GPS-copilot: real-time location based adaptive cruise control system involving driver health and head distraction analysis

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an electronic system that allows the vehicle to slow while approaching another vehicle and accelerate again to the preset speed when traffic is cleared. It also warns the driver and/or applies brake support if there is a high risk of a collision. The project aim is to design a GPS equipped ACC system that (apart from performing normal ACC functions) slows down the vehicle intelligently when it enters speed restricted zones such as schools and colleges. It is also capable of detecting the speed breakers ahead and controls the vehicle dynamically according to the speed limit set for that part of the road. The system also continuously monitors driver distraction and driver health condition and brings the vehicle under ACC control if the need arises. There are a variety of ways in which drivers can get distracted while driving, for example looking sideways, talking over a mobile phone etc. Driver head movement indicates if he is distracted or not. Our system is capable of sensing this. Another major issue is drivers in city buses or cars who are aged above 40 are at a higher risk of heart attack or similar heart related problems. A heart attack for a city bus driver while driving is fatal not only to him but also for the passengers. Heart rate is a vital symptom for identifying this condition. Our system senses the heart rate of the driver. In real-world scenario this system should need to perform the operation within some timing deadline and must be extremely responsive or the result is fatal. Hence the system utilizes the services of a RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). GPS aided ACC with Driver Status Monitoring can be implemented in all types of vehicles where safety will be given first priority and has the potential to become a standard part of any future vehicle.