Cameras help drivers to keep their focus on the road ahead

Harman’s system is able to measure overstimulation based on rapid fluctuations of the diameter of the pupil

Harman International Industries hopes to reduce the number of vehicle accidents caused by driver tiredness and distraction with a camera system that monitors changes in the driver’s pupil dilation and automatically operates mobile phones and driver-assistance systems.

Existing in-cabin camera systems detect distraction or drowsiness through gaze and percentage of eye closure measurement. However, Harman’s system is able to measure overstimulation based on rapid fluctuations of the diameter of the pupil, which indicate a driver’s high cognitive workload or mental distractions.

A proprietary software algorithm then analyses the driver’s pupil reflex using advanced filtering and signal processing to calculate an Index of Cognitive Activity from pupilometry, a technique that provides an objective psychophysiological measurement of cognitive workload.

The filter works to isolate and identify responses triggered by high cognitive load and then makes realtime decisions to intuitively adjust user interfaces. These adjustments include actions such as placing mobile devices in ‘do-not-disturb’ mode, or changing driver-assistance system intervention thresholds to minimise physical and mental distraction to the driver.

Harman said the technology gets rid of the need for complex sensors built into seats and steering wheels, or biometric sensors that require physical contact with the driver.