George Spaulding
As more and more high-tech advances make their way into today’s automobiles, more and more owners complain about the complicated devices and diversions. Some luxury models have as many as 80 knobs and switches to improve the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers. Never fear, friends, high-tech inventions are not complete. The best are yet to come. Here’s a rundown of future product features for your pleasure, as compiled from various auto publications, including Automotive News:
–Sign recognition: Siemens VDO and other suppliers are working on systems that will read speed limit and wrong-way signs. The systems will reach the market in 2009 or 2010.
–Cameras instead of mirrors: Video cameras mounted inside a small housing could replace sideview mirrors. The images could be displayed on the edges of the rearview mirror, on the instrument panel or on a heads-up display on the windshield. It will reach the market by 2010.
–Chatty cars: Cars that can talk can warn each other of danger ahead. Developers want to create a network on wheels that would monitor signals from brakes, steering and other systems so a skidding or stopping car can send signals to nearby vehicles. It will reach the market after 2010.
–Face the camera: A camera monitors the driver’s facial features. If the driver looks away from the road while the car is moving and the system detects something ahead, it will warn the driver and prepare the car’s safety systems for a crash. It already is on the market on the Lexus LS 460.
–Bumper bags: To make sport utility vehicles less deadly when they hit a lower-riding car, suppliers are working on so-called bumper bags. A car hit in testing by a sport utility bumper equipped with an airbag had reduced intrusion, which means fewer injuries. It will reach the market after 2010.
–Biometric technology: Computer technology that recognizes a person based on unique biological identifiers such as fingerprints, facial features or retinal patterns. It can prevent unauthorized use. The technology will reach the market after 2010.
–Vision warnings: New systems now being developed use video camera technology to monitor the road while the vehicle is moving. The system then alerts the driver when the vehicle accidently veers out of the driving lane. No date has been given for introduction to the public.
–Watching from above: Nissan has introduced a system that offers the driver a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. The feature made its debut in Japan and will be available here later this year.
–Wake-up call: Drivers who doze behind the wheel of a Toyota soon could get a rude awakening. An innovation constantly monitors for signs of sleep in the driver’s eyes and issues a prompt warning if the eyelids get too droopy. The system soon will be offered in some models for Japan. The technology follows a similar system by Nissan in which an onboard robot monitors the driver for signs of fatigue, inebriation or road rage.