Driver assistance systems |
 |
Background
Monitoring systems
Currently fatigue detectors and other alarm systems are under development that will warn
a driver when fatigue increases above a critical threshold. The technology of monitoring systems makes use of physiological
changes that occur before or during falling asleep. For example, slow eye movements are a clear sign of fatigue.
The detecting devices are controlled telematically by a computer using GSM or UMTS to assure their proper
functionality. Reactions to an alarm are also assessed telematically.
Integrating monitoring systems into driver information systems
Monitoring systems can be integrated into more general driver information systems. The latter may provide information
regarding such things as route information, traffic jams, weather conditions etc.
Problems
Monitoring systems pose some problems. First, it is necessary to find a physiological parameter, which reflects
fatigue in a proper way and can be easily measured. Second, one has to determine the critical threshold, above
which an alarm is produced. Due to large inter- and also intraindividual differences in physiological parameters,
this appears to the be very difficult. Finally, it has to be taken into consideration that the driver has to cope
with an increasing number of technical systems in his or her car. Thus, it is important to find out how
drivers can profit from the systems instead of being distracted from their main task of driving.
Activities
Experiments are being conducted to find adequate fatigue parameters and threshold values and to find ways to reduce false alarms. Concepts are being developed regarding possible approaches to improve man-machine interaction.
Members of the working group
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Krüger,
University of Würzburg
Audi AG
Automobile-Club of Germany (AvD; see there: "Presse")
Daimler-Chrysler AG Stuttgart, Research and Technology
German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Dr.-Ing. Karel Marsalek
German Insurance Association (GDV)
Technical University of Aachen, Prof. Dr. Günter Debus
University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden, Prof. Dr. Martin Golz
University of Cologne, Prof. Dr. Niels Galley
University of Wuppertal, Prof. Dr. Rainer Wieland
Volkswagen AG
For more information on the institutions see Members
