A distraction and drowsiness detection system for drivers has been updated to ensure it can still provide alerts for drivers wearing face masks.

Eyesight Technologies’ driver monitoring system has been upgraded to ensure continued safety during coronavirus by ensuring alerts for drivers wearing face masks

Developed by Israel-based Eyesight Technologies, the driver monitoring system (DMS) has been upgraded to ensure continued safety during coronavirus, reflecting the realities of the pandemic and its impact.

Available globally, the solution brings support for essential workers such as commercial vehicle drivers, municipal workers, bus drivers, and warehouse staff, reflecting their support for global populations during the outbreak.

Driver monitoring systems are normally trained to detect and monitor facial features of the driver and use the gathered visual data to detect signs of drowsiness and distraction. If one or more of the monitored features are blocked from the sensor, failures in detection may occur.

But Eyesight Technologies’ computer vision and AI algorithms have been trained to detect distraction and drowsiness even while wearing a mask and glasses – this includes sunglasses, protective glasses and prescription glasses.

The aftermarket technology – offered in Driver Sense form for private drivers and the Fleet Sense system for operators – both rely on an IR sensor for detection; the system is also said to be capable of detecting the driver in all lighting conditions, and sees the eyes and direction of gaze even through sunglasses.

“We are living in unprecedented times,” said David Tolub CEO of Eyesight Technologies. “Without a concrete end date to the current situation, wearing medical masks may be a reality for the foreseeable future. Eyesight Technologies is forging ahead and adapting to provide a reliable solution to help guarantee safety even under less than ideal circumstances.”