A technique is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of a machine operator. In some implementations, an operator presence system monitors a machine to determine whether an operator is present in an operating machine. The operator presence system collects input data from sensors or devices on the machine and determines whether the operator is in the operator seat. During operation, if an operator is determined to not be in the operator seat, the operator presence system can generate and send notifications (e.g., visual or audible warnings) to alert the operator to sit in the operator seat.

A method and a system of deploying an ignition interlock device (IID). The method comprises receiving a time series of breath alcohol content (BrAC) measurements that are unitarily sourced from a pre-identified user, each BrAC measurement of the time series including an alveolar breath component and an interferent breath component; estimating a dissipation rate of alcohol attributable to the pre-identified user in accordance with the time series of BrAC measurements; determining, responsive to estimating the dissipation rate of alcohol, at least a subset of the BrAC measurements as being based on the alveolar breath component but not the interferent breath component; and performing one of triggering and not triggering the IID into a lockout state based on the at least a subset of the BrAC measurements.

An arousal level prediction apparatus and method are disclosed. The arousal level prediction apparatus obtains first biological information indicating current biological information of the user, obtains first environment information indicating a current environment around the user, and obtains living information of the user indicating an activity history of the user. The arousal level predication apparatus includes a process that calculates a first arousal level indicating a current arousal level of the user based on the first biological information, predicts a second arousal level, which is an arousal level of the user at a certain period of time later, based on the first arousal level, the first environment information and the living information, and outputs the second arousal level.

An arousal level prediction apparatus and method are disclosed. The arousal level prediction apparatus obtains first biological information indicating current biological information of the user, obtains first environment information indicating a current environment around the user, and obtains living information of the user indicating an activity history of the user. The arousal level predication apparatus includes a process that calculates a first arousal level indicating a current arousal level of the user based on the first biological information, predicts a second arousal level, which is an arousal level of the user at a certain period of time later, based on the first arousal level, the first environment information and the living information, and outputs the second arousal level.

A system for monitoring a driver comprises that a first sensor configured to detect first physical condition information of the driver, a second sensor configured to detect first driving state information of a vehicle; and a controller configured to determine whether a physical condition of the driver is abnormal on the basis of the first physical condition information, and determine whether a driving pattern of the driver is abnormal on the basis of the first driving state information.

Disclosed is a system and method for determining a driver's inebriation in a vehicle. The system includes a breathalyzer configured to be provided in an interior space of the vehicle to determine whether the driver is inebriated, through a driver's exhalation; and a controller configured to output a movement request signal for a driver's seat when determination of driver's inebriation by the breathalyzer is required and to control the breathalyzer to start the determination of driver's inebriation when the movement of the driver's seat is completed.

A driving assistance device 1 is provided with: three or more detection units 5a to 5d which are configured to detect a likely-to-be-dozing state in which likelihood that a driver of a vehicle is dozing is high by different indices and at prescribed intervals; a state determination unit 34 which determines that the driver is in a dozing state when the likely-to-be-dozing state is detected by at least two of the detection units; and a warning control unit 36 which causes a warning device 6 to issue a warning when the state determination unit 34 determines that the driver is in the dozing state.

Systems and methods are disclosed configured to detect impairment issues, and via an interlock device, inhibit operation of an item of equipment when impairment is detected. The interlock device may comprise a solid state relay, an electromechanical relay, and/or a solenoid. The interlock device may perform power isolation and/or may use a mechanism, such as a rotating cam or gear, to immobilize a control and/or other components. Based on detected impairment, a determination is made as to whether the interlock is to be activated or deactivated.

Disclosed embodiments include techniques for providing alerts to a driver of a vehicle. The techniques include detecting a condition that exceeds a threshold hazard potential; detecting a predetermined gesture of a driver, the predetermined gesture indicating that the driver has acknowledged the detected condition; in response to detecting the predetermined gesture, reducing an urgency level for alerting the driver of the detected condition; and determining whether to issue an alert to the driver based on the reduced urgency level.

Systems and methods are disclosed. A digitized human vocal expression of a user and digital images are received over a network from a remote device. The digitized human vocal expression is processed to determine characteristics of the human vocal expression, including: pitch, volume, rapidity, a magnitude spectrum identify, and/or pauses in speech. Digital images are received and processed to detect characteristics of the user face, including detecting if any of the following is present: a sagging lip, a crooked smile, uneven eyebrows, and/or facial droop. Using the human vocal expression characteristics and face characteristics, a determination is made as to what action is to be taken. A cepstrum pitch may be determined using an inverse Fourier transform of a logarithm of a spectrum of a human vocal expression signal. The volume may be determined using peak heights in a power spectrum of the human vocal expression.