Recent research indicates that driver hypo-vigilance is a major cause of road accidents. The objective of the AWAKE project, co-funded by the IST programme of the European Commission, is the development of an unobtrusive and reliable in-vehicle system to monitor the driver and the environment, for real-time detection of hypo-vigilance, based on multiple parameters. One of the major issues researched within AWAKE is the development of a reliable user interface, in order to timely warn the driver, taking into account his/her reduced vigilance, thus avoiding startling him/her. Thus, a multimedia warning strategy is being defined, combining visual, audio and possibly a hazard warning media. The warning timing, intense and even media will be automatically adjusted by the system to the perceived traffic risk and driver's type (i.e. elderly, novice, professional, disabled, etc.).
Abstract