention device 100 may fail even if the user fails to input a game (for example, a mistake in a quiz or a shiritori). Even if you answer a noun that ends with "n"), it will determine that it has accepted an input for the instruction and will not output an alarm. Thereby, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 can prevent outputting an alarm to a user who is conscious.

  In addition, the instruction unit 101 instructs the user using a plurality of output devices such as the speaker 110 and the display 120, for example, thereby increasing the possibility that the user will notice the instruction as compared with the case where the instruction is given by one output device. be able to. That is, the instruction unit 101 can transmit instructions to a user more stably by instructing using a plurality of output devices than in the case of instructing with one output device.

  In addition, for example, the instruction unit 101 instructs to perform input at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 20 minutes). Specifically, in this case, the instruction unit 101 measures the elapsed time since the instruction is given, and gives the next instruction when a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, when the dozing prevention apparatus 100 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, the instruction unit 101 may instruct the input to be performed at a predetermined distance interval (for example, an interval of 5 km). Specifically, in this case, the instruction unit 101 measures the moving distance of the moving body after giving the instruction, and gives the next instruction when the moving body moves a predetermined distance.

  Further, the instruction unit 101 measures both the elapsed time and the moving distance after giving the instruction, and when the predetermined time elapses or the moving body moves the predetermined distance, the instruction unit 101 may give the next instruction. Good. The instruction by the instruction unit 101 is not limited to the above example as long as the user can recognize that the input is instructed.

  Moreover, the instruction | indication part 101 may change not only the instruction | indication at a fixed interval but the instruction | indication interval. For example, the instruction unit 101 changes the instruction interval so that an instruction is given at an interval of 20 minutes in normal times, and an instruction is given at an interval of 10 minutes after a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when the user's consciousness is clear, it is considered that the user can input within a predetermined period (for example, within 1 minute) from the instruction. Conversely, when the user's consciousness is weak, the user does not notice the instruction or the response to the instruction is delayed.

  Therefore, when there is no input from the user within a predetermined period from the instruction, the instruction unit 101 shortens the interval for performing the subsequent instruction as compared with the case where the input is made. Here, the manufacturer of the dozing prevention device 100 or the like can be arbitrarily determined for the predetermined period. Thereby, the instruction | indication part 101 can increase the frequency which raises a user's attention by the increase in the frequency which performs an instruction | indication, and can prevent a user falling asleep. Moreover, the instruction | indication part 101 may shorten the space | interval which performs a subsequent instruction | indication when a warning is output by the dozing prevention apparatus 100. FIG.

  In addition, when an instruction is input in a short time (for example, within 10 seconds) and the user's consciousness is considered sufficiently clear, the instruction unit 101 sets an interval for performing subsequent instructions until then. It may be longer than the interval. As a result, the instruction unit 101 reduces the frequency of the user's input by reducing the frequency of the instruction when the user's consciousness is clear, and reduces the user's annoyance with respect to the input. Can do.

  The receiving unit 102 has a function of receiving input from a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 includes an operation button 130. The operation button 130 outputs a button press signal when pressed by the user. The accepting unit 102 accepts an operation input from the user by accepting a button press signal from the operation button 130.

  Further, the operation button 130 may have a plurality of buttons such as a cross key, for example, and output a button pressing signal corresponding to the pressed button. In this case, the reception unit 102 can receive operation inputs using a plurality of buttons, and can increase variations of operation inputs that can be received by the reception unit 102.

  When the snooze prevention device 100 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, the operation button 130 is provided on the handle so that the user can input without releasing the handle (steering). May be. For example, in this case, the operation button 130 and the snoozing prevention apparatus 100 can communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication, and when the operation button 130 is pressed, a button press signal is transmitted through the short-range wireless communication. To the prevention device 100. When the operation button 130 is provided on the handle, the user can perform input without releasing his / her hand from the handle, so that the safety of the user can be improved.

  The dozing prevention apparatus 100 may include a microphone 140. The microphone 140 converts the sound input to the microphone 140 into an audio signal (electric signal) and outputs it. The accepting unit 102 accepts a voice input from the user by accepting an audio signal from the microphone 140. If the reception unit 102 is configured to receive voice input, the reception unit 102 can reduce the troublesomeness of the user for input without using the user's hand for input.

  Furthermore, if the reception unit 102 is configured to receive voice input, when the dozing prevention device 100 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, the user can input without releasing his / her hand from the handle, User safety can be improved. In addition, since the user can perform input while looking at the traveling direction (without moving his / her line of sight to confirm the position of the operation button 130), the safety of the user can be improved.

  In addition, the instruction unit 101 may issue an instruction when a predetermined time has elapsed since an arbitrary input (including an input other than an input to the instruction) made most recently by the user. For example, when the snooze prevention device 100 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, it may be burdensome for the user to cause the driving user to frequently perform operations other than driving.

  Therefore, for example, when the user performs a shift change operation, a blinker lighting operation, a brake pedal operation (for example, excluding an accelerator pedal operation), etc., the instruction unit 101 resets the elapsed time measured so far, Measurement of the elapsed time from this point is newly started. Then, the instruction unit 101 gives an instruction when a predetermined time has elapsed since an arbitrary input made most recently by the user. Thereby, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 can reduce the burden of the user's instruction and can reduce the burden on the user.

  The determination unit 103 has a function of determining whether an input to the instruction from the instruction unit 101 is received by the reception unit 102. For example, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the operation button 130 has been pressed after an instruction “please press the operation button”. Further, the determination unit 103 may determine not only whether or not there is an input but also whether or not an accurate input has been made in response to the instruction. For example, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the operation button 130 has been pressed n times if an instruction “please press the operation button n times” is given. Further, the determination unit 103 may determine whether there is an input for the instruction within a predetermined period (for example, within one minute) from the instruction.

  The output unit 104 has a function of outputting an alarm when it is determined by the determination unit 103 that it has not been received. For example, when it is determined that the determination unit 103 has not accepted the output unit 104, the output unit 104 outputs an alarm sound from the speaker 110 or displays a warning character (message) on the display 120. Further, the output unit 104 may apply a voltage to a vibration motor provided inside the dozing prevention device 100 to vibrate the dozing prevention device 100. The alarm by the output unit 104 is not limited to the above example as long as the user can recognize that the alarm has been issued.

  Furthermore, when the dozing prevention apparatus 100 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, the output unit 104 is urgent to a computer (ECU: Engine Control Unit) that controls a power source (for example, an engine) of the moving body. A stop signal may be output to stop the moving body.

  For example, the output unit 104 outputs an alarm when it is not determined that there is an input for the instruction within a predetermined period (for example, within one minute) from the instruction. Further, the output unit 104 may output an alarm step by step. For example, in this case, the output unit 104 first outputs the first alarm when it is not determined that there is an input for the instruction within the first period (for example, within one minute) from the instruction. Then, when it is not determined that there is an input for the instruction within the second period (for example, a period longer than the first period, for example, within 5 minutes) from the instruction, a second alarm is output. Here, the second alarm is an alarm that can call the user's attention more than the first alarm, and can be, for example, an alarm having a louder volume than the first alarm.

(Example of processing performed by the device for preventing snoozing)
Next, an example of processing performed by the dozing prevention apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the snoozing prevention apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 first determines whether it is time to give an instruction (step S201). For example, in step S201, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 determines that it is time to give an instruction when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous instruction. If the timing for giving an instruction is not reached (step S201: No), the dozing prevention apparatus 100 waits until the timing for giving an instruction is reached.

  The dozing prevention apparatus 100 instructs the user to input (step S202) when it is time to give an instruction (step S201: Yes). For example, in step S <b> 202, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 outputs a sound instructing to press the operation button 130 from the speaker 110.

  Then, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 determines whether there is an input to the instruction (step S203). For example, in step S203, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 determines that there is an input for the instruction if the operation button 130 is pressed within a predetermined period (for example, within one minute) after the instruction in step S202. If the dozing prevention apparatus 100 determines that there is an input (step S203: Yes), the process returns to step S201 and repeats the processing of each step described above.

  On the other hand, if the dozing prevention apparatus 100 determines that there is no input (step S203: No), it outputs an alarm (step S204) and ends the series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. For example, in step S <b> 204, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 outputs an alarm sound from the speaker 110. Also, the dozing prevention apparatus 100 may be configured to return to step S201 and repeat the processing of each step described above even when an alarm is output in step S204.

  As described above, the snoozing prevention apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can instruct the user to input at a predetermined interval to call the user's attention. Consciousness can be stimulated and the user can be prevented from sleeping. Furthermore, the snooze prevention apparatus 100 can output an alarm when there is no input for an instruction, and can further alert the user who has not made an input, thereby improving the safety of the user. .

  Next, an example of the dozing prevention apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is an example where the dozing prevention device 100 described above is applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle (including two wheels and four wheels). The navigation device of the present embodiment has an “attention calling function” for instructing the user to input, and calling the user's attention when there is no input to the instruction.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
First, the hardware configuration of the navigation device of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation device 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, Optical disk drive 306, optical disk 307, audio I / F (Interface) 308, speaker 309a, microphone 309b, input device 310, video I / F 311, display 312a, camera 312b, and communication I / F 313 And a GPS unit 314 and various sensors 315. Each component 301 to 315 is connected by a bus 320.

  The CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program and a warning function control program. Note that these programs are not limited to the ROM 302, and may be recorded on a non-volatile recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The CPU 301 controls the entire navigation device 300 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 302 and the like while using the RAM 303 as a work area. Note that the processing results obtained by executing various programs are temporarily recorded in the RAM 303, for example, and read out as necessary. Further, the above processing result may be recorded in a nonvolatile memory such as the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls reading and writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. Data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304 is recorded on the magnetic disk 305. For example, as the magnetic disk 305, an HD (Hard Disk) or an FD (Flexible Disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls reading and writing of data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to the control of the CPU 301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. For example, as the optical disc 307, a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD can be used. As the optical disk 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a memory card, or the like.

  As an example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307, map data used for specifying the current position, searching for a route, or guiding a route can be cited. The map data is composed of nodes and links, and includes road data representing roads on which a moving body (for example, a vehicle) can move, and image data drawn using features related to facilities and other terrain (mountains, rivers, land). It can be data. The map data may include character data indicating the name and address of the facility. The image represented by these data is drawn two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 312a. In addition, for example, the road data includes information indicating the attributes of the road corresponding to each link such as the length (distance), road width, road type (highway, toll road, general road, private road) for each link. It may be included.

  In this embodiment, the map data is recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map data is not limited to the one provided integrally with the hardware of the navigation device 300, and may be provided outside the navigation device 300. For example, in this case, the navigation apparatus 300 acquires map data from the outside via the network by the communication I / F 313, records the acquired map data in the RAM 303, the magnetic disk 305, and the like, and reads out as necessary. .

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a speaker 309a for audio output and a microphone 309b that converts the input audio into an audio signal. The audio I / F 308 outputs a predetermined audio (for example, an alarm sound) from the speaker 309 a or outputs an audio signal input from the microphone 309 b to the CPU 301 according to the control of the CPU 301. Examples of the input device 310 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 310 inputs a signal corresponding to the key selected by the user into the apparatus.

  A display 312a and a camera 312b are connected to the video I / F 311. For example, the video I / F 311 includes a graphic controller that controls the entire display 312a, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and image data output from the graphic controller. The display 312a is configured based on a control IC that controls display.

  The camera 312b captures the scenery outside the vehicle, for example, in front of the vehicle, under the control of the CPU 301. A plurality of cameras 312b may be provided such as a camera that captures a landscape in front of the vehicle, a camera that captures a landscape in the rear of the vehicle, and a camera that captures the interior of the vehicle. For example, in this embodiment, the camera 312b shoots in the moving image format, but may shoot in the still image format. Note that shooting data shot by the camera 312b is stored in the magnetic disk 305 or the like.

  The display 312a displays an icon (for example, an own position mark), a cursor, a menu, a window, or various data such as characters and images. For example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used as the display 312a. For example, the display 312a displays a local position mark indicating a current position and a traveling direction of a vehicle on which the navigation device 300 is mounted, a map around the vehicle, and the like.

  The communication I / F 313 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 313 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301. Further, the communication I / F 313 receives a television broadcast or a radio broadcast.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. For example, the communication I / F 313 includes an FM tuner, a VICS / beacon receiver, a wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices 300, and acquires road traffic information such as traffic congestion and traffic regulations distributed from the VICS center. Here, VICS is a registered trademark.

  The GPS unit 314 receives GPS signals (radio waves) from GPS satellites and measures the current position of the vehicle. The current position measured by the GPS unit 314 is used when the current position of the vehicle is specified by the CPU 301 together with output values of various sensors 315 described later.

  Various sensors 315 output information for measuring the behavior of the vehicle (or the navigation device 300). For example, the various sensors 315 include an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a vehicle speed pulse sensor, and the like. The output values of the various sensors 315 are used by the CPU 301 for specifying the current position of the vehicle (or the navigation device 300), detecting the acceleration, detecting the angular velocity, calculating the azimuth change amount, and the like.

  For example, the function of the instruction unit 101, the determination unit 103, and the output unit 104 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the voice I / F 308, and the reception unit 102 can be realized by the input device 310.

(Example of processing performed by navigation device)
Next, an example of processing performed by the navigation device 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the navigation device of this embodiment. For example, the navigation device 300 starts the process shown in FIG. 4 when the power is turned on, and ends the process shown in FIG. 4 when the power is turned off.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation apparatus 300 first performs a start condition setting process for setting a start condition for the alert function (step S401). The processing content of the start condition setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 and the like. For example, the navigation device 300 includes user information related to the user, passenger number information indicating the number of passengers of the vehicle on which the navigation device 300 is mounted, and the like. Based on this, the start condition of the alert function is set. Multiple conditions can be set for the start condition of the alert function.

  Specifically, for example, in the start condition setting process, the navigation device 300 sets the first start condition “time is after 21:00” and the second start condition “operation time (elapsed time from the start of operation)”. Is set to 2 hours or more, ”the third start condition is set to“ the driving distance (cumulative travel distance from the start of driving) is 50 km or more ”, and the fourth start condition is set to“ enter the toll road ”. To do.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the start condition set by the start condition setting process is satisfied (step S402). For example, in step S402, the navigation device 300 determines that the start condition is satisfied when any one of the first to fourth start conditions is satisfied.

  If the start condition is not satisfied (step S402: No), the navigation device 300 waits until the start condition is satisfied, and if the start condition is satisfied (step S402: Yes), instructs the user to input. Instruction timing setting processing for setting instruction timing is performed (step S403). The contents of the instruction timing setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 performs an instruction timing change process for changing the instruction timing (step S404). The contents of the instruction timing change process will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the instruction timing has come (step S405).

  For example, the navigation device 300 sets a predetermined value in the timer by an instruction timing setting process or an instruction timing change process. The timer represents the remaining time until an instruction is given, and the navigation apparatus 300 counts down as time elapses from the set predetermined value, and determines that the instruction timing has come when the timer reaches “0”. . If the instruction timing is not reached (step S405: No), the navigation device 300 returns to step S404 and repeats the above processing.

  On the other hand, if it is the instruction timing (step S405: Yes), the navigation device 300 performs an instruction content determination process for determining the content of the input instructed to the user (step S406). For example, the magnetic disk 305 of the navigation device 300 stores a plurality of instruction patterns representing different instruction contents by the manufacturer of the navigation device 300.

  For example, in step S406, the navigation device 300 randomly determines any one of the plurality of instruction patterns stored in the magnetic disk 305 using an arbitrary lottery method. Further, the navigation device 300 may exclude the instruction pattern determined at the previous instruction at the time of the current determination. Thereby, the navigation apparatus 300 can prevent giving instructions with the same instruction content twice in succession.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 outputs the instruction represented by the instruction pattern determined in step S406 (step S407). For example, in step S407, the navigation device 300 causes the speaker 309a to output sound corresponding to the instruction pattern, and causes the display 312a to display an image corresponding to the instruction pattern. The navigation apparatus 300 can alert the user by outputting instructions using a plurality of output devices such as the speaker 309a and the display 312a, compared to the case where the instructions are output using only one output device. Can make it easier to notice.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether there has been an input to the instruction (step S408). For example, in step S408, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether a user input has been received by the microphone 309b, the input device 310, or the like after the instruction output in step S407. In step S408, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether an input that matches the instruction output in step S407 has been received. For example, if the navigation apparatus 300 outputs an instruction “please press the A button” in step S407, the navigation apparatus 300 determines in step S408 whether the A button has been pressed after this instruction.

  If the navigation apparatus 300 has not received an input in response to the instruction (step S408: No), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether the first alarm is being output (step S409). Here, the first alarm is an alarm that is output when there is no input for a predetermined period (in the present embodiment, period T1) from the instruction (see step S411 described later).

  If the first alarm is not being output (step S409: No), the navigation device 300 determines whether the elapsed time from the instruction has reached T1 (step S410), and if it has not reached T1 (step S410: No) ), The process returns to step S408 and the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the elapsed time from the instruction reaches T1 (step S410: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 starts outputting the first alarm (step S411) and proceeds to the process of step S408.

  If the navigation device 300 determines in step S409 that the first alarm is being output (step S409: Yes), it determines whether the elapsed time from the instruction has reached T2 (step S412). Here, T2 is a value larger than T1 (that is, a value such that the period T2 is longer than the period T1). If the elapsed time from the instruction is not T2 (step S412: No), the navigation device 300 proceeds to the process of step S408.

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time from the instruction reaches T2 (step S412: Yes), the navigation device 300 starts outputting the second alarm (step S413). Here, the second alarm is an alarm that can call the user's attention more than the first alarm, and is an alarm that is output at a volume larger than that of the first alarm, for example. When outputting the second alarm, the navigation device 300 may stop the first alarm or may output the first alarm and the second alarm at the same time.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether there is an input for the instruction (step S414). In step S414, as in step S408, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether an input that matches the instruction output in step S407 has been received. And if the input with respect to an instruction | indication is not received (step S414: No), the navigation apparatus 300 will wait until it receives an input (it maintains the output of a 2nd alarm). When the navigation apparatus 300 receives an input for the instruction (step S414: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 stops outputting the second alarm (step S415), and proceeds to the process of step S403.

  In addition, when the navigation apparatus 300 receives an input to the instruction in step S408 (step S408: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the first alarm is being output (step S416). If the first alarm is not being output (step S416: No), the navigation device 300 returns to step S403 as it is and repeats the above processing. On the other hand, if the first alarm is being output (step S416: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 stops outputting the first alarm (step S417), and proceeds to the process of step S403.

(Example of start condition setting process)
Next, an example of the start condition setting process shown in step S401 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the start condition setting process. As shown in FIG. 5, in the start condition setting process, the navigation apparatus 300 first acquires user information and occupant number information (step S501).

  Here, the user information is information about the user, for example, information indicating the age of the user, the sleep time of the user on the previous day, the quality of sleep on the previous day (whether the user can sleep well), and the like. It can be. The navigation device 300 can acquire user information by causing the user to operate the input device 310 to input the age of the user, the sleep time of the previous day, and the like.

  In addition, the occupant number information can be information indicating the number of occupants who are in a vehicle on which the navigation device 300 is mounted. As with the user information, the navigation apparatus 300 can acquire the occupant number information by causing the user to input the occupant number by operating the input device 310.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether the number of passengers is two or more using the passenger number information acquired in step S501 (step S502). If the number of occupants is less than two (one person) (step S502: No), the navigation apparatus 300 uses the user information acquired in step S501, and the user is 50 years old (elderly). It is determined whether or not there is (step S503).

  If the user is 50 years of age or older (step S503: Yes), the navigation device 300 sets the first start condition as “the time is after 21:00” (step S504). On the other hand, if the user is less than 50 years old (step S503: No), the navigation device 300 sets the first start condition to be “after 23:00” (step S505).

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether the user had enough sleep the previous day using the user information acquired in step S501. For example, in the present embodiment, the navigation device 300 determines whether or not the sleep time on the previous day of the user is 6 hours or more (step S506).

  If the sleep time of the user's previous day is 6 hours or more (step S506: Yes), the navigation device 300 uses the user information acquired in step S501 to determine whether the sleep quality of the user's previous day was good. It is determined whether or not (step S507). For example, the navigation device 300 presents a question such as “Have you slept well the previous day?” To the user when entering the user information, and if the user's answer to this question is “Yes”, the user's previous day It was determined that the quality of sleep was good. If the answer of the user is “No”, it is determined that the sleep quality of the previous day of the user was not good.

  If the navigation apparatus 300 determines in step S507 that the quality of sleep of the user on the previous day was good (step S507: Yes), the second start condition is “driving time (elapsed time from the start of driving) is 2 hours. It is set to “become above” (step S508), and the third start condition is set to “the driving distance (movement distance from the start of driving) is 50 km or more” (step S509).

  On the other hand, the navigation device 300 determines that the sleep time of the user is less than 6 hours (step S506: No), and also determines that the sleep quality of the previous day of the user was not good (step S507: No). ), The second start condition is set as “the operation time (elapsed time from the start of operation) is 1 hour or more” (step S510), and the third start condition is “operation distance (movement from the start of operation) “Distance) should be 30 km or more” (step S511). Then, the navigation device 300 sets the fourth start condition regardless of the age of the user, the sleep time of the previous day, etc. as “entering a toll road” (step S512), and ends the start condition setting process.

  In addition, when the navigation apparatus 300 determines that the number of occupants is two or more in step S502 (step S502: Yes), the user sleeps as compared to the case where the occupants are riding alone by talking with each other. Since it is difficult, it is set not to start the alerting function (step S513), and the start condition setting process ends. In the present embodiment, the alerting function is not started when a plurality of passengers are present, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(Example of instruction timing setting process)
Next, an example of the instruction timing setting process shown in step S403 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the instruction timing setting process. As shown in FIG. 6, in the instruction timing setting process, the navigation apparatus 300 first determines whether or not a second alarm has been output after the previous instruction (step S601). As described above, the navigation device 300 outputs the second alarm when there is no input for the instruction even after the period T2 has elapsed after the instruction. That is, in step S601, it is determined whether there is no input for the instruction even after the period T2 has elapsed after the previous instruction.

  If the navigation apparatus 300 has output the second alarm after the previous instruction (step S601: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 sets 5 minutes in the timer indicating the remaining time until the next instruction (step S602), and the instruction timing setting process Exit. If the second alarm is not output after the previous instruction (step S601: No), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether the first alarm is output after the previous instruction (step S603). As described above, the navigation device 300 outputs the first alarm when there is no input for the instruction even after the period T1 has elapsed after the instruction. That is, in step S603, it is determined whether there is no input for the instruction even after the period T1 has elapsed after the previous instruction.

  If the navigation apparatus 300 has output the first alarm after the previous instruction (step S603: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 sets 10 minutes to the timer indicating the remaining time until the next instruction (step S604), and the instruction timing setting process Exit. Moreover, if the navigation apparatus 300 has not output the first alarm after the previous instruction (step S603: No), it is determined whether the vehicle on which the navigation apparatus 300 is mounted is located in a toll road or a congested section of an arbitrary road. Determination is made (step S605).

  For example, in step S605, the navigation apparatus 300 acquires current location information representing the current location of the vehicle based on information output from the GPS unit 314 and the like. Next, the navigation apparatus 300 refers to the map data stored in the magnetic disk 305 or the like, and determines whether or not the point corresponding to the current point information in the map data is a point on the toll road. If navigation device 300 determines that the point corresponding to the current point information is a point on the toll road, it determines that the vehicle is located on the toll road.

  In step S <b> 605, the navigation apparatus 300 acquires road traffic information representing a traffic jam section through the communication I / F 313. The navigation device 300 determines whether or not the point corresponding to the current point information is a point included in the traffic jam section. If the navigation apparatus 300 determines that the point corresponding to the current point information is a point included in the traffic jam section, the navigation apparatus 300 determines that the vehicle is located in the traffic jam section.

  If the vehicle is located on a toll road or a traffic jam section (step S605: Yes), the navigation device 300 sets 10 minutes in a timer indicating the remaining time until the next instruction (step S606), and an instruction timing setting process Exit. Further, if the vehicle is not located on a toll road or a traffic jam section (step S605: No), the navigation device 300 sets 20 minutes in a timer indicating the remaining time until the next instruction (step S607), and the instruction timing The setting process ends.

(Instruction timing change process)
Next, an example of the instruction timing change process shown in step S404 will be described. For example, a vehicle equipped with the navigation device 300 is moving every moment. For this reason, when the instruction timing is set in step S403, the driving environment of the user may change, for example, the user has moved on a general road but then enters a toll road. For example, toll roads tend to be monotonous due to fewer traffic lights and left / right turn points compared to general roads, making it easier for users to sleep. Since the navigation device 300 can change the instruction timing in accordance with the change in the driving environment by the instruction timing change process, the safety of the user can be improved.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the instruction timing change process. As shown in FIG. 7, in the instruction timing change process, the navigation device 300 first determines whether the vehicle is located on a toll road or a traffic jam section (step S701), and the vehicle is located on a toll road or a traffic jam section. If not (step S701: No), the instruction timing changing process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the vehicle is located on a toll road or a traffic jam section (step S701: Yes), the navigation device 300 refers to the current timer value and whether the remaining time until the next instruction remains for 10 minutes or more. Is determined (step S702). If the remaining time is less than 10 minutes (step S702: No), the navigation device 300 ends the instruction timing change process, and if the remaining time until the next instruction is 10 minutes or more (step S702: Yes). The timer is set to 10 minutes (step S703), and the instruction timing change process is terminated.

(Example of instructions and warnings by the navigation device of this embodiment)
Next, an example of instructions and warnings by the navigation device 300 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instructions and warnings by the navigation device of this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, when the navigation apparatus 300 instructs the user to input, the navigation apparatus 300 displays a message 801a indicating the instruction content and an operation button 802 on the display 312a. Here, the display 312a is a display corresponding to a touch panel, and the navigation apparatus 300 can accept an input from a user by an operation button 802 displayed on the display 312a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8 (1), the navigation apparatus 300 instructs the user “please press the # button” with a message 801a. For example, the navigation device 300 outputs a voice message such as “please press the # button” from the speaker 309a while the display screen 312a is displayed on the display 312a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, when the user touches the # button 802a of the operation buttons 802 in accordance with the instruction from the navigation device 300, the navigation device 300 determines that an input for the instruction has been accepted, and FIG. Return to the display screen before the instruction as shown in 2). In the example shown in FIG. 8 (2), the navigation device 300 displays the own vehicle icon I representing the current position of the vehicle on which the navigation device 300 is mounted on the map Mp around the vehicle on which the navigation device 300 is mounted. .

  On the other hand, if the user does not touch the # button 802a within a predetermined period (for example, within 1 minute) from the start of the instruction in FIG. 8 (1), the navigation device 300 displays an alarm screen as shown in FIG. 8 (3). Is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 8 (3), the navigation device 300 displays a message 801b such as “Please take a break immediately”. For example, the navigation device 300 outputs an electronic sound (alarm sound) such as “P! P!” From the speaker 309a while displaying the display screen shown in FIG. 8 (3) on the display 312a.

  As described above, the navigation device 300 according to the present embodiment can alert the user at predetermined intervals by instructing the user to perform input at predetermined intervals. It can prevent falling asleep. Therefore, the navigation device 300 can prevent the user from sleeping and improve the safety of the user. In addition, although the navigation apparatus 300 demonstrated the example which instruct | indicates whenever predetermined time passes in the present Example, it is not restricted to this. For example, the navigation device 300 may give an instruction every time the vehicle moves a predetermined distance, or may give an instruction when either a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined distance moves.

  In addition, while the alert function can prevent the user from sleeping, it can be annoying to some users. Therefore, the navigation device 300 may change the timing of starting the alert function (timing to start an instruction at a predetermined interval) according to the age of the user, the sleep state of the previous day, etc. It is possible to reduce the annoyance of the user in a situation where it is difficult for the user to become sleepy while preventing the user from sleeping in a possible situation.

  For example, when the user is an elderly person, the time to fall asleep tends to be earlier than in the case of a young person due to a decrease in physical strength due to aging and lifestyle habits. Therefore, the navigation device 300 is earlier than when the user is determined to be an elderly person (when the user's age is 50 years or older) or when the user is determined to be a young person (when the user's age is less than 50 years). At the timing, the alert function is started. As a result, the navigation device 300 can prevent an elderly person who tends to become sleepy from falling asleep, and can reduce the annoyance caused by the alert function for a young person who tends to become sleepy. .

  The same applies to users who sleep well on the previous day and users who did not sleep well on the previous day. That is, when navigation device 300 determines that the user has fallen asleep well on the previous day (for example, when sleep time is 6 hours or longer and the quality of sleep is good; see step S506, step S507, etc.) The alerting function is started at a timing earlier than when it is determined that the user has not been present (when the sleep time is less than 6 hours or the sleep quality is not good). As a result, the navigation device 300 prevents the user who sleeps with a tendency to become sleepy from being insufficient and prevents the user from sleeping and the alert function to a user who has a sleep with a tendency to be difficult to sleep. The troublesomeness due to can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the navigation device 300 operates in a driving environment that tends to become sleepy by starting a warning function when entering a toll road that tends to make the user sleepy compared to a general road. For a user who is driving in a driving environment that tends not to be sleepy, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness caused by the alert function.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the navigation device 300 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be realized by installing a warning function control program on a smartphone. In this case, the smartphone installed with the alert function control program displays, for example, a display screen instructing input every time a predetermined time elapses. A touch panel is also displayed on this display screen, and the user touches the touch panel to input the instructed contents. If there is no input for the instruction, the smartphone outputs an alarm from the speaker. If the present invention is applied to a smartphone and the user keeps the smartphone aside, even if he / she does not want to sleep while studying or during a meeting, he / she falls asleep. It is possible to prevent the user's convenience.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can be prevented from sleeping.

  The dozing prevention method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a smartphone. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, or memory card, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, this program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Dozing prevention apparatus 101 Instruction part 102 Reception part 103 Determination part 104 Output part

Claims (7)

Instruction means for instructing the user to input at predetermined intervals;
Receiving means for receiving input from the user;
A determination unit that determines whether an input to the instruction by the instruction unit is received by the reception unit;
An output means for outputting an alarm when it is determined that the input is not accepted by the determination means;
A dozing prevention device characterized by comprising:   When the determination unit determines that the input to the instruction is not received within a predetermined period from the instruction, the instruction unit performs the subsequent instruction compared to the case where it is determined that the input to the instruction is received. The dozing prevention apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interval is shortened. The output means outputs the alarm when it is determined by the determination means that an input for the instruction has not been received within a predetermined period from the instruction,
The dozing prevention apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the alarm is output, the instruction unit shortens an interval for performing the subsequent instruction as compared with a case where the alarm is not output. .   The dozing prevention apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instruction unit changes the instruction content for each instruction. A dozing prevention method performed by the dozing prevention device,
The dozing prevention device is:
An instruction process for instructing the user to input at a predetermined interval;
A reception process for receiving input from the user;
A determination step of determining whether or not an input to the instruction in the instruction step has been received by the reception step;
An output step of outputting the alarm when it is determined that the alarm is not accepted by the determination step;
A dozing prevention method characterized by comprising:   A dozing prevention program that causes a computer to execute the dozing prevention method according to claim 5.   A recording medium on which the dozing prevention program according to claim 6 is recorded.

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