Eisaku Akutsu

Method of detecting drowsiness level by utilizing blinking duration

The purpose of this study is to detect the drowsiness of drivers to prevent traffic accidents. We have developed a system which measures the blinking duration of a driver by processing his facial image and estimates his drowsiness level. This paper presents an imaging unit which is less affected by ambient light, a method of measuring the drivers blinking duration which is independent of his facial features, and a method of estimating his drowsiness level from a change in his blinking duration.