How Does a Car Detect Drowsy Driving?
2 Answers
Generally, a simple way for cars to detect drowsy driving is by calculating continuous driving time. Once it exceeds the system's preset duration, an alarm will be triggered. Below are introductions to common fatigue monitoring systems equipped in vehicles: 1. The commonly equipped fatigue monitoring system is called the "Driver Fatigue Warning System (BAWS)". It is based on the driver's physiological image response, consisting of two main modules: ECU and a camera. This system uses the driver's facial features, eye signals, head movements, etc., to infer the driver's fatigue state, then issues alerts and takes corresponding measures. It provides active and intelligent safety protection for drivers and passengers. 2. Another fatigue monitoring system equipped in some cars is called the "Fatigue Recognition System" (which records the driver's operational behavior from the start of the journey) and can determine the driver's fatigue level by identifying changes in driving operations during long trips. A decrease in the frequency of steering operations by the driver, accompanied by slight but abrupt steering actions to maintain the driving direction, is a typical sign of the driver's lack of concentration.
Fatigue driving is really quite dangerous. Cars primarily rely on several technical methods to determine if I'm driving while fatigued. Common ones include in-car cameras, which constantly monitor my face to detect if my eyes are half-closed or if I'm yawning frequently. If such behaviors are recognized, the system assumes my attention has declined. Sensors installed on the steering wheel can detect the force and frequency of my turns; if my steering movements become slow or shaky, it suggests I might be drowsy. The lane-keeping system is also crucial—if my car drifts out of the lane, it immediately sounds a warning. All the data is analyzed by the onboard computer, combining changes in speed and driving duration to calculate a fatigue index. Once the limit is exceeded, the dashboard flashes or the seat vibrates to remind me to stop and rest. I make it a habit to take breaks while driving, as these aids can't fully replace personal vigilance.
