New Device Will Significantly Reduce Number Of Fatalities Caused By Drowsy Drivers

Remote Sensing, Complexity Science, Machine Learning and Other New Mexico 'Big Thinking' Behind New Technology

SANTA FE, N.M., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Safety Concepts, Inc. (ASCI) and Complexica, Inc. today announced that their joint collaboration to develop a new safety device will significantly reduce the number of traffic fatalities caused by drowsy or impaired drivers. The new product, called MINDS (MicroNod Detection System), applies sensing and detection, machine learning and complexity science to automotive safety applications. The low-cost device sits in the roof of an automobile and triggers alerts when drowsiness is observed.

Developed with technologies from the New Mexico based Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories and the Santa Fe Institute, MINDS uses advanced neural network technology to read how each particular driver holds their head when fully alert and detects drowsy behavior. Alerting devices are then activated according to the degree of inattentiveness of the driver. The device learns specific behavior patterns of individuals and can distinguish among several drivers of a given vehicle.

``When we tested this research with our snowplow operators, we knew we were sitting on the edge of what would become the standard for all future drivers,'' said David Albright, Research Bureau Chief of the New Mexico State Highway & Transportation Department. ``We are making it safer to go home each night.''

Technology Saving Lives

Even more deaths may be caused by drowsy drivers than by intoxicated drivers, according to a recent study reported in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study found that ``staying awake for 17 to 19 hours -- a normal working day for many people -- can dampen your mental and physical reaction times as dramatically as two drinks.''

``MINDS has four great features,'' said Philip Kithil, President of Advanced Safety Concepts, Inc. ``It operates in real time, it anticipates drivers becoming sleepy, it is inexpensive, and it can be installed in new vehicles or retrofitted into existing cars, trucks, buses, and fleet vehicles.'' Recent testes indicate that MINDS is able to detect drowsy behavior with much greater accuracy than human observers. ``Currently this device works better than anything on the market, or even contemplated for the market,'' said Kithil. ``Over 8,500 persons are killed yearly in accidents in which drowsiness is the cause, according to Government data. If we can prevent just 25 percent of these deaths, we've saved 2000 lives each year.''

Advanced Safety Concepts, Inc. and Complexica, Inc. formed the strategic alliance to explore automotive safety applications utilizing machine learning and complexity science. ``The success of the project is a direct result of the synergy among various high-tech companies forming in the Santa Fe area,'' said Roger Jones, CEO of Complexica.

Several manufacturing agreements have been signed or are in negotiation. ``If things go well, we should see the MINDS system in 2004-2005 model cars,'' said Kithil.

Company Profiles

About Advanced Safety Concepts, Inc. (ASCI)

Founded in 1993 by Philip W. Kithil, ASCI is developing capacitive occupant sensing systems for ``smart'' airbags, drowsiness detection and other automotive sensing applications. ASCI has licensed its technology to five automotive industry suppliers of airbag systems, vehicle interiors and glass products, to major automobile manufacturers worldwide.

About Complexica, Inc.

Dr. Roger D. Jones, formerly of Los Alamos National Laboratory and Professor John Casti of the Santa Fe Institute founded Complexica in 1999. The company uses complexity science and machine learning technology to solve business and engineering problems.

SOURCE: Advanced Safety Concepts, Inc.; Complexica, Inc.

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