Eye-based driver state monitor of distraction, drowsiness, and cognitive load for transitions of control in automated driving

Automated driving vehicles of the future will most likely include multiple modes and levels of operation and thus include various transitions of control (ToC) between human and machine. Traditional activation devices (e.g., knobs, switches, buttons, and touchscreens) may be confused by operators among other system setting manipulators and also susceptible to inappropriate usage. Non-intrusive eye-tracking measures may assess driver states (i.e., distraction, drowsiness, and cognitive overload) automatically to trigger manual-to-automation ToC and serve as a driver readiness verification during automation-to-manual ToC. Our integrated driver state monitor is overviewed here within the scope of this brief system description/demonstration paper. It combines gaze position, gaze variability, eyelid opening, as well as external environmental complexity from the driving scene to facilitate ToC in automated driving. As both driver facing and forward facing cameras become increasingly commonplace and even legally mandated within various automated driving vehicles, our integrated system helps inform relevant future research and development towards improved human-computer interaction and driving safety.