Drowsiness alert system

TLDR: In this article, a steering wheel is used to make small trajectory corrections by means of slight turns with an angular amplitude of a few degrees and these movements are permanently monitored by a specific sensor which can take information concerning different parameters of the steering system, such as changes in oil pressure or flow from the hydraulic system, voltage or current if the steering is electric or directly from the angular movement of steering wheel and steering shaft.

Abstract: Active safety in automobile vehicles can be improved by incorporating this system which detects situations of driver drowsiness or unconsciousness and alerts him or her or applies emergency measures. To keep a driving vehicle centred in a lane it is necessary to continuously use the steering wheel to make small trajectory corrections by means of slight turns with an angular amplitude of a few degrees. These movements are permanently monitored by means of a specific sensor which can take information concerning different parameters of the steering system such as for example changes in oil pressure or flow from the hydraulic system, voltage or current if the steering is electric or directly from the angular movement of the steering wheel and steering shaft. Absence of these trajectory corrections is interpreted as a lack of attention to driving caused by drowsiness or unconsciousness. The signals coming from the sensor are sent to an electronic unit which triggers appropriate action a few seconds after failure to receive signals from the sensor. In a first phase these are luminous and auditory signals intended to wake the driver and if there is no reaction, in the next phase there are accompanying orders to the electronic controllers for vehicle management so that they give warning of the danger and stop the vehicle. Figure A is a schematic representation of the components of this system. 1) Trajectory correction sensor. This case shows an inductive sensor fitted to the steering column. 2) Electronic unit 2a) Sensor device 2b) Microprocessor 2c) Warnings module 3) Speed information source 4) Emergency button 5) Light signal (flashing) 6) Low intensity acoustic signal 7) High intensity acoustic signal 8) Activation of vehicle indicators, fuel cut-off, braking etc. 9) Power supply 10) Encoder.