DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM: Features, Advantages, & Disadvantages of DMS

The evolution of Driver Monitoring System (DMS), also known as Driver Attention Monitor (DAM), came to be as a result of the efforts display by Automotive industries to provide safety and comfort for their customers from the introduction of a seat belt, safety airbag, and anti-lock alarm.

The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) is a programmed device input into a car for the sole purpose of monitoring the driver. DMS checks the conduct of a driver through face position, the head’s position, or the head movements, etc. DMS evaluates the condition of a driver for better and safe driving. If there is an unusual head movement of a driver in a car that possesses DMS, an alarm that would call the driver’s attention will sound. That made it a perfect device to control drivers and minimize accidents all over the world.

Countries Promoting Driver Monitoring System

Many countries have adopted the use of the Driver Monitoring System. Such countries include the European Union (EU) countries, like Australia, France, Germany, etc., United States America (USA), and Asian countries like China and Japan. In China, the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) has been made compulsory for all commercial vehicles.

In the case of the USA, a bill “SAFE ACT” (Stay Aware For Everyone) of 2020 surfaced to investigate how Driver Monitoring System would be of benefits such as minimizing or controlling drivers attitudes while driving.

However, examples of the companies that are using and promoting the technology of Driver Monitoring System (DMS) include:

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• SenseTime
• Baidu
• Dahua
• Hikvision
• Veoneer
• Visteon
• Denso
• Ford
• Honda
• Harman
• Continental
• Aisin Seiki
• Omron Corporation
• Bosch, among others.

Features of DMS (Driver Monitoring System)

• Infrared LED: It uses infrared to detect the facial movement of a driver.
• Camera: Along with infrared, it is used to monitor the driver’s face or the head position.
• A flashing light: The DMS has a flashing light, which gives a warning to the driver when it detects an unusual when driving a car with DMS.
• Emergency brake: It can apply an emergency brake for safety when a driver decided to ignore the warning being given by the DMS.
• Eyelid monitoring: DMS monitors a driver’s eyelid movement to detect if the driver is sleeping.

However, with the notable features, there are weaknesses and benefits of a driving monitoring system.

Advantages of Driver Monitoring System

The advantages of DMS are one of its kind because it would reduce the rate of a road accident and insurance cost. According to WHO (World health organization), there are about 1.35 million road accident death reported each year. If the DMS is implanted into every car in the world, possibly, road accidents would vehemently reduce. At the same time, the insurance companies, on the other hand, would save costs.

There would be high accuracy in driving. For a driver to be accurate in his service, one must focus on the road while driving. With DMS, drivers would be forced to be more focused while driving by a series of warnings that would be given by DMS.

Disadvantages of Driver Monitoring System

The disadvantages of DMS cannot be neglected because of its benefits. The first disadvantage is the high cost of vehicles or cars with DMS. Vehicles that have DMS tend to be more expensive, hence unbearable or costly to the majority (the middle class and lower class).

The ability of DMS to detect fatigue and facial expression of a driver. The DMS is yet to advance enough to detect the tension level of a driver. Fatigue could cause unwanted scenarios on the road. At times, mistakes could occur when DMS evaluates a driver’s face. That could cause the driver a hard time using a car with Driver Monitoring System (DMS).

Additionally, there are examples of car models with their model years working on Driver Monitoring Technology. These could be found below:

• Lexus GS 450h (2006-2011)
• Lexus LS 460 (2010-2017)
• Lexus LS 600h (2008-2017)
• Lexus HS 250h (2010)
• Lexus GX 460 (2010-2019)
• Toyota Crown hybrid (2008)
• Cadillac CT6 (2017)
• Cadillac Escalade (2021)
• BMW 1-8 series (F40, F44, G20, G30, G32, G11, G15) etc
• Mercedes Benz W223 (S class)
• Ford F series and Mustang Mach-E

By 2025, it is expected that the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) would be all over the world. Many countries are now making regulations on implementing the monitoring device to minimize or control the rate of road death caused by road accidents globally.