| computerized driving assistance
There was an item in the NY Times this morning about a group at MIT that are working on a computerized system for cars that maintains driver alertness and increases driving safety- things like reminding you to signal if you forget to signal a turn, a light on the rearview mirror that blinks if you're not checking it enough, and voice 'suggestions' that advise you what to do or not to do. The car will have a bunch of sensors in it that monitor things going on outside, plus driver response and attention.
Now, my first thought was that this would make a car a pain in the butt- who wants a car with a built-in backseat driver? But then, I started thinking about what this system would look like and act like in a GT40, and it began to look like a lot more fun.....
The GT40 DIS (Driver Information System):
A series of sensors are mounted in and on the outside of the car. These include antennas to get weather information, radar and laser sensors to detect law enforcement officers (sorry, Hersh) and broadband and cellphone visual and audio links. They are integrated with ABS, traction control, and basic functions such as steering, shifting and braking. The driver wears a helmet which incorporates a heads-up display, mic and speakers, and the entire system is designed to interact with the driver and 'encourage him'. The computerized 'personality' of the car is intended to be that of a sports car...some samples of things the car can say to the driver:
"Your boss is calling on Cellphone Channel 1. I put him on hold. The hottie in the gas station driving the Miata, wearing the pink halter top, is on Cellphone Channel 2. Her name is Noelle, she's 25 and single, loves Fords, and she is 325 feet behind you and closing. Wave and talk"
"This is a SPORTS car, not a trash truck. Are you asleep? If you don't give me some exercise, I'm going to pull over, eject you, and find someone who knows how to drive."
"My sensors detect one of your Forum pals up ahead. Do you want to rocket past him or slow down and say hi?"
(after a particularly exhilarating run down a tight twisty road) "Attaboy- doing good. 2.5 secs less than last time. You still need to brake a little later for that second left hand turn. Want me to show you?"
"We need fuel. There is an Exxon and also a Shell up ahead. Which one?"
"My sensors detect a Ferrari ahead. We need to blow his doors off. Ready?"
"You are no longer permitted to stop and eat at Taco Bell, do that in another car, not me."
I invite all GT40 Forum members to suggest ways in which you would like the GT40 DIS to communicate with YOU.
Happy New Year! | 
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