A Taxonomy of Methods, Techniques and Sensors for Acquisition of Physiological Signals in Driver Monitoring Systems

Driver monitoring systems (DMSs) are increasingly important for road safety, aiming to reduce driver-caused accidents. Traditional DMSs, focusing on behavioral and observable signals, lack the sensitivity to detect changes in the driver’s health status. Monitoring physiological parameters offers the opportunity to objectively assess the driver’s condition in real time and detect early signs of medical emergencies. After a brief overview of the physiological parameters that are critical for assessing the driver’s condition, we examine the different methods and sensors for obtaining the relevant physiological signals with their advantages and limitations. Based on this review, a taxonomy of methods, techniques, and sensors for acquisition of physiological signals in DMSs is proposed. It provides a systematically structured and detailed classification to understand the relationships between physiological parameters and the different methods and sensors for their measurement. This taxonomy can serve as a fundamental framework for researchers and developers to design and implement reliable next-generation DMSs based on physiological signals.