Simple Steering Wheel System Monitors Drowsy Drivers

Apr-26-14 A new system for monitoring drowsy drivers is both more affordable and more accurate than current video-based versions.

The system, which relies on the motions of the steering wheel to detect fatigue, was developed by a team from Washington State University based on data gathered from two experiments conducted at the university. The studies showed that the best measures of fatigue are variability in lane position and in steering wheel movement, but monitoring steering wheel movements can predict lane variability early on. That means the device could be used to detect drowsiness and warn the driver before the car drifts out of its lane.

The monitoring device is inexpensive and easy to assemble, and could be installed either at the factory or as an aftermarket alternative.

Image: Simulated driving test

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY]

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