Intent on creating a safer operating environment by enhancing the way a vehicle interacts with its driver, Volvo has begun testing a system that assesses the operator’s attention level at virtually any moment after which uses that information to regulate the car’s response accordingly. The automaker believes this research into Driver State Estimation might be a key to the introduction of autonomous vehicles. It’s also confident knowledge gained will advance the greater corporate goal of eliminating all deaths or serious injuries in almost any Volvo vehicle by 2020.

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Volvo’s driver-awareness system uses a sensor in the dash to monitor the job of a driver’s head, where eyes are focused – and even whether they’re focused at all. Tiny LEDs in the sensor emit infrared light rays invisible to the human eye and are employed to gather this critical data which is then evaluated in actual-time. To the extent the system determines a driver has become distracted, it will allow a number of support functions – which currently include Lane Keeping Aid, Collision Warning with full auto brake and Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist – to swing into action. The system also is capable of trying to wake up a driver it thinks could have fallen asleep at the wheel.

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Volvo Cars project and engineer leader for driver support functions, Per Landfors, notes that this interactive system allows more effective usage of both current and future on-board safety assists. “For instance, the car’s support systems can be activated later on in case the driver is focused, and earlier when the driver’s attention is directed elsewhere.” Beyond its primary function, Volvo’s sensor-based setup also could be used to transparently perform other comfort/convenience-related duties like recognizing a driver and automatically adjusting the seat position or changing cabin light levels.