DE102016200563B4 - Attention support of a driver - Google Patents

Abstract

Method (300) for supporting a driver (105) of a motor vehicle (100), the method (300) comprising the following steps: determining a degree of activation (205) of the driver (105); Outputting a signal (240) if the degree of activation (205) falls below a first predetermined threshold value (215); and presenting at least one activating stimulus (230) to the driver (105) to maintain the activation level (205) above a second predetermined threshold (220) greater than the first threshold (215), characterized in that the stimulus (230) includes electrostimulation.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to supporting the driver with regard to his attention.

A motor vehicle can include one or more driver assistance systems that are set up to support a driver of the motor vehicle. In different embodiments, the driver assistance systems can carry out a longitudinal or lateral control of the motor vehicle or warn the driver of certain dangers. For example, an adaptive speed assistant can control the driving speed of the motor vehicle to a predetermined value while maintaining a predetermined minimum distance from a motor vehicle driving ahead. A lane warning can warn the driver of unintentionally leaving a lane.

A modern motor vehicle can have many driver assistance systems, so that the driver can be substantially relieved. However, the relief can also be accompanied by a certain monotony, so that the driver's attention can be reduced by the perceived safety of the assistance systems.

It is known to determine a driver's level of attention, for example based on his steering movements or blinking, and to prompt him to take a break if the level of attention falls below a predetermined threshold value.

EP 2 620 314 A1 proposes determining the driver's level of attention based on the frequency of interventions by various driver assistance systems. If attention falls below a predetermined threshold value, a warning can be issued.

DE 10 2007 039 110 A1 proposes automatically recognizing a driving situation of a motor vehicle and warning the driver in two stages if a critical driving situation is imminent.

• -Bestimmen eines Aktivierungsgrades des Fahrers,
• -Ausgeben eines Signals, falls der Aktivierungsgrad einen ersten vorbestimmten Schwellenwert unterschreitet,
• -Darbieten eines aktivierenden Reizes an den Fahrer, um den Aktivierungsgrad über einem zweiten vorbestimmten Schwellenwert zu halten, der größer als der erste Schwellenwert ist.

The generic DE 103 22 458 A1 describes a method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle with the steps:

• - determining a degree of activation of the driver,
• - Outputting a signal if the degree of activation falls below a first predetermined threshold value,
• - presenting an activating stimulus to the driver to maintain the activation level above a second predetermined threshold greater than the first threshold.

In the DE 10 2008 038 816 describes a method and device for supporting the driver when operating a vehicle, in which, depending on the defined driving situation, the attention of the driver is to be positively influenced by different signals. This can be done, for example, by optical, acoustic or haptic stimuli.

It is the object of the present invention to specify an improved technique for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in order to keep the degree of activation of the driver in an appropriate range for driving the motor vehicle as permanently as possible. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims reflect preferred embodiments.

A method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle comprises steps of determining a degree of activation of the driver; outputting a signal if the activation level falls below a first predetermined threshold; and presenting an activating stimulus to the driver to maintain the activation level above a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first threshold.

In this case, the driver can be activated by means of a suitable stimulus even before a warning threshold is reached, which leads to the output of a warning signal, so that the degree of activation does not reach the warning threshold. The activating stimulus can be given more frequently or longer without the driver becoming accustomed to it. As a result, the driver's attention can be kept at a level that corresponds to his responsibility for the motor vehicle. Effects of monotony or tiredness can be alleviated or compensated for by the activating stimulus. An additional selective warning, if the degree of activation falls below the first threshold value, can be maintained in order to prevent the degree of activation from falling dangerously. In particular, the signal can include a request to the driver to take a regeneration break.

In one embodiment, a deactivating stimulus may be issued to the driver to maintain the activation level below a third predetermined threshold that is greater than the second threshold. In particular, the driver can be calmed if he shows signs of anger, overzealousness, fear, for example of narrow spaces, or even shows panic. The risk of an incorrect action by the driver can thus be counteracted.

It is particularly preferred that the activating or deactivating stimulus is selected from a range of possibilities that are available on board the motor vehicle. Specifically, the stimulus can include a change in sound, ventilation, temperature distribution, an odor or a driver's seating position in the motor vehicle. Different stimuli are preferably used individually or in combination with one another in order to counteract the driver's habituation effect. The driver can thus be kept sufficiently activated in a gentle and indirect manner, without interfering with his actions or decisions and without substantially distracting him from the task of driving the motor vehicle.

According to the invention, the stimulus includes electrostimulation. For this purpose, a stimulus current can be applied to different parts of the driver's body. In particular, an electrode can be attached in the region of the skull, by means of which transcranial electrical stimulation, in particular direct current stimulation, can be carried out. The current caused by the electrode can be selected in such a way that the driver is calmed or activated as desired. The stimulus can be given over several minutes while its effects can last for several hours. As a result, effective control of the driver's degree of activation can be achieved with little stress and few side effects.

In a further specific embodiment, a driving situation is determined and the second or third threshold value is adapted to the driving situation. If, for example, a particularly demanding driving situation is present, for example in rush hour traffic in a city, at night and in the rain, an increased degree of activation of the driver may be permissible or desired. In order to suppress the presentation of a calming stimulus, the third threshold can be raised. In order to further activate a driver who is not already activated to an increased extent, the second threshold value can be increased. A corresponding procedure is appropriate if an impending dangerous situation is detected, for example driving in black ice or fog. An acutely imminent hazardous situation, such as an imminent rear-end collision when a motor vehicle driving ahead brakes sharply, can also be evaluated and the second or third threshold value can be adjusted accordingly.

In a further embodiment, after the driving situation has been determined, the stimulus is selected as a function of the determined driving situation. In this way, the stimulus can be linked to the driving situation and specifically point out what is probably a sensible action by the driver. For example, if there is a risk of skidding, an activating stimulus can be introduced into the driver's hands or arms in order to selectively support his ability to steer quickly. In another embodiment, the stimulus may be specifically chosen to be inconsistent with a suggested or suspected driver behavior. In the above example of driving with a risk of skidding, the stimulus can include the supply of additional fresh air, so that the driver is activated generally and non-specifically.

It is also preferred that the stimulus is withdrawn again after a predetermined period of time. This can counteract the driver getting used to the stimulus. In a further embodiment, a withdrawn stimulus can be replaced by another stimulus in order to enable the driver's degree of activation to be permanently influenced. Different stimuli can, for example, follow one another cyclically or randomly.

A device for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle includes a sensor for scanning the driver; a processing device for determining a degree of activation of the driver, the processing device being set up to output a signal if the degree of activation falls below a first predetermined threshold value; and an interface to a device on board the motor vehicle, by means of which an activating stimulus can be presented to the driver. In this case, the processing device is set up to control the device in order to keep the activation level of the driver above a second predetermined threshold value which is greater than the first threshold value.

• 1 ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem Fahrer;
• 2 einen beispielhaften zeitlichen Verlauf eines Aktivierungsgrads des Fahrers des Kraftfahrzeugs von 1; und
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Steuern des Aktivierungsgrads des Fahrers des Kraftfahrzeugs von 1

darstellt.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

• 1 a motor vehicle with a driver;
• 2 an exemplary time course of a degree of activation of the driver of the motor vehicle 1 ; and
• 3 a flow chart of a method for controlling the degree of activation of the driver of the motor vehicle from FIG 1

represents.

1 symbolically shows a motor vehicle 100 with a driver 105. The driver 105 controls the motor vehicle 100 or influences a semi-automatic control of the motor vehicle 100 and is in responsible for the moving motor vehicle 100 in any case. The driver 105 can interact with the motor vehicle 100 in a variety of ways. In the representation of 1 Dark arrows denote input devices 110 for the driver 105 to act on the motor vehicle 100 and light arrows denote influencing devices 115 for the motor vehicle 100 to act on the driver 105. Devices and systems with which the interactions are carried out in both directions are described in more detail below.

If the degree of activation of driver 105 of motor vehicle 100 decreases, for example due to tiredness or boredom, there is a risk that driver 105 will make a mistake while driving motor vehicle 100 or will not be able to react adequately to a sudden dangerous situation. It is therefore proposed to influence the degree of activation of the driver 105 by means of devices on board the motor vehicle 100 in order to ensure a certain basic activation of the driver 105 in particular.

A device 130 is proposed for this purpose, which comprises a processing device 135 with a first interface 140 for connection to an input device 110 and a second interface 145 for connection to an influencing device 115 . An output device 150 for outputting a warning and/or a scanning device 155 for determining a driving situation of motor vehicle 100 are preferably also provided. An interface to another control system on board motor vehicle 100 can also be provided in order to determine a parameter that indicates the driving situation of motor vehicle 100, in particular a speed or a direction of movement. In a further embodiment, the device 130 can also include one or more input devices 110 and/or one or more influencing devices 115, in which case the corresponding interfaces 140, 145 can also be omitted.

The processing device 135 is set up to scan a behavior, an activity, an action or a reflex of the driver 105 in order to determine a degree of activation of the driver 105 . For example, an input device 110 can include a steering wheel and a high degree of activation of the driver 105 can be determined if he causes frequent, small steering deflections, while a low degree of activation can be determined if he causes less frequent, larger interventions. In a further specific embodiment, one of the input devices 110 includes a camera that monitors the blinking of the driver 105 .

If the blinking of the eyelids becomes slower or if the eyelids remain closed for a longer period of time, it can be concluded that the driver 105 is less active. In yet another embodiment, the degree of activation of the driver 105 can be determined based on a frequency of interventions by driver assistance systems, which can be connected to one or more input devices 110 . It is generally preferred that the parameters that can be scanned using the input devices 110 are processed in such a way that a continuous, quantified degree of activation for the driver 105 is determined, the level of which allows a qualitative assessment of the activation of the driver 105 . In the present case, a strong activation of the driver 105 is assigned to a high degree of activation and a low activation is assigned to a low degree of activation.

The processing device 135 is preferably set up to compare the degree of activation with a first threshold value and to output a warning, in particular by means of the output device 150, if the degree of activation falls below the first threshold. In particular, the warning can include a request to the driver 105 to take a break.

Furthermore, the processing device 135 is set up to control one or more influencing devices 115 in order to change the degree of activation of the driver 105 . A distinction is preferably made here between activating and calming stimuli, which can be presented to the driver 105 by means of the influencing devices 115 .

For example, an influencing device 115 can include a ventilation system (HVAC: heating, ventilation, air conditioning). An activating stimulus can be brought about by lowering an air temperature, changing the direction of an air flow, deactivating a seat heater or changing a fan speed. A deactivating, i. H. calming stimulus, can be brought about, for example, by lowering the fan level or gently raising the temperature.

In a further embodiment, an influencing device 115 comprises an electrically adjustable seat, in which case an activating stimulus can be presented by the seat being electrically adjusted or brought into a predetermined position. For example, to activate the driver 105, the backrest can be moved to a vertical position. Lateral support pads can be retracted or the seat can be slid towards the steering wheel. In one variant, the seat can also be heated or cooled, or a vibration can be generated through the seat be presented. In this case, different temporal or local vibration patterns can be used in order to influence the activation of the driver 105 in a targeted calming or activating manner.

In yet another specific embodiment, an influencing device 115 includes a safety system, in particular a belt tensioner. A further activating stimulus can be exerted on the driver 105 by tightening a safety belt, with which the driver 105 is strapped to the seat, to a predetermined tension. Accordingly, a calming stimulus can be applied to the driver 105 when the belt tension is reduced by a predetermined amount.

In yet another embodiment, one of the influencing devices 115 comprises an acoustic entertainment system. The volume of the entertainment system can be changed or a program being played can be modified to influence the level of activation of the driver 105 . For example, an activating, e.g. B. rhythmic or fast, or calming, z. B. melodic or slow, music are presented in an appropriate volume.

Another influencing device 115 can include an electric window lifter or an electric sunroof. By opening the window or the sliding roof, the driver 105 can be supplied with more fresh air, which is generally successful as an activating stimulus.

Another influencing device 115 can include a device for distributing fragrances. A calming stimulus can be exerted on the driver 105 by means of a calming scent, and a stimulating stimulus can be exerted on the driver 105 by means of a stimulating scent.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an electrode is provided, by means of which electrical stimulation can be presented to the driver 105 . The electrode can be attached practically anywhere on the driver's body 105, in particular anywhere where there is physical contact between the driver 105 and an element of the motor vehicle, for example on the steering wheel, on the seat or on the vehicle floor. Such a system is available under the name thync. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrode is attached in the area of the skull of the driver 105 and transcranial direct current stimulation is carried out by means of the electrode. The stimulation of the driver 105 can be specifically selected in such a way that the driver 105 perceives the electrical stimulus as activating or calming. A current strength, current duration and the location at which the current is conducted into or out of the body of the driver 105 can decide on the effect of the electrical stimulation.

Device 130 is preferably set up to influence the degree of activation of driver 105 using only weak stimuli. Ideally, the stimuli are so weak that they are hardly or not at all perceived by the driver 105 . In particular, the stimuli should not be so strong that the driver 105 is distracted from driving the motor vehicle 100 .

The degree of activation can be controlled in particular as a function of a driving situation of motor vehicle 100 . The driving situation can be determined in particular by means of scanning device 155, which is preferably set up to scan an environment of motor vehicle 100. For example, the scanning device 155 can comprise a camera or a distance sensor. Additional information can be obtained from other control devices on board the motor vehicle 100 .

In particular, the second or third threshold value can be changed on the basis of the determined driving situation, as described below with reference to FIG 2 will be described in more detail. The strength, duration or selection of the stimulus can also be influenced by the specific driving situation. In general, it is preferable to increase the second or third threshold value when the driving situation requires increased activation of driver 105 . Selection and control of a stimulus for influencing the degree of activation of the driver 105 can be controlled in particular as a function of a distance between the degree of activation and the respective threshold.

2 FIG. 1 shows an example of a degree of activation 205 of driver 105 of motor vehicle 100 over time 1 , in order to show exemplary options for influencing the driver 105 to influence his level of activity. A profile 210 of the degree of activation 205 is shown in the lower area of the illustration. In the upper area, activating stimuli for the driver 105 are represented by bars pointing upwards and calming stimuli for the driver 105 by means of bars pointing downwards. A time is plotted in each case in the horizontal direction.

A first threshold value 215, a second threshold value 220 and a third threshold value 225 are entered in the lower area as an example. In a first time segment T0, the degree of activation 205 is between the second threshold value 220 and the third threshold value 225. This is the predetermined range in which the degree of activation 205 of the driver 105 is preferably located should move so that he can drive the vehicle 100 safely. The degree of activation 205 drops below the second threshold value 220 in a time segment T1. In order to counteract this, one or more activating stimuli 230 are output to the driver 105 . As a result, the degree of activation 205 rises again between the threshold values 220 and 225 in the time segment T2, so that no stimulus has to be output.

In time segment T3, activation level 205 rises above third threshold value 225. This can be due to a difficult driving situation of motor vehicle 100 or a frightening event on board motor vehicle 100, for example. In order to lower the degree of activation 205 again, one or more calming stimuli 235 are output to the driver 105 . In the time segment T4, the degree of activation 205 has fallen back into the range between the threshold values 220 and 225.

In a time segment T5, the degree of activation 205 falls below the second threshold value 220 again, whereupon an activating stimulus 230 is output. Nevertheless, the degree of activation 205 continues to fall below the first threshold value 215, whereupon a signal 240 is output which is intended to alert the driver 105. The signal 240 is preferably output using the output device 150 .

3 FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a method 300 for controlling the activation degree 205 of the driver 105 of the motor vehicle 100 from FIG 1 . The method 300 can be carried out in particular in the device 130, particularly preferably by means of the processing device 135.

In a step 305, the driver 105 or one of his actions is scanned using one or more input devices 110 . Optionally, the driving situation of motor vehicle 100 is determined in a step 310. In a step 315, the degree of activation 205 of the driver 105 is determined on the basis of the scan from step 305 and possibly taking into account the driving situation from step 310.

Subsequently, the determined degree of activation 205 is compared with one or more threshold values 215, 220, 225 and corresponding actions are carried out. Not all threshold values 215, 220, 225 mentioned above have to be checked and the order of the checks can be varied.

In a step 320 it is checked whether the degree of activation 205 is above the third threshold value 225 . If this is the case, in a step 325 a calming stimulus 235 is output to the driver 105 .

In a step 330 it is checked whether the degree of activation 205 is below the second threshold value 220 . If this is the case, an activating stimulus 230 is presented to the driver 105 in a step 335 .

Finally, in a step 340 it is checked whether the activation degree 205 is below the first threshold value 215 . If this is the case, then in a step 345 the signal 240 is output.

If none of the comparisons 320, 330, 340 apply or if the selected step 325, 335, 345 has been carried out, the method 300 can return to step 305 and run through again.

If the driving situation of motor vehicle 100 was determined in step 310, third threshold value 225 in step 320 and/or second threshold value 220 in step 330 can be changed or determined on the basis of the determined driving situation.

In different embodiments of the invention, the output stimuli 230, 235 can be adapted to the specific driving situation, to an input device 110 or to an influencing device 115. As a result, the invention can be used in particular in the context of driver assistance systems and applications on board the motor vehicle.

For example, lane detection can take place by means of a driver assistance system. Before the lane departure warning is issued (cf. steps 340, 345), driver 105's attention is increased in a targeted manner by means of current pulses on the steering wheel or on the wrist in order to make driver 105 more aware of a change in course of motor vehicle 100.

In combination with a collision warning, a distance between motor vehicle 100 and a motor vehicle driving ahead can be determined, and with the increasing probability of an imminent collision, the attention of driver 105 can be stimulated from a specific threshold value (cf. steps 330, 335). A similar procedure can take place in combination with a detection of obstacles.

A predetermined speed for the motor vehicle 100 are lowered when the degree of activation 205 of the driver 105 is too low. In a further embodiment, the constitution of the driver 105 can be determined, for example, by means of intelligent clothing. The constitution can be included in the determination of the speed recommendation or the activation level 205 .

In combination with a traffic warning system, the driver 105 can be stimulated to be more active if an expected course of the route indicates a hindrance.

In combination with statistical data collection about driver habits, the second threshold value 220 and/or the third threshold value 225 can be adjusted depending on recognized habits. As a result, the device 130 can learn automatically which route sections the driver 105 routinely covers and where a reduced degree of activation 205 must therefore be expected due to habituation.

In connection with a detected driver load, the degree of activation 205 of the driver 105 can be automatically increased by a corresponding stimulus 230 .

In combination with a risk estimation unit, the degree of activation 205 of the driver 105 can be increased when the risk of an accident for the motor vehicle 100 increases. For this purpose, the second threshold value 220 and/or the third threshold value 225 can be raised.

In yet another specific embodiment, a driver assistance system is provided, the existence or function of which is not familiar to the driver 105, so that the driver 105 may be surprised when the assistance system is activated. Such an assistance system can, for example, automatically dim the high beam of motor vehicle 100 if oncoming traffic or wildlife located in the cone of light is detected. The function of the driver assistance system can be accompanied by an increase in the degree of activation 205 of the driver 105 in order to compensate for any uncertainty that arises.

Device 130 can learn preferences and habits of driver 105 , evaluate them and incorporate them into influencing driver 105 . In particular, the reaction of the driver 105 to the function of individual driver assistance systems can be evaluated in order to adapt the influencing of the degree of activation 205 to the assistance systems. The driver 105 can be supported in his behavior according to his preferences by the device 130 by preselecting the information presented to him.

Reference List

100

motor vehicle

105

driver

110

input device

115

influencing device

130

contraption

135

processing facility

140

first interface (to the input device)

145

second interface (to the influencing device)

150

output device

155

scanning device

205

activation level

210

Course

215

first threshold

220

second threshold

225

third threshold

230

activating stimulus

235

calming stimulus

240

signal

T0-T6

periods

300

Proceedings

305

Scan driver action

310

Scan driving situation

315

Determine activation level

320

> 3rd threshold?

325

Present calming stimulus

330

< 2nd threshold?

335

Presenting an activating stimulus

340

< 1st threshold?

345

issue warning

Claims (7)

Method (300) for supporting a driver (105) of a motor vehicle (100), the method (300) comprising the following steps: determining a degree of activation (205) of the driver (105); Outputting a signal (240) if the degree of activation (205) falls below a first predetermined threshold value (215); and presenting at least one activating stimulus (230) to the driver (105) to increase the activation level (205) above a second predetermined threshold (220) greater than the first threshold value (215), characterized in that the stimulus (230) comprises electrical stimulation. Method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising presenting a deactivating stimulus (235) to the driver (105) to maintain the activation level (205) below a third predetermined threshold (225) that is greater than the second threshold (220). Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein further stimuli (230, 235) include a change in sound, ventilation, temperature distribution, an odor or a seating position of the driver (105) in the motor vehicle (100). Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising determining (310) a driving situation and adapting the second (220) or third threshold value (225) to the driving situation. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising determining (310) a driving situation and selecting the stimulus (230, 235) as a function of the determined driving situation. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stimulus (230, 235) is withdrawn again after a predetermined period of time. Device (130) for assisting a driver (105) of a motor vehicle (100), the device (130) comprising: a sensor (110) for scanning the driver (105); a processing device (135) for determining a degree of activation (205) of the driver (105), the processing device (135) being set up to output a signal (240) (345) if the degree of activation (205) exceeds a first predetermined threshold value (215 ) falls below; and an interface (145) to a device (115) on board the motor vehicle (100), by means of which the driver (105) can be presented with at least one activating stimulus (230); wherein the processing means (135) is arranged to control the means (115) to maintain the activation level (205) of the driver (105) above a second predetermined threshold (220) that is greater than the first threshold (215). , and wherein the stimulus (230) comprises electrical stimulation.

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