Drowsiness detecting apparatus and method
US7397382B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1135
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A drowsiness detecting apparatus has a pulse wave sensor and a determination circuit. The sensor is provided to a steering wheel to detect a pulse wave of a vehicle driver gripping the steering wheel. The determination circuit generates a thorax pressure signal indicative of the depth of breathing by envelope-detecting a pulse wave signal of the sensor and determines whether the driver is drowsy by comparing a pattern of the thorax pressure signal with a reference pattern. The display and the buzzer notify the driver and any other passengers in the vehicle of the drowsiness of the driver by a visual indication and buzzing sound, respectively. A body surface motion may be used as a signal that indicates the depth of breathing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.