AFDD devices and other safety systems
With the continued introduction of new safety technology and automated driving features in vehicles, it is not uncommon for people to believe that Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection (AFDD) devices and other safety systems, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS), are the same. While all three technologies support driver safety, they serve quite distinct purposes. We explain each technology below, outlining the key differences.
Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection (AFDD) Devices
AFDD devices, or Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection Devices, are specifically designed to identify and manage driver drowsiness, distraction and other human states that are associated with crashes. Using advanced AI algorithms, a sophisticated AFDD device continuously monitors a driver’s alertness and engagement level, provides real-time alerts, and helps prevent accidents before they happen.
AFDD devices use camera-based technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to measure drivers’ visual attention behaviour. They can detect when you a driver is looking at the road, when they are not, and the last time they checked the road. A major difference across these technologies, however, is whether the system uses the driver’s eye or head movements to determine gaze direction. A common misconception is that all AFDD devices directly track eye movements to determine where they are looking when in fact, many actually rely on head pose to infer where the driver is looking.
Head pose is sometimes a reliable indicator of where someone is looking, but in many cases it is misleading. Particularly when it comes to one of the most common and dangerous distractions when driving – using a mobile phone. Many drivers move their eyes independently to their head when interacting with a mobile phone (e.g., glancing downward toward the phone, while their head remains directed toward the roadway), which presents an issue for AFDD devices that use only head pose to infer distraction.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
As the name suggests, ADAS are designed to assist drivers and enhance vehicle safety. Evolving from the most basic of convenience features such as automatic transmissions and cruise control, ADAS now support driver safety through collision warnings, automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist to name a few. ADAS sensors are outward facing, to scan the external environment for potential hazards such as pedestrians and other vehicles, warn the driver, and in many cases, intervene by stopping the vehicle abruptly or automatically steering the vehicle back within its lane.
ADAS can identify certain hazards and respond accordingly, but their effectiveness varies from one situation to another. For example, a sensor may fail to work as intended in some weather conditions or when there is dirt occluding the sensor. It is particularly problematic when a driver has come to over-rely on ADAS, but the ADAS fails – because today the driver needs to be in control of the vehicle but at times may be complacent and looking off-road at critical moments. This is why it is imperative the driver remain engaged and prepared to take action at all times.
In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS)
IVMS are installed in vehicles to monitor various aspects of vehicle operation, driver behaviour, and vehicle performance. IVMS typically collect data such as vehicle speed, location, acceleration, braking patterns, and engine diagnostics for example. They are typically used for fleet management, route optimisation, compliance monitoring, and overall safety and efficiency improvements in vehicle operations.
While IVMS may include features to detect driver fatigue or distraction, such as monitoring steering patterns or sudden movements, they do not always have the advanced capabilities for real-time detection of driver fatigue and distraction like dedicated AFDD devices.
Comparing AFDD devices and other safety systems
In summary, while AFDD devices, IVMS and ADAS all contribute to vehicle safety and management, AFDD devices are specifically designed to detect and prevent driver fatigue and distraction. It should also be noted that while these technologies are separate, AFDD devices can (and should!) be used to complement ADAS and IVMS to enhance driver and vehicle safety, when fully integrated in the vehicle.
For example, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) has recommended the use of both IVMS and AFDD devices in vehicles in the oil and gas industry in their report 365 – Land transportation safety practice.
Learn more about AFDD devices
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