Abstract

Drowsiness is a major cause of accidents occurs in the area of Chemical Industry, Nuclear Power Plant, Air-ways, and Road-ways etc. This article reviews methods for measurement of drowsiness based on voice or speech analysis and also discusses concept of drowsiness and its effects on human life. It has been found that voice parameters change during transition into drowsiness. Therefore analysis of speech parameters during drowsiness may be promising variables for use in drowsy countermeasure devices. This review also identifies an operational approach to show the potential of voice as a robust indicator of human drowsiness. Although speech rate and fundamental frequency results mirrored the trends found by cognitive tests, there is scope for further analysis in a more controlled experimental environment with more sophisticated analysis procedures. With knowledge of the psychological (physiological) effects of drowsiness may lead to better drowsiness management.

Key Words: Drowsiness, Voice or Speech analysis, Cognitive tests, Psychological effects