Driver fatigue detection using steering grip force

This paper describes an automobile driver fatigue detection method by monitoring the driver´s grip force on the steering wheel, based on the variation in steering grip force due to fatigue or loosing alertness. Steering grip force data is obtained by using two resistive force sensors attached to the steering wheel and connected to a personal computer with the aid of a data acquisition module. The alertness of the driver is then assessed by utilizing change detection algorithm based on log-likelihood ratio. The aforementioned system is a module of a driver safety system for smart vehicle, which uses sensor fusion technology to prevent driver-related road accidents.