Development of a sensor system for grasp behavior on a steering wheel

The prevention of car accidents is one of the main issues in any car-oriented society. A method for this kind of prevention system is the estimation of the driver´s conditions based on human sensing. This research´s aim is the development of a measurement system for human behavior by using contact sensing on a steering wheel. In this paper, a sensing system using an array of small pressure sensors is proposed, and a design method for the sensor part on the steering wheel based on a fundamental analysis of the driver´s operation of the steering wheel and its validity are discussed. Finally, characteristics of the proposed sensor system are evaluated through implementation on a real steering wheel device.