JP6741738B2 - Methods for incorporating vital signs monitoring into vehicle control - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to methods for vital sign monitoring, and in particular to methods for incorporating vital sign monitoring into vehicle controls.

Taiwan Patent No. I565611 (title "Method, system, vehicle computer and intelligent wearable device for detecting driving safety") discloses a system for detecting driving safety. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the system comprises an in-vehicle computer of a vehicle and an intelligent wearable device worn by a user. The on-board computer and intelligent wearable device work together to perform the method of detecting driving safety. When the result of the determination indicates that the user is in a state not suitable for driving, one or more of the following actions are taken. The above measures include issuing an alarm, stopping sending a start signal for the vehicle, forcibly interrupting sending the start signal for the vehicle, giving permission to issue an alarm to the on-board computer, Of permitting the in-vehicle computer to cancel the start of the vehicle and to permit the in-vehicle computer to forcibly interrupt the start of the vehicle.

Taiwan Patent No. I579804 (name "driver's heart attack judgment system") is for the purpose of detecting a driver's physiological condition and determining whether or not a heart attack is occurring. , And respiratory frequency signals are included). It is determined whether physiological signals (including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory frequency signals) exceed thresholds. If one or more physiological signals are above the threshold, the driver's risk level is determined according to the number of physiological signals above the threshold and an alarm is issued if necessary.

Taiwan Patent No. M5639282 (named "Belt Device for Simultaneously Measuring Physiology and Vehicle Safety System Having It") can measure the physiological condition of the user as soon as the user fastens the safety belt. By compiling the data via the remote server, the user can check the personal health history. Furthermore, by integrating long-term changes in an individual's physiological condition with standard health condition samples, the user's health condition can be more accurately determined. By efficiently and effectively utilizing the time spent in the transportation vehicle, the user can understand not only the user's health condition but also the accident caused by the poor physiological condition. Alternatively, the passenger may be identified when applied to public transportation. As soon as an emergency occurs, the physiological condition of the user can be quickly understood and thus appropriate action can be taken.

Currently, vehicle technology is developing for safe driving. Many major automobile manufacturers utilize sophisticated electronics technology to improve the driving safety of their products. Therefore, the role of in-vehicle computers is becoming more important and their functions are increasing. The cause of modern traffic accidents is closely related to whether or not the driver is concentrated. For example, the concentration of drunk or tired drivers is severely compromised.

Unfortunately, current detection mechanisms do not activate the corresponding means before the start of operation, but rather order observations during the period after the start of operation and before the warning is issued. For example, drivers tend to be unaware of their fatigue level. Driver vitality is usually overestimated. In addition, long-distance driving can impair the driver's mental state and distract him. As a result, a traffic accident can occur. Compared to the drunk driver, a tired driver is an inevitable traffic threat because it cannot be prevented by human will. According to the current detection mechanism, it cannot be judged whether the driver is tired or not, unless deviation from the driving track or frequent eyes closing is recognized in a certain period after the start of driving. Current detection mechanisms cannot complete the decision before starting the vehicle. If the decision can be made even once before the start of the vehicle, the starting of the vehicle by the driver can be stopped and thus an accident can be prevented.

The present disclosure incorporates wearable equipment for monitoring vital signs into vehicle controls for driver protection, emergency medical procedures or special needs, thus providing the driver with more safety features. In the future, the system may be applied to passenger transportation and material transportation. Besides giving the driver warning information, smart management can be built. Thereby, a smart monitoring control platform for the driver can be established.

When the vital signs of the driver are abnormal (eg, very agitated or unconscious) and dangerous, the vehicle control unit (VCU) may cause roadside failure due to the driver's poor condition. Intervene in vehicle control to prevent proper parking and to set parking light signs.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for incorporating vital signs monitoring into vehicle control. When the driver is at risk of abnormal vital signs (eg, very agitated or unconscious), the VCU intervenes in vehicle control and signals the driver's vital signs (ECG, Blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, temperature and respiratory wave). Corresponding alerts are then issued according to various vital sign signal thresholds.

To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for incorporating vital sign monitoring into vehicle control is disclosed and applicable to a vehicle VCU. The method includes receiving two or more vital signs signals generated by a detection device; determining an operating condition according to the two or more thresholds and the two or more vital signs signals, and once the operating condition is poor. If it is determined that the driving condition is not satisfied, the risk level of the driving condition is judged; and the vehicle is controlled according to the danger level of the driving condition.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection device generates at least one of the driver's blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation to generate the two or more vital sign signals. It is a wearable detection device that detects two.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a VCU includes a motor control unit (MCU), a battery management system (BMS), an electric power steering control unit, an electric cooling control system, an onboard charger and a direct current (DC) voltage converter. Integrate.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of determining the dangerous level of the operating state, the dangerous level of the operating state includes blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation level. It is determined according to two or more thresholds.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of determining the risk level of the driving state, the VCU temporarily determines the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation level, respectively. If it is between the two threshold values, the risk level of the operating condition is determined as the first risk level.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving condition, the VCU outputs an indication signal to a human machine interface unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of determining the risk level of the operating state, the VCU temporarily sets the blood pressure and the blood oxygen saturation level to the second threshold value and the third threshold value, respectively. If it is in the middle, the above-mentioned danger level in the above-mentioned operating state is judged as the second danger level.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving condition, the VCU outputs an alarm signal to a human machine interface unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of determining the risk level of the driving state, the VCU temporarily determines the blood pressure, the pulse rate, the body temperature, the respiration rate, and the blood oxygen saturation level of the third level. When the threshold value is exceeded, the dangerous level in the operating state is determined as the third dangerous level.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving state, the VCU controls the vehicle to maintain a safe distance from a vehicle in front, Display the sign.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving state, the VCU further operates the communication device to transmit the emergency notification signal to the emergency department.

Summarizing the above, when the vital signs of the driver are abnormal (for example, a state of being extremely excited or unconscious) and dangerous, the VCU may cause the driver to lose the roadside due to the poor condition of the driver. Intervene in vehicle control to prevent inability to park on and to set parking light signs.

FIG. 6 shows a system schematic diagram of a method for incorporating vital sign monitoring into vehicle control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for incorporating vital signs monitoring into vehicle control according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 6 shows a flowchart of determining a bad condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 shows a flowchart of determining a risk level according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 shows a flowchart of determining a third risk level according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 shows a flowchart of a third danger level control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 shows a flowchart of determining a second risk level according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5 shows a flowchart of a second danger level control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 shows a flowchart of a first danger level control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

For a better understanding and appreciation of the process and features of the present disclosure, as well as its effectiveness, a detailed description of the present disclosure is provided below along with embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

In the description that follows, the drawings are used to illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, the concepts of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms. The described embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

First, please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, which show schematic diagrams of a system and steps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure provides a method applicable to VCU 14 of vehicle 10 for incorporating vital sign monitoring into vehicle control. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a detection device 12, an electronic control unit 16, a car microcontroller 18, a new driving assistance unit 20, an antilock brake system unit 22, an electric power steering unit 24 and a human machine interface unit 26. According to the electronic control unit 16, the car microcontroller 18, the new driving assistance unit 20, the electric power steering unit 24, and the human machine interface unit 26 connected to the VCU 14, the VCU 14 includes the MCU, the BMS, the electric power steering control system, It integrates an electrical cooling control system, an onboard charger and a DC voltage converter. As shown in FIG. 2, the method according to the present disclosure uses the vital signs of the driver of the vehicle 10 (not shown in the drawing) detected by the detection device 12 to cause the VCU 14 to A plurality of connected control units (for example, an electronic control unit 16, a car microcontroller 18, a new driving assistance unit 20, an antilock brake system unit 22, an electric power steering unit 24, a human machine interface unit 26) are connected to the driver. To determine how to operate according to the driving state of.

The above method comprises the following steps:
Step S100: Receive a detection signal;
Step S110: determine whether the operating condition is bad;
Step S120: determining the driving level risk level; and Step S140: controlling the vehicle according to the driving level risk level.

As shown in step S100, the VCU 14 may include two or more vital sign signals (eg, two or more of blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation) detected by the detection device 12. ) To receive. The detection device 12 according to the present embodiment detects values of blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. More than one vital sign signal may be extracted on demand. Further, the detection device 12 can be a wearable detection device. As shown in step S110, the VCU 14 determines whether or not the operating state is poor according to the two or more vital sign signals and the first threshold values respectively corresponding to the two or more vital sign signals. For example, the two or more vital sign signals include blood pressure, body temperature and blood oxygen saturation. Whether or not the driving state is poor is determined according to whether or not the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed their first threshold value. Once the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation respectively exceed their first threshold values, it is determined that the driving state is poor. If the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation do not exceed the respective first threshold values, it is determined that the driving state is normal, and the process returns to step S100. Next, as shown in step 120, the VCU 14 determines the dangerous level of the operating condition according to at least a second threshold of the two or more vital signs signals, respectively. As shown in step S140, the VCU 14 executes the corresponding control according to the risk level of the operating state determined in step S120.

As shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether the operating condition is bad. The steps are
Step S100: Receive a detection signal;
Step S110a: body temperature<threshold value B1;
Step S110b: blood pressure<threshold value C1;
Step S110c: Blood oxygen saturation <E1;
Step S110d: Accumulate the number of times;
Step S110e: Accumulated number of times>threshold value; and Step S120: Determining the dangerous level of the operating state.

From step 110a to step 110c, the operating state (for example, body temperature, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation) is determined according to the first threshold values B1, C1, and E1. The first threshold values B1, C1, and E1 of the body temperature, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation according to the present embodiment are 34° C. or 38° C., 90 mmHg or 135 mmHg, and 90%, respectively. Each of the determinations from step 110a to step 110c is performed, and the number of determinations is accumulated. Step S120 is executed until the cumulative count reaches the count threshold. In practice, the threshold number of times is usually three. That means that all the judgments from step 110a to step 110c are made once. In other words, in one determination, when the body temperature is lower than 34° C. or higher than 38° C., the diastolic blood pressure is lower than 90 mmHg or the systolic blood pressure is higher than 135 mmHg, and the blood oxygen saturation is lower than 90%, step 120 Is executed to determine the dangerous level of the operating condition. If not, the process returns to step 100.

FIG. 4A illustrates a method for determining a driving level risk level. The method comprises steps S122 to S132 as follows:
Step S122: Start judgment;
Step S124: It is determined whether or not the pulse rate, the body temperature, the blood pressure, the respiratory rate, and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed their third threshold values A3, B3, C3, D3, E3;
Step S126: Third danger level;
Step S128: It is judged whether the blood pressure and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed their second threshold values;
Step S130: second risk level; and step S132: first risk level are included.

As shown in FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment, the two or more vital sign signals are selected to be blood pressure, body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation. In step S122, the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation are all above the first threshold values, so that the VCU 14 enters the mode for determining the risk level. As shown in step S124, the VCU 14 determines whether the blood pressure, the pulse rate, the body temperature, the respiration rate, and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed the third threshold value. If so, step S126 is performed; otherwise, step S128 is performed. As shown in step S126, the VCU 14 determines that the blood pressure, the pulse rate, the body temperature, the respiratory rate, and the blood oxygen saturation all exceed their respective third thresholds, and the VCU 14 is in danger of driving. Judge that the level is at the third danger level.

As shown in step S128, the VCU 14 determines whether the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed their second threshold values. As shown in step S130, the VCU 14 sets the second driving risk level according to the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation being between the second threshold value and the third threshold value, respectively. Next, it judges that it is in a dangerous level. When the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation do not exceed their second threshold values and are between their first threshold values and second threshold values, respectively, the VCU 14 sets the driving level risk level to the first risk level. The step S132 of judging that the level is reached is executed.

FIG. 4B shows a method of determining the third risk level, which method includes steps S124a to S128. In the following steps, whether or not the pulse rate, the body temperature, the blood pressure, the respiratory rate, and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed their third threshold value, in the following order:
Step S124a: pulse rate<threshold value A3;
Step S124b: body temperature<threshold value B3;
Step S124c: blood pressure<threshold value C3;
Step S124d: respiratory rate<threshold value D3;
Step S124e: oxygen saturation <threshold value E3;
Step S124f: Accumulate the number of times;
Step S124g: accumulated count>threshold value;
Step S126: It is determined that the risk level is the third risk level; and Step S128: It is determined whether the blood pressure and the blood oxygen saturation level exceed the second threshold value.

According to the present embodiment, the third threshold values A3, B3, C3, D3, and E3 of the pulse rate, the body temperature, the blood pressure, the respiratory rate, and the blood oxygen saturation are 40 or 120 times per minute, 30 or 42, respectively. C., 50 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure or 150 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, 10 times per minute, and 80%. In other words, pulse rate is less than 40 or more than 120 times per minute, body temperature is lower than 30°C or higher than 42°C, diastolic blood pressure is lower than 50 mmHg or systolic blood pressure is higher than 150 mmHg, respiration rate is 1 minute. When the blood oxygen saturation level is less than 10 times and the blood oxygen saturation level is less than 80%, step S126 is executed to determine that the third risk level (that is, high risk level). If various thresholds are not exceeded and the accumulated number of times does not reach the threshold (for example, the threshold is 2), step S128 is executed for subsequent determination.

After the third risk level is determined in step 126, as shown in FIG. 4C, the control steps for the third risk level are as follows:
Step S142a: Start;
Step S142b: The VCU controls the human machine interface unit to display an indication message to indicate to the driver to stop the message;
Step S142c: the driver stops the message;
Step S142d: end;
Step S142e: The VCU informs the audiovisual system to issue an alarm sound or image to warn the driver;
Step S142f: The VCU causes the electronic control unit to open the driver's seat window and controls the vehicle warning light to blink to warn the drivers of surrounding vehicles;
Step S142g: The VCU intervenes in the power system and slows down to maintain an appropriate distance (threshold) from the surrounding vehicles;
Step S142h: The VCU controls the mobile phone via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface to send a message for notifying the hospital/family;
Step S142i: The VCU controls the mobile phone via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface to transmit the GPS position to the emergency department;
Step S142j: Ended and executed.

As shown in step S142a, the VCU 14 enters the control mode corresponding to the third risk level. As shown in step S142b, the VCU 14 controls the human-machine interface unit to display the indication message.

Next, as shown in step S142c, the VCU 14 determines whether the driver has stopped the pointing message to determine whether the driver has indicated a response. When the indication message is turned off, step 142d is executed to end the control mode corresponding to the third risk level. If the pointing message has never been stopped, as shown in step S142e, the VCU 14 causes the human-machine interface unit to present an audiovisual effect for alerting via the audiovisual system. Then, as shown in step S142f, the VCU 14 causes the electronic control unit 16 to control and open the window, while at the same time controlling the rear light indicator of the vehicle to alert the drivers of surrounding vehicles. To blink. After that, as shown in step S142g, the VCU 14 operates the new driving assistance unit 20 to decelerate the vehicle and maintain a safe distance (for example, 60 to 200 m) from the surrounding vehicles.

Next, as shown in step S142h, the VCU 14 sends the emergency message to the mobile phone (not shown in the drawing) via the Bluetooth communication interface to send the emergency message to the hospital or family. No)) to send. As shown in step S142i, the VCU 14 transmits the GPS coordinates to the mobile phone via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication interface in order to transmit the GPS coordinates to the emergency department. As shown in step 142j, the control mode corresponding to the third risk level is ended.

FIG. 4D shows a method for determining the second risk level, which method comprises steps S128a to S132:
Step S128a: blood oxygen saturation <threshold value E2;
Step S128b: blood pressure<threshold value C2;
Step S128c: Accumulate the number of times;
Step S128d: cumulative number of times>threshold value;
Step S130: determining the second risk level; and step S132: determining the first risk level.

According to this embodiment, the blood oxygen saturation and second blood pressure thresholds E2, C2 are 85% and 75 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure or 145 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, respectively. In other words, when the blood oxygen saturation is lower than 85%, the diastolic blood pressure is lower than 75 mmHg, and the systolic blood pressure is higher than 145 mmHg, and the accumulated number of times is larger than the threshold value (for example, two times), the step S130 is performed. 2 It is executed to judge that it is a dangerous level. If not, step S132 is executed to determine that the first danger level is reached.

As shown in FIG. 4E, after step S130, the following control steps for the second risk level:
Step S144a: start;
Step S144b: The VCU controls the human machine interface unit to display an indication message to indicate to the driver to stop the message;
Step S144c: the driver stops the message;
Step S144d: end;
Step S144e: The VCU notifies the audiovisual system of issuing an alarm sound or an image for warning the driver;
Step S144f: The VCU causes the electronic control unit to open the window of the driver's seat and controls the warning light of the vehicle to blink to warn the driver of the surrounding vehicles;
Step S144g: The VCU intervenes and slows down the power system to maintain an appropriate distance (threshold) from surrounding vehicles;
Step S144h: the driver stops the message;
Step S144i: end is executed.

As shown in step S144a, the VCU 14 enters the control mode corresponding to the second danger level. As shown in step S144b, the VCU 14 controls the human-machine interface unit to display the indication message. Next, as shown in step S144c, the VCU 14 determines whether the driver has stopped the pointing message to determine whether the driver has indicated a response. When the indication message is stopped, step S144d is executed to end the control mode corresponding to the second risk level. If the pointing message has never been stopped, as shown in step S144e, the VCU 14 causes the audiovisual system to present an audiovisual effect for alerting via the audiovisual system. Then, as shown in step S144f, the VCU 14 causes the electronic control unit 16 to control and open the window while at the same time controlling the rear light indicator of the vehicle to alert the drivers of surrounding vehicles. To blink. After that, as shown in step S144g, the VCU 14 operates the new driving assistance unit 20 to decelerate the vehicle and maintain a safe distance (for example, 60 to 200 m) from the surrounding vehicles. As shown in step S144h, it is determined again whether the driver has stopped the pointing message. When the indication message is stopped, step S144i is executed to end the control mode corresponding to the second risk level. If the pointing message has never been stopped, step S144b is executed to repeat the pointing.

As shown in FIG. 4F, step S132 is executed to determine the risk level to be the first risk level. The control steps for the first risk level are:
Step S146a: start;
Step S146b: The VCU controls the human machine interface unit to display an indication message to indicate to the driver to stop the message;
Step S146c: the driver stops the message;
Step S146d: The VCU notifies the audiovisual system of issuing an alarm sound or an image for warning the driver;
Step S146e: the driver stops the message;
Step S146f: Includes the end.

As shown in step S146a, the VCU 14 enters the control mode corresponding to the first danger level. As shown in step S146b, the VCU 14 controls the human machine interface unit to display the indication message. Next, as shown in step S146c, the VCU 14 determines whether the driver has stopped the pointing message to determine if the driver has responded. When the indication message is stopped, step S146f is executed to end the control mode corresponding to the first danger level. If the indication message has never been stopped, as shown in step S146d, the VCU 14 activates the human machine interface unit to present an audiovisual effect for alerting via the audiovisual system. Then, as shown in step S146e, it is again determined whether the driver has stopped the pointing message. When the indication message is stopped, step S146f is executed to end the control mode corresponding to the first danger level. If the pointing message has never been stopped, step S146b is executed to repeat the pointing.

Thus, the present disclosure meets the legal requirements because of its novelty, nonobviousness and utility. However, the above description is the best embodiment of the present disclosure and is not used to limit the intent and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent modifications or improvements made in accordance with the shapes, structures, features or spirits recited in the claims of this disclosure are included in the appended claims of this disclosure.

Claims (7)

A method, applicable to a vehicle control unit of a vehicle, for incorporating vital sign monitoring into vehicle control, comprising:
Receiving two or more vital sign signals generated by the detection device;
The operating state is judged according to two or more thresholds of blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation level and the above two or more vital sign signals, and once the operating state is poor. If so, determining the risk level of the operating condition.
When the blood pressure, the pulse rate, the body temperature, the respiratory rate, and the blood oxygen saturation each exceed their third threshold value and the cumulative number of times exceeds the threshold value, the above-mentioned risk level of the above-mentioned driving condition is set to the third risk level. Step to judge
When the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation are between the second threshold value and the third threshold value, respectively, and the cumulative number of times exceeds the threshold value, the dangerous level of the driving state is set to the second dangerous level. Step to judge
When the blood pressure, the body temperature, and the blood oxygen saturation are respectively between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, and the cumulative number of times exceeds the threshold value, the dangerous level of the driving state is set to the first dangerous level. And a step of controlling the vehicle according to the risk level of the driving condition. The detection device is a wearable detection device that detects two or more of a driver's blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation in order to generate the two or more vital sign signals. The method of claim 1, wherein The vehicle control unit integrates a motor control unit (MCU), a battery management system (BMS), an electric power steering control unit, an electrical cooling control system, an onboard charger and a direct current (DC) voltage converter. The method described in. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle control unit controls the human-machine interface unit to output an indication message in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving condition. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle control unit controls the human-machine interface unit to output a warning message in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving condition. The vehicle control unit, in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the dangerous level of the driving state, controls the vehicle to keep a safe distance from surrounding vehicles and present a light sign. The method according to 1 . 7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the vehicle control unit further activates the communication device to send an emergency message to the emergency department in the step of controlling the vehicle according to the risk level of the driving condition.

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