JP5671992B2 - Driving support device and driving support method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving support device and a driving support method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for blowing cool air to a driver's hand is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-273498 A

  However, in order to prevent the driver from falling asleep during driving, when the cool air is blown against the driver's hand as in the prior art, or when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is low, such as in winter, In some cases, the temperature stimulus received by the driver is small, and the driver's arousal state cannot be smoothly guided to an appropriate state.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a driving support device that can smoothly guide the driver's arousal state to an appropriate state.

The present invention detects a driver's arousal level, and when the detected driver's arousal level is not within a predetermined range, the driver's hand has a first temperature corresponding to the driver's arousal level. by blowing the air, the driving support device that provides a temperature stimulation to the driver, and detects the surface temperature of the scan tearing wheel, when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range, the steering wheel On the other hand, the surface temperature of the steering wheel is adjusted so that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within a predetermined temperature range by blowing the wind at the second temperature corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel. While the air is being blown, the problem is solved by not blowing the driver's hand .

  When the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range, the surface temperature of the steering wheel is changed by the driver by blowing wind at a predetermined temperature corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel. Since the temperature can be set to an appropriate temperature for smoothly inducing the awakening state, the driver's awakening state can be smoothly guided to an appropriate state.

It is a figure which shows the vehicle arrangement | positioning relationship of the driving assistance device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram (the 1) of the driving assistance device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram (the 2) of the driving assistance device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the driving assistance process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the driving assistance device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the driving assistance process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined blower outlet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle arrangement relationship of the driving assistance apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a driving support device mounted on a vehicle will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the driving support apparatus according to the first embodiment, and shows each configuration for detecting the driver's arousal level. As shown in FIG. 2, the driving support apparatus according to the present embodiment detects a driver's arousal level by detecting a biological signal sensor 101, a face image capturing camera 102, a steering angle sensor 103, and a lateral G sensor. 104, a traveling road imaging camera 105, and a processing device 110.

  The biological signal sensor 101 detects a driver's biological signals such as the driver's brain wave, heart rate, and skin potential. The biological signal detected by the biological signal sensor 101 is transmitted to the processing device 110.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the face image capturing camera 102 is installed in an instrument panel in front of the driver so as to image the driver's face, and images the driver's face. Image data of the driver's face captured by the face image capturing camera 102 is transmitted to the processing device 110. The face image capturing camera 102 may be configured to have an image processing function. In this case, the face image capturing camera 102 captures the driver's eyes based on the driver's face image data captured in time series. A configuration may be adopted in which the opening / closing state and the driver's facial expression are detected, the driver's eye opening / closing determination and the driver's facial expression change are determined, and these determination results are transmitted to the processing device 110.

  The steering angle sensor 103 detects the steering angle of the steering, and transmits the detected steering angle data of the steering to the processing device 110. Further, the lateral G sensor 104 detects lateral acceleration generated in the vehicle, and transmits the detected lateral acceleration data to the processing device 110.

  The traveling road imaging camera 105 images a traveling road ahead of the host vehicle and transmits image data of the captured traveling road to the processing device 110. The traveling road imaging camera 105 may be configured to have an image processing function. In this case, the traveling road imaging camera 105 travels based on the captured image data of the traveling road ahead of the own vehicle. A configuration may be adopted in which the zone and the preceding vehicle are recognized, the distance between the host vehicle and the traveling zone and the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle are calculated, and the calculation result is transmitted to the processing device 110.

  The processing device 110 performs processing for detecting the driver's arousal level. Specifically, the processing device 110 uses various signals for detecting the driver's arousal level from the biological signal sensor 101, the face image capturing camera 102, the steering angle sensor 103, the lateral G sensor 104, and the traveling road image capturing camera 105. Data is acquired, and the driver's arousal level is detected based on the acquired various data.

  For example, the processing device 110 acquires the driver's brain wave signal from the biological signal sensor 101, and compares the brain wave signal of the driver who is driving with the brain wave signal of the driver before driving, thereby awakening the driver. The degree can be detected. Further, the processing device 110 may acquire the result of the driver's eye opening / closing determination from the face image capturing camera 102, and calculate the driver's arousal level based on the integrated value of the number of eyes closed during a predetermined time. it can. Further, the processing device 110 acquires the steering angle data from the steering angle sensor 103 in time series, performs frequency analysis on the acquired time series data of the steering angle, and specifies the frequency components of the time series data of the steering angle. Based on the integrated value of the frequency, the driver's arousal level can be detected. Similarly, the processing device 110 acquires lateral acceleration data from the lateral G sensor 104 in a time series, and performs frequency analysis on the acquired lateral acceleration time series data to thereby determine the driver's arousal level. Can be detected. In addition, the processing device 110 acquires the image data of the traveling road ahead of the host vehicle imaged by the traveling road imaging camera 105 along the time series, and based on the acquired image data, the host vehicle, the traveling zone band, The driver's arousal level can be detected from the distance between the detected vehicle and the travel zone. Thus, in this embodiment, the driver's arousal level can be appropriately detected based on data acquired from various sensors and cameras.

  Then, the processing device 110 transmits the detected driver's arousal level to the AC control device 140. Thus, the AC control device 140 performs a process for guiding the driver's arousal state to an appropriate state.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each configuration for inducing the driver's arousal state will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the driving support apparatus according to the first embodiment, and shows each configuration for guiding the driver's arousal state. As shown in FIG. 3, the driving support device according to the present embodiment includes an indoor temperature meter 121, an outside temperature meter 122, a heater core 131, an evaporator 132, an AC control device 140, in order to induce the driver's arousal state. A dedicated air chamber 151, a steering outlet 152, and a driver's hand outlet 153 are provided. In FIG. 3, the signal flow between the components is indicated by a broken line arrow, and the air flow between the components is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  The indoor air temperature meter 121 measures the temperature in the vehicle interior, and transmits the measured temperature data in the vehicle interior to the AC control device 140. The outside air temperature meter 122 measures the temperature outside the vehicle, and transmits the measured temperature data outside the vehicle to the AC control device 140.

  The heater core 131 heats the air blown to the dedicated chamber 151 and the vehicle interior chamber 161 using the engine coolant as a heat source. The evaporator 132 constitutes a refrigeration cycle, and cools the air sent to the dedicated chamber 151 and the vehicle interior chamber 161 by heat exchange. The device for heating and cooling the air is not limited to the heater core 131 and the evaporator 132, and other devices that can heat and cool the air may be used.

  In the dedicated chamber 151, the air heated by the heater core 131, the air cooled by the evaporator 132, and the outside air are mixed under the control of the AC controller 140, and a wind at a predetermined temperature is generated. And the wind of the predetermined temperature produced | generated in the exclusive chamber 151 will be ventilated from the steering blower outlet 152 or the driver | operator hand part blower outlet 153. FIG.

  From the steering outlet 152, the wind generated in the dedicated chamber 151 is blown to the steering wheel. Further, the steering blowout port 152 is configured such that the wind is diffused and blown, so that the wind blown from the steering blowout port 152 is diffused and hits the entire steering wheel. . In the present embodiment, for example, the steering outlet 152 can have a semicircular structure so that wind can be diffused and blown.

  Further, the wind generated in the dedicated chamber 151 is blown from the driver's hand blowout port 153 to the driver's hand. As shown in FIG. 1, the driver's hand blowout port 153 is installed below the horizontal plane passing through the center of the steering wheel in the instrument panel. The generated wind is concentrated and blown from the lower side of the driver's hand toward the driver's hand. Therefore, the wind blown from the driver's hand outlet 153 mainly hits the palm side of the driver's hand where the peripheral autonomic nerves gather, stimulates the driver's peripheral autonomic nerve, and the driver's awakening state Can be guided smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, the ventilation from the steering outlet 152 and the ventilation from the driver's hand outlet 153 can be switched by the control of the AC controller 140 described later. That is, when air is blown from the steering outlet 152 to the steering wheel, no air is sent from the driver's hand outlet 153 to the driver's hand. When air is blown from the driver hand blowout port 153 to the driver's hand, air is not blown from the steering blower port 152 to the steering wheel.

  The AC control device 140 acquires the driver's arousal level from the processing device 110 in order to guide the driver's arousal state to an appropriate state, and generates a wind at a temperature corresponding to the driver's arousal level. Air is blown against the hand.

  Specifically, when the driver's arousal level is low, the AC control device 140, in the dedicated air chamber 151, combines the air heated by the heater core 131, the air cooled by the evaporator 132, and the outside air. By mixing, for example, a cold air of 10 ° C. which is the lowest temperature in a temperature range that stimulates a cold sensation with skin temperature sensation is generated, and the generated cold air is transmitted from the driver hand outlet 153 to the driver's hand. Concentrate on the hand and blow. In addition, when the driver's arousal level is high, the AC control unit 140 mixes the air heated by the heater core 131, the air cooled by the evaporator 132, and the outside air, for example, skin thermal sensation The warm air of 40 ° C. that most stimulates the warm feeling is generated, and the generated warm air is concentrated and blown from the driver hand blowout port 153 to the driver's hand.

  In addition, the AC control device 140 adjusts the surface temperature of the steering wheel in order to smoothly guide the driver's arousal state to an appropriate state.

  Specifically, the AC control device 140 first estimates the surface temperature of the steering wheel based on the temperature inside the vehicle measured by the indoor temperature gauge 121 and the temperature outside the vehicle measured by the outside temperature gauge 122. To do. Then, the AC controller 140 determines, based on the estimation result, the temperature range in which the steering wheel surface temperature can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state, for example, 33 ° C. which is a thermophysiologically neutral temperature. The wind of the temperature according to the surface temperature of a steering wheel is produced | generated so that it may become in the temperature range of 28 degreeC-38 degreeC on the basis of this. Then, the AC control device 140 blows the generated wind from the steering outlet 152 to the steering wheel.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the driving support apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle compartment air chamber 161 and a plurality of indoor outlets 162 _{1 to} 162 ₃ for temperature control in the vehicle compartment. Yes. The vehicle compartment air chamber 161 and the plurality of indoor air outlets 162 _{1 to} 162 ₃ are also controlled by the AC controller 140 and heated by the heater core 131 in the vehicle compartment air chamber 161 in order to regulate the temperature of the vehicle interior. The air thus cooled, the air cooled by the evaporator 132, and the outside air are mixed, and the mixed air is blown from the respective indoor outlets 162 _{1 to} 162 ₃ . 3 illustrates three indoor outlets 162 _{1 to} 162 ₃ , the number is not particularly limited.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the dedicated air chamber 151 and the indoor air chamber 161 are provided separately. Therefore, the wind for inducing the driver's arousal state can be blown to the steering wheel and the driver's hand as a wind of a temperature different from the cabin air conditioning that regulates the temperature in the passenger compartment. The driver's arousal state can be guided more smoothly.

  Next, the driving support process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the driving support process according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S101, the processing device 110 sets a determination reference range for determining the driver's arousal level.

  Then, in step S102, the AC control device 140 acquires the temperature data inside the vehicle measured by the indoor temperature gauge 121 and the temperature data outside the vehicle measured by the outside temperature gauge 122, and acquires the acquired vehicle interior temperature. The surface temperature of the steering wheel is estimated based on the temperature data and the temperature data outside the vehicle. For example, the AC control device 140 can estimate the surface temperature of the steering wheel by multiplying the difference between the acquired temperature inside the vehicle interior and outside temperature by a predetermined coefficient.

  In step S103, the AC controller 140 determines whether or not the surface temperature of the steering wheel estimated in step S102 is within a predetermined temperature range that can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state. Is called. For example, the AC controller 140 determines whether or not the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within a temperature range of 28 ° C. to 38 ° C. with reference to 33 ° C., which is a thermophysiologically neutral temperature, When the surface temperature is within a temperature range of 28 ° C. to 38 ° C., it is determined that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within a predetermined temperature range that can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state. it can. If it is determined that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within the predetermined temperature range, the process proceeds to step S105. move on.

  In step S104, the AC controller 140 adjusts the surface temperature of the steering wheel so that the surface temperature of the steering wheel can be a temperature that can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state. For example, when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is less than a predetermined temperature range, the AC control device 140 generates hot air corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel, and the generated hot air is transmitted from the steering outlet 152. Air is blown to the steering wheel. Further, when the surface temperature of the steering wheel exceeds a predetermined temperature range, the AC control device 140 generates cool air corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel, and the generated cool air is transmitted from the steering outlet 152 to the steering wheel. It blows against. Thereby, the surface temperature of a steering wheel can be made into the temperature for guide | inducing a driver | operator's arousal state smoothly.

  In step S105, the processor 110 detects the driver's arousal level. For example, the processing device 110 acquires the steering angle data from the steering angle sensor 103 in time series, performs frequency analysis on the acquired time series data of the steering angle, and specifies the frequency component of the time series data of the steering angle. Based on the integrated value of the frequency, the driver's arousal level can be detected.

  In step S106, the processing device 110 determines whether or not the driver's arousal level detected in step S105 is within the determination reference range set in step S101. When it is determined that the driver's arousal level is within the determination reference range, it is determined that the driver's arousal state is in an appropriate state, and the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when it is determined that the driver's arousal level is not within the determination reference range, it is determined that the driver's arousal state is not an appropriate state, and the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, since it is determined that the driver's arousal level is not within the reference range, the processing device 110 determines whether or not the driver's arousal level exceeds the determination standard range. When the driver's arousal level exceeds the determination reference range, the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the driver's arousal level does not satisfy the determination standard range, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, since the driver's arousal level is less than the criterion range, the driver's arousal state is low, for example, the driver is considered to be sleepy. Therefore, in step S108, the driver's hand cooling process is performed by the AC control device 140 in order to guide the driver's awakening state that is low to an appropriate state. Specifically, the AC control device 140 controls the heater core 131, the evaporator 132, and the dedicated chamber 151 to, for example, the lowest temperature of 10 ° C. among the temperatures that stimulate the cooling sensation in the sense of skin temperature. Cold air is generated, and the generated cold air is concentrated and blown to the driver's hand through the driver's hand blowout port 153. As a result, the driver's hand is stimulated by the cold air, and the driver's awakening state that is low can be guided to an appropriate state.

  On the other hand, in step S109, since the driver's arousal level exceeds the determination reference range, the driver's arousal state is high. For example, the driver is considered to be in an irritated state. Therefore, in step S109, the driver's hand thermal treatment is performed by the AC control device 140 in order to induce the driver's awakening state that is high to an appropriate state. Specifically, the AC control device 140 controls the heater core 131, the evaporator 132, and the dedicated chamber 151 to generate and generate, for example, 40 ° C. hot air that most stimulates the thermal sensation among skin thermal sensations. The warm air thus blown is concentrated on the driver's hand through the driver's hand outlet 153. As a result, the driver's hand is stimulated by the warm air, and the rising state of the driver can be guided to an appropriate state.

  In step S110, the AC control device 140 determines whether the ignition is off. If it is determined that the ignition is on, the process returns to step S105, and the driver's arousal level is detected again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ignition is off, the driving support process is terminated.

  As described above, when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not a temperature at which the driver's wakefulness can be smoothly induced, the driving assistance device according to the first embodiment is different from the steering wheel. The surface temperature of the steering wheel is adjusted to a temperature that can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state by blowing wind at a predetermined temperature according to the surface temperature of the vehicle. Thus, according to the first embodiment, when the driver's arousal state is induced, the surface temperature of the steering wheel is a temperature that can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state. A person's awakening state can be smoothly guided to an appropriate state. Further, in the present embodiment, after adjusting the surface temperature of the steering wheel to a temperature that can smoothly induce the driver's arousal state, the air flow by the AC control device 140 is induced to induce the driver's arousal state. Efficiency can also be increased.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the wind for adjusting the surface temperature of the steering wheel is diffused and blown from the steering outlet 152 to the entire steering wheel, so that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is quickly adjusted. Can be adjusted. Furthermore, when the wind blown from the steering outlet 152 hits the entire steering wheel, the amount of wind hitting the driver's hand can be relatively reduced, and when adjusting the surface temperature of the steering wheel, The driver's discomfort due to wind hitting the driver's hand can be suppressed. In addition, the driver's hand blowout port 153 concentrates air on the driver's hand, so that the wind hits the driver's hand and the driver's awakening state is smoother. Can be guided to.

  In addition, in the first embodiment, the steering wheel is estimated by estimating the surface temperature of the steering wheel by using the existing configuration for controlling the temperature inside the vehicle interior, such as the indoor air temperature meter 121 and the outside air temperature meter 122. The cost of newly adding a temperature sensor for measuring the surface temperature of the can be reduced.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, the driving assistance apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the driving support apparatus according to the second embodiment. The driving support device according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the driving support device according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below, and performs the same operation as the driving support device according to the first embodiment. Do. In FIG. 5 as well, similarly to FIG. 3, the signal flow between the components is indicated by broken arrows, and the air flow between the components is indicated by solid arrows.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the driving support apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a dual-purpose outlet 250 instead of the steering outlet 152 and the driver's hand outlet 153 of the first embodiment. A steering thermometer 220 is provided instead of the indoor thermometer 121 and the outside air temperature meter 122.

  The dual-purpose outlet 250 can change the air blowing direction, so that both the steering wheel and the driver's hand can be blown. For example, the dual-purpose outlet 250 is provided with a grill for adjusting the blowing direction of the wind, and the AC controller 140 controls the louver of the grill to thereby change the blowing direction of the wind blown from the dual-purpose outlet 250. Can be changed. In this case, by directing the louver of the grill toward the driver's hand, the wind can be concentrated on the driver's hand, and the louver of the grill can be swung left and right and up and down. Thus, it is possible to diffuse and blow wind throughout the steering wheel.

  The steering thermometer 220 is installed on the steering wheel and directly measures the surface temperature of the steering wheel. The steering wheel surface temperature data measured by the steering thermometer 221 is transmitted to the AC control device 140.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the driving assistance process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a driving support process according to the second embodiment.

  In step S201, the determination reference range for determining the driver's arousal level is set as in step S101 of the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 202, the steering thermometer 220 measures the surface temperature of the steering wheel, and the measured steering wheel surface temperature data is transmitted to the AC control device 140.

  In step S203, as in step S103 of the first embodiment, the AC controller 140 determines whether or not the steering wheel surface temperature measured in step S202 is within a predetermined temperature range. When it is determined that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range, the process proceeds to step S204, whereas when it is determined that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within the predetermined temperature range, the process proceeds to step S205. .

  In step S204, since it is determined that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range, the AC controller 140 performs processing for adjusting the surface temperature of the steering wheel. In the second embodiment, the AC control device 140 controls the dual-purpose outlet 220 and changes the air blowing direction of the air blown from the dual-purpose outlet 220, so that the steering wheel surface temperature is adjusted to the entire steering wheel. The wind of the corresponding temperature is diffused and blown. Thereby, the surface temperature of the steering wheel can be set within a predetermined temperature range.

  In subsequent steps S205 to S207, as in steps S105 to S107 of the first embodiment, the driver's arousal level is detected (step S205), and it is determined whether the detected driver's arousal level is within the determination reference range. When the detected driver's arousal level is not within the determination reference range (step S206 = NO), it is determined whether or not the driver's arousal level exceeds the determination reference range. (Step S207). When the driver's arousal level exceeds the determination reference range (step S207 = YES), the process proceeds to step S209. When the driver's arousal level does not satisfy the determination standard range (step S207 = NO), the process proceeds to step S208. .

  In step S208, since the driver's arousal level is less than the determination reference range, the driver's arousal state is low, for example, the driver is considered to be sleepy. Therefore, in step S208, the driver's hand cooling process is performed by the AC control device 140 in order to guide the driver's awakening state that is low to an appropriate state. In the second embodiment, the AC control device 140 controls the dual-purpose outlet 250 so that the wind is blown from the dual-purpose outlet 250 so that the wind is concentrated on the driver's hand. The air blowing direction is adjusted, and for example, cold air of 10 ° C., which is the lowest temperature among the temperatures that stimulate the cooling sensation with skin temperature sensation, is concentrated and blown to the driver's hand. As a result, the driver's hand is stimulated by the cold air, and the driver's awakening state that is low can be guided to an appropriate state.

  On the other hand, in step S209, since the driver's arousal level exceeds the determination reference range, the driver's arousal state is high. For example, the driver is considered to be in an irritated state. Therefore, in step S209, the driver's hand thermal treatment is performed by the AC controller 140 in order to induce the driver's awakening state that is high to an appropriate state. Also in this case, similarly to step S208, the AC control device 140 controls the dual-purpose outlet 250 so that the air is blown from the dual-purpose outlet 250 so that the wind is concentrated on the driver's hand. Adjust the air blowing direction. And AC control device 140 concentrates and blows the warm air of 40 ° C which stimulates the warmth most among skin thermal sensation to a driver's hand, for example. As a result, the driver's hand is stimulated by the warm air, and the rising state of the driver can be guided to an appropriate state.

  In step S210, it is determined whether or not the ignition is off. If it is determined that the ignition is on, the process returns to step S202, and the surface temperature of the steering is detected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ignition is off, the driving support process is terminated.

  As described above, the driving support apparatus according to the second embodiment changes the wind blowing direction through the dual-purpose outlet 250 and blows air to the steering wheel and the driver's hand. Thus, in 2nd Embodiment, since it can blow with respect to a steering wheel and a driver | operator's hand only by the combined use outlet 250, in addition to the effect of 1st Embodiment, the small size of the whole apparatus. Can be achieved. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, since the surface temperature of the steering wheel can be directly measured by the steering thermometer 220, the surface temperature of the steering wheel can also be measured more accurately.

«Third embodiment»
Next, the driving assistance apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. The driving support apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the driving support apparatus according to the second embodiment, except that the dual-purpose outlet 320 is different from the dual-purpose outlet 220 according to the second embodiment. The same operation as that of the driving support apparatus according to the second embodiment is performed. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the dual-purpose outlet 320 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the dual-purpose outlet 320.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the dual-purpose outlet 320 has a steering outlet 352 for sending air to the steering wheel, and a driver's hand for sending air to the driver's hand. A blowout port 353 is formed. In addition, an electric damper 354 is provided at the driver's hand outlet 353. The operation of the electric damper 354 is controlled by the AC control device 140, and the driver's hand blowout port 353 can be opened and closed.

  Specifically, the electric damper 354 is controlled to open the driver hand outlet 353 when blowing air to the driver's hand, and as a result, as shown in FIG. In addition, wind is blown from the driver's hand blowout port 353 to the driver's hand. Note that in FIG. 7B, the blowing direction of the wind is indicated by a white arrow (the same applies to FIG. 7C). In particular, in the dual-purpose outlet 320 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the introduction portion 355 of the steering outlet 352 has a predetermined air flow direction (the direction of the white arrow). Since the wind is introduced from the opposite direction, air is not blown from the steering outlet 352 when air is blown to the driver's hand. .

  Further, the electric damper 354 is controlled so as to close the steering outlet 352 as shown in FIG. 7C when blowing air to the steering wheel. Then, the air is introduced from the steering outlet 352 to the introduction portion 355.

  As described above, the driving support device according to the third embodiment includes the dual-purpose outlet 320, and controls the electric damper 354 of the dual-purpose outlet 320 to change the outlet from which the wind is blown to the steering outlet 352. And a driver's hand blowout port 353. Thereby, in 3rd Embodiment, in addition to the effect of 2nd Embodiment, it can switch between the ventilation with respect to a Stirling wheel, and the ventilation with respect to a driver | operator's hand only by controlling the electric damper 354. In addition, it is possible to more appropriately perform the induction of the driver's arousal state and the temperature adjustment of the surface temperature of the steering wheel.

  The embodiment described above is described for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the biometric signal sensor 101, the face image capturing camera 102, the steering angle sensor 103, the lateral G sensor 104, and the traveling road image capturing camera 105 are configured to detect the driver's arousal level. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an accelerator sensor that detects the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal and a brake sensor that detects the amount of depression of the brake pedal are used to detect the driver's arousal level. Also good. In the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the biological signal sensor 101, the face image capturing camera 102, the steering angle sensor 103, the lateral G sensor 104, and the traveling road image capturing camera 105 is illustrated, but all these devices are included. The configuration is not limited, and any one or a combination of two or more of these devices may be arbitrarily selected.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, it is good also as a structure further provided with the driver | operator hand part detection apparatus for detecting a driver | operator's hand part, such as a camera which images a driver | operator's hand part. In this case, the AC control device 140 can concentrate the wind on the driver's hand detected by the driver's hand detection device, and can more smoothly guide the driver's arousal state. .

  The processing device 110 of the above-described embodiment corresponds to the arousal level detection means of the present invention, and the AC control device 140 corresponds to the temperature stimulus applying means, the temperature detection means, and the steering temperature adjustment means of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Biological signal sensor 102 ... Face image pick-up camera 103 ... Steering angle sensor 104 ... Lateral G sensor 105 ... Traveling road image pick-up camera 110 ... Processing apparatus 121 ... Indoor thermometer 122 ... Outside temperature meter 131 ... Heater core 132 ... Evaporator 140 ... AC controller 151 ... dedicated air chamber 152 ... steering outlet 153 ... driver's hand outlet 154 ... electric damper 161 ... compartment air chamber 162 ... compartment outlet 220 ... steering thermometer 250 ... dual outlet

Claims (12)

Wakefulness detection means for detecting the driver's wakefulness,
When the driver's arousal level is not within a predetermined range, the driver's arousal level is blown to the driver's hand by a wind having a first temperature corresponding to the driver's arousal level. A temperature stimulus applying means for applying a temperature stimulus to the driver so that is within the predetermined range;
Temperature detecting means for detecting the surface temperature of the steering wheel;
It is determined whether or not the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within a predetermined temperature range, and when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range, the surface temperature of the steering wheel is Steering temperature adjusting means for adjusting the surface temperature of the steering wheel so that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within the predetermined temperature range by blowing the wind of the corresponding second temperature,
The driving assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature stimulus applying means does not blow air to the driver's hand while the steering temperature adjusting means is blowing air to the steering wheel. The driving support device according to claim 1,
The steering temperature adjusting means prohibits air flow to the driver's hand by the temperature stimulus applying means and performs air flow to the steering wheel when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is not within the predetermined temperature range. A featured driving support device. The driving support device according to claim 1 or 2,
The arousal level detection means detects the driver's arousal level based on at least one of the driver's biological signal, the driver's face image, the driving operation by the driver, and the driving state of the host vehicle. A driving support device characterized by that. The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the driver's arousal level is lower than the predetermined range, the temperature stimulus applying unit blows cold air toward the driver's hand, and the driver's arousal level is higher than the predetermined range. In the case, the driving assistance device is characterized in that warm air is blown to the driver's hand. The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The temperature detecting means directly measures the surface temperature of the steering wheel. The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The driving assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature stimulus applying means and the steering temperature adjusting means are capable of blowing wind at a temperature different from that of the air conditioning of the passenger compartment for adjusting the temperature of the passenger compartment. The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The steering temperature adjusting means diffuses and blows the wind of the second temperature corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel to the steering wheel so that the wind hits the entire steering wheel. Driving assistance device. The driving support device according to claim 7 ,
The steering temperature adjusting means diffuses and blows the wind of the second temperature corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel to the steering wheel by changing the direction of blowing the wind. Driving assistance device. The driving support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The temperature stimulus applying means concentrates the wind at the first temperature according to the driver's arousal level on the driver's hand so that the wind is concentrated on the driver's hand. A driving assistance device characterized by blowing air. The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
A driver hand detecting means for detecting the driver's hand;
The temperature stimulus applying means is adapted to wind the first temperature according to the driver's arousal level to the driver's hand detected by the driver's hand detecting means. A driving support device that adjusts a direction of blowing air. It is a driving assistance device in any one of Claims 1-10 ,
The temperature stimulus imparting means blows air from the lower part of the driver's hand toward the driver's hand through a blowout port formed below the horizontal plane passing through the center of the steering wheel. A driving assistance device that mainly gives a temperature stimulus to the palm side of the driver's hand. A calculating unit and a blowing unit, detecting a driver's arousal level, and when the detected driver's arousal level is not within a predetermined range, A driving support method executed by a computer that gives a temperature stimulus to a driver so that the driver's arousal level is within a predetermined range by blowing wind at a first temperature corresponding to the awakening level. ,
Detecting the surface temperature of the scan tearing wheel, the surface temperature of the steering wheel, if not within the predetermined temperature range, the steering wheel, blowing wind of a second temperature corresponding to the surface temperature of the steering wheel By adjusting the surface temperature of the steering wheel so that the surface temperature of the steering wheel is within the predetermined temperature range,
The driving support method according to claim 1, wherein air is not blown to the driver's hand while the steering wheel is being blown .

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