Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle, the vehicle being guided in fully automated fashion, and if an error is detected during the fully automated guidance, a safe state being selected from a plurality of safe states as a function of one parameter, the vehicle being guided in fully automated fashion into the selected safe state. Also described is an apparatus for operating a vehicle, as well as to a computer program.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting an adjustment position of a vehicle seat, the sensor system having a Hall sensor and a first preloaded magnet, and it is free of flux concentrators and shielding sheets. The Hall sensor and the first preloaded magnet are arranged along a longitudinal extension of the upper rail that is movable lengthwise such that during adjustment of the upper rail, passage of a free longitudinal end of the stationary lower rail will be monitored and result in a change of an output signal of the Hall sensor.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement with a gas bag inflatable by a gas generator to protect a vehicle occupant, whose envelope defines an interior space of the gas bag that can be filled with gas, with a vent opening through which gas can flow out, with an apparatus for controlling the cross-section of the vent opening including a covering part with which the vent opening can be covered to at least partly closed. The arrangement also includes an inflatable gas duct which interacts with the covering part to vary the cross-section of the vent opening. The duct is inflatable by a secondary gas generator, which during inflation interacts with the covering part such that it changes the cross-section of the vent opening. Rotational movement of the inflatable gas duct is restricted by an extended panel secured to the gas bag, a tab anchored nearby, or both.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a display system for a vehicle comprising at least one image sensor, an image processor, and a display. The image processor is in communication with the image sensor and configured to generate autostereoscopic image data. The display is in communication with the image processor and configured to display the autostereoscopic image data. The autostereoscopic image data is configured to provide a depth perception to assist in determining a proximity of an object in the image data.

Abstract: A vehicle defining an opening with a closure panel adapted to cover the opening generally includes a window in the closure panel. Furthermore, a rear window defrosting wire is often mounted to the window. A user interface system is disclosed to include a capacitive switch wire having a portion mounted to the window proximate to, and overlapping with, the rear window defrosting wire, and a capacitive switch control unit connected to the capacitive switch wire and adapted to interpret a change a capacitance near the terminus of the capacitive switch wire as a command request. The system includes a projector and a controller adapted to control the projector to project an image onto the window proximate to the terminus of the capacitive switch wire, receive an indication of receipt of the command request and transmit a command to cause a state change in an element of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system and method dynamically adjust radar parameters of a radar system on a platform. The method includes obtaining inputs including platform parameters, wherein the platform parameters includes speed and braking duration, and obtaining a characterization of driving behavior based on the inputs. Modifying the radar parameters is based on the inputs and the characterization, wherein the modifying includes changing a maximum range, and providing alerts to a driver of the platform is based on the radar system.

Abstract: One of a pair of first terminals includes a spring member of which one end is supported by the first housing. A contact portion that contacts one of a pair of second terminals is formed on a free end of the spring member. A lock arm abuts against the spring member to displace the contact portion, and brings the contact portion into contact with one of the second terminals at the time of locking. The other of the first terminals has a contact portion that contacts the other of the second terminals when the connectors are fitted, and is disposed apart from one of the first terminals.

Abstract: A processing method for a processing apparatus, the processing method causing a computer of the processing apparatus to execute steps comprising: detecting a position and a state of a passenger inside a vehicle on the basis of information indicating a state of space including seats of the vehicle, the information obtained from a sensor provided inside the vehicle, notifying an operator of the vehicle of the detected position and state of the passenger, and transmitting, upon detecting an operation, which is performed by the operator of the vehicle, for controlling a device near the detected position of the passenger, a control command corresponding to the operation to the device.

Abstract: A belt assembly includes a belt, a first sensor and a second sensor. The belt has a webbing and a plurality of markers distinct from the webbing and fixed thereto. The markers are equally spaced a first longitudinal distance thereon in a longitudinal direction. The first sensor and the second sensor each have an associated detection field directed toward the belt and responsive to the markers in the fields. The second sensor is a second longitudinal distance from the first sensor differing from the first distance.

Abstract: A method for setting an activation signal for activating at least one safety device of a vehicle. The method includes reading in a driving mode signal. In this case, the driving mode signal represents an item of information as to whether a manual driving mode or an at least partially automatic driving mode of the vehicle is set. The method also includes adapting at least one parameter of the activation signal while using the driving mode signal, to set the activation signal.

Abstract: Vehicles can be equipped with a computing device to determine two or more paths of available paths for the vehicle that each include a predicted impact with an object. The computing device can determine a time to impact, vehicle speed and direction and object speed and direction, and an object type. The computing device can also determine a best path of the two or more vehicle paths by determining damage severity based on time to impact, vehicle speed and direction and object speed and direction and control one or more of steering, propulsive torque and braking torque to pilot the vehicle on the best path based on the damage severity.

Abstract: An airbag device capable of restraining an obliquely forward movement of an occupant. The airbag device includes: an inflator which is operated by a signal from a sensor that detects a collision and which discharges expansion gas; to deploy and expand the airbags. The airbags include: a first airbag which deploys to the front of an occupant for restraining a forward movement of the occupant; and a second airbag which is joined to a side part of the first airbag on a cabin center side and restrains an obliquely forward movement of the occupant. The collision sensor is capable of discriminating between a first collision mode which is not accompanied by rotation of the vehicle and a second collision mode which is accompanied by a rotation of the vehicle in a horizontal plane, and the second airbag is deployed only when the second collision mode occurs.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvesting system for converting mechanical energy of a tire of a vehicle to electrical energy includes sets of piezoelectric beam assemblies, a tire electrical jack, a conductive bearing, and an electrical storage unit. The sets of piezoelectric beam assemblies are embedded in multiple layers of the tire of the vehicle and electrically connected in a parallel configuration. Each of the sets of the piezoelectric beam assemblies are electrically connected in a series configuration for converting mechanical strains into electrical energy. The tire electrical jack is mounted on a rim of the tire and receives the electrical energy generated by the sets of piezoelectric beam assemblies via output terminals. The conductive bearing transmits the electrical energy received by the tire electrical jack to the electrical storage unit, which filters, rectifies, adapts and stores the transmitted electrical energy for powering components of the vehicle.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer is described. The MEMS accelerometer may comprise a proof mass configured to sense accelerations in a direction parallel the plane of the proof mass, and a plurality of compensation structures. The proof mass may be connected to one or more anchors through springs. The compensation structures may be coupled to the substrate of the MEMS accelerometer through a rigid connection to respective anchors. A compensation structure may comprise at least one compensation electrode forming one or more lateral compensation capacitors. The compensation capacitor(s) may be configured to sense displacement of the anchor to which the compensation structures is connected.

Abstract: A device can receive live video of a real-world, physical environment on a touch sensitive surface. One or more objects can be identified in the live video. An information layer can be generated related to the objects. In some implementations, the information layer can include annotations made by a user through the touch sensitive surface. The information layer and live video can be combined in a display of the device. Data can be received from one or more onboard sensors indicating that the device is in motion. The sensor data can be used to synchronize the live video and the information layer as the perspective of video camera view changes due to the motion. The live video and information layer can be shared with other devices over a communication link.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive data readings generated by a plurality of sensors. The processor may be configured to perform a fusion operation on the data readings to detect an event, determine a location of the event with respect to a vehicle based on the data readings, convert the location to spatial audio data and generate an audio warning signal based on the spatial audio data. The sensors may generate video data as one of the data readings. The processor may perform video analysis on the video data to calculate measurements using a number of pixels to the event to calculate the location. The spatial audio data may be in a format compatible with a surround sound speaker system of the vehicle. The audio warning signal may indicate the location of the event using the surround sound speaker system.

Abstract: An electrical system for use with an AC power supply having multiple phase voltages, e.g., three phase voltages, may include a high-voltage battery pack or other high-voltage DC device, a 12 VDC battery or other auxiliary-voltage DC device providing auxiliary power to the electrical system, multiple AC-DC converters, and a controller. The AC-DC converters each provide a DC output voltage to the high-voltage DC device, and are operable for converting a respective one of the phase voltages from the AC power supply into the DC output voltage. The controller selectively disables the AC-DC converters in response to a detected predetermined operating condition to thereby reduce consumption of the auxiliary power within the electrical system. A vehicle may include a high-voltage DC battery pack, an auxiliary-voltage DC battery providing auxiliary power, an onboard charging module, a charging port, an auxiliary power module, an electric machine, and a controller.

Abstract: A gesture control system includes a processor, the processor in communication with a plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to perform the steps of detecting, using the plurality of sensors, a gesture in a volume occupied by a plurality of occupants, analyzing a prior knowledge to associate the gesture with one of the plurality of occupants, and generating an output, the output being determined by the gesture and the one of the plurality of occupants.

Abstract: An occupant discrimination system of a vehicle seat includes a load detecting portion disposed on a lower side of a seat and detecting a load acting on the seat; an occupant discrimination portion discriminating a state of an occupant among a no occupant state, adult seated state, and child seat fixed states based at least on a load detected from the load detecting portion and a load continuation duration.

Abstract: A distance measurement system includes: a signal generator which generates a light emission signal that instructs light emission and an exposure signal that instructs exposure of reflected light; a first illumination and distance measurement light source which receives the light emission signal and, according to the signal received, performs the light emission for illumination without a purpose of distance measurement and the light emission with the purpose of distance measurement using the reflected light; an imaging device which receives the exposure signal, performs the exposure according to the signal received, and obtains an amount of light exposure of the reflected light; and a calculator which calculates distance information using the amount of light exposure and outputs the distance information, wherein the distance measurement system has operation modes including an illumination mode and a first distance measurement mode.

Abstract: A belt assembly includes a belt retractor, a sensor having a detection field, and a belt retractably payable from the belt retractor through the detection field. The belt has a webbing and a plurality of markers fixed to the webbing. The webbing has a longitudinal length and the markers are equally spaced along the longitudinal length of the webbing. The sensor senses the length of the webbing paid out. A size of the occupant may be determined based on the length of the webbing paid out, and the size of the occupant may be used to classify the occupant in classes.

Abstract: A vehicle weight detection method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, include calculating a first difference between a first expected weight of a vehicle and a first current weight of the vehicle based on On-Board Dash (OBD) input data, calculating a second difference between a second expected weight of the vehicle and a second current weight of the vehicle based on a spring-mass-damper mechanical algorithm using vehicle data received from a user device, a comparing circuit configured to compare each of the first difference and the second difference to a predetermined weight difference threshold value, and a location checking circuit configured to checks if a location of the vehicle matches a location in a list of verified weight change locations of a database if the comparing circuit detects at least one of the first difference and the second difference is greater than the predetermined weight difference threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (1) about the presence of an object (12) in the surroundings (7) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a driver assistance system (2), in which a position of the object (12) is determined by means of a sensor device (9), an anticipated driving tube (14) of the motor vehicle (1) is determined, a collision distance (DTC), which describes a distance between the motor vehicle (1) and the object (12) when the motor vehicle (1) moves within the determined driving tube (14), is determined on the basis of the determined position of the object (12) and the determined driving tube (14), a minimum distance (SD) between the motor vehicle (1) and the object (12) is determined, and a warning signal is output if the value of the minimum distance (SD) undershoots a predetermined limiting value, wherein the determined value of the minimum distance is adapted as a function of the determined collision distance (DTC).

Abstract: A sensor triggering system for a sensor apparatus including a plurality of sensors. The system detects a first sensor pulse and determines a memory address of a lookup table based on the first sensor pulse. In response to the first sensor pulse, the system selectively triggers one or more of the plurality of sensors based at least in part on a codeword stored at the first memory address. For example, the codeword may comprise a number of bits such that each bit of the codeword indicates an activation state for a respective one of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device includes an airbag module, an actuator, and a controller. The airbag module includes an airbag and an inflator that allows the airbag to develop. The actuator attaches the airbag module to a vehicle, to cause a change in relative positional relation between the vehicle and the airbag module. The controller determines a collision mode of the vehicle, on a basis of one or more of input information used in prediction of the collision mode, input information upon a collision of the vehicle, and input information on an internal situation of the vehicle, and controls the relative positional relation between the vehicle and the airbag module. The airbag module allows the airbag to be developed in a state in which the change in the relative positional relation between the vehicle and the airbag module is caused by the actuator.

Abstract: A device for controlling personal protection apparatus in a vehicle includes: at least one sensor unit that acquires at least one physical quantity; and evaluation and control unit which (i) produces, from the at least one acquired physical quantity, at least one signal curve that characterizes an impact, (ii) determines, as a function of an energy dissipation behavior of the vehicle, at least one temporal phase in the produced signal curve, and (iii) evaluates the at least one phase for crash classification and for a triggering decision for the personal protection apparatus. The evaluation and control unit retroactively calculates at least one feature of the energy dissipation based on a characteristic time in the signal curve that represents the end of a first temporal phase.

Abstract: Aircraft tracking and emergency location avionics architectures that integrate existing fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installations, their associated aircraft avionics systems and existing flight deck interfaces with an Autonomous Distress Tracker (ADT) transceiver unit in a coupled configuration. Some of the architectures allow the ADT unit and its advanced distress detecting and reporting capabilities to monitor the activation control path for the ELT and the associated ELT activation outputs. Other architectures place the ADT unit and its advanced distress detection capabilities and ground-controlled capabilities in the activation control path for the ELT. Additional architectures entail the connection of an ADT unit to an ELT remote panel on the flight deck of an aircraft.

Abstract: A window system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a transparent window having a window treatment, an incident light monitoring subsystem, an incident light management subsystem and a controller. The incident light monitoring subsystem monitors incident light transmitted into the passenger compartment, determines a field of view of a passenger and determines an intensity of the incident light relative to the field of view of the passenger. The incident light management subsystem individually controls a plurality of light projectors to project a light beam that interacts with a subsection of the window treatment to modulate light transparency of one of the subsections of the window based upon the intensity of the incident light in relation to a field of view of the passenger.

Abstract: A method for setting activation parameters for a vehicle safety system of a subject vehicle. The method includes determining whether a collision between a subject vehicle and an object is imminent or in progress. Whether the collision will be a front small overlap collision is determined, and activation parameters of a vehicle safety system are set in a front small overlap collision mode if the collision is determined to be a front small overlap collision.

Abstract: A device for increasing the precision of the distance and the relative velocity of a camera-based sensor with the aid of longitudinal acceleration for use in vehicles, e.g., in passive safety applications. In a first arithmetic unit of the inventive device, a correction of a slowly repeated camera-based measurement of the distance to an object is performed with the aid of an internal, longitudinal acceleration signal sampled at a much higher rate, wherein the inventive correction may be performed within an arithmetic unit of the camera, within a passive safety system or in a unit outside the camera and outside the safety system in the vehicle.

Abstract: Connector receptacles that are arranged to avoid inadvertent connections. One example may provide contacts for a first connector receptacle that may be located behind a movable gate. The first connector receptacle may be combined with a second connector receptacle that is user accessible to save space and simplify device assembly. Combining the first connector receptacle and a second connector receptacle may also remove the movable gate from a surface of an electronic device, thereby further preventing inadvertent connections.

Abstract: A sensing bone fixing element includes a fixing portion, a fastening portion, a capacitor structure, and a coil. The fastening portion is fixed to the fixing portion and suitable for being fastened to a bone. The fastening portion passes through the capacitor structure which has a capacitance value and includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and an elastic dielectric layer. The first conductive layer leans against the fixing portion, the second conductive layer leans against the bone, and the elastic dielectric layer is located between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The coil has an inductance value, and two ends of the coil are respectively connected to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The coil receives a detection radio frequency (RF) signal and generates a responding RF signal according to variations in the capacitance value and the inductance value.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques are provided for occupancy assessment of a vehicle. For one or more occupants of the vehicle, the occupancy assessment establishes position and/or identity for some or all of the occupant(s).

Abstract: A method for controlling restraint devices of a motor vehicle includes measuring a movement variable of the motor vehicle, triggering a first restraint device on the basis of a first predefined threshold value for the measured movement variable being exceeded, triggering a second restraint device on the basis of a second predefined threshold value for the measured movement variable being exceeded, and activating a first device influencing the restraining force of the first restraint device and a second device influencing the restraining force of the second restraint device on the basis of the first predefined threshold value and/or the second predefined threshold value being exceeded.

Abstract: A radiofrequency transmission device (D?) includes: a transmission unit (10) for transmitting a voltage signal (S) in pulsed form; a radiofrequency antenna (A); filtering elements (30?); and a voltage source (Vcc), wherein the filtering elements (30?) include: “n” coils (B1, B2. . . Bn), electrically connected in series, of which (n?1) coils each have a natural resonance frequency such that: fRLi=i×fF each having an inductance (Li) such that, at the predetermined fundamental frequency: LTOT=L1+L2+ . . . Li+ . . . Ln=ZTOT=Z1+Z2+ . . . Zi+ . . . Zn and Li=Zi where fRLi Is the natural resonance frequency of the i-th coil i is a number varying from 2 to n, LTOT is the total inductance of the n coils, Li is the inductance of the i-th coil, ZTOT is the total impedance of the n coils, Zi is the impedance of the i-th coil, n is an integer greater than zero.

Abstract: A fill level measurement device for determining a topology of a surface of a filling material or of a bulk material is provided, including a rotatable antenna including an array of radiator elements configured to emit a measurement signal towards the surface and to receive a reflected measurement signal reflected from the surface, and a high-frequency signal processor configured to generate the measurement signal and to at least partially process the received reflected measurement signal; and a power supply and communications circuitry, coupled to the high-frequency signal processor by a sliding contact or a pair of coils, and configured to supply the high-frequency signal processor with electrical power for measurement operation.

Abstract: A method, system, and vehicle for locating an occupant within the vehicle. The method includes receiving motion data of a seatbelt for a seat in the vehicle and receiving motion data of a wearable device of the occupant. The method also includes comparing the seatbelt motion data with the wearable device motion data from a same period of time and identifying that the occupant is located at the seat in the vehicle based on a result of the comparison. The method may also include associating the occupant with the vehicle based on location information of the vehicle and location information of the wearable device of the occupant. Additionally, the method may include identifying personalization options for the occupant at the seat based on a user profile of the occupant in response to identifying that the occupant is located at the seat.

Abstract: Techniques using small form factor infrared imaging modules are disclosed. An imaging system may include visible spectrum imaging modules, infrared imaging modules, and other modules to interface with a user and/or a monitoring system. Visible spectrum imaging modules and infrared imaging modules may be positioned in proximity to a scene that will be monitored while visible spectrum-only images of the scene are either not available or less desirable than infrared images of the scene. Imaging modules may be configured to capture images of the scene at different times. Image analytics and processing may be used to generate combined images with infrared imaging features and increased detail and contrast. Triple fusion processing, including selectable aspects of non-uniformity correction processing, true color processing, and high contrast processing, may be performed on the captured images. Control signals based on the combined images may be presented to a user and/or a monitoring system.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for reducing an injury may include: an airbag cushion part having a vent hole part through which gas is discharged; a cover member having a communication hole part smaller than the vent hole part, and adjusting the amount of gas discharged through the vent hole part by selectively covering the vent hole part; and a vent tether connected to the airbag cushion part and the cover member, and pulling the cover member in connection with an expansion of the airbag cushion part.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a vehicle implementing one or more processing modules. These modules are configured to connect and interface with the various buses in the vehicle, where the various buses are connected with the various components of the vehicle to facilitate information transfer among the vehicle components. Each processing module is further modularized with the ability to add and replace other functional modules now or in the future. These functional modules can themselves act as distinct vehicle components. Each processing modules may hand-off processing to other modules depending on its health, processing load, or by third-party control. Thus, the plurality of processing modules helps to implement a middleware point of control to the vehicle with redundancy in processing and safety and security awareness in their applications.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom and arranged to extend in an upward direction away from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes an electronics system.

Abstract: An activity tracking device is defined to detect and record movement of a person to which the activity tracking device is affixed. A secondary electronic device is defined separate from the activity tracking device. The secondary electronic device is defined to receive data from the activity tracking device regarding the detected and recorded movement of the person. A website is defined to communicate with connected devices including the secondary electronic device. The website is defined to provide a user account for the person. The website is defined to convey information regarding the detected and recorded movement of the person through the user account.

Abstract: An airbag is a passenger seat airbag that inflates and deploys between a passenger seat and an instrument panel, and has side vent holes and a front vent hole. When an inflator is actuated in a state where a passenger close to the instrument panel exists, a valve cloth opens the front vent hole with the vicinity of the front vent hole away from the windshield.

Abstract: A system and a control method can prevent interference between front and rear seats for a vehicle, and allow reclining control and slide control for the front and rear seats to be performed, to control a seat back rearward movement angle of a front seat based on a seat back angle of the front seat, a position of the rear seat, and an interval between the front and rear seats at the time of rearward reclining control for the front seat, control a rearward slide movement distance based on the seat back angle of the front seat at the time of rearward slide control for the front seat, and calculate in advance a likelihood that interference will occur between the front and rear seats so as to stop the control operation at the time of performing a rearward reclining control operation and a rearward slide control operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically controlling sensor-based data acquisition in vehicles. The disclosed embodiments may receive signals associated with sensors in a vehicle, wherein the signals are associated with sampling rates, and apply bandwidth filters to the signals to create filtered signals. The disclosed embodiments may also detect an occurrence of an event by comparing the filtered signals to one or more event thresholds and transmit event data to a control system when the event thresholds are exceeded. The disclosed embodiments also may dynamically adjust signals, sampling rates, bandwidth filters, a generated event score, and the event thresholds based on changes to a set of control variables. The control variables may depend on signals associated with a set of sensors in a vehicle or on boundary conditions and signals associated to an external system.

Abstract: The electric motor vehicle includes a voltage conversion circuit, a primary-side smoothing capacitor, a battery, a system main relay, an inverter circuit, a secondary-side smoothing capacitor, an electric motor, a first voltage sensor, a collision sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to adjust an operation of the voltage conversion circuit, detect primary-side voltage by using the first voltage sensor in a state that the voltage conversion circuit is operated in a case where a collision is detected by the collision sensor, and detect a state that the system main relay is off based on a change in the detected primary-side voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses protecting a portable device from an impact are provided. An accelerometer is operable to detect acceleration of the portable device. A protective structure disposed outside of the portable device includes a substrate and an elastomeric layer arranged on the substrate. The elastomeric layer defines an inflatable region in which the elastomeric layer is not attached to the substrate. The substrate includes a fluid channel in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. A controller is operable to trigger the pressurized fluid source upon detection of an acceleration event, wherein the pressurized fluid source transmits pressurized fluid to the inflatable region, causing the inflatable regions to inflate. The inflatable regions provide a cushion against impacts with surfaces when the portable device is dropped or otherwise propelled toward a surface.

Abstract: A communication system having a configurable bandpass filter is disclosed. The system includes a bandpass filter and a bandpass controller. The bandpass filter has an adjustable center frequency. The bandpass controller is configured to identify a frequency shift in a master in or received signal and to shift the center frequency of the bandpass filter according to the identified frequency shift.

Abstract: A safety seat is provided, including a seat base and a seat back. The seat back includes a framework adjustable in shape and a covering part covering the framework and made of flexible material. A surface of the covering part is provided with multiple sensors for obtaining back position information of a person sitting on the safety seat. The safety seat further includes a data processing device and a driving structure. The data processing device is for receiving the back position information, determine a shape of a back surface of the person and send a covering part adjustment signal. The driving structure is for adjusting a shape of the framework according to the covering part adjustment signal and changing a shape of the surface of the covering part by changing the shape of the framework so as to match the shape of the back surface of the person.

Abstract: Drowsiness onset detection implementations are presented that predict when a person transitions from a state of wakefulness to a state of drowsiness based on heart rate information. Appropriate action is then taken to stimulate the person to a state of wakefulness or notify other people of their state (with respect to drowsiness/alertness). This generally involves capturing a person's heart rate information over time using one or more heart rate (HR) sensors and then computing a heart-rate variability (HRV) signal from the captured heart rate information. The HRV signal is analyzed to extract features that are indicative of an individual's transition from a wakeful state to a drowsy state. The extracted features are input into an artificial neural net (ANN) that has been trained using the same features to identify when an individual makes the aforementioned transition to drowsiness. Whenever an onset of drowsiness is detected, a warning is initiated.