MADAM :An application to assist motorists
MADAM :Mobile Anti-Distraction Application for Motorists using C4.5 Algorithm
MADAM is an Android application that helps motorists to comply with Anti-Distracted Driving Act through hands-free management of calls and SMS they received while driving.
The target users of the application are motorists. By using smartphone’s accelerometer to detect the changes in the acceleration of the device, the application will automatically activate Driving Mode; but, this function should be enabled. The user has also an option to activate it manually by tapping the activation button before driving the motor vehicle.
Normal Mode is the state when the users are not in Driving Mode. In this mode, the users must select priority contacts in the contact list or they may choose on the suggested priority contacts that are generated by the algorithm. Users must also add pre-defined SMS with a maximum of nine (9) entries. Motorists can also edit and delete pre-defined SMS; add, set, and remove music and navigation applications. They can launch music and navigation application that they set as default only in Normal Mode. This mode performs also reading of received SMS using Text-to-Speech; but, this function should be enabled. If enabled, the application asks the users if they want to reply to the received SMS after reading it to them. The application recognizes “yes” and "no" voice command. If users answer "yes", the application will read the pre-defined SMS that they may reply with its corresponding assigned number. The users can choose which pre-defined SMS to send by saying the corresponding assigned number of the pre-defined SMS.
In Driving Mode, MADAM is pinned in the screen; therefore, the launching of other applications is prohibited but the use of navigation application is allowed provided that it is set as default in the navigation application list of the proposed application. In using the navigation application, the location must be set before driving. In assisting calls and messages, it informs the motorists about incoming calls from priority contact by using Text-to-Speech in speaking the caller's name. The application will ask if the call will be accepted so by reciting “yes” and "no" voice command, it can answer or decline calls. Calls from non-priority contacts are automatically declined, but an auto-reply message will be sent to the caller. To confirm if the call is an emergency, the blocked caller may call again three (3) times; then, the call from them will notify the users.
However, the application is subject to limitations such as the application runs only in Android smartphones running in Android 5.x (Lollipop) and above. English is used as a language in Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text. The accuracy of the recognition of Speech-to-Text can be affected by background noise and depends also on the users' voice clarity and distance from the smartphone. The smartphone's accelerometer is device-centric (according to manufacturer); therefore, the accuracy of the acceleration values differs from device to device. The application bases only on change of acceleration as detected by the smartphone's accelerometer and its reading may not exactly identify the users' activity (like running, walking, driving, and others). Lastly, the application works offline only.
