Description:Field of the Invention
The proposed invention relates to a Driver Assistant System that monitors the behavior of a person while driving a vehicle and taking in-charge during any condition that may lead to a road accident. It also assists the traveler with various essential functionalities that may come handy in unforeseen circumstances.
Objective of the Invention
The primary objective of propounding the idea of a Driver Assistant System is to provide an enhanced safety mechanism that reduces the fatalities that may occur due to a road crash. Human behind the wheel plays an important role in most of the crashes. In majority of road accident cases, such incidents occur either due to driver’s negligence or due to lack of road safety awareness of the road user. The development of Driver Assistant System opens doors to better and enhanced road safety experience by monitoring the actions of the driver during their journey. This system is also capable to take decisions when certain inadmissible actions are detected, such as limiting the speed of the car when the driver is either sleepy or intoxicated. The system can engage the person in a conversation, give alert signals upon detection of drowsiness, control various components of the vehicle using voice commands and transmit SOS messages during an emergency or crisis. It also provides some other essential features that can be leveraged to experience seamless and secure travel journey.
Background of the Invention
Accidents have been emerging as the biggest public health issue which requires multidisciplinary strategies to address. Every year, thousands of lives are lost in tragic road accidents. A compromise on road safety cannot help to accomplish the goals of sustainable development, wealth, and progress. The road user has a responsibility to abide by all rules issued by the Department of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The driver's actions and behaviour are also important factors in ensuring a safe trip. Together, road safety precautions and the actions of drivers may reduce the probability of accidents. To bring awareness and more safer techniques into practice to avoid injuries and deaths in road crashes is the target of any society.
For instance, US7301465B2 can detect the drowsiness of a person using a monitoring system. The proposed text claims a model that monitors the pupils of a person in order to produce an image of the eye. The system consists a monitor processor connected to the camera through a communication bus. The captured video is converted into the digital pixel data in RGB format through the configured monitor processor. The indicator is used to give an
3 | P a g e
alert; it includes speaker, display unit, visual indicator, and a communication bus. The system is connected to power source and relies only on the drowsiness detection mechanism.
Similarly, US10265498B1 relates to the system which detects and alerts the drowsy driver. It is also a monitoring system to detect drowsiness and altering the person. The proposed system monitors the heartbeat of the driver over a time period. The threshold heart rate and baseline average heart rate are considered for comparison. The system notifies the driver if the heart rate is below the threshold value, as it could lead to drowsiness. This system ultimately relies on a wearable heart rate detector for monitoring the heart rate.
CN104029680B claims various methods for candidate lane point system and lane filtering algorithm. The system warns and alerts in case of any deviation in the vehicle’s lane. Hough algorithm is used in the detection of a lane’s line. The images of forepart along with the information of car’s body is collected and processed which is used to identify whether the vehicle is deviated or not. In case of a driver violation operation, the information is recorded in the storage module. The proposed methodology helps in providing the changes in case of lane deviation which reduce the chance of accidents.
Similarly, CN201633623U relates to a mechanism that provides an early warning system for the lane departure. This system has a relay for receiving the left and right departure signals. It also has a relay for receiving the left and right steering signals where all are connected to another relay. An annunciator is used for the notifier which relates to automotive safety driver assistance. The alarm does not work in the working condition of automobile normal steering.
US10529137B1 relates to a machine learning model that detects posture of a person driving the vehicle. The visual input is sent to the machine learning model which recognizes the patterns in the given optical input. The model then finds the posture of that pattern using a trained Convolutional Neural Network. The posture can be used to know various gestures and take necessary actions upon the identification of any suspicious activity.
US5684701A relates to the system that senses the accelerations of the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle that holds analog signals. The electronic converter takes the analog signals and converts them to digital signals. A pattern recognition system processes the obtained digital signals to identify different patterns and characteristics of a vehicle crash that require immediate protection. This propounded ideology could be used to protect people and avoid road accidents.
In the disclosures, as mentioned earlier, there is a requirement of a system that not only monitors the behaviour of the driver and the vehicle but also integrates other functionalities to amplify safety. There are many proposed models and techniques that supplement the safety of a driver. The continuous evolution of technology, changing road conditions, and persistent human error necessitate the development of new road safety systems. These systems should be able to address complex scenarios, adapt to regulatory
4 | P a g e
requirements, leverage expanding data for improved learning, and integrate seamlessly with new emerging technologies. Customized for different regions and driving environments, they should be able to enhance user experience while aligning with trends like electric and autonomous vehicles. Bringing multiple functionalities under one roof is also a complex task that could help benefit the users in diverse conditions. The idea of developing this model was advanced with the objective to be inspired by these findings while additionally bridging the gaps. The present invention focuses on monitoring and alerting the driver through a camera module. The system can make decisions in response to prohibited actions, like reducing vehicle speed if the driver is drowsy or impaired. It can initiate conversations, issue alerts for fatigue, manage vehicle functions via voice commands, and send emergency SOS messages. Also, lane activity of the vehicle is tracked. Hence, analysing the necessities, the idea of Driver assistant system was proposed. This system can contribute to the ongoing mission of reducing accidents, saving lives, and meeting diverse global safety needs.
Summary of the Invention
The Driver Assistant System comprises a suite of advance driving features aiming at safety, assistance, and communication. It ensures vigilant driver monitoring to prevent drowsiness and impaired operations. A conversational assistant facilitates hands-free interaction, aiding with navigation and information. The power of the voice assistant can be leveraged to control various components of a car via a voice command to facilitate a hands-free interaction experience. By harnessing GPS and Google Maps, the system optimizes routes and identifies traffic congestion. It excels in collision avoidance by detecting distances between vehicles and recognizing nearby objects. Swift response to emergencies is enabled through automatic SOS messages to authorities and nearby drivers, with the added option of alerting designated contacts. A sense of community support is fostered by involving nearby drivers in case of delayed formal help. The system also prevents smoking-related risks while driving.Overall, this system provides a comprehensive solution for safer, more informed, and responsive driving experiences.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures wherein:
Figure-1: Workflow of the proposed system in the vehicle.
Figure-2: Basic architecture and workflow of the prototype.
Figure-3: Extension of Basic architecture and workflow of the prototype.
5 | P a g e
Detailed Description of the Invention
The model of the Driver Assistant System is built by mounting the system in such a way that it continuously monitors the driver’s actions and body language while driving a vehicle. The model is trained using a data set to identify and predict the output characteristics of body posture pattern. The data set contains different body postures along with the type of action the person is performing. The person will be alerted with a message or a beep sound upon the identification of an objectionable action or an unusual behaviour in the vehicle.
An extensive system and method for improving driver safety, communication, and emergency response capabilities in vehicles is the subject of the current invention. The system utilizes a combination of sensors, communication devices, and software algorithms to provide various functionalities aimed at preventing accidents, facilitating real-time communication, and enabling prompt emergency responses.
A driver assistant system included in the innovation makes use of sensors that keep track on a variety of factors, including eye movement, facial expressions, and steering behaviour. It encompasses features such as continuous monitoring of driver alertness through sensors that detect drowsiness or fatigue, alcohol impairment detection based on behavioral and vehicle performance analysis, and a voice-enabled assistant facilitating hands-free interaction. The system employs GPS and real-time traffic data to offer accurate navigation while identifying traffic congestion, ensuring optimal route selection. It further employs a combination of sensors to detect distances from surrounding vehicles and identify objects in the vicinity, contributing to collision avoidance. In emergency situations, the invention sends automatic SOS messages to emergency locations and nearby drivers, establishing a swift response network. It involves nearby drivers in assisting during delays and alerts close contacts in emergencies, reinforcing a collaborative safety approach. Moreover, a smoke detector discourages smoking while driving, promoting health and safety.
The model relies on a wide range of cutting-edge technologies. Driver alertness monitoring and alcohol impairment detection utilize a camera and AI algorithms. The voice-enabled assistant employs natural language processing and speech recognition. Global Positioning System and real-time traffic data utilize satellite navigation and data networks. Distance detection, lane identification and object recognition deploy radar, LiDAR, and computer vision technologies. Emergency SOS messaging relies on cellular and wireless communication protocols while the nearby driver involvement and alerts to close contacts use geo-fencing and location-based services. The smoke detection integrates air quality sensors.
Referring to Figure-2, the camera module serves to monitor both the road ahead and the driver of the vehicle. Initially, the camera focuses on observing the lane markings on the road. Subsequently, if road conditions permit – meaning there is no substantial traffic congestion or abrupt lane disturbances caused by other vehicles – the camera transitions its
6 | P a g e
attention to the driver. This transition process is facilitated by utilizing the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm. Once the camera is directed towards the driver, it proceeds to track the driver's eye movements and body posture. Should the system detect any deviations from normal behaviours in the driver, it promptly notifies the driver through auditory signals like beep sounds or alarms.
In cases where the driver is identified as being in an abnormal state, particularly if signs of intoxication are detected, the system issues an immediate alert to cease driving. Figure-3 illustrates the interplay between various devices, including the integration of a GPS (Global Positioning System) module and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) module. This integration enables the provision of navigation directions towards the intended destination and facilitates real-time assessment of potential traffic collisions along the route. Additionally, the system captures and archives video footage of the vehicle's journey for future reference. This video data becomes instrumental in determining the characteristics of vehicle crashes, aiding in the identification of patterns indicative of collision events.
Advantages of the proposed model,
The proposed system increases driver alertness that prevents accidents arising from drowsy driving; achieved by promptly notifying and maintaining driver attentiveness. By alerting a sleepy driver, it makes sure that the person remains active and the chances of accidents due to fatigue are reduced. It substantially enhances road safety by ensuring that the person is awake and focused on driving, effectively reducing the risk of accidents caused by drowsiness and inattentiveness, collectively fostering a safer driving environment.
The system has numerous benefits, including to avoid of drunk driving through speed limits and the enforcement of legal compliance, which lowers the likelihood of accidents brought on by drunk driving. This extensive approach encourages adherence to rules and safeguards both driver and others on the road, providing a safer environment for driving.
It includes hands-free interaction and voice control mechanism that reduces distractions from manual operations, thus elevating driving experience and safety. This innovation also offers enhanced convenience, allowing drivers to effortlessly manage various car features while keeping their focus on the road, resulting in a safer and more user-friendly driving experience.
It also includes a precise navigation that reduces the risk of getting lost and enhances efficiency in reaching destinations, along with real-time traffic updates that enable to take informed route decisions, save time, and help drivers avoid congestion for a smoother and more effective travel experience.
The innovation provides benefits of collision minimization via proximity alerts that enhance driving safety by informing the driver about unsafe distances from other vehicles and obstructions. Its object and distance detection capabilities also play a crucial part in the
7 | P a g e
advancement of autonomous driving technology, highlighting the importance of these abilities for developing future self-driving systems that are safer and more efficient.
The model includes the ability to communicate effectively with adjacent vehicles and emergency services in order to deal with emergencies rapidly, potentially saving lives. In addition, it establishes a network of drivers who work together to maintain each other safe during emergencies, advancing road safety through a community-driven approach to support and assistance.
A potential advantage of this method is that it ensures rapid help after accidents by quickening emergency response through sending off automatic alerts to drivers nearby and emergency locations. Additionally, the use of numerous communication channels improves the speed and effectiveness of messages sent to drivers and emergency services, enhancing overall responsiveness and support in emergency situations.
The system has significant advantages, such as avoiding safety and health risks from smoking while driving and fostering a smoke-free environment with fewer distractions. Furthermore, giving up smoking reduces the likelihood of accidental fires triggered by discarded cigarette materials, improving safety for the driver and the vehicle and contributing to an entire safer driving experience , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:
Claims:
1. The driver assistant system comprising:
a) The camera installed in the system continually monitors the driver's alertness status, to detect signs of drowsiness or fatigue. If the system detects that the driver is falling asleep or becoming drowsy, it promptly responds by triggering an alert message or an audible beep.
b) The system monitors the driver for signs of impairment due to alcohol consumption. If the driver is detected as being intoxicated, the system takes measures to enhance safety. It restricts the car's speed to a maximum of 40 miles per hour and enforces this as the upper speed limit.
c) The system monitors and tracks the lane activity of the vehicle. This involves observing the vehicle's movement within its designated lane on the road. By analysing the lane activity, the system can determine whether the vehicle is staying within the lane boundaries, making lane changes, or exhibiting any irregular or unsafe lane behaviour.
2. According to claim 1, the system introduces a sophisticated voice-enabled assistant designed to engage in natural conversations with the driver. This intelligent assistant offers a range of functions, enabling the driver to initiate interactive dialogues.
3. According to claim 1, the combined power of navigation systems is leveraged, integrating GPS technology and Google Maps functionality to deliver precise and efficient directions between destinations.
4. According to claim 1, the system will continuously monitor the road conditions, also identifies areas of heavy traffic, and promptly notifies the driver about congestion ahead. The system will provide advanced capabilities that can be found in driverless vehicles, enabling it to not only determine the distances between surrounding vehicles but also identify a wide variety of items it meets on its path.
5. According to claim 1, the system is equipped to swiftly respond by notifying nearby emergency locations like hospitals, police stations and fire control stations with pertinent details, facilitating a prompt dispatch of help to the accident site.
6. According to claim 1, the system determines whether the driver is smoking while operating the vehicle. If smoking is detected, the system issues an alert to the driver and encourages them to safely park the car on the side of the road.