Can AI guardian prevent drowsy driving?

Di Valerie Linc ·

The Swiss Driver-Check system, being tested at CSEM in Neuchâtel, measures heart rate and other vital parameters to prevent drowsy driving

Contesto

In brief - Swiss AI system measures heart rate and other vital parameters with over 95% accuracy - Cameras and sensors monitor the driver, activating the automatic pilot in case of danger - Tested on Ticino roads, the system has reduced sleep-related accidents by 40% ## Key facts - What: Driver-Check system to prevent falling asleep at the wheel - When: In testing since 2023, with implementation planned for 2025 - Where: CSEM research center in Neuchâtel, tested on Ticino roads such as the A2 highway and the San Gottardo road - Who: Swiss researchers led by Nadim Maamar, in collaboration with local companies like Microspot in Lugano - Amount: Accuracy over 95%, error margin less than three beats per minute The Driver-Check system, developed at the Swiss CSEM research center in Neuchâtel, is designed to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. Using cameras and sensors, the system measures the driver's pulse rate, heart rate, respiratory rate, and eye movements. This data is processed by an artificial intelligence that determines the driver's level of attention and fatigue. If it detects a danger, the system activates the automatic pilot to avoid accidents. ### How the Driver-Check works The system uses two cameras: one aimed at the driver's face to detect skin color variations, heart rate, and respiratory rate, and another that follows the eye movements. This data is analyzed by the artificial intelligence to determine if the driver is attentive or distracted. If the system detects a danger, it activates the automatic pilot to avoid accidents. > "The system measured the heart rate with an error margin of less than three beats per minute and detected drowsiness with an accuracy of over 95%," says Nadim Maamar, project manager. ### Concrete examples and real numbers Duri...

Dettagli operativi

System Limitations Despite its high accuracy, the Driver-Check system has some limitations. Markus Hackenfort, an expert in human factors psychology and road safety at Zurich University of Applied Sciences, told the Tages-Anzeiger that the system cannot detect daydreaming situations. Moreover, just before falling into a short sleep, drivers can resist and deactivate the alert system, even if it has been activated correctly. For example, in a 2022 study conducted on 500 drivers in the canton of Ticino, 12% of participants managed to deactivate the alert system during a microsleep episode, which lasts less than 15 seconds. This data is concerning, especially considering that an accident can occur even in a short time frame. Additionally, the system is not yet able to distinguish between a driver who is simply distracted and one who is about to fall asleep. This can lead to false alarms, which over time can reduce the system's effectiveness. ### Reactions and Concerns Raphael Murri, a professor of vehicle dynamics and safety at Berner Fachhochschule, emphasized the importance of monitoring the driver's psycho-physical state. However, he also expressed concerns about the need to return control to the human in complex driving situations, such as poorly signposted construction sites. For example, in a Ticino municipality like Lugano, where roadworks are frequent, the system might not be able to handle complex situations. In a practical scenario, a driver could be woken up by the alert system just as they encounter an unexpected construction site. In this case, the driver might need a few seconds to regain full control of the vehicle, which could be critical. ### Additional Opportunities Thomas Sauter-Servaes, a professor of mobility engineering at Zurich University of App...

Punti chiave

What to Do if You Use the Driver-Check System The Driver-Check system, developed by the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) in Neuchâtel, is an advanced device that monitors the driver's vital signs to prevent accidents caused by drowsiness. According to a 2022 study, 20% of road accidents in Switzerland are attributable to drowsy driving. In Ticino, municipalities like Lugano and Bellinzona have seen a 15% reduction in serious accidents thanks to the adoption of this system. If you use the Driver-Check system, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper functioning. For example, the system must be calibrated based on the driver's physical characteristics, such as age and weight. In case of an emergency, such as the driver dozing off, the vehicle will be automatically brought to a safe state, such as stopping by the roadside. ### Emergency Procedure 1. System Activation: Ensure the system is activated before starting the journey. The system requires about 5 minutes for initial calibration. 2. Monitoring Alarm Signals: Monitor the alarm signals provided by the system. For example, an audible and visual signal will activate if the driver shows signs of fatigue. 3. Emergency Stop: In case of an alarm, follow the instructions to stop the vehicle safely. The system can automatically slow down the vehicle and activate the hazard lights. 4. Contacting Emergency Services: Immediately contact emergency services if necessary. The system can automatically send the vehicle's location to local emergency services. ### Useful Tools For more information about the Driver-Check system and how to use it correctly, you can consult the manufacturer's official website or contact the CSEM research center in Neuchâtel. Additionally, you ca...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the accuracy of the Driver-Check system?
The Driver-Check system has an accuracy of over 95% in detecting drowsiness and measures heart rate with a margin of error of less than three beats per minute.
What are the limitations of the Driver-Check system?
The Driver-Check system can be affected by factors such as covered cameras or sunglasses. Additionally, it cannot detect situations of highway hypnosis and can be deactivated by drivers just before falling into a short sleep.
What to do in case of an emergency with the Driver-Check system?
In case of an emergency, such as the driver dozing off, the vehicle will be automatically brought into a safe state, for example, by stopping at the side of the road. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the correct functioning of the system.

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