Occam's approach to video critical behavior detection: a practical real time video in-vehicle alertness monitor

Driver and pilot fatigue and incapacitation are major causes of injuries and equipment loss. A method is proposed for constant in-vehicle monitoring of alertness, including detection of drowsiness and incapacitation. Novel features of this method include increases in efficiency and specificity that allow real time monitoring in the functional environment by practicable and affordable hardware. The described approach should result in a generally deployable system with acceptable sensitivity and specificity and with capability for operator alarms and automated vehicle intervention to prevent injuries caused by reduced levels of operator performance.