The steering wheel detects driving drowsiness

A WSU research team has created a system that can detect the driver's driving condition.

Accordingly, this patented technology works based on steering wheel movements and has created a cheap and reliable alternative to systems that detect drowsiness. The driver's activity relies on tracking cameras.

'Systems that use cameras to detect when the vehicle is off course are very complex and costly designed, ' said Hans Van Dongen, research professor at the Center for Research in Motion and Sleep. from Washington State University Spokanen (WSU). 'They work inefficiently on snow-covered roads or winding, in the dark or when the lane markings are unknown'.

The system can detect the situation when the driver starts to fall asleep behind the steering wheel to minimize possible accidents

'Our system is an inexpensive and easy-to-use technology that can solve these problems and can detect driver's lack of awareness earlier, before an accident can occur. ' he added.

This system has been tested with 29 subjects over 10 days of night to find out the average impact of fatigue on their driving activity. These people were tested for continuous alertness, and performed four 30-minute rides on the simulator every night. The simulator can measure 87 indicators of speed, acceleration, steering direction, lane position and many other factors.

When the test of alertness was compared to the data collected from the simulator, it was discovered that the instability of the steering wheel and the position of the car in the lane were two clear signs. Most cause a lack of alertness of driving. In addition, the researchers found that the number of vibrations of the steering wheel for more than a minute could predict the lack of control, before the car could lose control and deviate from the lane.

'We want to find a better technology to assess the fatigue of the driver before this level becomes serious and can cause accidents,' said Professor Hans Van Dongen. 'Our invention will be a good basis for developing an early warning system. It can also be used in conjunction with existing systems to maximize detection and alerting. '

According to the research team, the system uses low-cost equipment, suitable for common installation in new or additional vehicles for used vehicles.