Fatigue Detection Systems in Cars

Drivers need to be very aware and careful while driving. Any slipup could cost them or others around them their lives in many cases. Often, due to unforeseen circumstances, drivers might not be able to be fully in control due to tiredness or fatigue. Car manufacturers have been incorporating systems that can detect these problems and provide ways to counter them. These systems work in tandem with the surroundings and allow the driver to ease up and focus while driving.

What are fatigue detection systems?

Fatigue detection systems or driver drowsiness detection systems are systems that monitor the behavior of the driver. These systems take note of the driver's behavioral pattern very carefully. They judge erratic steering, sudden lane changes, and pedal usage to determine if the driver needs to stop or take a break.

Indirect fatigue detection systems

They have similar principles as lane support systems. The systems undertake continual monitoring, assuming that at the beginning, the driver is completely focused and aware of the environment. The various factors that can be detected here include – sudden lane changes (which might happen if the driver isn't paying attention to the way they're steering), drifting within the lane limits, sudden use of pedals (no control over the way the foot of the driver moves due to fatigue), erratic steering or erratic speed changes (sudden changes in the pushing of the pedals) taken by the user.

A few disadvantages do arise with the use of such systems. These systems monitor data over short distances that make it tough to use for urban driving situations. These systems also assume that the driver is fully aware at the beginning. In some cases, the driver might be tired from the start of the journey, and the system will not be aware of that.

Direct fatigue detection systems

Direct fatigue detection systems are more complex and sophisticated in their functioning. These systems generally include infrared cameras mounted on the dashboard of the car. These steering systems are being developed to notice the minutest of factors. These cameras take note of the blinking pattern, movements of the eye, and eye-gazing angles.

If irregularities are detected, these systems provide a warning or sound alarm. These notifications make the driver understand that they need to stop driving for a while or take a break. These cameras can see through sunglasses as well!

One of the most advanced systems in the field of direct fatigue detection systems include Cadillac's Super Cruise. A camera is mounted on the steering wheel column that monitors whether the driver is actively supervising or has dozed off due to fatigue. Then, the system sends a warning and lets the driver know that they need to stop.