ABSTRACT
The original conception of the system involved continuous psycho-physiological driver monitoring based on the measurement of eye-blink ‘events’. Sensor systems around the vehicle already monitor inputs such as throttle, brake, speed and steering to control anti-lock brakes, adaptive damping, engine management and other systems. In the phased development programme, the initial stage required the direct measurement of driver fatigue, along with measures of driver performance, during extended driving sessions. The AutoDAC system offers a robust data-logging facility which is operated as a black-box facility in the vehicle, becoming enabled as soon the driver keys on. If drivers are unaware of subjective feelings of fatigue then this is likely to have a significant impact on their readiness to respond positively to a warning from a device. The researcher also kept a discrete watch on the driver’s apparent alertness and performance.
