System alerts drivers of safety issues and monitors fatigue and distractions
Irizar has delivered the first coaches with Irizar MagicEye technology, a system which literally watches the driver’s eyes and warns of real-time driving safety issues.
The MagicEye solution, developed by Datik, a subsidiary of Irizar Group, provides assistance, information and control to aid driving safety.
MagicEye minimises the risk of drivers being distracted and helps avoid collisions by detecting and predicting situations using artificial vision technology.
The system includes:
- Detection of pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes
- Vehicles, both stationary and moving
- Detection of involuntary lane changes
- Detection of obstacles and road signs
- Safe distance calculation
- Speed limit warnings
- Driver fatigue and distraction alerts.
Irizar says the most important feature which makes it differ from other conventional products is the detection of driver fatigue and distraction. MagicEye monitors the driver’s eye movements along with the movements of the vehicle to look for abnormal actions which could lead to danger. If any danger is located, the system sounds an alert to avoid any collision.
The system is comprised of a camera, a digital processor and a warning system which can either be audible, visual, or both. Other more selective alert mechanisms are currently being developed, such as seat vibration, to avoid disturbing passengers when the warning is given.
Installation is said to be very straightforward and can be customised to suit the operator in terms of finish and visual warnings, and is integrated into the coach’s dashboard or the fleet management system.
It also includes image recording and a warning and event register, and transmits information to a central unit from a web platform which draws conclusions, processing all the information gathered to detect any driving offences. It plans the safest routes and optimises driving habits.
Stewarts of Reading is the first customer in UK to purchase an Irizar i6 incorporating MagicEye. MD Andy Cotton said: “At the centre of Stewarts’ core values is safety; we cannot put a price on the safety of our customers and when Irizar told me they were working on this solution I immediately said that we wanted Stewarts to be involved.
“Coach safety has improved massively over the last 10 years in terms of collision strength but nothing has happened in terms of driver monitoring. This system has taken a massive leap forwards in terms of thinking and we cannot wait to put this system on trial and work to further develop this device.”
DATIK became part of the Irizar Group in 2011 and has recently developed a software platform for infrastructure management and optimum service planning that can be used for railways, trams and buses, and a platform for improving user mobility orientated around sports events, creating optimum routes based on a match calendar.
