Drowsiness Detector

Recently the Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Oita University, the Shimane Institute of Health Science and Delta Tooling, an industrial equipment manufacturer, have developed a prototype smart car seat capable of detecting when its occupant is on the verge of falling asleep.

The seat features respiration-monitoring sensors and pressure sensors that monitor the pulse. The system can identify the physiological changes that occur 10 minutes before a driver actually falls asleep.

Implications - Industrial engineers are always looking for ways to reduce driver fatalities; distracted and drowsy drivers are among the major causes of traffic collisions. By creating intelligent systems that can detect a driver who's about to drift off, engineers and original equipment manufacturers can help cut unnecessary collisions.