18544749. DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE METHOD simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE METHOD

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Masataka Sano of Tokyo-to (JP)

Koichiro Yamauchi of Tokyo-to (JP)

Takuya Sakata of Tokyo-to (JP)

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18544749 titled 'DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE METHOD

Simplified Explanation

The driver assistance system described in the patent application includes a detector, a navigator, a stimulator, and a voice interactor. The detector identifies when the driver is becoming drowsy or driving absentmindedly. The navigator guides the vehicle using map data. The stimulator provides stimulation to the driver to help maintain alertness. The voice interactor communicates with the driver through voice commands. The system can suggest rest stops based on the driver's condition and provide navigation to these locations, as well as recommend stimulation to keep the driver awake until reaching the rest stop.

• Detector identifies driver fatigue or absent-minded driving
• Navigator guides vehicle based on map information
• Stimulator provides stimulation to driver
• Voice interactor communicates with driver through voice commands
• System suggests rest stops and provides navigation to these locations
• System recommends stimulation to keep driver awake until reaching the rest stop

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in various industries such as automotive, transportation, and logistics to enhance driver safety and prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving.

Problems Solved

This technology addresses the issue of driver fatigue and absent-minded driving, which can lead to accidents and fatalities on the road.

Benefits

- Improved driver safety - Prevention of accidents caused by drowsy driving - Enhanced alertness and focus while driving

Potential Commercial Applications

"Driver Assistance System for Enhanced Safety and Alertness" could be used in commercial vehicles, long-haul transportation, and fleet management companies to ensure driver safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be existing driver assistance systems that provide alerts for lane departure or collision warnings but may not specifically address driver fatigue or absent-minded driving.

How does the system differentiate between driver fatigue and absent-minded driving?

The system may use a combination of sensors and algorithms to analyze driver behavior and physiological indicators to distinguish between the two states.

What types of stimulation does the stimulator provide to the driver?

The stimulator may offer various forms of stimulation such as vibrations, audio alerts, or visual cues to help keep the driver awake and alert.

Original Abstract Submitted

The driver assistance system comprises a detector, a navigator, a stimulator, and a voice interactor. The detector detects wakefulness reduction of a driver or absent-minded driving by the driver. The navigator navigates a vehicle based on map information. The stimulator continuously or intermittently applies stimulation to the driver. The voice interactor interacts with the driver by voice. The navigator searches for a resting facility on a route from the map information in response to a detection of the wakefulness reduction or the absent-minded driving. The voice interactor executes a first interaction of proposing navigation to the resting facility by the navigator in response to the detection of the wakefulness reduction or the absent-minded driving, and executes a second interaction of proposing application of stimulation by the stimulator after an execution of the first interaction and during a period until the vehicle arrives at the resting facility.