Ford Motor Co., which earlier this week announced developments to curb traffic delays, is now targeting driver distractions.Researchers at the Dearborn automaker are developing a technology based on readings from sensors placed on the steering wheel, seat and safety belt that can measure a driver's heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature. The sensors are similar to those on some treadmills.
Coupled with a driver workload estimator — an algorithm that uses data from existing radar and cameras combined with input from the driver's use of the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel — a vehicle could silence in-car distractions if it deems the driver is under too much stress or is too distracted.
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