Volvo is currently researching new sensor technology that can recognize when drivers are tired or not paying attention to the road. By monitoring where a driver is looking or even how open their eyes are, the technology can more effectively intervene when a car has strayed out of its lane or provide wake-up alerts for drivers who may be falling asleep.
The data collected from Volvo's sensor tests will ultimately be used to enhance existing technologies like Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Aid and Adaptive Cruise Control, features that are currently available on vehicles at Volvo of Dallas. "Since the [sensors are] able to detect if a driver is not paying attention, safety systems can be adapted more effectively. For example ... support systems can be activated later on if the driver is focused, and earlier if the driver's attention is directed elsewhere," explains Per Landfors, engineer at Volvo Cars and project leader for driver support functions.
Along with enhancing safety, the new technology could open up other possibilities, such as being able to assess a driver's stature and automatically adjust their seating position. Additionally, the sensors work by analyzing infrared light emissions that are invisible to the human eye, and because they have the ability to measure between different points of a person's face, they could also one day be used for facial recognition.
Categories:
News
