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Title:
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING POSITION OF HANDS ON A STEERING WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/002972
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A method for assessing the position of driver's hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle comprises the steps of receiving image data on the position of driver's hands from a sensor for detecting the position of driver's hands; receiving data on the speed of the vehicle and the speed of turning from the global positioning system sensor; receiving data on the time and date of data collection from a real-time clock; evaluating the image data transmitted from the sensor for detecting the position of the hands in a processing unit of the device; assessing an assessment DQ of the adequate position of hands in the processing unit of the device based on the basic assessment SQ, which is determined by the number and position of the segments, and the driving factor which depends on the way of driving; transmitting the data to the external processing unit; deleting the data in the processing unit of the device; analysing the data transmitted from the database in the external processing unit.

Inventors:
PODVRŠIČ BOŠTJAN (SI)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/054845
Publication Date:
January 02, 2020
Filing Date:
June 29, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TIBOPO D O O (SI)
International Classes:
B60K28/02; B60K35/00; B60K28/10; B60K37/06; B60W40/08; B62D1/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO2001094188A12001-12-13
Foreign References:
US20110115617A12011-05-19
FR3039494A12017-02-03
DE202014004917U12014-07-14
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PATENTNA PISARNA D.O.O., MARJANCA GOLMAJER ZIMA (SI)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. A method for assessing the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle, wherein the method comprises the steps:

- receiving image data on the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel (21) from a sensor (31) for detecting the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel (21) of a vehicle,

- receiving data on the speed (v) of the vehicle and the speed (w) of turning from a global positioning system sensor (32),

- receiving data on the time (t) and date (d) of data collection from a real-time clock (35);

- evaluating the image data transmitted from the sensor (31) for detecting the position of hands in a processing unit (33) of a device (30) based on a deviation from a pre-entered average value of illumination of the steering wheel (21) with the aim of determining the number and position of the segments (Sn) on the steering wheel (21),

- determining an assessment (DQ) of the adequate position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel (21) in the processing unit (33) of the device (30) based on a basic assessment (SQ) which is determined by the number and position of segments (Sn) and the driving factor p which depends on the way of driving,

- transmitting the assessment (DQ) on the adequate position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel (21), the basic assessment (SQ), the time (t) and the date (d) to an external processing unit (40);

- deleting the data in the processing unit (33) of the device (30);

- analysing the data transmitted from the database (34) in the external processing unit (40) by means of an analysis algorithm.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (31) for detecting a position of driver’s hands detects an area (R) which is of rectangular shape and covers the steering wheel and is larger than the area of the steering wheel (21) but not extending over the area that the driver controls during a normal drive.

3. Method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the steering wheel (21) is divided into segments (Sn).

4. Method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the data (DQ, SQ, v, w, t, d), once they have been transmitted to the external processing unit (40), are deleted from the database (33) of the device (30).

5. Method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the data are statistically analysed in the external processing unit (40).

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (31) for detecting a position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel (21) detects a 2D shape and is a camera.

7. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (31) for detecting a position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel (21) detects a 3D shape.

8. A system (10) for assessing the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel, which comprises the device (30) and the external processing unit (40) and is conceived in a way to perform the steps of the method according to claims 1 to 5.

9. A device (30) for carrying out the method for assessing the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel according to claims 1 to 7, which comprises

- a sensor (31) for detecting the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel (21) of a vehicle in the form of a camera, - a global positioning system (GPS) sensor (32) that records speed (v) and speed (w) of turning,

- a real time clock (35) that records the time (t) and date (d) of data capturing,

- a processing unit (33),

- a database (34).

10. A computer readable medium including a computer program product for controlling and assessing the position of hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle, wherein the computer program product comprises a code for implementing the steps of the method according to any of claims 1 to 5.

Description:
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING POSITION OF HANDS ON A STEERING WHEEL OF A VEHICLE

Object of Invention

The object of the invention refers to a method and a system for controlling and assessing two-hand steering of a vehicle.

Technical Problem

The technical problem is to conceive a method and a system for controlling and assessing two-hand steering of a vehicle with the aim of improving road traffic safety, wherein the method and the system can be arranged into any vehicle without any modifications being performed in the vehicle, wherein the method will not be based on indirect detection of a certain distraction of a driver. At the same time, the method and the system must be conceived in a way not to encroach upon privacy protection of the driver.

Prior Art

A driver steers a vehicle with a steering wheel. To have the best possible control of the vehicle, particularly to control the position of front wheels, a driver must hold a steering wheel in a position identical to the position of clock’s hands quarter-to-three. The steering wheels of vehicles are adapted to this position of the hands, thus a better grip and a simple control of other systems in the vehicles are enabled, such as lamps, wipers, and others. Despite their awareness of the proper position of their hands on a steering wheel, the drivers frequently have their hands placed differently; they hold the steering wheel with one hand only or even drive in a way that none of the hands has contact with the steering wheel. As an incorrect position of hands does not allow a good control of the vehicle, it is very unacceptable and particularly dangerous in critical and unforeseen situations and can be a cause for an accident. Drivers’ negative habits concerning holding of a steering wheel can have a negative impact on road traffic safety. An improper position of hands on a steering wheel can be a result of distracted driving, specifically performance of other functions not related to driving, e. g. use of a cell phone, eating and other. Distractions of this type are often subject to sanctions. Nevertheless, it is nowadays desired to improve road traffic safety with preventative and educational measures and not only punishment. Education has a long-term impact on drivers and eliminates negative causes. This is of particular importance for professional drivers who represent a huge share of road users.

Two-hand steering of a vehicle is frequently assessed by detecting attention distractions that cause the driver to loosen his contact with the steering wheel or even let it go. There are known systems which detect and assess a drive by detecting a certain distraction and warn the driver immediately when the distraction has been detected.

EP 3015055 Al (Andreoni et al.) discloses a system for monitoring a driver and his psychophysical properties by way of sensors integrated in specially conceived gloves that the driver must put on. These sensors detect physical values of the physiological parameters of a driver, which are then transmitted by a processing unit arranged in the gloves either by way of conductive elements embedded in the steering wheel or in a wireless manner to a second processing unit, in which the parameters are adequately processed, compared to known average values, and analysed. A downside of the described solution is a driver’s need to put on special gloves which can make driving uncomfortable and the fact that special elements need to be integrated in the steering wheel. Any modifications performed in the steering wheel are not allowed and may be performed only by the manufacturer during the vehicle manufacture.

EP 3219256 Al (Nagiub) discloses a method and a system, in which pressure sensors are integrated in the steering wheel at locations which are likely to be held. The system determines the driver’s capability for driving based on the measured pressure values. A drawback of this system is a need to perform a modification in the steering wheel, which may only be performed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Methods are known that divert a driver from certain distractions by way of a certain app that the driver uploads to his cell phone. The app disables operation of a certain smart device, e. g. a cell phone. A downsize of such system is the fact that it only solves the problem of one distraction that occurs during a ride, i. e. use of a cell phone. There is a further drawback, namely that the driver cannot receive any phone call.

Solution to the Technical Problem

The technical problem is solved by the method and system for controlling two-hand steering of a vehicle, which obtain data on the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel by a sensor for assessing the position of hands. The parameters of a drive are simultaneously recorded, such as time and date, vehicle speed, direction of driving. The information from the sensor for detecting the position of hands is analysed and evaluated under the consideration of the measured parameters. A driver’s profile of hand placement is determined and the quality of driving is assessed based on statistical analyses of the driver’s profiles of hand placement, wherein the collection of data is subject to limitations, consequently the field of privacy safety is not violated.

The method for assessing the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle comprises the steps of receiving image data on the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel from a sensor for detecting the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel of a vehicle; receiving data on the speed of the vehicle and the speed of turning from the global positioning system sensor; receiving data on the time and date of data collection from a real-time clock; evaluating the image data transmitted from the sensor for detecting the position of hands in a processing unit of the device based on a deviation from a pre-entered average value of illumination of the steering wheel with the aim of determining the number and position of the segments on the steering wheel; assessing an estimate DQ of the adequate position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel in the processing unit of the device based on the basic assessment SQ, which is determined by the number and position of the segments, and the driving factor which depends on the way of driving; transmitting the assessment DQ of the adequate position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel, the basic estimate, the time and the date to an external processing unit; deleting the data in the processing unit of the device; analysing the data transmitted from the database in the external processing unit by means of an analysis algorithm.

The sensor for detecting a position of driver’s hands detects an area R which is of rectangular shape and covers the steering wheel and is larger than the area of the steering wheel but not extending over the area that the driver controls during a normal drive. The steering wheel is divided into segments.

After having been transmitted to the external processing unit, the data transmitted are deleted from the database of the device. The transmitted data are statistically analysed in the external processing unit.

The system for assessing the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle comprises a device for assessing the position of driver’s hands and an external processing unit and is conceived in a way to perform the steps of the method for assessing the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel.

The device for carrying out the method for assessing a position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle comprises a sensor for detecting a position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel in 2D or 3D form; a global positioning system (GPS) sensor that records the speed of the vehicle, the speed of turning; a real time clock that records the time and date of data capturing; a processing unit; a database. A further characteristic is a computer readable medium including a computer program product for the control of a two-hand steering of a vehicle, wherein the computer program product comprises a code for implementing the steps of the method.

The device which is part of the system for controlling two-hand steering of a vehicle is mountable into a vehicle, more precisely into a vehicle cabin, without substantial modifications performed in the vehicle as such. The installation of the device does not change the characteristics of the vehicle, this is why the device is mountable into any vehicle either a passenger vehicle or a freight vehicle. The device does not present any obstacle to a driver while driving and is preferably arranged behind the driver outside of his field of vision.

The method and the device are preferably not meant for active operation, i. e. continuous notification of the driver about his way of driving, and are therefore not disturbing for the driver.

Because of the way how the data are processed, the method for the control of two- hand steering of a vehicle does not provide for storing the data or the reversibility of the data, based on which personal data of the driver could be identified.

The invention will be described hereinbelow in more detail by way of an embodiment and a drawing representing in

Fig. 1 Schematic illustration of the system for carrying out the method for the control of two-hand steering of a vehicle.

The invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the method for the control of two-hand steering of a vehicle. A driver steers a vehicle with a steering wheel. To have the best possible control of the vehicle, a driver is recommended to hold a steering wheel in a position identical to a position of clock’s hands quarter-to- three. The drivers often assume a different position of their hands; they hold the steering wheel with one hand only or even drive in a way that none of the hands has contact with the steering wheel.

The method for the control of the position of hands on a steering wheel of a vehicle is carried out within a vehicle cabin, preferably in the area of the driver by means of a device 30 for assessing the position of driver’s hands and an external processing unit 40.

A system 10 for controlling and assessing the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel 21 comprises the device 30 arranged in a cabin of a vehicle 20, preferably behind the driver, and the external processing unit 40.

The device 30 for controlling and assessing the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel 21 of a vehicle comprises a sensor 31 for detecting a position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel 21 in a 2D or 3D form. In this embodiment, the sensor 31 for detecting the position of hands is in the form of a camera. The camera 31 detects the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel 21 at predetermined time intervals and transmits it in the form of image data to a processing unit 33 which is also part of the device 30. The camera 31 in the vehicle detects an area R which is preferably in the form of a rectangle and covers the steering wheel and is larger than the area of the steering wheel 21 in order to capture all possible positions of the steering wheel 21. However, the area R does not extend over the area that the driver controls during a normal drive.

The steering wheel 21 is divided into segments S n , the number of which depends on the required precision. The size of a segment S n is preferably identical to the smallest part of a driver’s hand that can be reliably detected, a driver’s thumb. In fact, holding a steering wheel with a thumb is a frequent position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel. The recommended area of holding the steering wheel 31 is in the area of the position of clock hands“quarter-to-three” and comprises areas O L and O D The area O L which is located on the left side of a steering wheel comprises 1/4 of segments, preferably 1/8 of segments S n with a central segment being at“quarter- to”; the area O D which is located on the right side of a steering wheel comprises 1/4 of segments, preferably 1/8 of segments S n with a central segment being at“three o’clock”.

The device 30 further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) sensor 32 that records the speed v of a vehicle and the speed w of turning, and transmits these data to a processing unit 33. Time t and date d of data capturing are recorded by a real time clock 35 (RTC) and the latter transmits these data directly to a database 34, in which the data are temporarily stored.

Both the sensor 31 for detecting the position of driver’s hands on a steering wheel 21 and the global positioning system sensor 32 can be arranged in the vehicle outside the device 30, while they still remain its constituent part.

The processing unit 33 evaluates the image data transmitted by the sensor 31 for detecting the position of hands in the form of a camera on the basis of deviation from a previously entered average value of illumination of a steering wheel 21, based on the average value, and determines the number and position of segments S n , on which the driver’s hands are positioned. The number N of identified segments S n can be N = 0, 1, 2, 3 or more, it depends on the position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel 21.

The global positioning system sensor 32 transmits the data on the speed v of the vehicle and the speed w of turning to the processing unit 33. If the speed v of the vehicle lies below the predetermined minimum speed v mm, the processing unit 33 does not perform an assessment of the position of driver’s hands. The minimum speed V min is defined as the speed of a vehicle, at which a correct position of hands is irrelevant or impossible. If the speed w of turning exceeds the predetermined maximum angular velocity co max , it means that the driver operates his vehicle within a small radius which can make the recommended position of the hands impossible. In such an event, the way of driving, which is expressed by a factor p of driving and will be explained hereinbelow, does not impact the assessment of the position of hands on the steering wheel.

The processing unit 33 uses an algorithm to determine the basic assessment SQ of the position of hands on the steering wheel from the number N and the position of certain segments S n . The basic assessment SQ has a value between SQ mm and SQ max , in the embodiment SQ min =0 and SQ max =l00. If the number of certain segments N=0, it means that the driver is not holding the steering wheel at all. Driving in this way can be very dangerous, this is why the assessment is minimal, in the embodiment SQ=0. If the number of certain segments N=l, it means that the driver is holding the steering wheel with one hand only. Such driving can be risky, this is why the basic assessment SQ is reduced, in the embodiment SQ=33. If the number of certain segments is N>3, it means that the driver is leaning with both of his hands on the steering wheel or has his hands in a different improper position; this means risky driving and a considerably reduced control over the vehicle. Such driving is not appropriate, this is why the basic assessment SQ is reduced, in the embodiment SQ=33. If the number of certain segments is l<N<4, the position of segments S n on the steering wheel is important. If a certain segment S n lies in both areas O L and O D , the position of driver’s hands is identified as ideal, the basic assessment is maximum SQ max , in the embodiment SQ=l00. If a segment S n is not identified in any of the areas O L and O D , it means that the steering wheel is being held with two hands, yet not in an ideal position. The basic assessment SQ is hence reduced, in the embodiment SQ=66.

When a driver is driving more rapidly, for instance at a speed outside of settlements or when accelerating, a control over a vehicle and over the position of the front wheels is of utter importance. This is why speed v of the vehicle and also acceleration dv are taken into consideration when assessing the position of hands on a steering wheel and are expressed in a factor p of driving. An algorithm in the processing unit 33 compares the values of the speed v and the acceleration dv with previously entered values and a factor p of driving is determined. The factor p of driving assumes the values 0<p<l, wherein p=0 in the event of acceleration and p=l in the event of the position of hands in the area of the ideal position or if the speed w of turning exceeds

®max·

Based on the basic assessment SQ of hand’s position and the factor p of driving, an assessment DQ of the adequate position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel 21 is generated and assumes the values between DQ mm and DQ max , wherein the assessment DQmin represents dangerous driving such as driving without hands and/or poor position of hands during an accelerated drive, in the embodiment, the assessment DQ min =0, the assessment DQ max represents a drive when the hands are on the steering wheel in the ideal position, in the embodiment the assessment DQ max =l00.

The processing unit 33 transmits the assessment DQ on the adequate position of driver’s hands on the steering wheel together with the basic assessment SQ to the database 34, where these data are temporarily stored together with the data on time t and date d. Once the data SQ and DQ have been transmitted to the database 34, said data in the processing unit 33 are deleted. The data are transmitted from the database 34 via communication interface via safe wireless connection to an external database of the external processing unit 40. The data are transmitted preferably within a domestic internet network, which additionally contributes to a safety of data. Once said data are transmitted from the internal database 34 to the external database of the external processing unit 40, they are deleted in the internal database 34. The external processing unit 40 performs an analysis based on the transmitted data and by using a statistic algorithm; the result of the analysis is a driver’s profile of the position of his hands, which is stored in the external database and displayed in any known way understandable to a normal user - driver in the form of an average assessment, a histogram, a position arrangement or the like. A statistical analysis can be performed in a desired time interval, daily, weekly, monthly.

As the data are deleted immediately after having been processed in a certain unit, personal data are protected and any misuse of these data in the form of reversibility is herewith prevented.