Hexagon has released new fatigue and distraction system for light vehicles that may revolutionise fatigue monitoring across the industry. The detection unit has been designed to provide continuous monitoring of operator alertness inside the cab of light vehicles, buses and semi-trucks.
The HxGN MineProtect Operator Alertness System Light Vehicle (OAS-LV) is one of the many innovative solutions being showcased this week at HxGN LIVE 2019, Hexagon’s annual digital technology conference.
OAS-LV expands Hexagon’s portfolio for operator safety solutions, filling a gap to protect light-vehicle operators from falling asleep at the wheel, crashing or other fatigue-related incidents. The product is based on the proven technology used in HxGN MineProtect Operator Alertness System Heavy Vehicle (OAS-HV), which protects operators of haul trucks.
“Operator fatigue and distraction are recurring hazards in mining and other industries,” said Ola Rollén, Hexagon President and CEO. “OAS-LV is a valuable integration to our market-leading MineProtect safety portfolio and further proof that Hexagon — like its customers — is serious about safety.”
The system uses computer vision algorithms combined with body clock modelling to detect fatigue and distraction events. It scans the driver’s face to detect signs of fatigue. This may include microsleeps and frequent movements like the closure of the eyelids. If a distraction or sleep event is detected it issues distinct audible alerts in the cabin to avert imminent accidents. 
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The solution’s in-cab device is easy to install and scans the operator’s face to detect any sign of fatigue or distraction, such as a microsleep. A machine-learning algorithm leverages this facial-feature analysis data to determine whether or not an alert should be triggered. OAS-LV works in both light and dark conditions and through prescription glasses and/or sunglasses.
The in-cab hardware is always connected, and data from the vehicle may be transmitted to the cloud or an on-site monitoring centre. This enables real-time notifications for supervisors and controllers to apply the intervention protocol and allow for further forensic analytics.
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