JP7604319B2 - Driving ability assessment system and method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a driving ability assessment system and method for assessing a subject's driving ability from the perspective of higher brain disorders.

Patent Document 1 discloses a driving simulator that allows a person with a higher brain dysfunction to experience various virtual driving environments. The driving simulator in Patent Document 1 also tests the driving operation ability and the state of the higher brain dysfunction based on the virtual driving performed by the person with a higher brain dysfunction in a simulated drive.

Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a driving ability evaluation system that evaluates the driving ability of a person with a higher brain dysfunction to the extent that the person is able to operate the equipment installed in the vehicle inside and outside the vehicle (e.g. opening and closing the doors, adjusting the seat position, braking) and to check the vehicle (e.g. checking the four corners of the vehicle) while the vehicle is stopped.

JP 2016-64097 A JP 2018-205578 A JP 2018-205579 A

Patent Document 1 only comprehensively discloses that a driving simulator is used to test people with higher brain dysfunction, but does not disclose specifically what is to be done or in what order.

Patent documents 2 and 3 only evaluate the subject's ability to operate and check a real vehicle that is stopped, and the items that can be evaluated are limited.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a driving ability assessment system and method that can comprehensively assess a subject's vehicle driving ability and accurately determine whether or not the subject can return to driving.

The driving ability evaluation system of the present invention comprises:
A driving ability evaluation system for evaluating a subject's driving ability for a vehicle using a driving simulator having an input interface and an output interface,
an operation ability testing unit that tests the operation ability of the subject related to the evaluation of higher brain dysfunction for the operation device of the vehicle by having the subject operate a simulated operation device of the driving simulator prior to the virtual driving by the subject in the driving simulator;
A sensory function testing unit that tests a sensory function related to an evaluation of the higher brain dysfunction of the subject prior to the subject's virtual driving in the driving simulator;
a virtual driving environment output unit that outputs a virtual driving environment related to an evaluation of a higher brain dysfunction to an output interface of the driving simulator after the tests by the operation ability test unit and the sensory function test unit are completed;
An evaluation information storage unit that grasps and stores evaluation information on a plurality of evaluation items related to the evaluation of the higher brain dysfunction for the subject based on the virtual driving by the subject in the virtual driving environment output by the virtual driving environment output unit;
Equipped with.

The driving ability evaluation method of the present invention includes:
1. A computer-implemented driving ability evaluation method for evaluating a subject's driving ability for a vehicle using a driving simulator having an input interface and an output interface, comprising:
An operation ability testing step of having the subject operate a simulated operation device of the driving simulator to test the subject's operation ability related to the evaluation of higher brain dysfunction for the operation device of the vehicle;
A sensory function testing step of testing a sensory function related to the evaluation of the higher brain dysfunction for the subject;
a virtual driving environment output step of outputting a virtual driving environment related to an evaluation of a higher brain dysfunction to an output interface of the driving simulator after the completion of the tests in the operation ability test step and the sensory function test step;
An evaluation information storage step of grasping and storing evaluation information on a plurality of evaluation items related to the evaluation of the higher brain dysfunction for the subject based on the virtual driving by the subject in the virtual driving environment outputted in the virtual driving environment output step;
Includes.

According to the present invention, after the driving simulator has completed testing of the subject's ability to operate vehicle operation devices and sensory functions, which are related to the evaluation of higher brain dysfunction, a virtual driving environment related to higher brain dysfunction is output to the output interface of the driving simulator, and the subject performs virtual driving in the virtual driving environment by operating the simulated operation devices of the driving simulator. Then, based on the subject's virtual driving, evaluation information on multiple evaluation items related to higher brain dysfunction for the subject is grasped and retained. In this way, based on the retained evaluation information, it is possible to comprehensively evaluate the driving ability of a person with higher brain dysfunction, and accurately determine whether or not they can return to driving.

1 is an overall view of a driving ability evaluation system. FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of the main parts of the driving ability evaluation system. This is a flowchart showing the schedule for a subject who has developed a high-level functional disorder to return to driving a vehicle in accordance with a doctor's diagnosis at a medical institution. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the evaluation using a driving simulator in the steps of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing types of city driving provided to a subject in the city driving step of FIG. 4 . FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the types of risk prediction experiences in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart of the risk prediction experience of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing types of driving experiences by environment in FIG. 4. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the long drive of FIG. 5 . 6 is a detailed flowchart of the integrated learning experience of FIG. 5. 9B is a detailed flow chart of the running steps of FIG. 9A. 13 is a diagram showing sheet information of driving ability measurement results created by the driving simulator or the server based on the evaluation results of the examiner's evaluation of the subject. FIG.

Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition to the following embodiments, the present invention encompasses various configurations within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

(The whole system)
1 is an overall view of a driving ability evaluation system 10. The driving ability evaluation system 10 is a system for evaluating the recovery of driving ability required for a subject 11, who has a higher brain dysfunction and is returning to driving a vehicle 12 (e.g., a standard four-wheeled vehicle) while undergoing a prescribed rehabilitation.

Subject 11 has suffered a stroke (P1) and is currently prohibited from driving vehicle 12. The license center provides driving aptitude consultation to subject 11 (P2). Based on the driving aptitude consultation, subject 11 undergoes a medical examination by a doctor at a designated medical institution and is issued a medical certificate (P3). Based on the doctor's certificate, a decision is made as to whether subject 11 should resume driving vehicle 12, or whether the driving certificate should be put on hold or returned (P4).

When returning to driving, the subject 11 must have a doctor issue a medical certificate stating that the subject is able to resume driving. The doctor will create the medical certificate based on the evaluation information provided by the examiner regarding the specified evaluation items in the driving ability measurement results 55 (Figure 10) described below.

Terminals Te2, Te3, and Te4 are deployed at license centers, medical institutions, and locations where driving is resumed, suspended, or returned, respectively. The driving simulator 15 includes terminal Te5. Terminals Te2 to Te5 and server 17 can freely send and receive data to each other via the Internet 19. Server 17 has a built-in calculation element 16, and stores data such as evaluation information (described below) in an external database 18.

Figure 2 is a detailed diagram of the main parts of the driving ability evaluation system 10. The driving simulator 15 is installed indoors in a specified facility where an examiner (described later) can be present during the virtual driving of the subject 11.

The driving simulator 15 itself is not a specialized one used for evaluating higher brain dysfunction, but a general-purpose one that can be installed in the home of the subject 11. A specific app is implemented in the driving simulator 15 for use as the driving simulator 15 of the driving ability evaluation system 10. A driving simulator 15 that does not have the specific app implemented can implement various driving apps (including driving apps for games) that are not related to the evaluation of higher brain dysfunction and can run those apps.

The table 20 and chair 21 are general-purpose indoor furniture products and are used as equipment for installing the driving simulator 15. When performing virtual driving in the driving simulator 15, the subject 11 sits on the chair 21 while facing the table 20.

The driving simulator 15 includes a terminal Te5, a display unit 25, a steering wheel 26, an accelerator pedal 27, and a brake pedal 28. The terminal Te5 and the display unit 25 are, for example, the main body and display of a general-purpose desktop personal computer, respectively.

The steering wheel 26, accelerator pedal 27, and brake pedal 28 are also commercially available. The steering wheel 26, accelerator pedal 27, and brake pedal 28 constitute the simulated operation devices of the driving simulator 15. The terminal Te5 has, as hardware 30, an input interface 31, a calculation element 32, and an output interface 33.

The input interface 31 is specifically a simulated operating device for the steering wheel 26, the accelerator pedal 27, and the brake pedal 28. The output interface 33 is specifically a display unit 25. The display unit 25 is an output interface that outputs images as the visual environment part of the virtual driving environment described below.

A speaker can be added as an output interface 33. In this case, the speaker becomes an output interface that outputs sound as part of the auditory environment of the virtual driving environment.

The software 36 is implemented in the terminal Te5 or the server 17. The software 36 includes an operation ability inspection unit 38, a sensory function inspection unit 39, a virtual driving environment output unit 40, an evaluation information storage unit 41, and an evaluation information presentation unit 42. The operation ability inspection unit 38, the sensory function inspection unit 39, the virtual driving environment output unit 40, the evaluation information storage unit 41, and the evaluation information presentation unit 42 do not all need to be implemented in either the terminal Te or the server 17, but some may be implemented in the terminal Te and the rest in the server 17. Therefore, the software 36 is executed by one or both of the calculation element 32 of the driving simulator 15 and the calculation element 16 of the server 17.

In the driving ability evaluation system 10, the hardware 30 of the terminal Te5 and the software 36 of the terminal Te5 or the server 17 work together to execute the functions. Specifically, as the calculation element 16 or 32 executes the software 36, the functional elements of the software 36 (operation ability test unit 38, sensory function test unit 39, virtual driving environment output unit 40, evaluation information storage unit 41, and evaluation information presentation unit 42) output from the output interface 33, and achieve the functions of the functional elements of the software 36 that require output to the subject 11 or the examiner. In addition, for functions that require input from the subject 11 or the examiner, the calculation element 16 receives input from the input interface 31 and achieves the functions.

(Schedule for reinstatement of medical certificate)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a schedule for a subject 11 who has developed a high-level functional disorder to return to driving a vehicle 12 in accordance with a medical certificate issued by a doctor at a medical institution.

Steps S30 to S32 are tests performed on the subject 11 in a department related to high-functioning disorders within a medical institution, such as a rehabilitation department or an ophthalmology department. Step S33 is an evaluation performed on the subject 11 using a driving simulator 15. Step S33 may be performed in a rehabilitation department within a medical institution, or it can be performed at a driving school, health facility, driving school, or even at home if a driving simulator 15 is available.

The inspector who performs the evaluation can access the driving simulator 15 by remote access and watch the virtual driving performed by the subject 11 from his/her own terminal. In addition, the inspector does not need to monitor the virtual driving of the subject 11 online, and can store the replay information of the virtual driving performed by the subject 11 in a storage device such as the driving simulator 15 or the server 17, and reproduce the replay information offline to evaluate each of the multiple evaluation items.

The driving ability evaluation systems of Patent Documents 2 and 3 relate to the evaluation in step S34. In the evaluation in step S35, the subject 11 is evaluated by actually driving a real vehicle on the driving course at the driving school.

The evaluations in steps S30 to S35 are used as a basis for a doctor to determine whether the subject 11 has recovered a certain level of driving ability, assuming that the subject 11 has a higher brain dysfunction, in order to prepare a prescribed medical certificate. The driving ability evaluation system 10 may cover all of steps S30 to S35, or may be specialized in implementing step S33, as in this embodiment.

In step S30, the physical functions of the subject 11 are evaluated. In step S31, a neuropsychological test (TMT: Trail Making Test) or the like is performed on the subject 11. In step S32, a visual function test is performed on the subject 11. Specifically, this is a visual field test performed in an ophthalmology clinic using a Goldmann or other perimeter.

In step S33, an evaluation is performed on the driving ability evaluation system 10 using a driving simulator 15. In step S34, an evaluation is performed on the subject 11 using a stopped vehicle (an actual vehicle in a stopped state). In step S35, the subject 11 is made to drive an actual vehicle at a driving school or the like, and the driving ability is evaluated.

(Evaluation of evaluation items in a driving simulator)
Fig. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the evaluation by the driving simulator 15 in step S33 in Fig. 3. Steps S40 to S42 are performed with the subject 11 sitting in the chair 21 serving as a virtual driver's seat and facing the display unit 25.

The flowchart in FIG. 4 is also a flowchart of a driving ability evaluation method. The steps in FIG. 4 are performed by one or both of the terminal Te4 and the server 17 as a computer.

Step S40 is performed by the operation ability inspection unit 38. Step S41 is performed by the sensory function inspection unit 39. Step S42 is performed by the virtual driving environment output unit 40, the evaluation information storage unit 41, and the evaluation information presentation unit 42.

In step S40, the subject 11 immediately depresses the accelerator pedal 27 and brake pedal 28 as simulated operating devices in response to an instruction to start operating that suddenly appears on the display unit 25, which is one of the output interfaces 33. From the time it takes to depress the pedals a predetermined amount, the reaction of the vehicle 12 as operating devices, specifically the reaction speed of the accelerator pedal and brake pedal (the time required from when the subject 11 receives an instruction to start operating until when he actually starts operating) is inspected (measured).

In step S41, the subject 11 is tested for his/her effective visual field as a sensory function necessary when driving the vehicle 12. Specifically, the effective visual field is tested based on the extent to which the subject 11 can see the mark displayed on the display unit 25 (the two end positions of the maximum visual range of the subject 11).

In step S42, the driving ability assessment system 10 is executed for the subject 11 to drive in urban areas as a virtual driving environment on the driving simulator 15. In detail, an image of the virtual driving environment of driving in urban areas is output from the display unit 25, which is one of the output interfaces 33.

The screen displayed on the display unit 25 includes an image of the view ahead from the driver's seat of the virtual vehicle driven by the subject 11. The image includes environmental images such as other passing vehicles, pedestrians, intersections, buildings, and traffic lights, in addition to the road along which the virtual vehicle driven by the subject 11 is traveling.

Based on the proceeding instructions from the driving simulator 15, the subject 11 operates the display unit 25, steering wheel 26, accelerator pedal 27, and brake pedal 28 as simulated operation devices to move the virtual vehicle forward while staying on the instructed road and driving safely. The image on the display unit 25 changes its deployment speed according to the traveling speed of the virtual vehicle. The traveling speed of the virtual vehicle is controlled according to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 27 and brake pedal 28 by the subject 11.

Figure 5 shows the types of urban driving provided to the subject 11 in the urban driving step of Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, urban driving includes four types: risk prediction experience, environmental driving experience, long drive, and comprehensive learning experience.

As the subject 11 recovers his/her ability to drive the vehicle 12, he/she progresses through the hazard prediction experience, driving experience in different environments, long drives, and general learning experience.

The type of urban driving to be performed on the subject 11 is determined based on the locality where the subject 11 lives (the local environment in which the subject 11 will drive the vehicle 12 after returning to driving) and the subject 11's medical condition. The hospital that prepares the medical certificate may decide the type of urban driving on its own. In hospitals that perform a large number of urban driving tasks on the subject 11, the hospital may predetermine driving routes for each type and ask the examiner to evaluate the driving ability of the evaluation information storage unit 41 for the determined driving routes in the evaluation items.

Figure 6A shows the types of risk prediction experiences in Figure 5. There are three types of risk prediction experiences for urban driving: "beginner," "intermediate," and "advanced." The higher the level, the more skilled the driving ability of the subject 11 is required to be.

In the "Beginner" level, the subject 11 drives in urban areas with only safe oncoming vehicles, i.e., oncoming vehicles that stay in their lanes. The "Beginner" level is intended to help the subject 11 get used to driving in urban areas with the driving simulator 15.

At "Intermediate" level, "Caution Scenes" are included for driving in urban areas. At "Advanced" level, "Danger Scenes" are added to the "Caution Scenes".

There are a total of 10 evaluation items for the risk prediction experience: five for cognition and judgment evaluation items in step S63 and five for driving and operation evaluation items in step S64.

The assessment items for cognition and judgment are as follows:
- Did you understand the signs and markings? - Did you predict the shadows of vehicles and blind spots? - Did you carry out a safety check? - Did you understand the situation in advance? - Did you judge the situation appropriately?

The evaluation items for driving and operation are as follows:
- Did you maintain a safe distance? - Was your driving position (driving line) appropriate? - Was your signal timing appropriate? - Did you control your speed appropriately? - Did you brake reliably?

The inspector will score each evaluation item with 1 point if it is good and 0 point if it is bad.

Figure 6B is a flowchart of the risk prediction experience in Figure 5. When the subject 11 performs virtual driving for the risk prediction experience in the driving simulator 15, an examiner is present to score the subject 11's virtual driving for each evaluation item.

In step S61, the inspector selects a course (type) from "Beginner," "Intermediate," and "Advanced."

In step S62, the subject 11 starts driving the course selected in step S61. Specifically, the calculation element 32 of the driving simulator 15 or the calculation element 16 of the server 17 outputs a virtual driving environment of urban driving on the selected course from the input interface 31. In response, the subject 11 operates simulated operation devices such as the steering wheel 26, accelerator pedal 27, and brake pedal 28 to drive the virtual car along the road displayed on the display unit 25 without causing an accident.

In step S63, the examiner scores the cognitive and judgment abilities of the subject 11 based on the subject 11's driving. The cognitive and judgment abilities of the subject 11 are evaluation items related to the evaluation of the subject 11's driving ability.

In step S64, the examiner scores the driving and operation abilities of the subject 11 based on the driving of the subject 11. The cognitive and operation abilities of the subject 11 are evaluation items related to the evaluation of the driving ability of the subject 11.

The scoring results of steps S63 and S64 are input via an examiner's terminal (not shown) or a keyboard (not shown) included in the input interface 31 of the driving simulator 15. The input scoring results are stored as evaluation information in the storage device of the driving simulator 15, or are sent to the server 17 and then stored in the database 18.

In step S65, the scores given by the examiner for each evaluation item of the risk prediction experience are tallied. The scores are tallied by the driving simulator 15 or the server 17. The results of the tallying are also stored as evaluation information in the storage device or database 18 of the driving simulator 15.

In steps S63 and S64, each item is scored out of 10. The pass marks for each level in the risk prediction experience are set, for example, as follows:
Beginner: Pass with 7 points or more Intermediate: Pass with 8 points or more Advanced: Pass with 9 points or more

In the driving experience conducted after the hazard prediction experience, the environment-specific driving experience (Figure 7) will be conducted only by those who have passed the advanced hazard prediction experience. The long drive (Figure 8) will be conducted only by those who have passed the environment-specific driving experience.

Figure 7 shows the types of driving experiences by environment in Figure 4. Four environments are available: "highway," "rain," "snow," and "night."

"Expressway" is driving on expressways, and two courses are available. "Rain" is driving in urban areas when it is raining, and one course is available. "Snow" is driving in urban areas when it is snowing, and two courses are available. "Night" is driving in urban areas at night, and one course is available.

Figure 8 is a detailed flowchart of the long drive in Figure 5. In step S81, one of three types of urban driving, A, B, or C, is selected, and the refresh zone is selected to be a long distance of 10 minutes or more, or a short distance of 5 minutes. Although it is called a short distance here, a short distance is also defined as a long drive. In other words, a long drive is a virtual driving environment in which multiple urban driving is connected with suburban driving (refresh zone) in between.

Urban driving A, B, C includes long distances A1, B1, C1 and short distances A2, B2, C3. When long distance is selected in step S81, one of A1, B1, C1 is selected in step S82. When short distance is selected in step S81, one of A2, B2, C2 is selected in step S83.

In step S84, the virtual driving environment for urban driving is output from the output interface 33 of the driving simulator 15 in accordance with the selection made in steps S82 and S83.

The long drive aims to allow subject 11 to become fully familiar with the driving sensations while driving, and the sensations of steering and pedal operation, by setting a long driving course for each drive. Having subject 11 drive for a long period of time, about 30 minutes, helps to identify subject 11's driving habits and weaknesses. Roads connecting urban areas (roads interspersed with multiple urban driving routes) are suburban roads with no other vehicles, and are defined as "refresh zones (RZ)".

Figure 9A is a detailed flowchart of the comprehensive learning experience in Figure 5. The comprehensive learning experience is given to the subject 11 as a driving test to confirm the final evaluation as the final stage of training in the driving simulator 15. It is carried out after the subject 11 has become sufficiently familiar with each trial drive before the comprehensive learning experience.

Therefore, the comprehensive learning experience will be used to confirm the extent to which the subject's 11 cognition, judgment, and operation when actually driving the vehicle 12 have improved before and after the training. The driving ability of the subject 11 will be evaluated taking into consideration the daily traffic environment (mostly urban driving, only suburban roads with low traffic volume, etc.).

The key points of the comprehensive learning experience are as follows:
-After the comprehensive learning experience is completed, participants will review their driving ability by referring to the results of their assessment.
(Replay (record the experience and watch the results) and learn from the instructor through feedback)
- Reassess the participants' reactions to see if they were satisfied with the results.
-The instructors will be therapists (including doctors and rehabilitation professionals), and their observational perspectives will be valued.

In step S91, a predetermined (urban) drive is performed. Specifically, a virtual drive environment for a predetermined urban drive is output from the output interface 33. The subject 11 operates the steering wheel 26 or the like as a simulated operation device on a virtual travel road included in the virtual drive environment to move the subject's virtual vehicle forward without causing deviation or an accident.

In step S92, the driving performed in step S91 (reproduction information of the virtual driving performed by the subject 11 in the virtual driving environment) is replayed on the display unit 25 of the driving simulator 15. In detail, data required for replay in the driving simulator 15 is transmitted from the storage device of the driving simulator 15 or the server 17 to the output interface 33 and output from the output interface 33.

The replay is performed with the subject 11 in the presence of an instructor. The subject 11 then receives advice from the instructor about the driving operations performed during the drive in step S91, and uses this advice as feedback for his or her future driving.

When providing feedback to subject 11 on his/her driving in the comprehensive learning experience, it is useful to utilize the radar chart of U10 in the driving ability measurement results 55 (Figure 10) described below. Subject 11 can learn which evaluation items are particularly weak by comparing multiple evaluation items from the comprehensive data chart about his/her driving and the radar chart of the driving characteristics chart, and which evaluation items have not improved by comparing the previous time with this time. Subject 11 can feed back the particularly weak evaluation items identified from the radar chart and the evaluation items that have not improved by comparing the previous time with this time as key improvement targets for his/her next driving.

In step S93, the examiner evaluates the subject 11 for predetermined evaluation items related to the comprehensive learning experience based on the subject's 11 response. The evaluation content is transmitted to the server 17 via the input interface 31 of the driving simulator 15 or the examiner's terminal (not shown) and stored in the database 18.

Figure 9B is a detailed flowchart of the driving steps in Figure 9A. Note that an inspector is present alongside the subject 11 as he or she performs the virtual driving.

In step S911, the driving for the comprehensive learning experience is output from the input interface 31 as a virtual driving environment. In response, the subject 11 virtually drives a virtual vehicle being virtually driven in the driving simulator 15 by operating the steering wheel 26, accelerator pedal 27, and brake pedal 28.

In step S912, the examiner scores the virtual driving of the subject 11 at each observation point. Each observation point corresponds to an evaluation of each evaluation item of the comprehensive learning experience.

In step S913, the total points obtained by adding up the scores in step S912 are tallied. The inspector inputs the points for each evaluation item from his/her own terminal and transmits them to the server 17. In response, the server 17 tallies the total points and stores the points associated with each evaluation item and the total point in the database 18 in association with the ID (identifier) of the subject 11.

The calculation in step S913 can be performed by the calculation element 32 of the driving simulator 15 instead of the calculation element 16 of the server 17. In that case, the examiner inputs the scores for each evaluation item for the subject 11 from a keyboard (not shown) serving as the input interface 31 of the driving simulator 15.

Specifically, the evaluation items in step S912 are the following 10 observation points.
・Check in advance where there are problems from the driving result table・Focus on scenes where accidents or near misses occurred・Find a viewing position with a good view using the steering wheel and accelerator pedal・Did you stop at stop signs and intersections with poor visibility and check for safety・Investigate the cause of accidents such as head-on collisions at intersections・Understand the existence of blind spots for vehicles and the dangers they pose・The importance of keeping a safe distance according to speed・Maintain a driving position according to the surrounding traffic conditions・Drive while constantly anticipating danger・Check the speed of reaction, such as braking

Each item above will be scored out of 10, with a score of 9 or above being considered a pass.

(Evaluation information)
10 shows sheet information of driving ability measurement results created by the driving simulator 15 or the server 17 based on the evaluation results of the examiner's evaluation of the subject 11. The sheet information can be viewed via terminals Te2-Te5 by those involved in the rehabilitation and driving return of the subject 11 and who are permitted to view it, and can be printed out as appropriate. The subject 11 himself can also view and print it out when permitted to view it.

The items listed in the driving ability test results 55 can be briefly explained as follows:

U1: Participant information/name (optional), gender, age, identification number, and test date are stated.
U2: Evaluation rank legend: Represents "Excellent A, Good B, Average C, Caution D, Uncertain E."
U3: Simple reaction measurement comparison of healthy subjects aged 30 to 59 years/comparison with healthy subjects aged 30 to 59 years (general adults).
U4: Simple response measurement – Comparison with healthy subjects of the same age/Comparison with healthy subjects of the same age.
U5: Simple response measurement - Comment/Comments are stated clearly.
U6: Choice response measurement - Comparison of healthy subjects aged 30 to 59 years/Comparison with healthy subjects aged 30 to 59 years (general adults).
U7: Choice response measurement - Comparison with healthy subjects of the same age/Comparison with healthy subjects of the same age.
U8: Choice response measurement - Comment/Comments are stated clearly.
U9: Represents numerical data and evaluation for each driving data/item.
U10: Driving data chart/Driving data is displayed in an easy-to-understand radar chart. It is an ideal chart with a wide area and good overall balance.
U11: Driving characteristics chart/Driving characteristics are classified and displayed in a radar chart.
U12: General comments from the person in charge/The person in charge will write their comments and signature in their own handwriting.

The comprehensive learning experience is also scored on a 10-point scale, with a score of 8 or above being considered a pass.

(Modification)
In the embodiment, the subject 11 of the driving ability evaluation system 10 is a person with a higher brain dysfunction. However, the driving ability evaluation system and driving ability evaluation method of the present invention can also be applied to evaluate the presence or absence of a sign of a higher brain function in an ordinary person who does not have a higher brain dysfunction.

In the driving ability evaluation system 10, a standard four-wheeled automobile is described as an example of the vehicle to which the subject 11 will return to driving, but the vehicle may be other than a standard four-wheeled automobile (e.g., a motorcycle).

The driving simulator 15 of the embodiment uses a commercially available general-purpose product. The driving simulator of the present invention may be specialized for rehabilitation subjects.

In the embodiment, the examiner who evaluates the driving ability of the subject 11 for the evaluation items uses a keyboard or voice input as 31 of the driving simulator 15 to input information. In the present invention, the examiner can input evaluation information (including evaluation points) into a specified smartphone or tablet, and store and hold the information in the database 18 of the server 17 via the Internet 19.

Additionally, the evaluation information storage unit 41 stores the evaluation information for each evaluation item (e.g., 1 point for good and 0 point for bad) of the subject 11 as the subject of the examination by the examiner in the storage device or database 18 of the terminal Te4.

In s22, before the evaluation of all evaluation items for subject 11 is completed, the evaluation information presentation unit 42 presents evaluation information for evaluation items for which evaluation has already been completed as interim evaluation results to therapists (including doctors and rehabilitation personnel), as examples of related parties.

In the embodiment, the display unit 25 mainly functions as the output interface 33 that outputs the virtual driving environment in the driving simulator 15. However, it is also possible to add a speaker to the output interface 33 to enhance the realism of the virtual driving environment through sound, or to give instructions to the subject 11 during virtual driving as auditory sounds instead of or in addition to the visual display.

One of the features of the driving ability evaluation system 10 of the embodiment is that when the subject 11 has a high-level brain dysfunction, the subject 11 performs multiple city driving experiences in a driving simulator in a predetermined order (e.g., hazard prediction experience → driving experience by environment → long drive → comprehensive learning experience) as part of rehabilitation in order to return or resume driving a vehicle. In addition, the predetermined city driving experience (e.g., hazard prediction experience) further includes smaller sub-city driving experiences (e.g., beginner, intermediate, and advanced city driving in the hazard prediction experience), and the subject 11 is assigned these sub-city driving experiences in a predetermined order. In this way, the evaluator (examiner) and the person with high-level brain dysfunction can efficiently perform the tests and practice, respectively, thereby shortening the time it takes for the person with high-level brain dysfunction to return to driving.

10: driving ability evaluation system, 11: subject, 12: vehicle, 13: display unit (output interface), 14: steering wheel (simulated operation device), 15: driving simulator, 27: accelerator pedal (simulated operation device), 28: brake pedal (simulated operation device), 31: input interface, 33: output interface, 38: operation ability testing unit, 39: sensory function testing unit, 40: virtual driving environment output unit, 41: evaluation information storage unit, 42: evaluation information presentation unit, 55: driving ability measurement results.

Claims (10)

A driving ability evaluation system for evaluating a subject's driving ability for a vehicle using a driving simulator having an input interface and an output interface,
an operation ability testing unit that tests the operation ability of the subject related to the evaluation of higher brain function for the operation device of the vehicle by having the subject operate a simulated operation device of the driving simulator prior to the virtual driving by the subject in the driving simulator;
a sensory function testing unit that tests a sensory function related to an evaluation of the higher brain function of the subject prior to the subject's virtual driving in the driving simulator;
a virtual driving environment output unit which outputs, after the tests by the operation ability test unit and the sensory function test unit are completed, a virtual driving environment for urban driving which includes, in that order, a first virtual driving environment for a danger prediction experience, a second virtual driving environment for an environment-specific driving experience, a third virtual driving environment for a long drive experience as a virtual driving environment connecting a plurality of urban driving experiences with suburban driving in between, and a fourth virtual driving environment for a comprehensive learning experience ;
An evaluation information storage unit that grasps and stores evaluation information on a plurality of evaluation items related to the evaluation of the higher brain function of the subject based on the virtual driving by the subject in the virtual driving environment output by the virtual driving environment output unit;
A driving ability evaluation system comprising: 2. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 1,
The operation ability inspected by the operation ability inspection unit includes a reaction speed for an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal,
A driving ability evaluation system, characterized in that the sensory functions tested by the sensory function testing unit include a visual field. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A driving ability evaluation system characterized in that the first virtual driving environment output by the virtual driving environment output unit to the input interface includes multiple levels of virtual driving environments, with each level requiring more highly skilled driving abilities from the subject. 4. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 3 ,
A driving ability evaluation system characterized in that, when outputting the first virtual driving environment to the output interface, the virtual driving environment output unit outputs a higher level virtual driving environment to the output interface only for the subject who has passed a lower level virtual driving environment based on the evaluation information from the evaluation information storage unit. 5. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 4 ,
A driving ability evaluation system characterized in that the evaluation information storage unit sets the evaluation items for the subject's virtual driving in the fourth virtual driving environment as evaluation items that are different from the evaluation items for the subject's virtual driving in the first virtual driving environment, the second virtual driving environment, and the third virtual driving environment. 6. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 5 ,
A driving ability evaluation system characterized in that, when the virtual driving environment output unit outputs the first virtual driving environment, the second virtual driving environment, the third virtual driving environment and the fourth virtual driving environment to the output interface in that order, the virtual driving environment output unit outputs the next virtual driving environment to the output interface only to those who have passed the previous virtual driving environment. 7. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 6 ,
The driving ability evaluation system is characterized in that the virtual driving environment output unit outputs to the output interface reproduction information of the virtual driving performed by the subject in the fourth virtual driving environment during the subject's comprehensive learning experience. The driving ability evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
an evaluation information presenting unit that presents evaluation information on evaluation items that have already been evaluated to related parties as interim evaluation results before evaluation of all evaluation items for the subject is completed;
A driving ability evaluation system comprising: 9. The driving ability evaluation system according to claim 8 ,
A driving ability evaluation system, characterized in that the plurality of evaluation items are set by personnel at a medical institution included in the personnel. A driving ability evaluation method for evaluating a subject's driving ability for a vehicle using a driving simulator having an input interface and an output interface, comprising:
an operation ability testing step of testing the operation ability of the subject related to the evaluation of the higher brain function for the operation device of the vehicle by having the subject operate a simulated operation device of the driving simulator prior to the virtual driving by the subject in the driving simulator;
a sensory function testing step of testing a sensory function related to evaluation of the higher brain function of the subject prior to the subject's virtual driving in the driving simulator;
a virtual driving environment output step of outputting, after completion of the operation ability testing step and the sensory function testing step, a virtual driving environment relating to evaluation of higher brain functions on an output interface of the driving simulator , the virtual driving environment including, in that order, a first virtual driving environment of a danger prediction experience, a second virtual driving environment of an environment-specific driving experience, a third virtual driving environment of a long drive experience as a virtual driving environment connecting a plurality of urban driving experiences with suburban driving in between, and a fourth virtual driving environment of a comprehensive learning experience ;
An evaluation information storage step of grasping and storing evaluation information on a plurality of evaluation items related to the evaluation of the higher brain function of the subject based on the virtual driving by the subject in the virtual driving environment outputted in the virtual driving environment output step;
A driving ability evaluation method comprising: