Panasonic develops technology to help prevent drowsy driving

OSAKA Panasonic Corp says it has developed a technology to help prevent drivers from becoming drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel by using artificial intelligence.

The new technology, for which samples will be available from October, is designed to analyze drivers' facial expressions and other biological signs as well as the environment inside vehicles in order for them to "stay comfortably awake," Panasonic said.

Blinking features and thermal sensation levels are among other factors measured by the monitoring system, which is capable of predicting transitions in drowsiness from very early stages where "a person is not aware of it," Panasonic said.

The level of drowsiness is displayed in five scales. If drivers are detected to be seriously drowsy, the system will alert them to rest.

When the system predicts drivers will experience sleepiness soon, it will help them stay awake by adjusting air conditioning to a lower temperature, turning up the volume of music and proposing a place for resting. An in-vehicle camera, heat and brightness sensors, and an air-conditioning system also feature in the new technology with 22 relevant patents involved, according to the company. Panasonic expects the new technology will also be applied to such locations as business offices and educational institutions.