Face masks can present challenges for driver fatigue and distraction detection technologies. It can often be more difficult for artificial intelligence to search for and detect facial features (landmarks) to determine if a driver is fatigued or distracted when wearing a face mask. This means that some driver fatigue and distraction events could go undetected, increasing the potential of risky driving behaviours.

We’ve enhanced facial tracking in our Guardian solution to overcome partial blocking (occlusion) of facial features, including the wearing of a face mask. The system can now infer the position of the mouth and nose, even when these are obscured, as long as the eyes are visible.

Guardian continuously checks whether key facial landmarks, namely the mouth and nose, are present and can detect changes in facial occlusions. This means a driver can put on or remove a face mask without having to reset the system.

The system works best with plain, light-coloured masks that are properly worn. It also operates when facial features are obscured by other means such as the driver waving their hand in front of their face.

For a demonstration of the enhanced facial tracking feature in Guardian, please get in touch.