Wheels

I

t is always an uphill struggle
to stay awake, especially after
a heavy lunch or on a long
and monotonous road trip.
The eyelids get heavier and before
you know it, you are a potential
risk or hazard to both yourself and
fellow motorists around you.
Falling asleep behind the wheel is one
of the top major contributing factors to
accidents around the world. One in four
drivers are at the risk of falling asleep
while driving, thus pushing automotive
manufacturers to install driving safety
devices to help keep drivers from falling
into blissful slumber. However, these
come at a price and are reflected in the
car’s hefty price-tag. For the individuals
whose cars do not possess such
driving safety aids, there is a solution.
The VueMate DL330A Driver State
Monitor is exactly what it is, a driver
monitoring device. The slim and
barely-broad device is the result of
countless hours of study, research and
development. Hailing from Korea, the
device packs a host of sophisticated
camera and sensor equipment, such

as a high performance camera, infrared

sensors and an image processor.

These are a necessity for the purpose

of instantaneously recognising facial

patterns to detect drowsiness, such

as drooping eyelids, or even prolonged

periods when the eyes are not looking

forward. The Driver State Monitor

reacts simultaneously by blinking its

LEDs and a variety of warning beeps

from an integrated loudspeaker.

Wheels Asia had the opportunity to

test the Driver State Monitor during a

full day’s stint. Included in this test is a

connecting GPS receiver (optional) that

detects moments when the car has

come to a complete stop, allowing the

driver to glance freely around without

the incessant buzzing. Installation is

fuss-free and pretty straight forward;

rest the Driver State Monitor on the

flat surface of the steering column and

plug it in. The monitor will automatically

scan and identify pupil position,

confirming the successful recognition

with a resounding ding-dong sound.

The Driver State Monitor is always

in a constant state of scanning. Should

you be caught dozing off for more

than just a second, a single beep is

buzzed to recapture your attention.

If that fails, the device will buzz a

hurried series of beeps. Interestingly,

any eye or head motion that strays

away, either to peep at your mobile

or prolonged distraction will warrant a

different buzz in the form of a ding.

You might ask if it works with

sunglasses, yes the Driver State

Monitor’s sophisticated array of sensors

are able to penetrate through and detect

eye motion and works just as well

during dimly-lit or in dark environments,

such as night driving or in a car park.

All in all, the VueMate DL330A Driver

State Monitor is a fascinating device

that will surely be of benefit to users

who frequently ply the roads; whether

it is a bus or taxi, goods delivery driver,

the Driver State Monitor will surely

help keep those sleepy eyes awake,

or away from the constant distraction

of mobile phones, which should not

be used when the car is in motion. For

the long-distance solo-driver, the Driver

State Monitor will surely be an asset.

The VueMate Driver State Monitor is available at Wow! Gadgets Pte Ltd, Tel: 6100 9691

There is not a

moment that the

Driver State Monitor

rests, and neither will

you, as it keeps you

focused on driving

March 2016 // 59