DE102012221647A1 - Method for testing ability of perception for driver of passenger car with driver's seat, involves outputting instruction for placing driver's seat in position, so that driver's eyes are in desired position - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining position of driver's eyes by determining a position of a driver's seat. An instruction for placing the driver's seat is output in a position, so that the driver's eyes are in a desired position when the determined position of the eyes of the driver does not correspond to a target position. A representation is displayed on a display (2) of a motor car (1) for testing the vision of a driver. An driver's vision is closed due to an input received from the driver to represent the representation.

Description

The invention relates to a method for testing the ability to perceive, in particular the ability to see, a driver of a motor vehicle and a correspondingly configured motor vehicle.

Driving a motor vehicle requires sufficient eyesight of the driver. Especially the deterioration of these abilities is a creeping process that the person concerned can not be aware of. In extreme cases, the loss of the necessary visual abilities to drive a vehicle is not noticed. The same applies to the hearing of the driver, whose deterioration is a creeping process.

The publication DE 10 2008 028 844 A1 discloses the retrieval of personal data of the driver and the adaptation of driver assistance systems based on the data. The data, in particular the driving behavior and the age, are thereby interrogated by explicit input into an interface.

The informative value of the age of the driver alone allows only indirect conclusions about his ability to drive a motor vehicle.

The object of the invention is to provide a meaningful assessment of the vision of a driver of a motor vehicle.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

A method of testing the vision of a driver of a motor vehicle having a driver's seat, comprising: determining the position of the driver's eyes; Issuing an instruction to move the driver's seat to a position such that the driver's eyes are in a target position when the determined position of the driver's eyes does not correspond to the target position; Displaying, on a display of the motor vehicle, a representation suitable for testing a driver's vision; Receiving an input from the driver that relates to the presentation and on the basis of which the driver's eyesight can be closed.

In this way, the driver's vision is directly tested. An indirect assessment of this ability of the driver is thus no longer needed and it can make better statements on the eyesight of the driver. The disclosed method ensures that the driver's eyes are in a required position for the test, in particular at a predefined distance to the display. In this way, the required test conditions are created and the test results obtained by this a more reliable information.

The disclosed method makes advantageous use of the devices already present in the motor vehicle, namely the display.

The test results can be presented directly to the driver, which encourages the driver to deal more intensively with his ability to drive a motor vehicle. The driver is thereby also animated to behave according to the test results, for example, to avoid night driving, or always wear a visual aid. The user may be advised to visit a doctor to confirm the test results. It may be provided to propose at the same time correspondingly suitable doctors who are found, for example, via an Internet-based search service.

Another major benefit is the easy accessibility of the test to the driver, which enhances the use and acceptance of the test.

Issuing an instruction to move the driver's seat to a position may include an indication to the driver on the display as to how to change the position of the driver's seat and / or in what position the driver's seat is to be spent. In one alternative, issuing an instruction may include issuing a command to a seat controller with actuator, whereby the seat is automatically moved to the position in which the driver's eyes are in the desired position.

Receiving the input from the driver may include receiving an input via a mechanical element (eg, a rotary push-button) or a touch screen. Likewise, receiving the input may include receiving a voice input. Receiving a voice input is particularly advantageous because the driver verbally gives feedback on what he has recognized. For this, the driver does not have to change the position of his eyes, which positively influences the performance of the test and strengthens the validity of the test. The eyes stay in the same position in this way and the test result becomes more meaningful.

The output of the instructions may include audio instructions for moving the driver's seat, that is, notes output through speakers. This is an alternative to the likewise possible output of instructions via a display. Audio instructions can have the advantage that the Driver feels more in the situation of a fixed schedule and thus otherwise stop the necessary conditions for the test. In addition to the instructions for moving the driver's seat, the entire test procedure may be accompanied by audio outputs, audio notes and audio instructions.

Furthermore, it can be provided to design the display on the display according to predetermined conditions, that is, for example, to set the brightness to a predetermined value.

In a further development, determining the position of the driver's eyes comprises determining the position of the driver's seat, and optionally adjusting the backrest and / or the headrest, and estimating the position of the driver's eyes based thereon. Thus, the position of the headrest can be determined and closed over typical values of the distance of the eyes from the headrest to the position of the eyes.

In a further development, the position of the driver's eyes is determined by evaluating a camera shot, which also detects the driver's eyes. The camera can be a camera that picks up the interior and especially the driver and his head. The camera can be a depth camera, in particular a time-of-flight (TOF) camera, or a camera with stereo recording functions, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the depth or spatial position of the recorded objects. The driver's eyes can be recognized in the image in a manner known per se and the depth assigned to the eyes by the TOF camera can be used.

In another refinement, the display of the display is changed (for example, the size of the displayed icons or graphics), depending on the particular position of the driver's eyes, to compensate for a possible difference between the particular position of the eyes and the desired position. This may be used, for example, when the driver's seat can not be moved to a position such that the driver's eyes are in the desired position or to an input (of the driver).

In an advantageous further development, ambient conditions of the vehicle are furthermore determined, for example with the aid of a camera. Thus, the total light, sunlight, glare, whether it is night, etc., can be determined. The results of this determination may be taken into account in the performance of the test and / or given an indication of the elimination of adverse environmental conditions. For example, an indication may be issued that the vehicle is to spend in the shade for the test when there is strong sunlight and / or glare. Furthermore, the execution of a night vision test can be made dependent on whether the determined ambient conditions or the time of day suggest that it is night. In this way, compliance with required target test conditions for the environment of the vehicle is ensured and the significance of the test results is improved.

In a further development, the representation comprises letters and / or numbers of different sizes, wherein the input relating to the representation also comprises at least one letter and / or numbers. The representation may also include Landolt rings and / or Snellen-Haken signs as well as any characters suitable for testing vision function. This type of presentation is familiar to many drivers and therefore easy to handle, which increases the acceptance of the test. The eye test can be performed using a human machine interface (MMI). The representation may also be designed to test forbearance, adaptation time to light / dark transitions, accommodation time to light / dark transitions, contrast vision, color vision, field of view, difference sensitivity, or glare sensitivity.

Furthermore, the field of vision of the driver can be tested. For this purpose, the driver may receive an indication to focus his gaze on a specific element in the vehicle, for example a speedometer behind the steering wheel. At the same time, the display is displayed on the display with symbols or graphic elements. The task of the driver is now to recognize and enter the symbols or elements or to confirm an occurrence. The display is advantageously arranged in the central region of the dashboard, at least remote from the specific elements of the vehicle. It may be provided to arrange the symbols or elements of the representation so that a recognition of the symbols indicates the size of the field of view / field of view.

In an additional refinement, the representation is suitable for testing the visual acuity, the discrimination sensitivity and / or the reaction time of the driver, it being possible to deduce the visual acuity, the discrimination sensitivity or the reaction time of the driver based on the input relating to the representation. The reaction rate can be measured by the time between the presentation of a hint or a symbol and the driver's input. Representations for difference sensitivity and visual acuity tests are known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes storing the conclusions on the vision, in particular when performing the method several times. In this way test results are not lost and can be presented to the driver later again.

In an advantageous embodiment, in which several conclusions about the ability to see are stored for different test times, the method comprises providing an evaluation of the stored conclusions and providing a chronological progression. Thus, the development of the skills can be clarified to the driver and an additional control is given. The driver becomes aware of the gradual changes.

In a preferred refinement, the method comprises outputting audio signals suitable for testing the driver's hearing capability via the loudspeakers of the motor vehicle; Receive another input from the driver, which relates to the outputs of the audio signals and on the basis of which the driver's hearing can be closed. In this way, the actual hearing ability of the driver can be tested as advantageously as in the case of vision testing. Indirect conclusions about the age of the driver are not necessary. It may also be provided to determine the position of the ears of the driver (for example, via camera shots) and to compare with a desired position. If the position of the ears deviates from the desired position, the driver may be requested to adjust the driver's seat such that the ears are moved to the desired position.

In a further development, the audio signals include a louder sound and / or changing frequencies. Suitable audio signals for the test according to the invention are known from the prior art.

In a further development, the method further comprises the detection of noise by means of microphones. Only when there is a suitable acoustic environment (for example sufficient silence) is the hearing test initiated.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises the automatic initiation of the method upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, in particular the expiry of a predetermined time period, for example one month, four months, or one year. This ensures that the test is carried out on a regular basis and that the driver's awareness of the topic is strengthened. The automatic initiation of the method may depend on other conditions, such as environmental conditions affecting the vehicle. For example, the light intensity detected via a camera or other sensors or the noise picked up and detected via a microphone can be taken into account. Also, the location of the vehicle may be a condition, where the location may be determined via a navigation system. Thus, it can be provided to execute the test only when the vehicle is at the place of residence (or within a given radius around it). The execution of the test on the highway, however, does not make sense. Favorable ambient conditions prevent the testimony of the test from being impaired.

The disclosed method may advantageously provide biometric data related to that described in the patent application DE 10 2011 087 043 described driver assistance system can be used.

Also disclosed is a motor vehicle comprising a display and an electronic processing unit, the motor vehicle being adapted to carry out the disclosed method or its developments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

1 schematically shows a car according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

1 schematically shows a passenger car 1 who has an ad 2 and a TOF camera 3 includes. Using the TOF camera 3 , which is located in the dashboard or in the front area of the headliner of the vehicle and is aligned with the driver, a picture of the driver is made. This image is evaluated by recognizing the driver's eyes in a known manner using image processing and their associated distance from the TOF camera 3 is determined. Due to the known position of the TOF camera 3 can be deduced using the determined distance to the position of the driver's eyes. If this does not correspond to the target position of the eyes, which was determined by the need for removal of the eyes from the display, then the display shows 2 to the driver an indication of how to adjust the driver's seat, so that the target position of the eyes is reached. Alternatively, the driver can also be displayed in which direction and by what amount his eyes must change the position. When the target position of the eyes is reached, the driver is informed of this by a note. The ad 2 then displays decreasing letters that go with it are suitable to test the driver's eyesight. The driver (not shown) is in his seat and gives over the input element 5 the letters that are readable by him. The input element may be a rotary pushbutton, a physical keyboard or a touch screen (or even a voice input). Based on the input of the driver determines a computing unit 4 the eyesight of the driver. The test result may be on the display to the driver 2 are displayed. The individual elements 2 . 3 and 5 are with the arithmetic unit 4 connected, which controls them and receives signals from them.

In addition, the car includes 1 a speaker (not shown) that outputs audio signals suitable for testing the driver's hearing ability. About the input element 5 the driver gives feedback on these audio signals. On the basis of the driver's input, the arithmetic unit determines 4 the hearing of the driver. The test result may be on the display 2 being represented.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008028844 A1 [0003]
• DE 102011087043 [0029]

Claims (11)

A method of testing the ability to perceive, especially vision, of a driver of a motor vehicle having a driver's seat, comprising: Determining the position of the driver's eyes; Issuing an instruction to move the driver's seat to a position such that the driver's eyes are in a target position when the determined position of the driver's eyes does not correspond to the target position; Displaying, on a display of the motor vehicle, a representation suitable for testing a driver's vision; Receiving an input from the driver that relates to the presentation and on the basis of which the driver's eyesight can be closed. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the position of the driver's eyes comprises determining the position of the driver's seat and then estimating the position of the driver's eyes based thereon. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the position of the driver's eyes comprises evaluating a camera shot that also represents the driver's eyes. The method of claim 1, wherein the presentation includes an indication to the driver to focus his attention on an item in the vehicle that is not the display, and the presentation further comprises icons or graphical elements arranged to be depending on the field of view of the driver can be recognized or not, if the driver directs his focus on the element in the vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the representation is furthermore suitable for visual acuity, difference sensitivity, forbearance, adaptation time at light / dark transitions, accommodation time at light / dark transitions, contrast vision, color vision, gaze / Visual field, to test the difference sensitivity, the glare sensitivity and / or the reaction time of the driver and which can be deduced on the basis of the representation relating to input on these visual capabilities of the driver, in particular, the representation of different sized letters and / or numbers, Landolt rings and Snellen hooks include characters and any characters that are suitable for testing vision. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Outputting audio signals suitable for testing the driver's hearing via the loudspeakers of the motor vehicle; Receive another input from the driver, which relates to the outputs of the audio signals and on the basis of which the driver's hearing can be closed. The method of claim 6, wherein the audio signals include a louder sound. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Saving the conclusions on the eyesight and / or hearing, especially in repeated execution of the method. The method of claim 8, further comprising: If multiple conclusions on vision and / or hearing are stored for different test times, provide an evaluation of the stored conclusions and provide a time history. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Automatic initiation of the method upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, in particular the expiry of a predetermined period of time, for example one month, four months, or one year. Motor vehicle, comprising a display and an electronic processing unit, wherein the motor vehicle is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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