A recent study has mentioned that reading facial expressions like anger, irritation and fatigue of the drivers can help to sale lives on the road. This can be done with the help of the embedded cameras which can be installed in the cars. The researchers of EPFL along with the PSA Peugeot Citroen have developed an onboard emotion detector which is based on the analysis if facial expressions.
The companies have also conducted a prototype test which indicate that the idea can have promising applications. However it is not easy to study or measure emotions in the confinement of a car. The collaboration with the PSA Peugeot Citroen , the LTS5 adapted a facial detection device which can be used in a car.
The device works with an infrared camera which is placed behind the steering wheel. The major challenge was to detect the facial expressions. So as to simplify the task, Anil Yuce and Hua Gao, who began the research chose to track just two facial expressions anger and disgust whose manifestations are similar to anger.
The test was carried out in two phases. Images were taken in an office and in real life situation in a car which was made available for the project.
Photon Credits: Wired