Internet & Tech: New vehicle accident-preventer thingy & more

I just read an article in WSJ, entitled "Reinventing the Wheel" about some new gadgets being installed in new vehicles.

One of them, which is already avaialble in some models (Specifically Chrysler's at this point), is an infrared sensor attached to the climate control system that monitors cabin temperature and the passneger(s) body temperature. It adjusts the temperature control automatically to keep you at the most comfortable level. I actually think this is a cool deal because I'm always fussing with my temperature gauge to try and stay comfortable.

Another one, which is a bit more scary, is a dash-mounted camera that faces directly at the driver. Another camera is mounted on the front bumper. The dash-mount camera reads the drivers "face print", whatever that is, and determines if you're getting sleepy by monitoring how frequently your eyes are shutting and for how long. If it senses some drowsiness it'll turn the radio up for you. Also, if you look away from the road for more than a few seconds, a kind warning chime will sound to get your attention. If your gaze wanders away from the wheel and the camera on the front bumper sees an obsticle ahead, it will give you the same warning chime and flash a light. If you disregard the warning, the car will actually brake for you and increase the sensitivity of the power-steering so that when you do grab the wheel to respond the car will react quicker.

The dash-mount camera apparently can detect your stress too, so if you're braking hard and your face shows that you're scared the car will 'assist' you in making the right decisions. C'mon, get real!

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a bad idea. What happens when that technology screws up and the brakes slam on while you're on the freeway? Hmm...might be going a bit overboard. Whatever happened to HUMANS actually doing stuff? Did I miss something or are we headed down Minority Report lane?

I'm not a fan of putting my car's functions in the hands of a computer and anyone who feels like hacking into that computer. Smart vehicles would be nice in the sense of suggesting possible solutions to problems before they occur and other functions. Like telling me it might rain in an hour, or if I'm planning on going North, avoid this highway, or reading my e-mails out loud through the speakers.

But in terms of Automated driving vehicles, they're decades away.

Hahahaha. Yeah, I guess it'd almost be like having your mom in your car with you at all times. Now they only need to make the computer remind you to make your bed and eat your vegetables and you'll have the ultimate chance of getting laid destroyer.

Yeah that is sorta freaky