MUMBAI, India, May 1 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641050957 A) filed by Trisha Edward; Akshit Kumar Singh; Dr. Sasidhar Jangam; and Dr. Pal Pandian P, Bangalore, Karnataka, on April 21, for 'neck movement based driver drowsiness detection system.'
Inventor(s) include Trisha Edward; Akshit Kumar Singh; Dr. Sasidhar Jangam; and Dr. Pal Pandian P.
The application for the patent was published on May 1, under issue no. 18/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "The present invention relates to an intelligent driver drowsiness detection and prevention system integrated within the neck rest of a vehicle seat. The system utilizes an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor and pressure sensors embedded within the neck rest to continuously monitor neck movement and posture dynamics, head orientation, and pressure distribution between the driver's neck and the seat. Sensor data is processed in real time by a microcontroller using predefined threshold algorithms to detect abnormal head tilting, forward head dropping, and micro-sleep behaviour associated with driver fatigue. Based on the detected risk level, a multi-stage alert mechanism is activated. A first-stage alert provides controlled vibration through actuators integrated within the neck rest to restore driver attention during early fatigue conditions. When a higher risk level is detected, a second-stage intervention mechanism activates a motor-driven seatbelt tensioning assembly that temporarily applies controlled tension to the seatbelt through a roller-based mechanism. This physical stimulus alerts the driver without causing discomfort or injury. The proposed system provides an early-stage, lighting-independent, and non-invasive fatigue detection approach by directly monitoring neck posture rather than relying on camera-based eye detection or steering behavior analysis. The invention can operate independently or be integrated with existing vehicle safety systems to enhance road safety and prevent accidents caused by driver drowsiness."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
