A study on tiredness assessment by using eye blink detection

Abstract

In this paper, the loss of attention of automotive drivers is studied by using eye blink detection. Facial landmark detection for detecting eye is explored. Afterward, eye blink is detected using Eye Aspect Ratio. By comparing the time of eye closure to a particular period, the driver’s tiredness is decided. The total number of eye blinks in a minute is counted to detect drowsiness. Calculation of total eye blinks in a minute for the driver is done, then compared it with a known standard value. If any of the above conditions fulfills, the system decides the driver is unconscious. A total of 120 samples were taken by placing the light source front, back, and side. There were 40 samples for each position of the light source. The maximum error rate occurred when the light source was placed back with a 15% error rate. The best scenario was 7.5% error rate where the light source was placed front side. The eye blinking process gave an average error of 11.67% depending on the various position of the light source. Another 120 samples were taken at a different time of the day for calculating total eye blink in a minute. The maximum number of blinks was in the morning with an average blink rate of 5.78 per minute, and the lowest number of blink rate was in midnight with 3.33% blink rate. The system performed satisfactorily and achieved the eye blink pattern with 92.7% accuracy.