Researchers are currently working on a camera that can detect if a driver is drunk. Test phases have been carried out successfully. This type of device could integrate our vehicles in the future.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia are currently working on a device capable of detecting whether a driver is drunk while driving. The report of their workrelayed by BFMTVprovides us with several details on the mode of operation of this device.
Concretely, a small camera (external to the vehicle) films the driver and analyzes different aspects: the eyes, the position of the head and the facial features.
Currently, Edith Cowan University has conducted a test phase. In this test, three groups of people, each with a certain level of alcohol in their blood (low, medium, high) were placed in an environment “controlled but realistic“All these people were driving in a simulator.
Ensiyeh Keshtkaran, a doctoral student at ECU, explains about the results of this test: “ Our system detects different levels of inebriation, with an overall accuracy of 75% across all three levels ».
It remains to be seen how well this device can perform with a low-resolution camera. The doctoral student from the Australian university explains: ” If low-resolution videos prove sufficient, the technology could be used by roadside surveillance cameras, and law enforcement could use it to prevent drunk driving. ».
Another problem inevitably arises: this device does not really have preventive capabilities. As Ensiyeh Keshtkaran explains algorithmic detections: “ imply that the drunk driver is already on the road, posing a risk to themselves and others ».
But this small camera capable of detecting drunk drivers should not be seen as a single use. Indeed, this device could constitute a tool in addition to the breathalyzer.
Anyway, most new vehicles will soon be equipped with a small camera, the aim of which is to detect driver distractions.It is a safe bet that detecting drunk driving through a camera will be the next step.
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