Jaguar Mind Sense system monitors driver’s brainwaves to enhance safety

After some interesting technologies like 360 degree Virtual Urban Windscreen, and transparent bonnet (on Land Rover Discovery Vision concept), JLR has now announced research into an array of safety technologies that are aimed at reducing the possibility of accidents by monitoring the driver’s activity.

These safety technologies are currently undergoing trials.

Jaguar Mind Sense

Jaguar Brain Sense system is a research project which aims to see if a car could monitor the driver’s brain waves and determine whether he/she is focused, distracted or sleepy. Though the most effective way of monitoring brain waves (usually four or more continuous distinct waves with varying frequencies) is via sensors mounted on a headband, Jaguar has come up with a steering wheel which senses the driver’s brain activity through hands and the input is then amplified by a software. The company is currently conducting trials to check and verify the system before putting it into use as an on-board safety feature.

Driver Wellness Monitoring

Monitoring driver’s heath would help the car predict possible sudden illness and act accordingly.

The British marque is also developing a wellness driver seat which is packed with sensors to measure the driver’s heart rate and breathing to determine the status of his health. This will help the car predict a sudden illness which may incapacitate the driver and take preventive course of action. The system will also enable the car to reduce stress level of the driver by changing the mood lighting, music and climate control settings.

Predictive Infotainment Screen

Tests show that time required to operate infotainment system has gone down by 22%.

In order to reduce the duration of the driver having his/her eyes off the road, JLR is developing a smart infotainment system which will predict which button the driver is going to click before his/her finger reach the touch panel by tracking his/her hand movements.

Haptic Accelerator Pedal

Cars in future could communicate warning to the driver via vibrating or pulsating accelerator pedal.

A vibration or pulse is sent down through the accelerator pedal to warn the driver that the car is being accelerated beyond the speed limit. A timely warning through accelerator pedal could prevent bumping into the car ahead in a bumper to bumper situation.