JP3388101B2 - Low alertness device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wakefulness lowering alarm device for detecting a decrease in wakefulness of, for example, a driver of various vehicles or a person watching a plant, and issuing an alarm when the wakefulness decreases. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional vehicle alertness warning system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 6-219181 and 6-270711. Is a detection target person who is a target person for detection of arousal decline, 10 is a CCD camera for photographing the detection target person 1,
Reference numeral 11 is an eyelid opening / closing determination circuit for inputting a face image of the detection target person 1 from the CCD camera 10 and performing eyelid opening / closing determination by image processing, and 20 is a detection target person 1 based on the eyelid opening / closing determination by the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11. A wakefulness lowering degree calculation circuit for calculating a wakefulness lowering degree, 30 is an alarm output determination circuit for determining whether or not to issue an alarm, and 50 is a voice alarm for outputting a voice alarm to the detection target person 1 according to a command of the alarm output determination circuit 30. Circuit.

Next, the operation will be described. The CCD camera 10 is installed in, for example, a meter panel of an automobile, and inputs a face image of the detection target person 1 such as a driver. The eyelid open / close determination circuit 11 receives an image signal from the CCD camera 10 and determines whether the eyelid is opened or closed, and outputs the eyelid open / closed determination result to the awakening reduction degree calculation circuit 20 every 33 mS which is a video rate.
As a method for determining whether the eyelids are opened or closed, for example, the above-mentioned JP-A-6-27
Japanese Patent Publication No. 0711 describes a method of utilizing a decrease in circularity of a pupil region which is brightly imaged as a retina reflection image.

Next, a method of calculating the awakening decrease degree α by the awakening decrease degree calculating circuit 20 will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the occurrence state of blinks in the i-th awakening decline determination section, where tb _i (1) to tb _i (N _i ) are the eyes closed in each blink in the i-th awakening decline determination section. Shows the duration. For example, in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open 6-219181 discloses, as a wakefulness reduction of alpha, is used an indication that the integrated value in one minute blinking eye-closure duration having a certain threshold TB_ _th or more closed-eye duration. That is, it is determined that the degree of decrease in awakening is large when the number of blinks whose eye-closing duration is long is increased.

[0005]

[Equation 1]

FIG. 19 shows an awakening degree reduction circuit 20, an alarm output determination circuit 30, and a voice alarm circuit 5 in FIG.
It is a flow chart which shows operation of 0. First, in steps ST10 and ST11, the blink flag FLG
_B, the eye closing duration β is cleared, and the total eye closing time T is cleared in step ST12. Next, step ST1
In 3, the eyelid open / close determination circuit 11 inputs an eyelid open / close signal. While the detection target person 1 does not blink, the eyelid opening / closing signal output from the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11 is “eyelid opening”.
In step ST20, the process proceeds to step ST30. In step ST30, the blink flag FLG_
If B is 0, that is, "the eyelids have been opened" last time, the process proceeds to step ST31 to clear the blinking flag FLG_B and the eye closing duration time β, and the process proceeds to step ST40. In step ST40, it is determined whether one minute has passed, and if one minute has not passed, step ST40 is again performed.
At 13, the eyelid opening / closing signal is input after waiting for the updating of the eyelid opening / closing signal.

When the detection subject 1 blinks and closes his eyes, the process shifts from step ST20 to step ST21 to update the eye-closing duration time β, and in step ST22, 1 is set in the blinking flag FLG_B. While the eyes are closed, step ST13, step ST20, step ST2
The process of 1 and step ST22 is repeated, and the eye closing duration β is counted up according to the eye closing duration.

When the blinking ends and the eyes are opened again, the processing shifts to step ST20, step ST30 and step ST33, and in step ST33, the eye closing duration time β
But it is determined whether or not greater than TB_ _th. β ≧ TB
Performs multiplication processing of the total eye-closing time T in step ST34 when the _ _th, β <integration process in the case of TB_ _th is not performed, the process proceeds to step ST40 to clear the β blink flag FLG_B and the closed-eye duration .

At the end of the one-minute analysis period, step S
The process moves from T40 to step ST41 and α = T. At this time, α is calculated by the equation (1). If α ≧ α _th in step ST42, it is determined that the awakening has decreased, and in step ST50, a voice alarm, for example, “Attention to decrease in awakening” is generated. Note that set here 0.5 seconds TB_ _th is the alpha _th and 10 seconds.

As described above, in the conventional alertness lowering alarm device, when the person to be detected 1 enters the alertness lowered state and a blink with a long eye closing duration occurs, the alertness lowering degree α increases. , Α and α _th based on the comparison of the magnitudes, it is possible to grasp the decrease in arousal and issue an alarm to the detection target person 1 to prompt arousal.

[0011]

Since the conventional alertness lowering alarm device is configured as described above, a single threshold α _th is set as the threshold of the alertness lowering degree α when determining whether to output an alarm. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not possible to output an appropriate alertness reduction alarm corresponding to the individual difference of the detection target person.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing the time variation of the awakening lowering degree α in the two detection subjects A and B, and shows an example in which both the detection subjects A and B have decreased awakening from 60 minutes. Since the threshold value α _th of the awakening reduction degree α is set to 10 seconds, the person A to be detected becomes α ≧ α _th at t = 60 minutes, and it is possible to issue the awakening degree alarm with good timing. On the other hand, in the detection target person B, the condition that α ≧ α _th is t
= 90 minutes, the time of the alertness lowering alarm output is t = 90 minutes, and the alarm timing is delayed from the lowering of the awakening of the person B to be detected. Such a phenomenon occurs because there are individual differences in eyelid closing duration and patterns. Here, if the threshold value α _th for generating the awakening lowering alarm is set low, for example, α _th = 5 seconds in order to correspond to the detection target person B, the detection target person B issues an alarm at an appropriate timing. However, in the detection target person A, α ≧ α _{th at the} time t = 13 minutes when the decrease in arousal does not progress yet.
As a result, an alarm will be generated, and the alarm will be troublesome for the detection target person A. As described above, in the conventional alertness lowering alarm device, since the fixed threshold is used as the threshold for generating the alertness lowering alarm, the alertness lowering alarm is generated at an appropriate timing corresponding to the individual difference of the blink of the detection target person. There was a problem such as not being able to output.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wakefulness alarming device for collecting the information about the wakefulness of the detection subject by inputting the state of the detection subject by a sensor. And a wakefulness reduction degree calculating means for calculating the wakefulness reduction index value based on the information collected by the wakefulness information collecting means, a display means for displaying the wakefulness reduction index value calculated by the wakefulness reduction degree calculating means, and A warning threshold value setting means for accepting a setting of an awakening warning threshold to be an arbitrary value that is a reference for generating a wakefulness warning based on the awakening warning index value, the awakening warning index value and the awakening warning warning threshold are predetermined. An alarm generating means for issuing an alertness reduction alarm when the magnitude relationship is satisfied is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wakefulness alarming device, and a wakefulness information collecting means for inputting a state of a person to be detected by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness of the person to be detected, and the wakefulness information collecting means. Means of calculating the awakening lowering index value using the amount and information set by the means collected by the means, awakening lowering degree calculating means, and accepts the setting of any of the parameters used in the calculation of the awakening lowering index value Parameter setting means, display means for displaying the awakening drop index value calculated by the awakening drop index calculating means, awakening drop warning threshold value and the awakening level as a reference for generating awakening drop alarm based on the awakening drop index value An alarm generating means for issuing an awakening decrease alarm when the decrease index value satisfies a predetermined magnitude relationship.

The alertness lowering alarm device according to the third aspect of the present invention is such that the alarm generating means has a plurality of alarm methods and further comprises alarm method selecting means for accepting selection input of the alarm method.

In the wakefulness lowering alarm device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the alarm threshold value setting means can accept setting of a plurality of wakefulness lowering alarm threshold values, and the alarm generating means has a plurality of alarming methods. Different alerting methods are used according to the magnitude relationship between the drop index value and the awakening drop alert thresholds.

In the wakefulness lowering warning device according to the present invention, the wakefulness lowering degree calculating means calculates a plurality of awakening lowering index values based on a plurality of different evaluation indexes, and the warning threshold value setting means makes the plurality of awakening lowering values. It is possible to accept the setting of a plurality of alertness lowering alarm thresholds corresponding to the index value, and the alarm generating means is a predetermined alarm generating requirement between any one of the plurality of alertness lowering alarm thresholds and the alertness lowering alarm threshold. When the magnitude relation of is satisfied, the alertness warning is issued.

In the alertness lowering alarm device according to the invention of claim 6, the alarm generating means has a plurality of alarming methods assigned to each of the alertness lowering index values, and satisfies a predetermined magnitude relationship as an alarm generating requirement. The alertness lowering alert is issued by a different alerting method for each alertness lowering index value.

In the awakening lowering alarm device according to the present invention, the display means displays the history of the awakening lowering index value over the past predetermined time and the currently set awakening lowering warning threshold value. Is.

In the awakening lowering alarm device according to the present invention, the display means displays the statistical calculation result of the awakening lowering index value over the past predetermined time and the currently set awakening lowering warning threshold value. It was done.

In the awakening lowering alarm device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the display means displays the frequency distribution of the awakening lowering index value over a predetermined time in the past as a statistical calculation result.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wakefulness alarming device, which comprises a wakefulness information collecting means for inputting a state of a detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person, and the wakefulness information collection means. An awakening degree calculating means for calculating an awakening index value based on the information collected by the means,
An alarm generation means for issuing an awakening decrease alarm when the awakening decrease index value and a predetermined awakening decrease alarm threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship, and the alarm generation means has a predetermined value after issuing the awakening decrease alarm. The awakening lowering alarm is not output for a period of time.

According to the invention of claim 11, the wakefulness alarm device collects information on the wakefulness of the detection target person by inputting the state of the detection target person by a sensor, and the wakefulness information collection means. An awakening degree calculating means for calculating an awakening index value based on the information collected by the means,
And a warning generation means for issuing a wakefulness lowering warning when the wakefulness lowering index value and a predetermined wakefulness lowering warning threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship, and the alarm generating means, after issuing the wakefulness lowering warning The alertness lowering warning threshold value is changed to the warning suppression side for a predetermined time.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wakefulness alarming device for collecting awakening information collecting means for inputting a state of a detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person. An awakening degree calculating means for calculating an awakening index value based on the information collected by the means,
An alert generation means for issuing a wakefulness lowering alarm when the wakefulness lowering index value and a predetermined wakefulness lowering warning threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship, and an input requesting to stop the generated wakefulness lowering alarm is accepted, and An alarm stop means for outputting an alarm stop signal to the alarm generation means is provided, and the alarm generation means stops the awakening lowering alarm when receiving the alarm stop signal from the alarm stopping means, and then the awakening lowering for a predetermined time. The alarm threshold is changed to the alarm suppression side.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness lowering warning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is a detection target person such as a driver of various vehicles which is a target person for wakefulness lowering detection, 10 is CC that photographs the detection target person 1
D camera (awakening information collecting means), 11 is a CCD camera 1
An eyelid open / close determination circuit (awakening information collecting means) for inputting a face image of the detection target 1 from 0 and performing eyelid open / close determination by image processing, and 50 is a voice alarm to the detection target 1 according to a command of the alarm output determination circuit 31 ( This is a voice alarm circuit (alarm generating means) that outputs a wakefulness lowering alarm, and the above-mentioned operations are the same as those of the respective parts in the wakefulness lowering warning device shown in the conventional example.

Reference numeral 21 calculates an awakening lowering degree (awakening lowering index value) α of the detection subject 1 based on the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11's eyelid opening / closing determination, and outputs it to the display switch box 40 and the alarm output determination circuit 31. Awakening lowering degree calculation circuit (awakening lowering degree calculating means), 31 is an alarm threshold value of the awakening lowering degree α input from the awakening lowering degree calculation circuit 21 and the awakening lowering degree α input from the display switch box 40 (awakening lowering alert threshold value).
An alarm output determination circuit (alarm generation means) for determining whether or not to issue an alarm based on α _th , 40 is a display switch box (display means, alarm threshold setting) installed near the detection target person 1 such as a driver Means), 401 is a display switch box 40
A liquid crystal display (display means) 411 for displaying the awakening lowering degree α is a slide switch (alarm thresholding setting means) 411 installed in the display switch box 40 for setting the warning threshold α _th of the awakening lowering degree α. is there.

Next, the operation will be described. The CCD camera 10 inputs the face image of the person to be detected 1 as in the conventional example,
The eyelid open / close determination circuit 11 determines the eyelid open / close of the detection target person 1 as in the conventional example. The awakening lowering degree calculation circuit 21 calculates the awakening lowering degree α by the same method as the awakening lowering degree calculating circuit 20 in the conventional example, and outputs the result to the display switch box 40 and the alarm output determination circuit 31. The liquid crystal display 401 of the display switch box 40 displays the level of the awakening lowering degree α and presents it to the detection target person 1.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the details of the structure of the display switch box 40. Here, the slide switch 411 for setting the alarm threshold α _th is arranged so as to be parallel to the display of the awakening lowering degree α on the liquid crystal display 401, and the same position on both displays the same value. Further, a reference recommended value of a standard alarm threshold value is displayed on the slide switch 411.

FIG. 3 shows an awakening degree calculation circuit 2 in FIG.
4 is a flowchart showing the operations of the alarm output determination circuit 31 and the voice alarm circuit 50. The operation of obtaining the awakening lowering degree α from step ST10 to step ST41 is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 17 in the conventional example.
In step ST11, the blinking flag FLG_B and the eye closing duration time β are cleared, and in step ST12, the total eye closing time T is cleared. Next, in step ST13, an eyelid opening / closing signal is input from the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11. While the person to be detected 1 does not blink, the eyelid opening / closing signal output from the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11 is “eyelid opening”.
At T20, the process proceeds to step ST30. If the blinking flag FLG_B is 0 in step ST30, that is, if the previous time was also “eyelid opening”, the process proceeds to step ST31 to clear the blinking flag FLG_B and the eye closing duration β, and the process proceeds to step ST40. In step ST40, it is determined whether one minute has passed,
If one minute has not elapsed, the eyelid opening / closing signal is input again after waiting for the update of the eyelid opening / closing signal in step ST13.

When the person to be detected 1 blinks and closes his eyes, the process shifts from step ST20 to step ST21 to update the eye-closing duration time β, and in step ST22, 1 is set in the blinking flag FLG_B. While the eyes are closed, step ST13, step ST20, step ST2
The process of 1 and step ST22 is repeated, and the eye closing duration β is counted up according to the eye closing duration.

When the blinking ends and the eyes are opened again, the processing proceeds to step ST20, step ST30 and step ST33, and in step ST33, the eye closing duration time β
But it is determined whether or not greater than TB_ _th. β ≧ TB
Performs multiplication processing of the total eye-closing time T in step ST34 when the _ _th, β <integration process in the case of TB_ _th is not performed, the process proceeds to step ST40 to clear the β blink flag FLG_B and the closed-eye duration .

When the one-minute analysis period ends, step S
The process moves from T40 to step ST41 and α = T. As a result, the awakening reduction degree α is calculated by the equation (1) shown in the conventional example. In addition, here TB
_{_Th} is set to 0.5 seconds. This awakening reduction degree α is output to the display switch box 40, and the liquid crystal display 401
Is displayed in. The above is the same step ST41 as in the conventional example.
Up to the operation.

Next, at step ST43, the set alarm threshold value α _th is input from the display switch box 40, and at step ST42, α and α _th are input as in the conventional example.
Are compared, and if α ≧ α _th , it is determined that the wakefulness is lowered, and in step ST50, for example, “be careful of wakefulness reduction” by voice
It outputs an alarm such as.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the detection target person 1 can know the value of the awakening lowering degree α by the liquid crystal display 401 of the display switch box 40,
In addition, since the alarm threshold value α _th can be set to any appropriate value, it becomes possible for the detection target person 1 to easily understand his / her awakening lowering state, and at the same time, the detection target person 1
It is possible to issue the alertness reduction alarm at an appropriate timing corresponding to the individual difference of the blink.

In the above description, the value of the awakening lowering degree α is displayed using the liquid crystal display 401, but the display method is not limited to the liquid crystal, and is displayed by other display means such as an LED level meter. It goes without saying that it is good.

Further, set to 0.5 seconds threshold TB_ _th eye-closure duration β in the above, this threshold TB_ _th
It goes without saying that can be changed within an appropriate range.

Embodiment 2. In the first embodiment,
Awakening reduction degree was determined by an integrated value α blink closed eye duration with (waking reduction index value) TB_ _th = 0.5 seconds or closed-eye duration beta beta, arousal decrease the degree of particular formula (1) The degree of awakening lowering may be obtained by, for example, α2 represented by the equation (2) instead of being particular about the awakening.

[0038]

[Equation 2]

[0039] TB_ _th = 0 this formula is awakening decrease in the degree.
It is evaluated by the ratio of the number of blinks with the eye-closure duration β of 5 seconds or more to the whole.

Also in the second embodiment, the detection target person 1 is the display switch box 4 as in the first embodiment.
Since the value of the awakening lowering degree α2 can be known by the liquid crystal display 401 of 0 and the threshold value α2 _th of the alarm can be set to any appropriate value, the detection target person 1 has his or her lowering awakening state. It becomes possible to easily grasp the above, and it is possible to issue the alertness lowering warning at an appropriate timing corresponding to the individual difference of the blinking of the detection target person 1.

Embodiment 3. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an alertness lowering alarm device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 32 is an alarm output determination circuit (alarm generating means), 41 is a detection target person 1 such as a driver. A display switch box (display means, alarm threshold value setting means, alarm method selection means) installed in the vicinity, 421 is an alarm sound selection switch (alarm method selection means) installed in the display switch box 40, and 51 is a large volume. It is a buzzer (warning generation means). It should be noted that the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described. The configuration and overall operation of the alertness lowering alarm device of the third embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, but an alarm sound selection switch 421 is added to the display switch box 41, and the buzzer 5 is activated.
The difference is that 1 is installed.

In the third embodiment, the awakening lowering degree calculation circuit 21 calculates the awakening lowering degree α, and the alarm output determination circuit 32 outputs the awakening lowering warning with α _th input from the display switch box 41 as a threshold value. Until the determination is made, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. Warning output judgment circuit 32
Determines whether to output the voice alarm by the voice alarm circuit 50 or the buzzer sound by the buzzer 51 according to the alarm sound selection signal input from the display switch box 41, and when it is determined that an alarm is to be issued, Any of the above outputs is performed according to the selected position of the selection switch 421.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the person to be detected 1 can select the type of alarm according to his / her preference. , It becomes possible to give an alarm more suitable for the detected control person 1.

In the above, the voice alarm or the buzzer is set in the display switch box 41, but the volume of the alarm sound may be set in the display switch box 41, and it is not limited to the voice alarm. For example, the type of alarm may be selected from voice alarm, buzzer, blinking of strong light, vibration and the like.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an alertness lowering alarm device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 33 is an alarm output determination circuit (alarm generating means), and 43 is a detection target person 1 such as a driver. Display switch boxes (display means, alarm threshold setting means) 412 installed in the vicinity are slide switches (alarm threshold setting means) further installed in the display switch box 43. It should be noted that the same or corresponding portions as those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description.

Next, the operation will be described. The configuration and overall operation of the alertness lowering alarm device of the fourth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, but a slide switch 412 is added to the display switch box 43, and the buzzer 51 is provided to the alarm output determination circuit 33. The difference is that they are connected.

In the fourth embodiment, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed until the awakening decrease degree calculation circuit 21 calculates the awakening decrease degree α. The display switch box 43 includes a slide switch 411 and a slide switch 41.
Two alarm thresholds α _th 1 and α _th 2 can be set according to 2 and in the alarm output determination circuit 33, α input from the awakening degree reduction circuit 21 and the above α _th 1 and α _th.
2 is compared and an alarm is generated. Slide switch 41
1 and the slide switch 412 are interlocked, and α _th 1 and α
_Th 2 is set so that α _th 1 <α _th 2.

The alarm is generated by the voice alarm circuit 50, for example, when α <α _th 1, no alarm is generated.
When α _th 1 ≦ α <α _th 2, an alarm is generated by the voice alarm circuit 50, and when α _th 2 ≦ α, an alarm is generated by the buzzer 51. For example, two alarm thresholds α _th 1 , Α _th 2
2 different alarm sounds will be generated depending on the magnitude relationship with.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, another type of alarm can be issued stepwise according to the increase in the awakening lowering degree α. As a result, it is possible to cause the detection target person 1 to gradually recognize the awakening lowering level. Further, as the decrease in arousal progresses, an alarm with a higher arousal effect is output and the detection target 1
It is also possible to wake up people.

The alarm method used for the stepwise alarm is not limited to the voice alarm and the buzzer described above, and other alarm methods such as intense flashing of light and vibration may be used.

Embodiment 5. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 24 is a wakefulness lowering degree calculation circuit (a wakefulness lowering degree calculating circuit for calculating two different wakefulness lowering index values α, β Degree calculating means), 34 is an alarm output judging circuit (alarm generating means) for judging an alarm output based on two different awakening reduction index values α and β, and 44 is installed in the vicinity of the detection target person 1 such as a driver. Display switch boxes (display means, alarm threshold value setting means) 413 are slide switches (alarm threshold value setting means) for setting alarm threshold _values β _th installed in the display switch box 44. It should be noted that the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described. In addition to the operation of the alertness lowering alarm device of the first embodiment, the alertness lowering alarm device of the fifth embodiment also calculates another alertness lowering index value β and calculates the two alertness lowering index values α and β. It operates to give an alarm about each. Awakening Degree Calculation Circuit 24
Calculates the awakening lowering degree α by the same formula as in the first embodiment, and at the same time calculates the eye-closing duration β for an emergency warning of awakening lowering. The alarm output determination circuit 34 compares the alarm thresholds α _th and β _th input from the display switch box 44 with α and β, and if α ≧ α _th , the audio alarm circuit 50.
Generates a voice alarm, and if β> β _th , the buzzer 51
Generates an alarm. The value of α _th is set by the detection target person 1 in the slide switch 411 as in the first embodiment, and β _th is set by the detection target person 1 in the slide switch 413 to a value of about 1 to 3 seconds.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram for calculating the awakening degree 2 in FIG.
4, a flowchart showing the operation of the alarm output determination circuit 34, the voice alarm circuit 50, and the buzzer 51. The processes other than steps ST60 to ST62 in FIG. 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and after step ST22,
In step ST60, the alarm output determination circuit 34 inputs the set alarm threshold value β _th from the display switch box 44, and when β ≧ β _th , determines that the alarm should be issued urgently. Output an alarm.

[0055] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the other alarms and waking reduction index value α represents the total closing period in TB_ _th (for example, 0.5 seconds) blink for 1 minute In addition to the above, an emergency alert with the eye closing duration β as the awakening lowering index value was added, and the alarm thresholds of the two awakening lowering index values could be changed. Even if the decrease is not detected and the alarm is not output, it is possible to detect the decrease in awakening by another awakening decrease index value β and output an alarm. Therefore, a more detailed alarm can be provided to the detection target person 1.

In the above description, two awakening lowering index values are used, but it goes without saying that the accuracy of awakening lowering detection can be further improved by using three or more awakening lowering index values. Absent.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 12 is an electroencephalogram electrode (awakening information collecting means) attached to the detection target person 1, and 25 is two. An awakening reduction degree calculating circuit (awakening reduction degree calculating means) for calculating different awakening reduction index values α, α3, and an alarm output determination circuit 35 for determining an alarm output based on two different awakening reduction index values α, α3 ( Alarm generation means), 45 is a display switch box (display means, alarm threshold setting means) installed near the detection target person 1 such as a driver, and 402 is a liquid crystal display (display) further installed in the display switch box 45. Means), 41
Reference numeral 4 is a slide switch (alarm threshold setting means) installed in the display switch box 45. It should be noted that the same or corresponding portions as those shown in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the awakening depression degree α calculated from the blink pattern and the awakening depression degree α3 calculated from the electroencephalogram state are calculated,
Alert each. Awakening reduction degree calculation circuit 25
Receives the eyelid opening / closing signal from the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11, calculates α according to the equation (1), receives the EEG signal which is an analog signal from the EEG electrode 12, and detects the α wave component (frequency 8 to 13 Hz) and The electroencephalogram component is calculated, and the awakening lowering degree α3 is calculated by Expression 3.

[0059]     α3 = α wave component / total EEG component ... Equation (3)

The ratio of α3 can be calculated by using the area ratio of the power spectrum of the electroencephalogram. The display switch box 45 displays the values α, α from the awakening degree calculation circuit 25.
3 is received and displayed on the liquid crystal displays 401 and 402, respectively. The detection target person 1 is a slide switch 411, 414.
In, the alarm thresholds α _th and α3 _th are set, and the alarm output determination circuit 35 compares α and α _th and α3 and α3 _th ,
When α ≧ α _th or α3 ≧ α3 _th , an alarm generation command is sent to the voice alarm circuit 50, and the voice alarm circuit 50 issues a voice alarm. In this case, the type of voice alarm may be different between α ≧ α _th and α3 ≧ α3 _th .

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the CCD camera 10 and the electroencephalogram electrode 12 are provided with two sensors, and an alarm is issued based on the two awakening reduction index values detected by the respective sensors. By doing so, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of the awakening lowering detection by the double awakening lowering detection and provide a more detailed alarm to the detection target person 1.

In the above description, two sensors and an awakening decrease index value are used, but it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the awakening decrease detection by using three or more sensors and an awakening decrease index value. Needless to say.

Embodiment 7. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a configuration of a display switch box of the alertness lowering alarm device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 46 is a display switch box (display means, alarm threshold setting means), 403.
Is a liquid crystal display (display means) for displaying the past history of the awakening lowering degree α, and 415 is a dial switch (alarm threshold setting means) for setting the alarm threshold α _th . The configuration of the alertness lowering alarm device of the seventh embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, but the display method of the display switch box is different from that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation excluding the display of the alertness lowering alarm device of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the duplicated description will be omitted. The display switch box 46 is provided with a storage circuit (not shown), and stores the awakening depression degree α input from the awakening depression degree calculating circuit 21 for the past 20 hours after detection, and as shown in FIG. In 403, the transition of the awakening lowering degree α for the past 20 hours is displayed, and the current awakening lowering degree α is displayed large. The set alarm threshold value α _th is displayed on the liquid crystal display 403 in, for example, a broken line shape.

The detection target person 1 operates the dial switch 415 while watching the past history display of the awakening lowering degree α and the alarm threshold value α _th displayed in a broken line shape to set the alarm threshold value α _th to himself. It can be set to an appropriate value that matches.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the detection target person 1 easily grasps the past transition of the awakening lowering degree and It becomes possible to set the alarm threshold to an appropriate value depending on the base.

Embodiment 8. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a display switch box of the alertness lowering alarm device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the figure, 47 is a display switch box (display means, alarm threshold setting means), 40.
Reference numeral 4 is a liquid crystal display (display means) for displaying the past frequency distribution of the awakening degree α, and 416 is a dial switch (alarm threshold setting means) for setting the alarm threshold α _th . The configuration of the alertness lowering alarm device of the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
The display method of the display switch box is different from that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation excluding the display of the alertness lowering alarm device of the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the duplicated description will be omitted. The display switch box 47 is provided with a storage circuit and an arithmetic circuit (not shown), and from the value of the awakening lowering degree α for the past 20 hours stored by being input from the awakening lowering degree calculation circuit 21, the awakening lowering degree α for the past 20 hours is displayed. The frequency distribution is calculated and displayed on the liquid crystal display 404 as shown in FIG. In addition, the current awakening lowering degree α is displayed in, for example, a line, and the set alarm threshold α _th is displayed in, for example, a broken line.

Here, the frequency distribution p2 (n) is obtained by the following calculation. p2 (n) (%) = p1 (n) / 20 × 100 (n =
0, 1 ,. ． ． , 15) However, p1 (n): awakening lowering degree α [second] is n ≦ α <n + 1 [time] total (n = 0, 1, ..., 14) p1 (15): awakening lowering Degree α [sec] was α ≧ 15 [time] total

On the liquid crystal display 404, the frequency distribution p2 (n) is displayed with the horizontal axis being n, and the detection target person 1 sees this past frequency distribution display and the alarm threshold value α _th displayed in a broken line. While operating the dial switch 416, the alarm threshold value α _th can be set to an appropriate value suitable for itself.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the detection target person 1 can easily grasp the frequency distribution of the past awakening lowering degree and calculate it. It becomes possible to set the alarm threshold value to an appropriate value based on.

In the above description, the frequency distribution of the degree of awakening decline is displayed as it is. However, when the difference in frequency is large, another appropriate display method such as displaying by the square root of frequency can be adopted. Needless to say.

In the above description, the frequency distribution is displayed as the statistical calculation result of the degree of awakening reduction. However, in addition to this, for example, the 97th percentile value from a value with a small degree of awakening reduction is displayed as the recommended value of α _th. Alternatively, another statistical calculation result such as an average value, a mode value, a central value, and a standard deviation may be displayed, which enables more appropriate setting of the alarm threshold value.

Further, in the above seventh and eighth embodiments,
Although the display is performed for the past 20 hours after the detection, it goes without saying that the display is not limited to 20 hours.

Ninth Embodiment The alertness lowering alarm device of the ninth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the eighth embodiment except that a clock circuit is added to the display switch box 47.
No illustration is made in particular.

Next, the operation will be described. Embodiment 8
Then, the frequency distribution of the past 20 hours is displayed, but in the ninth embodiment, the frequency distribution of the detection target person 1 in the past 20 hours at night (pm 6:00 to am 6:00) and daytime (am 6:00 to pm 6). 0: 00) and the frequency distribution of the detection target person 1 in the past 20 hours are calculated individually in the display switch box 47 so that the nighttime frequency distribution is displayed at night and the daytime frequency distribution is displayed at daytime. The alarm threshold value α _th can also be set individually.

According to the ninth embodiment, the eighth embodiment
In addition to the effect of, the threshold value of the warning for each day and night can be set based on the past frequency distribution. It is possible to issue an alarm at a more appropriate timing corresponding to.

Embodiment 10. The configuration of the alertness lowering warning device of the tenth embodiment is almost the same as the configuration of the alertness lowering alert device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and is not particularly shown.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation of the alertness lowering alarm device of the tenth embodiment is almost the same as that of the fifth embodiment, but the process of the alarm output determination circuit 34 is different.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operations of the alertness reduction degree calculating circuit 24, the alarm output judging circuit 34, the voice alarm circuit 50, and the buzzer 51 in the tenth embodiment. In steps ST10 to ST42, the operation of calculating α and β and not outputting a voice alarm when α <α _th is the same as in the fifth embodiment. However, if α ≧ α _th in step ST42, the process proceeds to step ST70.
Then, it is determined whether or not a voice alarm has been output within the past 5 minutes, and if an alarm has been output, the process proceeds to step ST12 without performing the alarm operation. When it is determined in step ST70 that the voice alarm has not been output within the past 5 minutes, the voice alarm is output in step ST50.

As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the warning is not output within a certain period of time after the warning of awakening is output. It is possible to keep the impression of “1.

In the above description, the threshold value for alarm determination can be manually set, but the same effect can be obtained even if the above content is applied when the threshold value is fixed as in the conventional example. Needless to say.

Eleventh Embodiment The configuration of the alertness lowering alarm device of the eleventh embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the alertness lowering alert device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and is not particularly shown.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation of the alertness lowering alarm device of the eleventh embodiment is almost the same as that of the fifth embodiment, but the process of the alarm output determination circuit 34 is different.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the awakening reduction degree calculating circuit 24, the alarm output judging circuit 34, the voice alarm circuit 50, and the buzzer 51 in the eleventh embodiment. In step ST80, the threshold offset γ is set to 0
Set to. Hereinafter, from step ST10 to step S
At T43, the operations from calculating α and β and inputting the set α _th from the display switch box 44 are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

Next, in step ST81, after changing γ, 1
It is determined whether or not 0 minutes have passed, and if 10 minutes or more have passed, 2 is subtracted from the threshold offset γ in step ST82. However, if γ <0, γ = 0. Next, if α ≧ α _th + γ in step ST83, step ST
A voice alarm is output at 84, and 2 is added to the alarm offset γ at step ST85.

That is, for at least 10 minutes after the voice alarm is output, the threshold of the alarm output is increased by 2, which makes it difficult to output the voice alarm. If α exceeds α _th +2 within 10 minutes and a voice alarm is further output, step ST
At 85, 2 is further added to γ to make γ = 4, and for at least 10 minutes thereafter, the threshold value of the alarm output has increased by 4, and the voice alarm becomes more difficult to output.

As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, since the alarm threshold is raised within a certain period of time after the awakening lowering alarm is output, when the awakening lowering level continues to increase. Only the alarms are output one after another, and it is possible to notify the detection target person 1 that the dangerous state is progressing.

In the above description, the threshold value for alarm determination can be manually set, but the same effect can be obtained by applying the above contents when the original threshold value is fixed as in the conventional example. Needless to say.

Further, in the above, when the awakening lowering progresses, the same voice alarm is issued one after another. However, the content of the voice alarm is changed according to the value of the alarm offset γ, and the detection target is changed by the change of the voice alarm content. The configuration may be such that the person 1 is informed in detail of the progress of the decrease in awakening, and a more favorable effect can be obtained.

Twelfth Embodiment 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a CCD camera 10, an eyelid open / close determination circuit 11, an alarm output determination circuit 30, and a voice alarm circuit 50 are shown.
Performs the same operation as that of each unit of the conventional alertness lowering warning device shown in FIG. Reference numeral 27 is a wakefulness reduction degree calculation circuit (wakening reduction degree calculation means), 48 is a display switch box (display means, parameter setting means) installed near the detection target person 1 such as a driver, and 405 is a display switch box 48. Liquid crystal display (display means) installed in
7 is a dial switch for TB_ _th set installed in the display switch box 48 (parameter setting means).

Next, the operation will be described. The process in which the CCD camera 10 inputs the face image of the detection target person 1 and the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11 determines the eyelid opening / closing of the detection target person 1 is similar to the conventional example. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operations of the wakefulness reduction degree calculating circuit 27, the alarm output judging circuit 30, and the voice alarm circuit 50 in the twelfth embodiment. First, in step ST9, the blink histogram h
(N) is cleared. Here, the blink histogram is
It is a histogram of the blink occurrence frequency for each eye closing duration in one minute, and the content thereof is as follows, for example.

H (0) = closed eye duration more than 0 ms 33 ms
Number of blinks h (1) below = eye closing duration of more than 33 mS 66 mS or less blink number of times h (n) = eye closing duration over n × 33 mS (n + 1) × 3
Blink frequency of 3 ms or less

Next, steps ST10 and ST11
Then, the blink flag FLG_B and the eye closing duration β are cleared,
Next, in steps ST90 and ST91, the number of blinks N and the blink histogram calculation buffer ph (n) are cleared. Next, in step ST13, the eyelid open / close determination circuit 1
Input the eyelid opening / closing signal from 1.

While the person to be detected 1 does not blink, since the eyelid opening / closing signal output from the eyelid opening / closing determination circuit 11 is "eyelid opening", the process proceeds to step ST30 in step ST20. If the blinking flag FLG_B is 0 in step ST30, that is, if the previous time was also “eyelid opening”, the process proceeds to steps ST31 and ST32 to clear the blinking flag FLG_B and the eye closing duration β. Next, in step ST95, the dial switch 41 is set at that point.
With input from the display switch box 48 TB_ _th which is set by 7, in step ST96, from the blink histogram h (n), TB_ _th or more closed-eye duration in accordance with equation (2) shown in the second embodiment Degree of awakening α that indicates the ratio of the number of blinks with β to the whole
2 is calculated and the result is output to the display switch box 48. The liquid crystal display 405 displays the level of α2 and presents it to the detection target person 1. The blink histogram h (n) used at this time is for the previous one minute, and α2 is not displayed for one minute after the start. Next step ST
If the processing shifts to 40 and 1 minute has not passed, the eyelid opening / closing signal is input again after waiting for the update of the eyelid opening / closing signal in step ST13.

When the person to be detected 1 blinks and closes his eyes, the process shifts from step ST20 to step ST21 to update the eye-closing duration β, and in step ST22, 1 is set in the blink flag FLG_B. While the eyes are closed, step ST13, step ST20, step ST2
The process of 1 and step ST22 is repeated, and the eye closing duration β is counted up according to the eye closing duration.

When the blinking ends and the eyes are opened again, the processing shifts to step ST20, step ST30, step ST93, the blink number n is updated in step ST93, and the blink histogram calculation is performed in step ST94 corresponding to the eye closing duration β. The corresponding data in the buffer ph (n) is incremented. For example, eye closure duration β
If is 66 mS, ph (1) is incremented.
In this way, the blink histogram calculation buffer ph (n) is updated each time a blink occurs. Then step ST
In step 31 and step ST32, the blink flag FLG_B and the eye-closing duration time β are cleared, and then the processing of step ST95 and thereafter is joined.

When the one-minute analysis period ends, step S
The process moves from T40 to step ST97, and the contents of the blink histogram calculation buffer ph (n) incremented in one minute are transferred to the blink histogram h (n). Next, in step ST98, α2 is calculated from the current one-minute blink histogram h (n), and if α2 ≧ α2 _th in step ST99, it is determined that the awakening has decreased, and an alarm is issued in step ST50.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 13, the display switch box 48, awakening reduced based on a TB_ _th which is set by the dial switch 417 blink last 1 minute histogram h (n) and at that time The level of the degree α2 is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display 405, and the alarm threshold α2 _th of α2 is displayed in the vicinity of the liquid crystal display 405 by a black triangle.

[0100] detection subject 1 by operating the dial switch 417 while contrast sequential change α2 level to the alarm threshold α2 _th by TB_ _th itself is set, to an appropriate value that matches the TB_ _th in itself Can be set. That is, setting a small TB_ _th, large [alpha] 2 is displayed [alpha] 2 is larger recalculated in step ST96, and the alarm in step ST99 is likely to occur, when setting a large TB_ _th, [alpha] 2 is smaller recalculated in step ST96 As a result, a small α2 is displayed, and the alarm is less likely to be issued in step ST99.

As described above, according to the twelfth embodiment, the parameter for calculating the alertness lowering index value is set to any appropriate value while comparing the calculated alertness lowering index value with the alarm threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to set the calculated value of the awakening decline index value to an appropriate value corresponding to the individual difference in the blink of the detection target person 1, and to issue the awakening decline warning at an appropriate timing that matches the detection target person 1. Become.

In the above description, the current α2 value is displayed for comparison with the alarm threshold α2 _th , but the past history is displayed as in the seventh embodiment, or as in the eighth embodiment. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained by displaying the frequency distribution.

Further, in the above, the case of the alertness lowering alarm device using α2 as the alertness lowering index value is shown.
Even in the awakening lowering warning device that uses other awakening lowering index values such as α, it is possible to allow the setting detection target person 1 to set the parameters for the awakening lowering index value calculation as described above. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained.

Thirteenth Embodiment FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an alertness lowering alarm device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, in which 418 is an alarm stop button. It should be noted that the same or corresponding portions as those shown in FIG. The configuration of the alertness lowering alarm device according to the thirteenth embodiment is almost the same as that of the eleventh embodiment having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 6, but an alarm stop button 418 is provided on the display switch box 44. Is provided.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operations of the awakening decline degree calculation circuit 24, the alarm output determination circuit 34, the voice alarm circuit 50, and the buzzer 51 in the thirteenth embodiment. Processing other than steps ST100 to ST104 in FIG.
It is similar to the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. In the thirteenth embodiment, it is determined in step ST81 whether or not 10 minutes have passed after γ change, and if 10 minutes or more have passed, 2 is subtracted from the threshold offset γ in step ST82. However, if γ <0, then γ = 0. Next, if α ≧ α _th + γ in step ST83, the process proceeds to the alarm output process from step ST100.

In the alarm output process, first, in step ST100, an alarm is started by the voice alarm circuit 50,
Next, the alarm stop button 418 of the display switch box 44
Whether the alarm stop signal output by pressing is input to the alarm output determination circuit 34 is step ST10.
It is determined in 1. When the alarm stop signal is input, 2 is added to the value of the alarm offset γ in steps ST102 and ST104 to stop the alarm.

When the alarm stop signal is not input in step ST101, it is determined in step ST103 whether the alarm time required for the alarm by the voice alarm circuit 50 has elapsed. If the alarm time has elapsed, the alarm is issued in step ST104. If the alarm is stopped and the alarm time has not elapsed, the process returns to step ST101 to continue the output of the alarm while continuing to monitor the input of the alarm stop signal.

That is, according to the above processing, the threshold value of the alarm output is increased by 2 for at least 10 minutes after the detection subject 1 stops the voice alarm by the alarm stop button 418, and the voice alarm is output. It gets harder. Also, 1
If α exceeds α _th +2 within 0 minutes and a voice alarm is further output, and the detection target person 1 stops the voice alarm by the alarm stop button 418, 2 is further added to γ in step ST102. = 4, and for at least 10 minutes after that, the threshold value of the alarm output has increased by 4, and it becomes more difficult to output the voice alarm. Further, when the detection target person 1 does not stop the alarm for 10 minutes, γ is decreased by 2 in step ST82.

As described above, according to the thirteenth embodiment, every time the detection target person 1 stops the voice alarm by the alarm stop button 418, the alarm threshold value is raised and the detection target person 1 stops the alarm for a certain period of time. If it does not exist, the alarm threshold is lowered. Therefore, when the detection target person 1 feels that the alarm is not appropriate and stops the alarm in the middle of the alarm, the alarm threshold can be automatically changed to the alarm suppression side. It is possible to carry out an appropriate alarm.

In the above, the threshold value for alarm determination can be manually set, but the same effect can be obtained by applying the above contents when the original threshold value is fixed as in the conventional example. Needless to say.

[0111]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the awakening information collecting means for inputting the state of the person to be detected by the sensor to collect the information on the awakening state of the person to be detected, Awakening reduction degree calculating means for calculating an awakening reduction index value based on information collected by the awakening information collecting means, display means for displaying the awakening reduction index value calculated by the awakening reduction degree calculating means, and the awakening reduction index An alarm threshold value setting means for accepting a setting of an awakening alarm threshold which is a reference for the occurrence of an awakening alarm based on a value, the awakening index value and the awakening alarm threshold have a predetermined magnitude relationship. Since it is configured so as to have an alarm generating means for issuing a lowering alertness when satisfying, the detection target can see the lowering alertness index value displayed on the display means, and the lowering alertness threshold can be set arbitrarily. Since it can be set to an appropriate value, it becomes possible for the detection target person to easily grasp his / her awakening lowering state, and at the same time, the awakening lowering alarm is issued at an appropriate timing corresponding to the individual difference of the detection target person. There is an effect that can be.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the awakening information collecting means for collecting the information on the awakening state of the detection target person by inputting the state of the detection target person by the sensor, and the awakening information collection means. Awakening decrease degree calculating means for calculating the awakening decrease index value using the amount and the parameter set by the information, and parameter setting means for accepting the setting to any value of the parameter used for the calculation of the awakening decrease index value, A display means for displaying the awakening decrease index value calculated by the awakening decrease degree calculating means, and an awakening decrease alarm threshold value and the awakening decrease index value serving as a reference for generating an awakening decrease alarm based on the awakening decrease index value. And the alarm generation means for issuing an awakening lowering alarm when a predetermined magnitude relationship is satisfied, the detection target person can be calculated according to the parameter setting. Since the decrease index value can be confirmed by the display of the display means and the parameter can be set to any appropriate value by the parameter setting means, the calculated value of the awakening decrease index value is set as the individual difference of the detection target person. There is an effect that it is possible to issue the alertness lowering alarm at an appropriate timing corresponding to the detection target person with a corresponding appropriate value.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the alarm generation means has a plurality of alarm methods, and the alarm method selection means for receiving the selection input of the alarm method is further provided. It is possible to select the type of alarm, and it is possible to issue an alarm that is more suitable for the person to be detected.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, the alarm threshold value setting means can accept the setting of a plurality of awakening lowering alarm threshold values, and the alarm generating means has a plurality of alarming methods of the awakening lowering index value. Since it is configured to use different alarm methods according to the magnitude relationship with the plurality of awakening lowering alarm thresholds, an alarm can be issued by a different alarming method each time the awakening lowering index value passes each awakening lowering alarm threshold. It is possible to make the detection target aware of the degree of progress of the awakening decrease by the difference in the type of, and for example, when the awakening decrease progresses, a warning with a high awakening effect is output and the awakening of the detection target is promoted. There is an effect that can be.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the awakening decrease degree calculating means calculates a plurality of awakening decrease index values based on a plurality of different evaluation indexes, and the alarm threshold setting means corresponds to the plurality of awakening decrease index values. It is possible to accept the setting of a plurality of wakefulness lowering alarm thresholds, the alarm generating means, the any one of the plurality of wakefulness lowering index value with a predetermined wakefulness lowering alarm threshold, a predetermined magnitude relationship that is an alarm generation requirement. Since the awakening lowering alarm is issued when the condition is satisfied, there is an effect that the accuracy of the awakening lowering detection can be improved by the awakening lowering detection using a plurality of awakening lowering index values.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the alarm generation means has a plurality of alarm methods assigned to each of the awakening decrease index values, and the awakening decrease index value satisfying a predetermined magnitude relationship as an alarm generation requirement. Since it is configured to issue the awakening lowering alert with a different alert method for each, the accuracy of the awakening lowering detection is improved by the awakening lowering detection by the multiple awakening lowering index values, and the lowering awakening state is issued by the alarm for each lower awakening index value. There is an effect that the person to be detected can be notified in more detail.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the display means is configured to display the history of the awakening drop index value over a predetermined time in the past and the currently set awakening drop warning threshold value. There is an effect that it is possible to more appropriately set the alertness lowering warning threshold value while comparing the history of the alertness lowering index value displayed in (4) with the alertness lowering warning threshold value.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the display means is configured to display the statistical calculation result of the awakening drop index value over the past predetermined time and the currently set awakening drop warning threshold. There is an effect that it is possible to more appropriately set the alertness lowering warning threshold while comparing the statistical calculation result of the alertness lowering index value displayed on the display means with the alertness lowering warning threshold.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the display means is configured to display the frequency distribution of the awakening decrease index values over a predetermined time in the past as a statistical calculation result. Therefore, the awakening decrease index value displayed on the display means is displayed. There is an effect that the awakening lowering warning threshold can be set more appropriately while comparing the frequency distribution of the above with the awakening lowering warning threshold.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the awakening information collecting means for collecting the information on the awakening state of the detection target person by inputting the state of the detection target person with the sensor, and the awakening information collection means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means for calculating an awakening lowering index value based on information, and alarm generating means for issuing a lowering awakening alarm when the awakening lowering index value and a predetermined lowering alertness threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship. Since the alarm generation means is configured not to output the alertness lowering alarm for a predetermined time after issuing the alertness lowering alarm, it prevents the detection target person from getting accustomed to the alarm and gives an impression of the alarm. It is possible to keep the alarm strong and to make it possible for the person to be detected to always receive a fresh alarm.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the awakening information collecting means for collecting the information on the awakening state of the detection target person by inputting the state of the detection target person by the sensor, and the awakening information collection means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means for calculating an awakening lowering index value based on information, and alarm generating means for issuing a lowering awakening alarm when the awakening lowering index value and a predetermined lowering alertness threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship. Since the alarm generation means is configured to change the alertness lowering alarm threshold to the alarm suppression side for a predetermined time after issuing the alertness lowering alarm, further alertness after issuing the alertness lowering alarm. The warning is continued only when the decrease progresses, and there is an effect that a troublesome alarm can be suppressed and a dangerous person can be informed of the progress of dangerous awakening decrease.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the awakening information collecting means for collecting the information on the awakening state of the detection target person by inputting the state of the detection target person with the sensor, and the awakening information collection means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means for calculating an awakening lowering index value based on information, and alarm generating means for issuing a lowering awakening alarm when the awakening lowering index value and a predetermined lowering alertness threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship. And an alarm stop means for receiving an input requesting to stop the awakening lowering alarm that has occurred and outputting an alarm stop signal to the alarm generation means, the alarm generation means receiving the alarm stop signal from the alarm stop means. And the awakening lowering warning is stopped, and thereafter, the awakening lowering warning threshold value is changed to the alarm suppression side for a predetermined time. If you feel that it is not right and you stop the alarm during the alertness warning, you can automatically change the alertness threshold to the alarm suppression side, and it is possible to give an appropriate alarm. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness decrease warning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing details of the configuration of the display switch box of the alertness lowering alarm device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations of a wakefulness reduction degree calculation circuit, a warning output determination circuit, and a voice warning circuit of the wakefulness reduction warning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness lowering warning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operations of a wakefulness reduction degree calculation circuit, a warning output determination circuit, a voice warning circuit, and a buzzer of a wakefulness reduction warning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a configuration of a display switch box of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a configuration of a display switch box of the alertness lowering warning device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing operations of a wakefulness reduction degree calculation circuit, a warning output determination circuit, a voice warning circuit, and a buzzer of the wakefulness reduction warning device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operations of a wakefulness reduction degree calculation circuit, a warning output determination circuit, a voice warning circuit, and a buzzer of a wakefulness reduction warning device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operations of a wakefulness reduction degree calculation circuit, a warning output determination circuit, and a voice warning circuit of a wakefulness reduction warning device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the structure of a wakefulness lowering alarm device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing operations of a wakefulness reduction degree calculating circuit, a warning output judging circuit, a voice warning circuit, and a buzzer of a wakefulness lowering warning device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional vehicle alertness warning device.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of occurrence of a blink in the i-th awakening decline determination section.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operations of the awakening deterioration degree calculation circuit, the alarm output determination circuit, and the voice alarm circuit in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing the time variation of the awakening degree α of two detection subjects A and B.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 detection target person, 10 CCD camera (awakening information collecting means), 11 eyelid open / close determination circuit (wakening information collecting means), 1
2 EEG electrodes (awakening information collection means) 21, 24, 2
5,27 Awakening lowering degree calculating circuit (awakening lowering degree calculating means), 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 Alarm output judging circuit (alarm generating means), 40, 43, 44, 45,
46, 47 display switch box (display means, alarm threshold setting means), 41 display switch box (display means, alarm threshold setting means, alarm method selecting means), 48 display switch box (display means, parameter setting means), 50 voices Alarm circuit (alarm generating means), 51 buzzer (alarm generating means), 401, 402, 403, 40
4,405 liquid crystal display (display means), 411, 41
2, 413, 414 slide switch (alarm threshold setting means), 415, 416 dial switch (alarm threshold setting means), 417 dial switch (parameter setting means), 418 alarm stop button (alarm stop means),
421 Alarm sound selection switch (alarm method selection means).

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Makito Seki, 2-3-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (56) Reference JP-A-9-267660 (JP, A) JP-A-63-217500 (JP, A) JP 63-89998 (JP, A) JP 1-230343 (JP, A) JP 8-147582 (JP, A) JP 6-328968 (JP, A) Kai 56-21920 (JP, A) JP 57-158126 (JP, A) Actual 52-12017 (JP, U) Actual Hei 1-154025 (JP, U) Actual 58-122193 ( (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G08B 21/06 B60K 28/06 G08B 25/00 510

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A wakefulness information collecting means for inputting the state of the detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person, and an awakening index value based on the information collected by the wakefulness information collecting means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means, display means for displaying the lowering awakening index value calculated by the lowering awakening degree calculating means, and awakening as a criterion for generating a lowering awakening alarm based on the lowering awakening index value An alarm threshold value setting means for accepting setting of the drop alarm threshold value to an arbitrary value,
An alertness lowering warning device comprising: an alert generating means for issuing an alertness lowering alert when the alertness lowering index value and the alertness lowering warning threshold value satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship. 2. A wakefulness information collecting means for inputting the state of the detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person, and an amount indicated by the information collected by the wakefulness information collecting means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means for calculating an awakening lowering index value using parameters, a parameter setting means for accepting setting of the parameter used in the calculation of the awakening lowering index value to an arbitrary value, and the awakening lowering degree calculating means. In the case where the display means for displaying the calculated awakening lowering index value and the awakening lowering warning threshold value and the awakening lowering index value which are the basis for the generation of the lowering awakening alarm based on the lowering awakening index value satisfy a predetermined magnitude And an alertness lowering device for issuing an alertness lowering alarm. 3. The alertness reducing means according to claim 1, wherein the alarm generating means has a plurality of alarming methods, and further comprises alarming method selecting means for receiving a selection input of the alarming method. Alarm device. 4. The alarm threshold value setting means is capable of accepting the setting of a plurality of alertness lowering alarm thresholds, and the alarm generating means has a plurality of alerting methods and the plurality of alertness lowering alarm thresholds of the alertness lowering index value. The alertness lowering warning device according to claim 1, wherein different alerting methods are used according to the magnitude relationship of the above. 5. The awakening decrease degree calculating means calculates a plurality of awakening decrease index values based on a plurality of different evaluation indexes, and the alarm threshold setting means sets a plurality of awakening decrease alarm threshold values corresponding to the plurality of awakening decrease index values. It is possible to accept the setting, and the alarm generation means issues a wakefulness decrease alarm when any of the plurality of wakefulness decrease index values satisfies a predetermined magnitude relationship that is an alarm generation requirement with the wakefulness decrease alarm threshold value. The alertness lowering alarm device according to claim 1, wherein 6. The alert generating means has a plurality of alarm methods assigned to each of the alertness reduction index values, and the alertness is reduced by an alerting method that is different for each alertness reduction index value satisfying a predetermined magnitude relationship as an alarm generation requirement. The alertness lowering alarm device according to claim 5, which issues an alarm. 7. The display means displays a history of awakening decline index values over a predetermined time in the past and a currently set awakening decline warning threshold value. The alertness lowering alarm device according to any one of the above. 8. The display means displays the statistical calculation result of the awakening drop index value over a predetermined time in the past and the currently set awakening drop warning threshold value. Item 7. The alertness lowering alarm device according to any one of Item 6. 9. The alertness warning device according to claim 8, wherein the display means displays the frequency distribution of the alertness index values over the past predetermined time as the statistical calculation result. 10. A wakefulness information collecting means for inputting the state of the detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person, and an awakening lowering index value based on the information collected by the wakefulness information collecting means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means for calculating the awakening lowering index value, and an alarm generating means for issuing a lowering awakening alarm when the awakening lowering index value and a predetermined lowering alertness alarm threshold satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship, and the alarm generating means Is an alertness lowering warning device, wherein the alertness lowering alert is not output for a predetermined time after the alertness lowering alert is issued. 11. A wakefulness information collecting means for inputting a state of a detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person, and a wakefulness decrease index value based on the information collected by the wakefulness information collecting means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means for calculating the awakening lowering index value, and an alarm generating means for issuing a lowering awakening alarm when the awakening lowering index value and a predetermined lowering alertness alarm threshold satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship, and the alarm generating means The alertness lowering warning device is characterized in that the alertness lowering warning threshold value is changed to an alarm suppression side for a predetermined time after issuing the alertness lowering warning. 12. A wakefulness information collecting means for inputting a state of a detection target person by a sensor to collect information on the wakefulness state of the detection target person, and an awakening index value based on the information collected by the wakefulness information collecting means. Awakening lowering degree calculating means, an alarm generating means for issuing a lowering awakening alarm when the awakening lowering index value and a predetermined lowering alertness alarm threshold satisfy a predetermined magnitude relationship, and the generated lowering alertness An alarm stop means for receiving an input requesting a stop of the alarm and outputting an alarm stop signal to the alarm generation means, and the alarm generation means stops the awakening lowering alarm when receiving the alarm stop signal from the alarm stop means. A wakefulness lowering warning device, wherein the wakefulness lowering warning threshold value is changed to a warning suppressing side for a predetermined time thereafter.