Driver Attention Detection System (DADS)

APPENDIX A

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

SOLICITATION NO. DTRS57-02-R-SBIR

PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

Project Title Driver Attention Detection System (DADS)

______

Research Topic No 01 Research Topic Title 01

Submitted by: Matthew Parks

Address: # 1 Old Dominion University Blvd.

City Norfolk State Virginia Zip + 23508

Amount Requested (Phase I) $97,400Proposed Duration 6 Months

(May be up to $100,000 unless otherwise indicated)(in months) (Not to exceed six months)

1.The above concern certifies it is a small business firm

and meets the definition stated in section IIB; and that itYes x No______

meets the eligibility requirement in Section IC.

2.The above concern certifies it _____does x does not

qualify as a minority and disadvantaged small business as

defined in IIC. (For statistical purposes only.)

3.The above concern certifies it_____does x does not

qualify as a women-owned small business as defined in IID.

(For statistical purposes only.)

4.This firm and/or Principal Investigator has submittedYes______No x .

proposals containing a significant amount of essentially

equivalent work under other federal program solicitations,

or has received other federal awards containing a significant

amount of essentially equivalent work. (If yes, identify

proposals in the section III. D. 10. "Similar Proposals

or Awards".)

5.Will you permit the Government to disclose the title andYes x No______

technical abstract of your proposed project, plus the name,

address, and telephone number of the Corporate Official

and Principal Investigator of your firm, if your proposal

does not result in an award, to any party that may be

interested in contacting you for further information?

Principal InvestigatorCorporate/Business Official

Name Matthew Parks Name Jim Forgy .

Title Project Manager Title Financial Manager .

Signature______Date 04/10/2002Signature______Date 04/10/2002

Telephone No. 757-489-0377 Telephone No. 757-555-1212 .

APPENDIX B

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

SOLICITATION NO. DTRS57-02-R-SBIR

PROJECT SUMMARY

Name and Address of Proposer / FOR DOT USE ONLY
Matthew Parks
818 West 49th Street
Norfolk, VA 23508 / Proposal No. 01
Name and Title of Principal
Investigator
Matthew Parks / Project Manager
Project Title Driver Attention Detection System (DADS)
Research Topic No. 01 / Research Topic Title Driver Attention Detection System (DADS)
Technical Abstract (Limited to two hundred words in this space only with no classified or proprietary information/data)
The Driver Attention Detection System (DADS) is a proactive infrared line detection device that warns drivers of erratic or inattentive driving behavior. This is accomplished by the use of federally required road line implementation on 45+ mph rated primary or interstates highways. Using six low cost off-the-shelf infrared sensors and receivers the DADS system will proactively detect any change in road color other the normal grayscale such as yellow, white or red dictated by DOT road line standards. Coupled with a next-to-real-time processing interface and a total processing time standard of 1/200-second the DADS uses basic comparison, checking and verification algorithms to detect the swerving and erratic behavior of persons exhibiting drowsy, inattentive behavior. The whole system will be completely unobtrusive, concealed, have no user interaction, and low installation cost but most importantly will save lives. This system relies on simple, cost effective standards that exist already and is constructed using proven technology and software. DADS is a breakthrough using existing technology to solve the second leading cause of fatal accidents in the United States and the largest leading cause of death in the trucking industry.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Results
A fully operational installed DADS system. The commercial applications of which will provide safety to drivers.
Provide key words (8 maximum) description of the project useful in identifying the technology, research thrust and/or potential commercial application.
Drowsy, Sleep, Driving, Attentiveness, Safety, Fatality, Avoidance, Life

PROPRIETARY NOTICE (IF APPLICABLE, SEE SECTION V.D.1)

Table of Contents

1. IDENTIFICATION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OPPORTUNITY4

1.1 Background4

1.2 Potential Benefit4

1.3 Initial approach5

2. PHASE I TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES5

3. PHASE I WORK PLAN5

3.1 Technical Objective 1 - Develop a unique solution6

3.1.A Research with existing organizations6

3.1.B Research the competition6

3.1.C Overview6

3.1.D Milestone Deliverable6

3.2 Technical Objective 2 - Development of Data Interpretive System (DIS)6

3.2.A Identify Acceptable Boundaries7

3.2.B Identify DIS Hardware Components (Sensors)7

3.3 Technical Objective 3 - Identify Suitable Hardware9

3.3.A Central Processing Unit (CPU)9

3.4 Technical Objective 4 – Develop Suitable Software11

3.5 Technical Objective 5 – Achieve a Satisfactory Alarm System12

3.5.A Audible Alarm12

3.5.B Visual Alarm12

3.5.C Tactile (Physical) Alarm12

3.5.D 5-Volt Relay12

3.5.E Alarm System Schematic13

3.6 Technical Challenges14

4. RELATED RESEARCH14

4.1 The Angle Issue14

5. KEY PERSONNEL AND RELATED WORK15

5.1 Management Plan Objectives15

6. RELATIONSHIP WITH FUTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT16

7. FACILITIES17

8. CONSULTANTS17

9. POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS17

10. SIMILAR PROPOSALS OR AWARDS17

11. LIST OF FIGURES17

12. REFERENCES18

1. IDENTIFICATION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OPPORTUNITY

The primary objective of the Driving Attentive Detection System (DADS) is to decrease the number of fatalities caused by inattentive driving, primarily drowsy driving. DADS, Inc. researched the plausibility of such a system and identified the need for a low cost, non-intrusive, proactive device that provides an answer to this national transportation problem. This objective can be accomplished by the DADS, Inc. designed real-time system. DADS performs like a “virtual rumble strips” system that provides the driver with audio, visual, and physical alarms by using infrared light sensors to detect road boundary lines. These alarms notify the driver to take appropriate corrective action to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Rumble strips are the grooves that are cut into the pavement on road shoulders between the boundary line and the end of the road. They produce a vibration and humming sound when vehicles drive over them.

1.1 Background

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 100,000 crashes and 1,500 fatalities each year result from drivers falling asleep at the wheel (1). Close to a million crashes annually can be attributed to driver inattention or lapses of attention. A National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Gallop poll indicated thirty-one percent of drivers admitted to have fallen asleep at the wheel (2). Some of the more remarkable facts according to the NSF is that sleepiness is second only to drunkenness as a cause of automobile accidents and sleepiness is the number one cause of heavy trucking accidents (2). Inattentive and drowsy drivers become hazardous when they allow their vehicle to depart from their proper lane. According to the NHTSA, in 1998, collisions with fixed objects and run-off-road crashes represented only seventeen percent of all crashes, but they accounted for forty percent of fatal crashes (1). Identifiably, collisions are far more dangerous when vehicles do not stay in their proper lane or on the driving pavement. In 1999 and 2000 combined, over 35,000 fatal crashes had related factors attributed to inattentiveness, fatigue or failure to stay in proper lane, regardless of reason (Figure 1) (1). These factors represented sixty-three percent of all the known related factors involved in fatal crashes during this two-year period.

Figure 1

1.2 Potential Benefit

In addition to saving lives, there is a tremendous cost saving benefit to the DADS system. The Federal Highway Administration’s “The Cost of Highway Crashes” lists the comprehensive cost of a motor vehicle accident resulting in a fatality at $2,723,000, non-incapacitating crash at $48,000, and a property damage only crash at $4,500. These figures are based on eleven components: property damage, lost earnings, lost household production, medical costs, emergency services, travel delay, vocational rehabilitation, workplace costs, administrative, legal, and pain and lost quality of life. As a very small example of the potential cost savings to the national transportation system, the State of New York conducted a before-and-after study on a 783-kilometer portion of the New York State Thruway. The Thruway had milled rumble strips installed on each of the four shoulders. The total savings per year resulting from the reduction in the three different types of crashes was over $58,000,000 (3). This is only for one stretch of highway in one state. The study not only reveals a significant cost savings associated with using a crash-prevention method such as rumble strips, it also proves that drivers are capable of successfully taking corrective action when warned that they are drifting off the road. Rumble strips can only be installed on a small fraction of highways. Specifically, rumble strips need highways with wide paved shoulders and proper surface conditions. DADS has a significant advantage over rumble strips in this area. It warns drivers sooner than rumble strips and works on all DOT demarcation compliant roads (4) when engaged. By the acceptance of DADS, thousands of fatalities will be prevented and many millions of dollars will be saved. Which is precisely the goal of DADS, Inc.

1.3 Initial approach

The list below represents tasks we determined that must be performed in order to reach our overall objective and guided us in our research and analysis. Most have already been completed or addressed. However, we recognize our initial findings may not necessarily achieve what we believe they will. These tasks will be re-evaluated in the proof of concept phase.

1)List Project Solutions

1. Research Competitors
2. Develop a list of solutions

2)Identify Project Scope

1. Identify base standard for implementation of each solution
2. Identify solution initial requirements
3. Select best solution

3)Identify Project Goals

1. List the goals applicable to the project selected solution

4)Evaluate the Social Impact

1. Research Statistical data
2. Evaluate Marketability
3. List Pros and Cons
4. Validate Social Acceptance

5)Finalize the Project Goals and Objectives.

1. Create Deliverable

2. PHASE I TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of the proposal is to develop a system that recognizes when a vehicle is drifting over road boundary lines and to notify the vehicle operator. The specific technical objectives of the system are enumerated as follows:

1. Develop a unique solution using current technology and minimal cost.
2. Develop a data interpretative system that is reliable, low maintenance and effective in detecting road boundary lines.
3. Identify suitable hardware for the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and other electronic components that will perform as a next-to-real-time (NTRT) computational system.
4. Develop suitable software required for NTRT computation.
5. Achieve a satisfactory alarm system that will be ergonomically compatible with driver behavior and not detrimental to the driver’s ability to react.

3. PHASE I WORK PLAN

The two most critical elements of DADS are the next-to-real-time computation of the electronic components and the ability to use infrared light sensors to capture reflected light properties while moving at highway speeds. The research we have conducted so far is described in sections 3.2 and 3.3. The next-to-real-time computational components are based on existing technology similar to that used in airbags and other vehicle electronic sensors. DADS, Inc. has set a standard of a total computational time of 1/200 of a second. This will ensure there is no significant delay from the time the sensor detects the road boundary line and when the alarms are engaged. This will give the driver the best opportunity to take corrective action. DADS, Inc. technical team has researched and determined that the completed time of a theoretical simulation for total computational time of a similar system and it will meet the desired time frame. Current robotic technology uses infrared sensors in this manner therefore we strongly believe it is feasible for DADS. Other devices only detect when an accident is happening and expects the driver to catch himself. DADS time frame is far superior to any other drowsy driving prevention technology on the market today. Devices such SafeTRAC™ that uses a micro video camera to monitor the road ahead and SHRIEK 10 which is a device that fits on the back of your ear (similar to some hearing aid devices) and keeps you awake by sensing nodding of head and sounding an alarm. DADS is based on the physics of a moving vehicle and the used modeling simulation of robotics and air bag development to solve the problem of detecting the drifting of vehicles. Thus the feasibility of DADS is not completely unfounded. It has its roots in highly technical industries that are decades old.

3.1 Technical Objective 1 - Develop a unique solution

Our first objective is to research, design, and develop a system using current technology and minimal cost that will be a solution for the national problem of driver inattentiveness and drowsy driving. Our feasibility research discovered a wealth of information on the World Wide Web. This allowed our project team to perform statistical, market, and technical research in our progress toward a viable solution. There were subtasks associated with this research: First, verify that a significant problem existed. Second, determine the societal impact of providing a solution to the problem. Finally, identify the technical component that best fit the problem solution. By reviewing state and national statistical data on fatal crashes; we arrived at the conclusion that an average of nearly 18,000 fatalities a year have related factors of inattention, fatigue, and failure to keep in proper lane (including run-off-road crashes). In Phase I, we will continue to perform extensive research to support and validate the technical and societal aspects of our proposed system.

3.1.A Research with existing organizations

In the process of determining the feasibility of the DADS project several groups were contacted. We spoke with several members of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Victims of Irresponsible Drowsy Drivers (VOIDD) and NHTSA and asked question of the availability of such programs. We were informed of some interesting facts concerning the societal issues that surround this national problem. First, a viable solution still has not been found; second, there are funds available that are directly related to the development of technical devices that will curtail the amount of automobile accidents and fatalities that happen annually. We also contacted the NHTSA & National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR) Program To Combat Drowsy Driving and asked questions concerning different alternatives for developing a solution. This is when DADS formulated our current solution for the problem.

3.1.B Research the competition

DADS’ next task was to investigate the market for competitors with similar solution alternatives. We did not find any systems with the technical aspects, reliability, or lack of driver interaction that our design incorporates. This makes our product a unique solution to a serious problem. Therefore we determined that a market could be established with little or no competition.

3.1.C Overview

With extensive research we have found a viable solution to the problem described in part 1. To implement our solution we need to describe and test the technology used for each section of our system. Our initial research has substantiated the bulk of the R&D that we must complete. However, in Phase I, we shall complete the tasks listed in section 1.3.

3.1.D Milestone Deliverable

Validate the feasibility and social acceptability of the DADS project with clear project goals, scope, and solution.

3.2 Technical Objective 2 - Development of Data Interpretive System (DIS)

The two tasks associated with developing the DIS are:

1)Identify acceptable boundaries.

2)Identify hardware components.

3.2.A Identify Acceptable Boundaries

Identifying acceptable boundaries is the first objective that must be completed in order for significant success of the DADS project. First, DADS Inc. established a base or significant standard that we could follow, and then we used this baseline boundary to design DADS. Our team found this baseline boundary in the form of the nationally recognized standard road lines adopted by the Department of Transportation in 1916. Maintenance of public primary roads and interstate systems fall under each individual state’s responsibility; with each state is assisted with federal funds, and these funds can not be dispersed unless the states maintain these road lines in a reasonable manor. The standard road lines became the baseline standard for the DADS boundary theory for one main reason. It is a nationally recognizable standard for all primary and interstate roads. Several other questions have presented themselves since we chose this baseline standard:

1)What is the car speed vs. reflective receiver capabilities, and can we develop a thorough mathematical explanation of these capabilities?

2)What are the reflective qualities of the acceptable DOT road line paint?

1. Are these qualities standardized?
2. What is the life span of road reflective materials?

3)Can we identify the strength of the light source needed for prototype?

4)Identify limitations?

5)Identify acceptable computational time?

6)Can an acceptable reaction time be achieved by an inattentive or drowsy person that is startled by an alarm or warning device?

7)Can alarm boundaries be identified?

8)Can we establish the road line as a boundary for the scope of this problem?

3.2.B Identify DIS Hardware Components

The sensors in the DADS system are the most integral part of the entire system. We have chosen to use infrared sensors for our Data Interpretive System because there is a larger output range and it is more robust than using color LED’s. The sensor works by emitting an infrared light from the emitter while the vehicle is in motion. On dark surfaces, such as gray roads, the detectors will not absorb a significant amount of light due to the lower reflective properties of the gray asphalt. Detection will occur if a white or yellow line is encountered reflecting the infrared light thus allowing the light to be sensed by the detector that is due to the highly reflective properties of the road line paint (Figure 2).