JPH09267660A - Vigilance information output device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arouse attention recognition relating to a vigilance and its change to a driver, by successively memorise the constantly measured vigilance of the driver, and graphically displaying a change of the vigilance in a prescribed period. SOLUTION: In a vigilance judging means 21, in accordance with a monotone degree based on a frequency of maneuvering operation, steering amount based on steering information, meandering factor based on white line recognition, etc., a vigilance of a vehicle driver is judged. A judging process of a vigilance by the vigilance judging means 21 is repeatedly executed in each prescribed time. A memory 22, at each newly obtaining a vigilance at each prescribed time by the vigilance judging means, stores information of the vigilance, a memory content is updated. In a display control means 23, in accordance with the latest information of vigilance stored by the memory 22, it is graphically obtained as history information displaying change of vigilance, an image is displayed as a display image 26 of bar graph. Accordingly, in the vehicle driver, from a change of the bar graph displayed, a change of the latest vigilance can be recognized.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention presents information on the awakening level (degree of awakening) of a vehicle driver to the driver,
The present invention relates to an awakening degree information output device for a vehicle, which is useful for calling attention to driving.

[0002]

2. Related Background Art Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 7-11475 discloses a device that detects a driver's pulse and displays the pulse information so that the driver recognizes the degree of fatigue and promotes self-management. . On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-69092, the degree of awakening of a vehicle driver is determined, and when the degree of awakening is low, the driver is warned that this is a drowsy driving state, and for the purpose of safe driving. An alerting device is disclosed. Specifically, when a dozing driving state is detected,
Techniques have been disclosed in which a head-up display is operated to display a warning or a buzzer sounds to give an alarm.

As a device for detecting the awakening level (degree of awakening) indicating a drowsy driving state, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-319434 by the present inventor is known. In this conventional example, for example, driving The frequency of operation of various operating means such as gear shift operation, winker operation, and brake operation by a person is detected, and the degree of vehicle sway is detected based on the information on the steering angle associated with the steering operation. It is determined by fuzzy reasoning under the membership function. That is, the awakening degree of the driver is objectively determined by examining the frequency of the driving operation and the behavior of the vehicle accompanying the driving operation.

[0004]

In the former device, however, the instantaneous value of the driver's pulse, which changes momentarily, is only presented (displayed). Difficult to grasp. Furthermore, it is very difficult to recognize the arousal state by associating the pulse information with the arousal level.

In the latter device, a visual and audible alarm is issued when the determined awakening level becomes low, so that it is effective in terms of awakening effect. There is a problem that it is not possible to judge whether or not the above function is normally operating at a high normal time. Moreover, since the information is presented only when the arousal level decreases, it is usually impossible to recognize how much awake state the vehicle is driving, and the function of turning corners is effectively utilized. It can be said that there is no.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its purpose is not only to call attention to driving when the awakening level is low, but also to provide information on the determined awakening level. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle wakefulness information output device capable of enhancing the effect of maintaining the wakefulness of the driver and further easily confirming whether or not the function of determining the wakefulness is normally operating.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a vehicular awakening degree information presenting apparatus according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle and provides a driver of the vehicle with information relating to the awakening degree of the driver. And a display means and a determination means for determining the awakening degree of the driver, and particularly, a storage means for sequentially storing the awakening degree determined by the determination means, and a storage means for storing in the storage means. The display control means for displaying the change in the awakening degree within a predetermined period in the form of a graph by the display means is provided.

That is, the awakening level of the driver, which is constantly determined, is sequentially stored, and a change in the awakening level within a predetermined period is recorded, for example, as a history of changes in the awakening level during a period traced back a predetermined time from the present time. By displaying it in a graph as a bar graph, etc., the driver can be made aware of the degree of arousal and its changes, the awakening maintenance effect can be enhanced, and normal operation of the awakening level determination function can be easily confirmed. It has a feature.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display control means is provided with display color control means for changing the display color of the information on the display means when the arousal level falls below a predetermined level. It is characterized by that. In other words, the display color of the display means for displaying the information on the arousal level is changed so that the decrease in the arousal level can be visually appealed.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, as a preferred form of the display control means, when the awakening level becomes lower than a predetermined level, information on the change in the awakening level displayed in a graph by the display means is displayed. Instead of the above, it is characterized by comprising display content changing means for displaying alarm information for drowsy driving. In other words, it is characterized in that the display content itself is largely changed in order to stimulate the driver to awaken when the awakening level is lowered.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle wakefulness information output device according to the above-described first, second or third aspect, when the further determined wakefulness is below a predetermined level, It is characterized in that it is provided with an acoustic alarm means for giving a driver aural stimulation. In other words, it is characterized by enhancing the arousal effect by giving not only a visual stimulus to the driver but also an auditory stimulus by ringing a buzzer or outputting a voice message.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, as the judging means, for example, a means for judging the awakening degree of the driver is used based on the driving operation situation of the vehicle by the driver. is there. In other words, it is characterized in that the determination means for determining the awakening degree of the driver is adopted according to the operation information of the vehicle operation means such as the gear shift and the winker operated by the driver, for example, the operation frequency.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a vehicle alertness information output device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicle alertness information output device, and schematically shows an electronic control unit (ECU) 1
Mainly, and is provided with a multiple display circuit 2 and a voice alarm circuit 3. This device is mounted on a vehicle, and has a role of determining the awakening degree of the driver of the vehicle from operation information for the vehicle, information regarding the behavior of the vehicle, and the like, and presenting the information regarding the awakening degree to the driver. That is, the ECU 1 takes in information such as a vehicle speed signal, a steering pulse, a steering neutral pulse, a winker signal, an exhaust brake signal, a clutch signal, a vehicle front image, etc., and information on these driving operations and accompanying vehicle behavior. The awakening degree of the driver is determined based on the. Then, the ECU 1 presents information on the determined arousal level to the driver by displaying the information via the multiplex display circuit 2, and also drives the voice alarm circuit 3 according to the level of the awakening level to output a voice message. Then, the driver is warned.

The determination of the awakening degree in the ECU 1 is performed, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-319134, operation frequency information of steering operation means such as winkers and brakes in a vehicle, steering operation information, and further. This is performed by determining the awakening degree of the driver who is driving the vehicle by fuzzy inference based on a predetermined membership function in accordance with the information on the vehicle wobbling.

Specifically, as shown in the concept of FIG.
The monotonicity B of the driving operation is obtained from the information A of the operation frequency with respect to the vehicle operation means such as the winker operation except the steering operation of the vehicle, the exhaust brake operation, and the gear shift operation. On the other hand, the steering amount D is obtained according to the steering operation information C obtained as an integrated value of the correction steering with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. Further, the information E of vehicle fluctuation is obtained from the change of the white line information on the road obtained by recognizing the road front image captured by the front camera mounted on the vehicle, and the road of the vehicle (defined by the white line is defined. Lane)
The meandering rate F for is calculated. Then, according to each of these pieces of information (monotonicity B, steering amount D, meandering rate F), the driver's awakening degree is determined by fuzzy inference processing G based on a predetermined membership function, and information on the awakening degree is displayed in the multiple display. In addition to the display output H via the circuit 2, when the awakening degree is low, the voice warning circuit 3 is driven to perform a warning output (voice message output) I such as buzzer sounding, and the driver is in a dozing driving state. It is a stimulus to. When the meandering rate F is high, for example, it is determined that this is a lane departure or a steep steering due to a dozing driving, and immediately,
The alarm output I is given to give the driver an auditory stimulus.

The display output H of the information regarding the arousal level is
For example, as shown in FIG. 3 as an example of a driver's seat layout, a color liquid crystal display 11 for displaying multiple information, which is incorporated in an instrument panel, is used, and an alarm output I and a voice message are output. It is performed through the speaker 12 built in the ceiling of the room. Incidentally, the information B of the operation frequency is obtained by detecting the operation by the turn signal switch 13, the exhaust brake switch 14, the clutch switch 15 and the like incorporated in each vehicle operation means as shown in FIG. The steering operation information C is detected by a steering angle sensor 16 incorporated in the steering handle mechanism. Further, the road front image for obtaining the information E of the vehicle sway is the white line recognition camera 1 arranged inside the upper center of the windshield.
The image is input by 7. The vehicle speed information is detected by a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) incorporated in the transmission output shaft or the like.

The multiple display of information on the color liquid crystal display 11 or the like will be briefly described. First, as the concept is schematically shown in FIG. 4, when the key is turned on, first, traveling distance information (trip), battery voltage information, etc. are displayed. Is displayed (additional function display mode), and messages regarding items to be checked at the time of warning are sequentially displayed when a warning occurs (warning display mode). Further, when the additional function display mode continues for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) or when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 70 km / h), the above-mentioned information regarding the awakening degree of the driver is displayed (driving caution). Low alarm display mode). These display modes can be switched according to the driving situation of the vehicle, or can be switched manually by operating a display mode changeover switch provided in the driver's seat. The switching control of the display information in the driving attention reduction warning display mode will be described later.

The feature of the present invention in the awakening degree information output device for a vehicle, which is basically constructed as described above, is that awakening for determining the awakening degree of a vehicle driver is shown in the concept of FIG. And a display control unit 23 for controlling the display image by the multiple display circuit 2 according to the determination result by the awakening degree determination unit 21. In particular, the display color determining means 24 and the display content determining means 25 are provided as the display control means 23.

That is, the awakening degree determining means 21, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the monotonicity B based on the frequency of the steering operation, the steering amount D based on the steering information, and the meandering based on the white line recognition. The awakening degree of the vehicle driver is determined according to the rate F or the like. The determination process of the awakening degree by the awakening degree determining means 21 is repeatedly executed, for example, every one minute. However, the memory (storage means) 22 including a shift register, a FIFO (first-in first-out) memory, etc., stores information on the awakening degree each time the awakening degree determining means 21 newly obtains the awakening degree every minute. The stored contents are updated by storing the information, and the latest information, for example, the awakening degree of 10 samples in total for 10 minutes is stored.

The display control means 23 basically creates a graph as history information indicating the change over time of the awakening degree according to the information of the awakening degree over the past 10 minutes stored in the memory 22, and in FIG. The image is displayed as a bar graph as shown as the display image 26 (normal display mode). This bar graph display of the arousal level is made by dividing the height of the bar graph element into 10 stages according to the magnitude of the arousal level, and arranging the display elements at each time point in order from the oldest in time. Therefore, the driver can recognize the change in the arousal level over the past 10 minutes from the history of the height change of the displayed bar graph.

On the other hand, the display color determining means 24 in the display control means 23 determines the latest level of the awakening degree obtained by the awakening degree determining means 21, and the display image 26 according to the level of the awakening degree. The display color of has been changed. That is, the display color determining means 24 compares the latest level of the awakening level with a preset determination level, and the display color of the information to be image-displayed according to the comparison result, that is, according to the level range of the determined awakening level. Have changed. Specifically, the display color of the display element of the bar graph is changed according to the level of the arousal level, or the background color thereof is changed to change the display color of the information to be displayed as an image. . This display color change is performed, for example, by dividing the level of the arousal level into three levels as shown in FIG. 6, and when the arousal level (attention level) is high, the green display is shown and when the arousal level is slightly lowered. Is displayed in orange, and when the awakening level is significantly reduced, it is displayed in red.

Further, the display content determining means 25 in the display control means 23 determines the latest level of the awakening degree obtained by the awakening degree determining means 21, and when the awakening degree falls below a predetermined level, it is mentioned above. As described above, the warning image 27 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed instead of the display image 26 in which the history of the arousal level is displayed in a graph (warning image mode). This warning image 27 gives a visual warning for a dozing driving state, which is a significant decrease in arousal level, and has a supplementary role of presenting information on the level of arousal level determined as described above. Instead, it has a function of proactively awakening the driver and arousing driving attention, which is a function of forcibly presenting information to the driver. Therefore, the switching of the image display content to the warning image 27 is set to be performed when the level of the awakening level falls below half of the normal time as shown in FIG. 6 (in FIG. 6). , Alarm display area). Also this warning image 2
In accordance with the display of 7, the voice alarm circuit 3 is driven to notify an alarm sound by the sound of a buzzer and output a voice message via a speaker.

That is, in the display control means 23 including the display color determination means 24 and the display content determination means 25, for example, according to the driver's awakening degree judged by the awakening degree judging means 21 every one minute, as shown in FIG. As shown in, the display color is switched to three levels and the screen display content is switched to two levels according to the level of the arousal level. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the level of the arousal level is equal to or higher than the first level H, the normal display mode is set and the change in the arousal level is displayed as a bar graph, and the display color is set to green. Presents a history of changes in arousal level in a state that is gentle on the eyes of.

However, the level of arousal is the above first level H
When it falls below, the change in arousal level is displayed in a bar graph, but the display color is changed to orange to indicate that there is a sign of a decrease in arousal level. By changing this display color, it is possible for the driver to visually feel that the driver's attention has decreased without the need to judge the level of the arousal level displayed in a graph from the color change on the display screen. Become.

Furthermore, the level of arousal is the second level M (<
If it is less than H), the display color is not changed this time, but the display image content itself is changed to the above-mentioned warning image. That is, the display of the normal image 26 is changed to the display of the warning image 27 while the orange display form is maintained. Such a change in the displayed image content gives a visual stimulus to the driver. As a result, the driver is awakened, and the driver's attention is aroused.

Further, the awakening level is the third level L (<
If it is less than M), the display image itself is changed to red display. This red color gives a great visual stimulus to the driver, and greatly stimulates the driver together with the message of alertness shown in the display content.
As a result, a great awakening effect acts and driving attention is aroused.

With such display control, for example, a voice message "Isn't tired?" Is output in conjunction with the orange alarm display, and "Please rest" in conjunction with the red display. A voice message such as "" may be output. If the output of such a voice message is used together, in addition to the stimulus by the visual information presentation by the image display, the auditory stimulus can be given to the driver.
It becomes possible to effectively give a stimulus for awakening accompanying a decrease in driving attention.

Thus, according to the present device configured and operating as described above, the information of the awakening degree periodically determined by the awakening degree determining means 21 according to the driving operation frequency or the like is displayed as a history of changes over a predetermined time. Since the information is displayed in a simplified form, it is possible to give a certain amount of stimulus to the driver even in a monotonous driving situation, which can contribute to maintaining the awake state. Moreover, since the state of changes in the arousal level is constantly displayed as the information in the form of a graph, it is possible to easily understand that the function of determining the arousal level is normally operating due to the presence of the display. Further, if the bar graph of the graphed information, for example, the so-called missing tooth state, it can be understood that the system could not determine the arousal level. That is, even if a check function is not operated by a switch operation or the like, it is possible to reliably confirm that the function is working normally from the graph display of the awakening degree.

Further, as described above, since the history of changes in the arousal level is displayed in a graph, it itself acts to reduce the monotonous feeling, and when the arousal level decreases, the display color is changed, and further, the display content. Since the display itself is changed to the alarm display 27, not only the monotonous feeling can be alleviated, but also an alarm for a decrease in arousal level due to a driver's stimulus, and thus an awakening level can be improved and driving attention can be enhanced. In addition, the driver himself / herself can easily recognize his / her fatigue level from the history of the arousal level displayed in the form of a graph, which can greatly contribute to the improvement of awareness of safe driving.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the awakening degree determination cycle is set to 1 minute in the above example, but it may be set to 1 minute and half interval, 2 minute interval, or the like. The information stored in the memory 22 may be managed as information for 20 minutes or the like, or may be managed as determination results for 10 or 15 times. Furthermore, in the period when the alarm is displayed,
Needless to say, it is desirable to continuously perform the awakening degree determination process. Furthermore, the awakening degree may be determined by learning the change of the eyelids in the driver's face image, or by using other methods. The display color change level and the image display content change level based on the level of arousal may be determined according to the specifications required for the device, and the display form change level should be further divided into multiple levels. May be. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031]

As described above, according to the present invention, the determining means for determining the awakening degree of the driver, and the vehicle awakening degree information presenting device for presenting the information on the determined awakening degree to the driver, In particular, it comprises a storage means for sequentially storing the awakening degree determined by the determination means, and a display control means for displaying a change in the awakening degree stored in the storage means in a graph and displaying the graph via the display means. It is characterized by having done.

That is, since the driver's awakening degree that is constantly determined is sequentially stored and the change in the awakening degree within a predetermined period is displayed in a graph, the driver is aware of the degree of awakening and the history of the change. Can be promoted, and thus the effect of maintaining alertness can be enhanced. Moreover, since the state of the arousal level that changes with time is displayed in a graph, it is possible to reduce the monotonous feeling of driving, and it is possible to easily check that the awakening level determination function is working normally.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as a preferred form of the display control means, a display color control means for changing the display color of the information on the display means when the awakening level becomes a predetermined level or less. And claim 3
According to the invention described in (1), when the awakening level becomes lower than a predetermined level, the display content is changed to display the alarm information for the dozing driving in place of the information of the change of the awakening level displayed as a graph by the display means. Since the device is provided, it is possible to clearly and visually appeal to the driver that the degree of arousal is low, and it is possible to effectively urge the driver's attention.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, since the audible alarm means for giving aural stimulation to the driver is provided when the determined awakening level becomes lower than a predetermined level. , It is possible to enhance the awakening effect by giving not only visual stimulation but also auditory stimulation to the driver.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 5, for example, the awakening degree of the driver is determined based on the driving operation situation of the vehicle by the driver, so that the awakening degree is objectively determined as the disturbance of the driving operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the driver's awareness of safe driving by grasping the disturbance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic system configuration of a vehicle alertness presentation device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a concept of awakening degree determination processing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a driver's seat layout.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the concept of multiple display processing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing concept according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the concept of display mode change control according to the awakening level according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 2 Multiple Display Circuit 3 Voice Alarm Circuit 11 Color Liquid Crystal Display 12 Speaker 13 Turn Signal Switch 14 Exhaust Brake Switch 15 Clutch Switch 16 Steering Angle Sensor 17 White Line Recognition Camera 21 Awakening Determining Means 22 Memory (Memory) Means) 23 Display control means 24 Display color determination means 25 Display content determination means 26 Normal image (graphical display of arousal level) 27 Warning image

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A wakefulness information output device for a vehicle, which is mounted on a vehicle and presents information about the wakefulness of the driver to a driver of the vehicle, the display means and the wakefulness of the driver. Determination means for determining, a storage means for sequentially storing the awakening degree determined by the determination means, and a display for displaying the change in the awakening degree within the predetermined period stored in the storage means in the form of a graph by the display means A wakefulness information output device for a vehicle, comprising: a control means. 2. The display control means comprises a display color control means for changing the display color of information on the display means when the determined awakening level becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined level. The vehicle awakening level information output device according to claim 1. 3. The display control means, when the determined awakening degree is below a predetermined level, displays alarm information instead of the information on the change in the awakening degree displayed as a graph by the display means. 2. The vehicle awakening degree information output device according to claim 1, further comprising display content changing means. 4. The vehicle wakefulness information output device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, when the determined wakefulness is below a predetermined level, an auditory stimulus is given to the driver. An awakening level information output device for a vehicle, comprising an acoustic warning means. 5. The vehicle wakefulness information output device according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines the wakefulness of the driver based on a driving operation situation of the vehicle by the driver.