Attention Technologies Announces Debut of Copilot for Driver Monitoring
IVsource.net
13 May 2001

Reliable drowsy driver detection takes another step forward with the commercialization of the PERCLOS approach, which monitors eye closures.

Dr. Richard Grace, president of Attention Technologies and a leading researcher in the area of drowsy driver detection systems, has announced his company's aftermarket version of a driver monitoring system based on eye closure detection, using the PERCLOS (from 'percent closure') approach.

The product, dubbed "Copilot," is a small device that mounts on the dashboard with a rotating base for easy adjustment.  It is powered through vehicle auxiliary power and faces the driver so it can detect eyelid closure patterns, which are the key indicator of drowsiness, according to the PERCLOS method.

Truck simulator studies conducted by Grace and others have shown that fatigued drivers are often unaware of their condition.  They have been observed in some cases to continue driving for 3 to 30 seconds with their eyes totally closed.  Drowsy driver-related crashes in the US are estimated to cost $12B annually and are a recognized major factor in truck driver deaths.

The Copilot design is based upon a unique patented technology that uses eye closures to detect drowsiness.  With the aid of significant funding from USDOT over the past several years, this method has been scientifically proven to be an effective way to detect drowsiness.  When the Copilot detects that a driver is getting drowsy, the unit beeps.  The driver can then look at the display to determine the assessed level of drowsiness and take appropriate action.  The feedback is intended to help the driver maintain alertness until he or she reaches a safe place to stop and rest.

For More Information ...

... contact Dr. Richard Grace at rgrace@rec.ri.cmu.edu.

[Top]