Volvo is currently studying various advanced technologies designed to improved safety including systems that recognize a driver's facial expression and state to adjust the car accordingly in emergency situations.
An infrared sensor on the dashboard monitors aspects such as the direction the driver is looking in, how open their eyes are (indicating the level of fatigue), as well as their head position and angle. Infrared light is just outside the wavelengths that the human eye can see, which means that the person behind the wheel doesn’t notice it at all.
By monitoring eye movements, said sensor would also be able to adjust both interior and exterior lighting to follow the direction in which the driver is looking. Likewise, the vehicle could adjust the driver's seat settings or activate safety systems such as collision warning with full auto brake or lane keeping assist.
The technology is already installed in test vehicles. Volvo Cars is also conducting research together with partners including Chalmers University of Technology and Volvo AB to identify effective methods for detecting tiredness and inattention.
 |
| Photo: Volvo |
An infrared sensor on the dashboard monitors aspects such as the direction the driver is looking in, how open their eyes are (indicating the level of fatigue), as well as their head position and angle. Infrared light is just outside the wavelengths that the human eye can see, which means that the person behind the wheel doesn’t notice it at all.
By monitoring eye movements, said sensor would also be able to adjust both interior and exterior lighting to follow the direction in which the driver is looking. Likewise, the vehicle could adjust the driver's seat settings or activate safety systems such as collision warning with full auto brake or lane keeping assist.
 |
| Photo: Volvo |
The technology is already installed in test vehicles. Volvo Cars is also conducting research together with partners including Chalmers University of Technology and Volvo AB to identify effective methods for detecting tiredness and inattention.