Araya Co., Ltd.
Araya announces the usefulness of an interface that measures the brain activity of drivers for accident prevention technology and supports cognitive processing during driving
Araya Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Ryota Kanai, hereinafter referred to as Araya), which provides research and R&D support for artificial intelligence (AI) and neuroscience, has collaborated with Honda R&D Co., Ltd. to develop safety measures against brain activity while driving. We identified parts related to driving and summarized the results of a series of demonstration experiments of a system that uses AI to inform drivers of risk factors ahead of time, and presented the results at the 27th ESV International Conference (ESV2023). . [Image 1
■ Background
Araya (Minato-ku, Tokyo) applies brain research to industry and develops and provides industry-specific solutions. This time, in collaboration with Honda R&D Co., Ltd., we measured the brain activity of drivers and verified the effectiveness of a system that warns drivers of danger based on the knowledge obtained. As the population ages, preventing traffic accidents caused by driving errors has become a major social issue. To do so, it is necessary to minimize driver errors, but the neural mechanisms involved in inappropriate
information processing, which is the source of errors, are unknown, and measuring brain activity during driving is a technical challenge. had. This time, in collaboration with Honda R&D Co., Ltd., which has been conducting various researches on driving, we have asked the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST) as an experimental support and advisor in order to investigate the brain mechanisms during driving. We conducted an experiment using a driving simulator compatible with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Experimental driving simulator available within fMRI
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■Experiment content
We asked participants to operate a driving simulator within the fMRI, and measured brain activity and gaze during driving. When extracting the difference in brain activity when encountering risks between low-risk drivers (risk minimum drivers) and general drivers regarding safe driving, it was found that there was a significant difference in activity in the area called the precuneus. rice field. From the results including activities in other brain regions such as the premotor cortex and primary visual cortex, it was found that high-risk drivers with respect to safe driving have low spatial awareness and are unable to predict dangers because they cannot see them, which is a risk factor. It was suggested that risk is judged based on experienced memories and knowledge.
Comparison of Motor Behavior and Cognitive Behavior of Risk Minimum Drivers and Other Drivers
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Differences in brain activity between risk-minimum drivers and ordinary drivers
[Image 4: https://prtimes.jp/api/file.php?c_id=49573&t=animationGifImage&f=8dfeda133dbd5fa277cd188ebe62e57e.gif&img_id=1680849765294] Based on this research, Honda R&D has constructed a human machine interface (HMI) that complements the cognitive processing necessary for safe driving and assists drivers. To verify the effectiveness of the HMI, we conducted experiments using a driving simulator consisting of the front of the vehicle and five displays. As a result, it was found that HMI has the effect of recognizing and avoiding high-risk objects at an early stage, and this research demonstrated that this interface can complement and support the cognitive processing necessary for safe driving.
Prototype driving simulator used in the experiment
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As a result, ordinary drivers aiming to drive safely can also drive safely by using the information processing support system that provides inspiration for safe driving.
While there is a trend of people returning their licenses due to the decline in driving ability due to aging, it has been pointed out that there are cases where cognitive function declines when people stop driving. Going forward, we will proceed with development with the aim of creating a future in which many people can drive safely and enjoyably.
■ Comment from CEO Ryota Kanai
“The results of this study showed that there is a difference in the part of the brain called the precuneus between skilled drivers and ordinary people. Measuring brain activity during driving was a major challenge. However, through joint research between Honda and QST, we were able to assemble an experimental system and obtain these results.In proceeding with this research, we asked Honda researchers and engineers to understand people when making things. It is very rare to have such a thorough brain experiment for development, and Honda’s products are born from such deep knowledge. I was impressed.I hope that Honda will continue to expand people’s understanding in order to realize safe and enjoyable driving.Araya will continue to aim for better manufacturing from the perspective of the brain area. We would like to do joint research.”
Members of Advanced Technology Research Laboratory, Honda R&D Co., Ltd. [Image 6
In addition to this project, Araya accepts requests for solution development that utilizes AI and brain research knowledge. Please feel free to contact us.
Details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000013.000049573.html