Description and operation of the driver fatigue monitoring system

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of road accidents - up to 25% of drivers are involved in an accident during a long trip. The longer a person is on the road, the lower their vigilance decreases. Studies have shown that just 4 hours of driving halves the reaction, and after eight hours, 6 times. While the human factor is the problem, car manufacturers are striving to keep the ride and passengers safe. A driver fatigue monitoring system is being developed specifically for this purpose.

What is Driver Fatigue Monitoring System

The development first appeared on the market from the Japanese company Nissan, which patented the revolutionary technology for automobiles in 1977. But the complexity of the technical implementation at that time forced the manufacturer to focus on simpler solutions to improve transport safety. The first working solutions appeared 30 years later, but they continue to improve and improve the way we recognize driver fatigue.

The essence of the solution is to analyze the driver's condition and driving quality. Initially, the system determines the parameters at the start of the trip, which makes it possible to assess the completeness of a person's reaction, and after that it begins to track the further speed of decision-making. If the driver is found to be very tired, a notification appears with a recommendation to rest. You cannot turn off audio and visual signals, but they automatically appear at specified intervals.

The systems begin monitoring the driver's condition with reference to the driving speed. For example, the development of Mercedes-Benz only starts working at 80 km / h.

There is a particular need for a solution among lone drivers. When a person travels with passengers, they can keep him alert by talking and track fatigue. Self-driving contributes to drowsiness and slower reactions on the road.

Purpose and functions

The main purpose of a fatigue control system is to prevent accidents. This is done by observing the driver, detecting a slow reaction and constantly recommending rest if the person does not stop driving. Main functions:

1. Vehicle movement control - the solution independently monitors the road, the trajectory of the movement, the permissible speeds. If the driver breaks the speed limit or leaves the lane, the system beeps to increase the person's attention. After that, notifications about the need for rest will appear.
2. Driver control - the normal state of the driver is initially monitored, followed by deviations. Implementation with cameras allows observing the person, and warning signals are given in the event of closing the eyes or dropping the head (signs of sleep).

The main challenge lies in the technical implementation and training of the technique to determine the real fatigue from false readings. But even this method of implementation will reduce the influence of the human factor on the level of accidents.

Alternative options involve monitoring the physical condition of the driver, when a special device reads body parameters, including blinking, the frequency of lowering the eyelids, the level of eye openness, head position, body tilt and other indicators.

System design features

The structural elements of the system depend on the way the movement is implemented and controlled. Driver tracking solutions are focused on the person and what is happening in the vehicle, while other options are focused on the performance of the car and the situation on the road. Consider several options for design features.

The Australian development of DAS, which is in the testing stage, is designed to track road signs and comply with transport speed and traffic regulations. To analyze the situation on the road, use:

• three video cameras - one is fixed on the road, the other two monitor the driver's condition;
• control unit - processes information about road signs and analyzes human behavior.

The system can provide data on vehicle movement and driving speed in certain areas.

Other systems are equipped with a steering sensor, video cameras, as well as electronics that can monitor the parameters of the braking system, driving stability, engine performance and much more. An audible signal sounds in case of fatigue.

Principle and logic of work

The principle of operation of all systems boils down to identifying a tired driver and preventing accidents. For this, manufacturers use various designs and work logic. If we talk about the Attention Assist solution from Mercedes-Benz, the following features stand out:

• vehicle movement control;
• assessment of driver behavior;
• gaze fixation and eye tracking.

After the start of the movement, the system analyzes and reads the normal driving parameters for 30 minutes. Then the driver is monitored, including the force of action on the steering wheel, the use of switches in the car, the trajectory of the trip. Full fatigue control is carried out at speeds from 80 km / h.

Attention Assist takes into account factors such as road and driving conditions, including the time of day and the duration of the ride.

Additional control is applied to vehicle movement and steering quality. The system reads parameters such as:

• driving style, which is determined during the initial movement;
• time of day, duration and speed of movement;
• the effectiveness of the use of steering column switches, brakes, additional control devices, steering force;
• compliance with the maximum speed allowed on the site
• condition of the road surface, trajectory of movement.

If the algorithm detects deviations from normal parameters, the system activates an audible notification to increase the driver's vigilance and recommends temporarily stopping the trip in order to rest.

There are a number of features in systems that, as a main or additional factor, analyze the condition of the driver. The implementation logic is based on the use of video cameras that memorize the parameters of a vigorous person, and then monitor them during long trips. With the help of cameras aimed at the driver, the following information is obtained:

• closing the eyes, and the system distinguishes between blinking and drowsiness;
• breathing rate and depth;
• facial muscle tension;
• the level of eye openness;
• tilt and strong deviations in the position of the head;
• the presence and frequency of yawning.

Taking into account road conditions, changes in vehicle handling and driver parameters, it becomes possible to prevent accidents. The system automatically informs the person about the need for rest and gives emergency signals to increase vigilance.

What are the names of such systems for different car manufacturers

Since most car manufacturers are concerned about vehicle safety, they develop their own control systems. Names of solutions for different companies:

• Attention Assist from Mercedes-Benz;
• Driver Alert Control from Volvo - monitors the road and trajectory at a speed of 60 km / h;
• Seeing Machines from General Motors analyzes the state of eye openness and focus on the road.

If we talk about Volkswagen, Mercedes and Skoda, the manufacturers use similar control systems. Differences are observed in Japanese companies that monitor the driver's condition using cameras inside the cabin.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Fatigue Control System

Traffic safety on the roads is the main issue that the car manufacturer is working on. Fatigue Control provides drivers with a number of benefits:

• reduction in the number of accidents;
• tracking both the driver and the road;
• increasing the driver's vigilance with sound signals;
• recommendations for rest in case of severe fatigue.

Of the shortcomings of the systems, it is necessary to highlight the complexity of the technical implementation and development of programs that will correctly monitor the driver's condition.