Driver Incapability Detection Using Head-Trunk Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver incapability detection systems inaccurately identify driving incapability states due to factors other than sudden illness or consciousness deterioration, such as picking up objects or looking aside, leading to false alarms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes an inclination detection portion to assess the head's inclination relative to the trunk based on images from a vehicle-mounted imaging device, and a posture collapse detection portion that determines driving incapability when the head's inclination exceeds a threshold, distinguishing between illness-induced and non-illness-induced postures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If driver incapability detection is based on posture collapse detection alone, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false alarm rate increases due to non-illness factors
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent detection modules: head inclination detection, face direction detection, and eye state detection. Each module monitors a specific aspect of driver state, and their results are integrated to make a comprehensive determination. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between genuine incapability (where multiple indicators align) and false alarm conditions (where only posture changes occur).
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver state and provides feedback through multiple sensing channels. When posture collapse is detected, the system cross-references this with face direction data and eye state data to confirm whether the driver is truly incapable. This multi-layered feedback mechanism reduces false alarms by requiring consistent evidence across different detection dimensions before triggering an alarm.
2Measurement precision
If face direction collapse detection is used to identify driving incapability, then detection accuracy is improved, but false detection increases when driver looks aside during normal driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically evaluates face direction changes in the context of overall driver behavior patterns. Rather than triggering an alarm on any single face direction deviation, the system monitors the persistence and magnitude of deviations over time. Normal glances aside are transient and reversible, while genuine incapability results in sustained face direction collapse that cannot be corrected through normal driver action.
Solution Approach 2:
The face direction detection is merged with head inclination detection and eye state detection to form a unified driver state assessment. When face direction collapse occurs, the system checks whether it coincides with head inclination beyond threshold values and abnormal eye states. This combination allows the system to distinguish between intentional glances (where head and eye positions remain coordinated) and genuine incapability (where all indicators show uncoordinated collapse).
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus detecting driving incapability state of a driver includes: an inclination detection portion that detects inclination of a head of a driver with respect to a trunk of the driver lower than a neck, based on an image of a driver seat captured by an imaging device mounted on a vehicle; and a posture collapse detection portion that detects the driver is incapable of driving when the inclination of the head detected by the inclination detection portion is greater than a relative inclination threshold during travel of the vehicle.