JP2009137336A - On-board warning system - Google Patents

On-board warning system Download PDF

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JP2009137336A
JP2009137336A JP2007313188A JP2007313188A JP2009137336A JP 2009137336 A JP2009137336 A JP 2009137336A JP 2007313188 A JP2007313188 A JP 2007313188A JP 2007313188 A JP2007313188 A JP 2007313188A JP 2009137336 A JP2009137336 A JP 2009137336A
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occupant
alarm
amplitude
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frequency
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Tetsuro Shirakata
哲朗 白形
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Honda Motor Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-board warning system capable of further increasing a degree of awakening of an occupant in a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A warning signal output means 16 of the on-board warning system 10 changes a gain G (substantially an amplitude of warning sound AS) used in a warning signal S<SB>A</SB>at a period of low frequency (for example, 5 Hz) lower than an audible range when a degree of awakening C<SB>T</SB>of an occupant 12 is decreased lower than a predetermined threshold value C. In this way, a degree of stimulation for the occupant 12 is increased as compared with that found in the case that a warning sound AS having a specified frequency is generated and it becomes possible to further improve the degree of awakening C of the occupant 12. In addition, since the amplitude of the warning sound AS is changed periodically, it is not necessary for a frequency itself of the warning sound AS to show a low frequency lower than an audible range, resulting in that a speaker 18 usually installed at a vehicle can be appropriated. Accordingly, it does not become necessary to install the speaker 18 exclusively applied for the warning sound AS and an increasing in cost can be restricted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

この発明は、乗員の覚醒度に基づいて警報音を発する車載警報装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an in-vehicle alarm device that emits an alarm sound based on a passenger's arousal level.

運転手の覚醒度に応じて警報音や電気的刺激、振動等の警報を発して居眠り運転を防止する車載警報装置が提案されている（特許文献１〜５）。これらの装置では、運転手の覚醒度が低くなったときに居眠り運転又はそれに近い状態にあると判断して、運転手に対して警報音、電気的刺激、振動等を発する。これにより、乗員の覚醒度が高められ、居眠り運転を防止することができる。   In-vehicle alarm devices have been proposed in which alarms such as alarm sounds, electrical stimuli, vibrations, and the like are issued according to the driver's arousal level to prevent drowsy driving (Patent Documents 1 to 5). In these devices, when the driver's arousal level becomes low, it is determined that the driver is falling asleep or is in a state close to it, and an alarm sound, electrical stimulation, vibration, etc. are emitted to the driver. Thereby, a passenger | crew's arousal level is raised and it can prevent dozing driving.

特開昭５９−２１６３９３号公報JP 59-216393 A 特開平０５−００３９２１号公報JP 05-003921 A 特開平０９−１０９７５７号公報JP 09-109757 A 特開平０９−２７７８４８号公報JP 09-277848 A 特開２００６−１５８７３３号公報JP 2006-158733 A

上記各特許文献に記載された装置では、警報の発生により乗員の眠気を覚ますのに一定の効果を収めることができる。しかし、再度眠気が発生するおそれがある等、未だ改善の余地がある。   In the devices described in the above patent documents, a certain effect can be obtained to wake up the occupant's sleepiness by the generation of an alarm. However, there is still room for improvement, such as the possibility of sleepiness again.

この発明は、上記のような問題を考慮してなされたものであり、乗員の覚醒度を一層高めることのできる車載警報装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle alarm device that can further increase the degree of wakefulness of an occupant.

この発明に係る車載警報装置は、乗員の覚醒度を検出する覚醒度検出手段と、前記乗員に対して警報音を出力するスピーカと、前記警報音の振幅を制御する振幅制御手段とを備えるものであって、前記振幅制御手段は、前記覚醒度が所定の閾値を下回ったとき、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期で前記警報音の振幅を変化させる。   An in-vehicle alarm device according to the present invention includes an arousal level detection unit that detects an awakening level of an occupant, a speaker that outputs an alarm sound to the occupant, and an amplitude control unit that controls the amplitude of the alarm sound. The amplitude control means changes the amplitude of the alarm sound at a low frequency period lower than the audible range when the arousal level falls below a predetermined threshold value.

この発明によれば、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期で警報音の振幅を変化させることができ、その結果、単に警報音を発生させる場合と比べて乗員を刺激する度合が高まり、乗員の覚醒度を一層向上させることが可能となる。また、警報音の振幅を周期的に変化させるため、警報音の周波数自体を、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期とする必要はなく、従来から車載されていたスピーカを流用することが可能となる。従って、警報音専用のスピーカを設ける必要がなくなり、コストの増加を抑制することができる。   According to the present invention, the amplitude of the warning sound can be changed at a low frequency period lower than the audible range, and as a result, the degree of stimulation of the occupant is increased compared with the case of simply generating the audible alarm, and the wakefulness of the occupant It is possible to further improve the degree. Further, since the amplitude of the alarm sound is periodically changed, it is not necessary to set the frequency of the alarm sound itself to a low frequency period lower than the audible range, and it is possible to use a conventionally mounted speaker. . Accordingly, there is no need to provide a dedicated alarm sound speaker, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.

前記低周波の周期は、人体腹部の固有振動周波数の周期、例えば、４〜８Ｈｚであることが好ましい。これにより、人体腹部の固有振動周波数と同期した警報音によって乗員の自律神経系を刺激し、乗員の覚醒度をさらに向上させることが可能となる。   The low frequency period is preferably a period of the natural vibration frequency of the human abdomen, for example, 4 to 8 Hz. Thus, the occupant's autonomic nervous system is stimulated by an alarm sound synchronized with the natural vibration frequency of the human abdomen, and the wakefulness of the occupant can be further improved.

前記警報音は、前記スピーカにより再生可能な最低周波数又はその近傍の周波数（１０〜７０Ｈｚ程度）とすることができる。一般に、車載スピーカの最低周波数は２０〜５０Ｈｚが用いられており、これらの周波数及びその近傍の周波数は乗員に聴き取り辛い。従って、このような周波数を用いることで、乗員に煩わしさを感じさせずに覚醒度を向上させることができる。   The alarm sound can be set to a lowest frequency that can be reproduced by the speaker or a frequency in the vicinity thereof (about 10 to 70 Hz). In general, 20-50 Hz is used as the lowest frequency of the vehicle-mounted speaker, and these frequencies and the frequencies in the vicinity thereof are difficult for the passenger to listen to. Therefore, by using such a frequency, it is possible to improve the arousal level without making the passenger feel bothersome.

また、前記警報音は、前記乗員の最低可聴周波数又はその近傍の周波数（５〜５０Ｈｚ程度）としてもよい。一般に、人の最低可聴周波数は２０Ｈｚ程度であり、２０Ｈｚ及びその近傍の周波数は乗員に聴き取り辛い。従って、このような周波数を用いることで、乗員に煩わしさを感じさせずに覚醒度を向上させることができる。   The alarm sound may be the lowest audible frequency of the occupant or a frequency in the vicinity thereof (about 5 to 50 Hz). In general, the minimum audible frequency of a person is about 20 Hz, and 20 Hz and the frequencies in the vicinity thereof are difficult for a passenger to listen to. Therefore, by using such a frequency, it is possible to improve the arousal level without making the passenger feel bothersome.

前記振幅制御手段は、前回の覚醒度と今回の覚醒度を比較し、前回の覚醒度が今回の覚醒度よりも高いとき、前記警報音の前回の振幅よりも今回の振幅を大きくし、前回の覚醒度が今回の覚醒度よりも低いとき、前記警報音の前回の振幅よりも今回の振幅を小さくすることが好ましい。   The amplitude control means compares the previous wakefulness level with the current wakefulness level, and when the previous wakefulness level is higher than the current wakefulness level, makes the current amplitude larger than the previous amplitude of the warning sound, When the awakening level is lower than the current awakening level, it is preferable to make the current amplitude smaller than the previous amplitude of the warning sound.

これにより、乗員の覚醒度が増加しているとき、すなわち、乗員の眠気が弱まっているとき、警報音を小さくし、乗員の覚醒度が減少しているとき、すなわち、乗員の眠気が強まっているとき、警報音を大きくすることができる。このため、覚醒度の変化に応じて警報音の大きさを調整することが可能となり、不必要に警報音を大きくすることを避けることが可能となる。   As a result, when the wakefulness of the occupant is increasing, that is, when the occupant's sleepiness is weakened, the alarm sound is reduced, and when the wakefulness of the occupant is decreasing, that is, the occupant's sleepiness is increased. The alarm sound can be increased when you are. For this reason, it is possible to adjust the volume of the alarm sound according to the change in the arousal level, and it is possible to avoid unnecessarily increasing the alarm sound.

この発明によれば、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期で警報音の振幅を変化させることができ、その結果、単に警報音を発生させる場合と比べて乗員を刺激する度合が高まり、乗員の覚醒度を一層向上させることが可能となる。また、警報音の振幅を周期的に変化させるため、警報音の周波数自体を、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期とする必要はなく、従来から車載されていたスピーカを流用することが可能となる。従って、警報音専用のスピーカを設ける必要がなくなり、コストの増加を抑制することができる。   According to the present invention, the amplitude of the warning sound can be changed at a low frequency period lower than the audible range, and as a result, the degree of stimulation of the occupant is increased compared with the case of simply generating the audible alarm, and the wakefulness of the occupant The degree can be further improved. Further, since the amplitude of the alarm sound is periodically changed, it is not necessary to set the frequency of the alarm sound itself to a low frequency period lower than the audible range, and it is possible to use a conventionally mounted speaker. . Accordingly, there is no need to provide a dedicated alarm sound speaker, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.

Ａ．実施形態
以下、この発明の一実施形態について添付の図面を参照して説明する。 A. Embodiments Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

１．車載警報装置１０の構成
（１）概要
図１は、この発明の一実施形態に係る車載警報装置１０の簡略的な構成を示すブロック図である。車載警報装置１０は、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃに応じて乗員１２に対して警報音ＡＳを発する。覚醒度Ｃとは、乗員１２の目覚めている状態の度合を指し、覚醒度Ｃが高い程、目が覚めており、覚醒度Ｃが低い程、眠りの度合が強い。 1. Configuration (1) Overview of In-vehicle Alarm Device 10 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simple configuration of the in-vehicle alarm device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The in-vehicle alarm device 10 emits an alarm sound AS to the occupant 12 according to the awakening degree C of the occupant 12. The awakening degree C refers to the degree of awakening of the occupant 12. The higher the awakening degree C, the more awake, and the lower the awakening degree C, the stronger the degree of sleep.

車載警報装置１０は、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃを検出する覚醒度検出手段１４と、覚醒度Ｃに応じて警報音ＡＳの要否を判定し、警報音ＡＳが必要と判定したとき、警報音ＡＳの発生を命ずる警報信号ＳAを出力する警報信号出力手段１６と、警報信号出力手段１６からの警報信号ＳAを受信し、警報信号ＳAに応じて、乗員１２に対して警報音ＡＳを出力するスピーカ１８とを備える。 The in-vehicle alarm device 10 determines whether or not the alarm sound AS is necessary according to the arousal degree detection means 14 for detecting the arousal degree C of the occupant 12 and the arousal degree C, and determines that the alarm sound AS is necessary. an alarm signal outputting means 16 for outputting an alarm signal S a to order the generation of aS, receives the warning signal S a from the alarm signal output means 16, in response to the alarm signal S a, an alarm sound aS on the driver 12 Is provided.

（２）覚醒度検出手段１４
覚醒度検出手段１４は、各種センサにより構成され、公知の方法により乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃを検出する。覚醒度Ｃの検出方法としては、（ａ）特許文献２の段落［００１２］や特許文献３の段落［００２０］に記載されているように、乗員１２の顔や目の動き、道路の白線等を画像として捉え、この画像に基づいて乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃを検出する方法、（ｂ）特許文献４の図１等に記載されているように、ステアリング操作に応じて乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃを検出する方法、（ｃ）特許文献５の段落［００１８］等に記載されているように、乗員１２の心拍数に応じて乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃを検出する方法等を用いることができる。 (2) Arousal level detection means 14
The arousal level detection means 14 is composed of various sensors, and detects the awakening level C of the occupant 12 by a known method. As a detection method of the arousal level C, as described in (a) Paragraph [0012] of Patent Document 2 and Paragraph [0020] of Patent Document 3, movement of the face and eyes of the occupant 12, white lines on the road, etc. Is detected as an image, and the wakefulness C of the occupant 12 is detected based on this image. (B) The wakefulness C of the occupant 12 according to the steering operation as described in FIG. (C) As described in paragraph [0018] of Patent Document 5, etc., a method of detecting the wakefulness C of the occupant 12 according to the heart rate of the occupant 12 can be used.

（３）警報信号出力手段１６
警報信号出力手段１６は、演算装置等の回路から構成され、覚醒度検出手段１４で検出された覚醒度Ｃに基づいて、警報音ＡＳの要否を判定する。警報音ＡＳの要否の判定方法については、後述する。 (3) Alarm signal output means 16
The alarm signal output means 16 is composed of a circuit such as a computing device, and determines whether or not the alarm sound AS is necessary based on the arousal level C detected by the arousal level detection means 14. A method for determining whether the alarm sound AS is necessary will be described later.

警報音ＡＳを要すると判断した場合、警報信号出力手段１６は、スピーカ１８に対し、一定周波数（例えば、３０Ｈｚ）の警報音ＡＳの発生を命ずる警報信号ＳAを送信する。この際、警報信号出力手段１６は、可聴域（２０Ｈｚ）を下回る低周波の周期（例えば、５Ｈｚ）で警報信号ＳAのゲインＧ（すなわち、警報音ＡＳの振幅）を変化させる（図２参照）。 If it is determined to require an alarm sound AS, warning signal output means 16 to the speaker 18, constant frequency (e.g., 30 Hz) and transmits an alarm signal S A order the emission of an alarm sound AS of. In this case, the warning signal output means 16, the period of the low frequency below the audible range (20 Hz) (e.g., 5 Hz) gain of the alarm signal S A with G (i.e., the amplitude of the alarm sound AS) is varied (see FIG. 2 ).

（４）スピーカ１８
スピーカ１８は、従来車載されていたものと同様であり、乗員１２の側面に配置されたドアパネル（図示せず）内に設けられる。また、スピーカ１８は、警報信号出力手段１６からの警報信号ＳAに基づいて可聴域（一般に、２０〜２００００Ｈｚ）内の周波数（例えば、３０〜１０００Ｈｚ）の警報音ＡＳを出力する。なお、スピーカ１８は、可聴域を下回る周波数の警報音ＡＳを出力するものであってもよい。 (4) Speaker 18
The speaker 18 is the same as that conventionally mounted on the vehicle, and is provided in a door panel (not shown) disposed on the side surface of the occupant 12. The speaker 18 outputs an alarm sound AS having a frequency (for example, 30 to 1000 Hz) within an audible range (generally 20 to 20000 Hz) based on the alarm signal S A from the alarm signal output means 16. The speaker 18 may output an alarm sound AS having a frequency lower than the audible range.

２．本実施形態の動作
本実施形態の車載警報装置１０は、基本的に上記のように構成されるものであり、次にその動作について説明する。 2. Operation of the present embodiment The in-vehicle alarm device 10 of the present embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation will be described.

図３には、車載警報装置１０の動作のフローチャートが示されている。ステップＳ１において、図示しない車両が始動し、これに伴って車載警報装置１０が起動されると、覚醒度検出手段１４は、乗員１２の今回の覚醒度Ｃ（以下、「覚醒度ＣC」とも称する。）を検出する。ステップＳ２において、警報信号出力手段１６は、今回の覚醒度ＣCが閾値ＣT未満であるか否かを判定する。今回の覚醒度ＣCが閾値ＣT以上である場合、警報信号出力手段１６は、通常運転（居眠り運転ではない運転）であると判定し、ステップＳ１に戻る。今回の覚醒度ＣCが閾値ＣT未満である場合、ステップＳ３において、警報音ＡＳの要否や大きさを選択する警報モードに移行する。 FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the operation of the in-vehicle alarm device 10. In step S1, when a vehicle (not shown) is started and the in-vehicle warning device 10 is activated accordingly, the wakefulness detection means 14 also detects the current wakefulness C (hereinafter, “wakenness C C ”) of the occupant 12. ) Is detected. In step S2, the warning signal output means 16 determines whether or not the current wakefulness C C is less than the threshold C T. If the current awakening level C C is equal to or greater than the threshold value C T , the warning signal output means 16 determines that the driving is normal driving (driving that is not dozing), and the process returns to step S1. If the current awakening degree C C is less than the threshold value C T , in step S3, the process shifts to an alarm mode in which the necessity or magnitude of the alarm sound AS is selected.

次いで、ステップＳ４において、警報信号出力手段１６は、前回の覚醒度Ｃ（以下、「覚醒度ＣL」とも称する。）と、今回の覚醒度ＣCとを比較する（前回の覚醒度ＣLが存在しない場合、閾値ＣTを前回の覚醒度ＣLとする。）。今回の覚醒度ＣCが、前回の覚醒度ＣL以下であった場合、すなわち、乗員１２の眠気が強くなっていた場合又は乗員１２の眠気に変化がない場合、ステップＳ５において、警報信号出力手段１６は、警報信号ＳAに対する前回のゲインＧ（以下、「ゲインＧL」とも称する。）が最大値ＧMAXであるか否かを判定する。前回のゲインＧLが最大値ＧMAXでない場合、ステップＳ６において、警報信号出力手段１６は、前回のゲインＧLに所定の正のゲインαを追加したものを今回のゲインＧ（以下、「ゲインＧC」とも称する。）とする。そして、続くステップＳ７において、警報信号出力手段１６は、今回のゲインＧCを用いて警報信号ＳAをスピーカ１８に送信し、スピーカ１８は、この警報信号ＳAに基づく警報音ＡＳを発生する。 Next, in step S4, the warning signal output means 16 compares the previous arousal level C (hereinafter also referred to as “wake level C L ”) with the current awake level C C (previous arousal level C L). In the case where there is not, the threshold value C T is set as the previous awakening level C L ). If the current wakefulness C C is less than or equal to the previous wakefulness C L , that is, if the sleepiness of the occupant 12 has become strong, or if the sleepiness of the occupant 12 has not changed, an alarm signal is output in step S5. The means 16 determines whether or not the previous gain G (hereinafter also referred to as “gain G L ”) for the alarm signal S A is the maximum value G MAX . If the previous gain G L is not the maximum value G MAX , in step S6, the alarm signal output means 16 adds the predetermined positive gain α to the previous gain G L to obtain the current gain G (hereinafter “gain”). G C "). In subsequent step S7, the alarm signal output means 16 transmits the alarm signal S A to the speaker 18 using the current gain G C , and the speaker 18 generates an alarm sound AS based on the alarm signal S A. .

ステップＳ５において、前回のゲインＧLが最大値ＧMAXである場合、警報信号出力手段１６は、最大値ＧMAXをそのまま今回のゲインＧCとして用いて、ステップＳ６を経ずに、ステップＳ７に移行する。そして、ステップＳ７において、上記と同様にスピーカ１８から警報音ＡＳが発生される。警報音ＡＳが発せられた後は、ステップＳ８において、覚醒度検出手段１４は、新たな覚醒度Ｃを今回の覚醒度ＣCとして検出し、ステップＳ４に戻る。 In step S5, if the previous gain G L is the maximum value G MAX, warning signal output means 16, using the maximum value G MAX as it is as the current gain G C, without going through the step S6, to step S7 Transition. In step S7, an alarm sound AS is generated from the speaker 18 in the same manner as described above. After the alarm sound AS is emitted, in step S8, the arousal level detection means 14 detects the new arousal level C as the current arousal level C C and returns to step S4.

ステップＳ４において、今回の覚醒度ＣCが、前回の覚醒度ＣLを越えていた場合、すなわち、乗員１２の眠気が弱くなっている場合、ステップＳ９において、警報信号出力手段１６は、警報信号ＳAに対する前回のゲインＧLが最小値ＧMINであるか否かを判定する。前回のゲインＧLが最小値ＧMINでない場合、ステップＳ１０において、警報信号出力手段１６は、前回のゲインＧLから所定の正のゲインβを差し引いたものを今回のゲインＧCとする。そして、続くステップＳ７において、警報信号出力手段１６は、今回のゲインＧCを用いて警報信号ＳAをスピーカ１８に送信し、スピーカ１８は、この警報信号ＳAに基づく警報音ＡＳを発生する。 In step S4, if the current awakening level C C exceeds the previous awakening level C L , that is, if the sleepiness of the occupant 12 is weak, in step S9, the warning signal output means 16 outputs a warning signal. It is determined whether or not the previous gain G L for S A is the minimum value G MIN . If the previous gain G L is not the minimum value G MIN , in step S10, the alarm signal output means 16 subtracts a predetermined positive gain β from the previous gain G L as the current gain G C. In subsequent step S7, the alarm signal output means 16 transmits the alarm signal S A to the speaker 18 using the current gain G C , and the speaker 18 generates an alarm sound AS based on the alarm signal S A. .

ステップＳ９において、前回のゲインＧLが最小値ＧMINである場合、警報信号出力手段１６は、ステップＳ１１において警報モードをオフにして、ステップＳ１に戻る。 In step S9, when the previous gain G L is the minimum value G MIN , the alarm signal output means 16 turns off the alarm mode in step S11 and returns to step S1.

上記各ステップは、車載警報装置１０が停止されるまで継続される。   Each said step is continued until the vehicle-mounted alarm device 10 is stopped.

３．本実施形態における効果
以上説明したように本実施形態によれば、警報信号出力手段１６は、覚醒度Ｃ（今回の覚醒度ＣC）が所定の閾値ＣTを下回ったとき、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期（５Ｈｚ）で警報信号ＳAのゲインＧ（今回のゲインＧC）（すなわち、警報音ＡＳの振幅）を変化させる。これにより、単に警報音ＡＳを発生させる場合と比べて乗員１２を刺激する度合が高まり、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃを一層向上させることが可能となる。また、警報信号ＳAのゲインＧ（実質的に警報音ＡＳの振幅）を周期的に変化させるため、警報音ＡＳの周波数自体を、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期にする必要はなく、従来から車載されていたスピーカ１８を流用することが可能となる。従って、警報音ＡＳ専用のスピーカ１８を設ける必要がなくなり、コストの増加を抑制することができる。 3. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the alarm signal output means 16 is below the audible range when the arousal level C (the current arousal level C C ) falls below a predetermined threshold value C T. The gain G (current gain G C ) of the alarm signal S A (that is, the amplitude of the alarm sound AS) is changed at a low frequency period (5 Hz). As a result, the degree of stimulation of the occupant 12 is increased compared to the case where the alarm sound AS is simply generated, and the awakening degree C of the occupant 12 can be further improved. Also, the alarm signal S A gain G for (substantially warning sound amplitude AS) is periodically changed in the frequency itself of the alarm sound AS, need not be to the period of the low frequency below the audible range, conventional It becomes possible to divert the speaker 18 mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the speaker 18 dedicated to the alarm sound AS, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.

本実施形態において、ゲインＧを変化させる低周波の周期（５Ｈｚ）は、人体腹部の固有振動周波数の周期である。これにより、人体腹部の固有振動周波数と同期した警報音ＡＳによって乗員１２の自律神経系を刺激し、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃをさらに向上させることが可能となる。   In this embodiment, the low frequency period (5 Hz) for changing the gain G is the period of the natural vibration frequency of the human abdomen. Thereby, it is possible to stimulate the occupant 12's autonomic nervous system by the alarm sound AS synchronized with the natural vibration frequency of the human abdomen, and to further improve the wakefulness C of the occupant 12.

警報音ＡＳは、スピーカ１８により再生可能な最低周波数（本実施形態では３０Ｈｚ）とされた。一般に、車載スピーカの最低周波数は２０〜５０Ｈｚが用いられており、これらの周波数及びその近傍の周波数は乗員１２に聴き取り辛い。従って、このような周波数を用いることで、乗員１２に煩わしさを感じさせずに覚醒度Ｃを向上させることができる。   The alarm sound AS is set to the lowest frequency (30 Hz in this embodiment) that can be reproduced by the speaker 18. Generally, the lowest frequency of the on-vehicle speaker is 20 to 50 Hz, and it is difficult for the passenger 12 to listen to these frequencies and the frequencies in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, by using such a frequency, the arousal level C can be improved without causing the occupant 12 to feel bothered.

また、警報音ＡＳは、乗員１２の最低可聴周波数（一般に、２０Ｈｚ）の近傍の周波数（３０Ｈｚ）でもあった。一般に、人の最低可聴周波数は２０Ｈｚ程度であり、２０Ｈｚ及びその近傍の周波数は乗員１２に聴き取り辛い。従って、このような周波数を用いることで、乗員１２に煩わしさを感じさせずに覚醒度Ｃを向上させることができる。   The alarm sound AS was also a frequency (30 Hz) in the vicinity of the lowest audible frequency (generally 20 Hz) of the occupant 12. In general, the lowest audible frequency of a person is about 20 Hz, and 20 Hz and frequencies in the vicinity thereof are difficult for the occupant 12 to hear. Therefore, by using such a frequency, the arousal level C can be improved without causing the occupant 12 to feel bothered.

警報信号出力手段１６は、前回の覚醒度ＣLと今回の覚醒度ＣCを比較し、前回の覚醒度ＣLが今回の覚醒度ＣCよりも高いとき、警報信号ＳAの前回のゲインＧL（実質的に警報音ＡＳの前回の振幅）よりも今回のゲインＧC（実質的に今回の振幅）を大きくし、前回の覚醒度ＣLが今回の覚醒度ＣCよりも低いとき、警報信号ＳAの前回のゲインＧLよりも今回のゲインＧCを小さくする。これにより、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃが増加しているとき、すなわち、乗員Ｃの眠気が弱まっているとき、警報音ＡＳを小さくし、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃが減少しているとき、すなわち、乗員１２の眠気が強まっているとき、警報音ＡＳを大きくすることができる。このため、覚醒度Ｃの変化に応じて警報音ＡＳの大きさを調整することが可能となり、不必要に警報音ＡＳを大きくすることを避けることが可能となる。 The alarm signal output means 16 compares the previous arousal level C L with the current awake level C C , and when the previous awake level C L is higher than the current awake level C C , the previous gain of the alarm signal S A is obtained. When the current gain G C (substantially the current amplitude) is made larger than GL (substantially the previous amplitude of the alarm sound AS) and the previous wakefulness C L is lower than the current wakefulness C C The current gain G C is made smaller than the previous gain G L of the alarm signal S A. Thereby, when the awakening degree C of the occupant 12 is increased, that is, when the occupant C is drowsy, the warning sound AS is reduced, and when the awakening degree C of the occupant 12 is decreased, that is, When the sleepiness of the occupant 12 is increasing, the alarm sound AS can be increased. For this reason, it becomes possible to adjust the magnitude of the alarm sound AS in accordance with the change in the arousal level C, and it is possible to avoid unnecessarily increasing the alarm sound AS.

Ｂ．この発明の応用
なお、この発明は、上記実施形態に限らず、この明細書の記載内容に基づき、種々の構成を採り得ることはもちろんである。例えば、以下に示す１〜４の構成を採ることができる。 B. Application of the Invention It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be adopted based on the description in this specification. For example, the following configurations 1 to 4 can be adopted.

１．警報音ＡＳの周波数
上記実施形態では、警報音ＡＳを３０Ｈｚとしたが、これに限られず、別の可聴域の周波数を用いてもよい。或いは、スピーカ１８の性能が伴えば、可聴域を下回る周波数（例えば、５Ｈｚ）の低周波音を用いることもできる。可聴域を下回る周波数の低周波音を用いた場合、乗員１２には、当該低周波音は聴こえないが、乗員１２の自律神経系が刺激されることにより、乗員１２の眠気を覚ますことが可能である。 1. Frequency of alarm sound AS In the above embodiment, the alarm sound AS is 30 Hz. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a frequency in another audible range may be used. Or if the performance of the speaker 18 is accompanied, the low frequency sound of the frequency (for example, 5 Hz) below an audible range can also be used. When low frequency sound with a frequency lower than the audible range is used, the occupant 12 cannot hear the low frequency sound, but the occupant 12's autonomic nervous system can be stimulated to make the occupant 12 feel sleepy. It is.

２．警報音ＡＳの発生
上記実施形態では、警報音ＡＳの発生と、警報信号ＳAに用いるゲインＧの周期的変化とを同時に行ったが、これに限られず、警報音ＡＳの発生とゲインＧの変化に時間差をつけて実行してもよい。例えば、図４に示す上記実施形態の変形例としての車載警報装置１０Ａのような構成も可能である。 2. Generation of Alarm Sound AS In the above embodiment, the generation of the alarm sound AS and the periodic change of the gain G used for the alarm signal S A are performed simultaneously. The change may be executed with a time difference. For example, a configuration such as an in-vehicle alarm device 10A as a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is also possible.

車載警報装置１０Ａは、上記実施形態の車載警報装置１０と同様の覚醒度検出手段１４及びスピーカ１８を備える。さらに、車載警報装置１０Ａは、音源２０と、ゲイン制御手段２２と、ゲイン調整手段２４とを有する。音源２０は、警報音ＡＳをデータとして記憶し、警報音ＡＳを示す警報信号ＳA１を出力する。ゲイン制御手段２２は、音源２０からの警報信号ＳA１に用いるゲインＧを周期的に変化させることを命ずる制御信号ＳCを、覚醒度Ｃ（今回の覚醒度ＣC）が所定の閾値ＣTを下回ったときに出力する。ゲイン調整手段２４は、ゲイン制御手段２２からの制御信号ＳCに応じて、音源２０からの警報信号ＳA１に用いるゲインＧを調整し、警報信号ＳA２としてスピーカ１８に出力する。 The in-vehicle alarm device 10A includes the wakefulness detection means 14 and the speaker 18 similar to the in-vehicle alarm device 10 of the above embodiment. Further, the in-vehicle alarm device 10 </ b> A includes a sound source 20, a gain control unit 22, and a gain adjustment unit 24. The sound source 20 stores the alarm sound AS as data and outputs an alarm signal S A 1 indicating the alarm sound AS. The gain control means 22 uses a control signal S C for instructing to periodically change the gain G used for the alarm signal S A 1 from the sound source 20, and the arousal level C (the current arousal level C C ) has a predetermined threshold C. Output when T falls below. The gain adjusting unit 24 adjusts the gain G used for the alarm signal S A 1 from the sound source 20 according to the control signal S C from the gain control unit 22, and outputs it to the speaker 18 as the alarm signal S A 2.

車載警報装置１０Ａでは、車載警報装置１０Ａの起動と共に、音源２０が動作を開始し、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃに関係なく、警報音ＡＳを発生させる。この警報音ＡＳは、乗員１２にほとんど聴こえない周波数、例えば、可聴域を下回る周波数又は最低可聴周波数若しくはその近傍の周波数のものである。そして、図３のフローチャートと同様の処理により、乗員１２の覚醒度Ｃに応じて警報信号ＳA１に用いるゲインＧの周期的な変化の発生を制御する。 In the in-vehicle alarm device 10A, the sound source 20 starts to operate with the activation of the in-vehicle alarm device 10A, and generates an alarm sound AS regardless of the arousal level C of the occupant 12. This alarm sound AS is a frequency that is hardly audible to the occupant 12, for example, a frequency below the audible range, a lowest audible frequency, or a frequency in the vicinity thereof. Then, by the same processing as the flowchart in FIG. 3, to control the generation of periodic change of the gain G used in the alarm signal S A 1 in accordance with the awakening level C of the occupant 12.

３．ゲインＧの変化
上記実施形態では、警報信号ＳAに用いるゲインＧ（警報音ＡＳの振幅）を変化させる低周波の周期を５Ｈｚとしたが、これに限られない。人体の感度は、上下方向では４〜８Ｈｚの周波数帯、前後及び左右方向では１〜２Ｈｚの周波数帯で高い。この点を考慮し、例えば、低周波の周期を４〜８Ｈｚ又は１〜２Ｈｚとしてもよい。この場合、低周波の周期と乗員１２に対する警報音ＡＳの出力方向を調整することにより、覚醒度Ｃを高める効果を向上させることができる。すなわち、前記低周波の周期が４〜８Ｈｚであるときは、乗員１２に対する警報音ＡＳの出力方向をできるだけ垂直にすることで（例えば、スピーカ１８を天井に配置することで）、覚醒度Ｃを高める効果を上げることができる。同様に、前記低周波の周期が１〜２Ｈｚであるときは、乗員１２に対する警報音ＡＳの出力方向をできるだけ水平とすることで（例えば、スピーカ１８をインストルメントパネル内に配置することで）、覚醒度Ｃを高める効果を向上させることができる。 3. In changing the above embodiments of the gain G, although the period of the low frequency of changing the gain G (amplitude warning sound AS) used for the alarm signal S A and 5 Hz, not limited thereto. The sensitivity of the human body is high in the frequency band of 4 to 8 Hz in the up and down direction, and in the frequency band of 1 to 2 Hz in the front and rear direction and the left and right direction. Considering this point, for example, the low frequency period may be 4 to 8 Hz or 1 to 2 Hz. In this case, the effect of increasing the arousal level C can be improved by adjusting the low-frequency cycle and the output direction of the alarm sound AS to the occupant 12. That is, when the low frequency period is 4 to 8 Hz, the awakening degree C is set by making the output direction of the alarm sound AS to the occupant 12 as vertical as possible (for example, by placing the speaker 18 on the ceiling). The effect to raise can be raised. Similarly, when the low frequency period is 1 to 2 Hz, by making the output direction of the alarm sound AS to the occupant 12 as horizontal as possible (for example, by disposing the speaker 18 in the instrument panel), The effect of increasing the arousal level C can be improved.

上記実施形態では、前回の覚醒度ＣLと今回の覚醒度ＣCとを比較し（図３のステップＳ４）、その結果に応じて、今回のゲインＧCを調整した（図３のステップＳ６、Ｓ１０）。しかしながら、必ずしもこのような調整を行う必要はなく、警報モードがオンになったときに、１つのゲインＧのみを用いる処理も可能である。 In the above embodiment, the previous awakening level C L is compared with the current awakening level C C (step S4 in FIG. 3), and the current gain G C is adjusted according to the result (step S6 in FIG. 3). , S10). However, it is not always necessary to perform such adjustment, and processing using only one gain G is possible when the alarm mode is turned on.

４．その他
上記実施形態では、スピーカ１８を図示しないドアパネル内に配置したが、別の場所に配置してもよい。 4). Others In the above embodiment, the speaker 18 is arranged in a door panel (not shown), but may be arranged in another place.

上記実施形態では、乗員１２への警報として、一定の周波数の警報音ＡＳを用いたが、乗員１２への警報として、特許文献３のようにシートを振動させる車載警報装置にも応用可能である。すなわち、一定周波数のシートの振動に周期的なゲインの変動を与えることにより、乗員１２の自律神経系を刺激することも可能である。   In the above embodiment, the alarm sound AS having a constant frequency is used as an alarm to the occupant 12, but the alarm to the occupant 12 can also be applied to an in-vehicle alarm device that vibrates the seat as in Patent Document 3. . That is, it is also possible to stimulate the occupant 12's autonomic nervous system by giving periodic gain fluctuations to the vibration of the seat at a constant frequency.

図１は、この発明の一実施形態に係る車載警報装置の概略的な機能構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of an in-vehicle alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、図１の車載警報装置が発生した警報音の波形の一例を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of an alarm sound generated by the in-vehicle alarm device of FIG. 図３は、図１の車載警報装置における処理を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing in the in-vehicle alarm device of FIG. 図４は、図１の車載警報装置の変形例の概略的な機能構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a modification of the in-vehicle alarm device of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０、１０Ａ…車載警報装置 １２…乗員
１４…覚醒度検出手段
１６…警報信号出力手段（振幅制御手段）
１８…スピーカ ２０…音源
２２…ゲイン制御手段（振幅制御手段） ２４…ゲイン調整手段
ＡＳ…警報音 Ｃ…覚醒度
ＣC…今回の覚醒度Ｃ ＣL…前回の覚醒度Ｃ
ＣT…覚醒度Ｃについての所定の閾値 Ｇ…ゲイン
ＧC…今回のゲインＧ ＧL…前回のゲインＧ
ＳA、ＳA１、ＳA２…警報信号 ＳC…制御信号 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A ... Vehicle-mounted alarm device 12 ... Passenger 14 ... Arousal degree detection means 16 ... Alarm signal output means (amplitude control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Speaker 20 ... Sound source 22 ... Gain control means (amplitude control means) 24 ... Gain adjustment means AS ... Alarm sound C ... Arousal degree CC ... Current awakening degree CCL ... Previous awakening degree C
C T ... Predetermined threshold for arousal level C G ... Gain G C ... Current gain G G L ... Previous gain G
S A , S A 1, S A 2 ... alarm signal S C ... control signal

Claims (5)

乗員の覚醒度を検出する覚醒度検出手段と、
前記乗員に対して警報音を出力するスピーカと、
前記警報音の振幅を制御する振幅制御手段と
を備える車載警報装置であって、
前記振幅制御手段は、前記覚醒度が所定の閾値を下回ったとき、可聴域を下回る低周波の周期で前記警報音の振幅を変化させる
ことを特徴とする車載警報装置。 Wakefulness detection means for detecting the wakefulness of the occupant;
A speaker that outputs an alarm sound to the passenger;
An on-vehicle alarm device comprising: amplitude control means for controlling the amplitude of the alarm sound;
The amplitude control means changes the amplitude of the alarm sound at a low frequency period below an audible range when the arousal level falls below a predetermined threshold. 請求項１記載の車載警報装置において、
前記低周波の周期は、４〜８Ｈｚである
ことを特徴とする車載警報装置。 The in-vehicle alarm device according to claim 1,
The on-vehicle alarm device characterized in that the low frequency period is 4 to 8 Hz. 請求項１又は２記載の車載警報装置において、
前記警報音は、前記スピーカにより再生可能な最低周波数又はその近傍の周波数である
ことを特徴とする車載警報装置。 The in-vehicle alarm device according to claim 1 or 2,
The on-vehicle alarm device, wherein the alarm sound is a lowest frequency reproducible by the speaker or a frequency in the vicinity thereof. 請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載の車載警報装置において、
前記警報音は、前記乗員の最低可聴周波数又はその近傍の周波数である
ことを特徴とする車載警報装置。 The in-vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The on-vehicle alarm device, wherein the alarm sound is the lowest audible frequency of the occupant or a frequency in the vicinity thereof. 請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の車載警報装置において、
前記振幅制御手段は、前回の覚醒度と今回の覚醒度を比較し、前回の覚醒度が今回の覚醒度よりも高いとき、前記警報音の前回の振幅よりも今回の振幅を大きくし、前回の覚醒度が今回の覚醒度よりも低いとき、前記警報音の前回の振幅よりも今回の振幅を小さくする
ことを特徴とする車載警報装置。 The in-vehicle alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The amplitude control means compares the previous wakefulness level with the current wakefulness level, and when the previous wakefulness level is higher than the current wakefulness level, makes the current amplitude larger than the previous amplitude of the warning sound, When the alertness level of the alarm is lower than the current alertness level, the current amplitude is made smaller than the previous amplitude of the alarm sound.
JP2007313188A 2007-12-04 2007-12-04 On-board warning system Withdrawn JP2009137336A (en)

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011024656A (en) * 2009-07-22 2011-02-10 Saishin Matsumoto Giken:Kk Wakefulness degree detector
JP2011159108A (en) * 2010-02-01 2011-08-18 Denso Corp Awakening support device
JP2018028742A (en) * 2016-08-16 2018-02-22 マツダ株式会社 Driving assist device
WO2018163497A1 (en) * 2017-03-10 2018-09-13 オムロン株式会社 Alertness support device, method, and program
JP2018169807A (en) * 2017-03-30 2018-11-01 マツダ株式会社 Driving support apparatus
CN109890662A (en) * 2016-11-11 2019-06-14 本田技研工业株式会社 Vehicle control system, control method for vehicle and vehicle control program

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011024656A (en) * 2009-07-22 2011-02-10 Saishin Matsumoto Giken:Kk Wakefulness degree detector
JP2011159108A (en) * 2010-02-01 2011-08-18 Denso Corp Awakening support device
JP2018028742A (en) * 2016-08-16 2018-02-22 マツダ株式会社 Driving assist device
CN109890662A (en) * 2016-11-11 2019-06-14 本田技研工业株式会社 Vehicle control system, control method for vehicle and vehicle control program
CN109890662B (en) * 2016-11-11 2022-03-15 本田技研工业株式会社 Vehicle control system, vehicle control method, and storage medium
WO2018163497A1 (en) * 2017-03-10 2018-09-13 オムロン株式会社 Alertness support device, method, and program
JP2018151745A (en) * 2017-03-10 2018-09-27 オムロン株式会社 Awakening support device, method, and program
JP2018169807A (en) * 2017-03-30 2018-11-01 マツダ株式会社 Driving support apparatus

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