Tools That Monitor Truck Drivers Essay Example for Free

Tools That Monitor Truck Drivers Essay How to Monitor Truck Drivers Trucks and drivers represent a considerable cost for firms, therefore, a firm should use tools to monitor the behavior of its truck driver to ensure that 1- Drivers are following regulations to minimize risks and cost. 2- Reduces or eliminates fatigue-related injuries and fatalities. 3- Reduces accidents and equipment damage. Copilot A low cost driver drowsy driver monitor, Copilot, is one of such tools mentioned early. The Copilot consists of a digital camera integrated with a low-cost digital signal processor (DSP). The Copilot is a functionally enhanced version of a previous monitor that has been successfully used in a variety of research projects in simulators and in over-the-road vehicles (). The Copilot measures slow eyelid closures as represented by PERCLOS (Percent Eyelid Closure). PERCLOS is defined as the proportion of time that a subjects eyes are closed over a specified period. PERCLOS has been separately validated in two independent laboratories as an accurate predictor of performance degradation in sleep- deprived subjects. The current driver interface is based on recent experimental results that drowsiness feedback can reduce drowsiness and improve driver performance for sleep deprived truck drivers operating a truck simulator. DSS System ÂÆ'The DSS system works most of the time for most operators ÂÆ' Provides â€Å"virtual† driving buddy for the operator ÂÆ' Can provide site supervision near real-time notice of potential fatigued operators ÂÆ'Highly effective if used with supervisor intervention procedure ÂÆ'The communications plan about the technology and how it will be used is critical ÂÆ' Complete management support and ownership of the process (from the mine manager to front-line supervisor) ÂÆ' Consequences are clearly defined; do what you say you are going to do ÂÆ' Listen to complaints and fix issues/problems early ÂÆ' Site champions required Accelerometers and pressure transducers, mounted in suspension components, can be used to monitor the ride of haulage trucks. Presently, it is difficult to tell what caused a jolt to the truck using either pressure or acceleration data alone. When information from a global positioning system (GPS) is recorded at the same time as shock pressures or acceleration data, the exact location of an event can be determined. Mine management can then determine what caused the jolt to the truck. † NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is investigating how the work environment of haulage truck drivers can be improved. The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) notes that, between 1986 and 1995, 60% of the back injuries were to haulage truck drivers in metal/non-metal surface mining. Personnel from Phelps Dodge suggested that combining acceleration data with information obtained from a GPS could generate results with a variety of uses. Therefore, researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL) began investigating how to tie acceleration and GPS data together. It was originally thought that this tool would be used primarily for road and truck maintenance. However, as research progressed, it became apparent that it would also be useful in providing feedback about equipment operations and identifying unusual causes of jolting. A data collection system that ties acceleration and GPS location data has been successfully demonstrated at a cooperating mine. A variety of applications are possible. Using plotting software, the person reviewing the data produced can see the acceleration history of the truck, much like an infrared camera can display the thermal signature of a moving object. Sophisticated hardware and software monitors very low-level accelerations and increases functionality. Severe jolts can be monitored by using inexpensive hardware and software. GPS-based location intelligence technology deliver exception control and visibility over entire truck GPS fleet, eliminating out of route miles, reducing fuel consumption, automating compliance and improving your bottom line. These truck GPS combined capabilities resolve a rogue’s gallery of fleetwide problems: excessive fuel costs, unnecessary timecard disputes, error-prone manual HOS reporting, and inefficient fuel tax accounting and compliance paperwork. GPS users report an average 15% to 30% lower fuel consumption, 15% less overtime, 12% less unauthorized vehicle use and 12% higher productivity. Driver monitoring tool detects driver workload and stress levels It’s a Tool which monitors driver’s state with camera and seat sensor and alarms if the driver becomes too distracted. Key benefits: Operator vigilance – supervise the machine operator sleepiness and distraction level Traffic safety – advice a driver to adapt his/her driving style to avoid safety risks Green driving – assist a driver to save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions