Driver State Detection Using Sightline and Head Motion Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver state detection systems fail to distinguish between the immediate onset and awareness stages of visual field impairments like glaucoma, leading to inadequate driving assistance.
Innovation Solution
A driver state determination apparatus that utilizes a sightline detector and head behavior detector to determine the type and stage of a driver's abnormal state by analyzing yaw and pitch angles, saccade frequency, and sightline direction, providing appropriate assistance based on these factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If driver state detection is performed using only sightline expansion and steering operation changes, then the detection method is simple, but the system cannot distinguish between different stages of visual field impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The detection method is segmented into multiple independent detection dimensions: sightline expansion detection, head behavior detection (yaw and pitch angle changes), and steering operation detection. Each dimension provides specific information about different aspects of driver state, enabling comprehensive stage differentiation without over-complicating the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds new detection dimensions by incorporating head behavior parameters (yaw and pitch angles) alongside the traditional sightline expansion detection. This dimensional expansion enables differentiation between stages of visual field impairment that was not possible with single-dimension detection alone
2Measurement precision
If head behavior detection is added to distinguish attention dysfunction from visual field impairment, then the stage differentiation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head behavior detection module serves multiple functions: it distinguishes between attention dysfunction and visual field impairment, identifies specific stages of impairment, and provides compensatory behavior analysis. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple detection capabilities through a unified module
Solution Approach 2:
Head behavior parameters act as intermediary indicators that mediate between the raw sensor data and the final diagnosis. The yaw and pitch angle changes serve as intermediate features that translate physical head movements into meaningful information about driver state and impairment type
3Measurement precision
If sightline direction analysis is used to determine driver awareness stage, then the awareness detection accuracy is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sightline direction and compares it against the driver's expected visual field knowledge. The feedback loop identifies awareness stage by detecting whether the driver's sightline patterns align with or deviate from what would be expected based on their visual field status, enabling accurate awareness detection
Data Source
AI summary
A driver state determination apparatus includes: an in-vehicle camera detecting a driver's sightline and head behavior; and a controller configured to determine the driver's state based on the driver's sightline and head behavior. When the driver is in an abnormal state based on the driver's sightline movement, the controller determines whether or not the driver's abnormal state a visual field impairment based on a change in each of a yaw angle and a pitch angle of the driver's head. When the abnormal state is the visual field impairment, the controller determines that the driver is aware of the visual field impairment when there is a direction in which the driver's sightline is not directed in the driver's field of view, and unaware of the visual field impairment when there is no direction in which the driver's sightline is not directed in the driver's field of view.