Saab is busy developing a system to battle accidents that have origins in drowsy and inattentive drivers. The system aims to detect the onset of drowsiness rather than take action when the driver actually is drowsy.
Two infrared sensors, one on the base of the driver’s A-pillar and the other in the centre of the main fascia, remain focussed on the driver’s eyes. A software analyses the eyelid movement to detect the onset of drowsiness or inattentive driving.
When the system first detects possibility of drowsiness, it makes a warning sound and displays the text message ‘tired’, if the driver does not react to this warning, an audible message of ‘you are tired’ plays through the vehicles audio system. Still no response? The system throws up a stronger warning tone with another audible message saying ‘You are dangerously tired - stop as soon as it is safe to do so!’
The cameras also detect the head movement of the driver. If the driver takes his eyes off the road for more than two seconds, the driver’s seat cushion will vibrate until the driver gets back into a proper driving posture.
[Courtesy: GM]
