Method and arrangement for controlling a subsystem of a vehicle dependent upon a sensed level of driver inattentiveness to vehicle driving tasks. A variable characteristic is measured, on a substantially real-time basis, which correlates to the driver's inattentiveness. The level of inattentiveness is assessed based at least in part on the measurement. The performance of a subsystem of the vehicle, such as cruise control or lane keeping support, is tailored, based thereupon, to assure that behavior of the vehicle appropriately matches the driver's present level of inattentiveness. The subsystem's operation is controlled in an effort to avoid or prevent the establishment of driving conditions that become inherently more dangerous as the driver's level of inattentiveness increases.

Method and arrangement for controlling vehicular subsystems based on interpreted driver activity

There is provided an apparatus which decides the presence or absence of an anomaly by detecting the gripped state of a steering wheel by the driver steering a road-vehicle, or by measuring fluctuations in heart rate and heartbeat period of the driver, and which issues an alarm of "Take a rest", etc. or controls the vehicle speed to be lowered, if there occurs any anomaly. Detecting means is attached to a steering wheel, steering wheel cover or a band-shaped member. The detecting means comprises a plurality of reflection type optical sensors which are each composed of a light emitting element and one or more light receiving elements, and which are set in such proper arrangement and orientation as permitting detection in any of various conditions.

Human condition monitoring and security controlling apparatus on a road-vehicle

Method and system for monitoring a driver during movement of the vehicle includes an information obtaining system that obtains information about a driver who traveled the same road at a previous time, and a processor that analyzes the obtained information and vehicle movement to determine whether the driver has lost the ability to continue to control the vehicle. The loss of ability to continue to control the vehicle arises from the driver falling asleep or otherwise being incapable of controlling the vehicle after initially having been awake or otherwise capable of controlling the vehicle. A reactive component is affected by the processor's determination that the driver has lost the ability to continue to control the vehicle, and preferably requires action by the driver to indicate regaining of the ability to operate the vehicle or exerting control over the vehicle to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop.

Driver fatigue monitoring system and method

A system and method for controlling vehicle operation based on a driver's facial expressions and physical state are provided. In particular, a system and method for differentiating between different types of emergency situations and applying an appropriate set of safety operations to ensure the safety of the driver, any other passengers, and others outside the vehicle are provided. With the system and method, facial expression recognition is used to distinguish between different types of emergency situations. For each of these emergency situations, a predetermined set of safety operations may be established. Once a particular emergency situation is detected based on the facial expression recognition, the corresponding set of safety operations are applied by sending appropriate control signals to vehicle control systems to cause the operation of the vehicle to be modified.

System and method for controlling vehicle operation based on a user's facial expressions and physical state

A method and apparatus for monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control includes connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control and a controller with respect to the sensor. A steering input count signal and/or steering wheel rotation signal is provided from the sensor to the controller and an alarm is activated when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level and/or the steering wheel rotation signal exceeds a maximum level. The alarm may trigger physical responses within the vehicle including audible, visual, engine management and/or similar responses.

System and method for monitoring driver fatigue

A driver alertness device is disclosed. The device includes a timing counter that decrements from the time set towards zero. When the timer reaches zero, a solenoid is energized to urge the throttle to the idle position. A reset button is manually operable by the driver of the vehicle, a predetermined amount of time being added to the timer for each push of the reset button, and an on/off switch is accessible to the driver.

Morris

Papers

Driver alertness device