Apple's New In-Car Touchscreen

Category: Input Devices
Posted: March 30, 2009 08:52AM
Author: DLS2008

Apple has recently filed a patent for a new in-car touchscreen device. The device should make the use of touchscreens in automobiles safer than they currently are. Current touchscreens in automobiles allow any person within reach of the touchscreen to operate it. This gives the driver the oportunity to use the touchscreen. If the driver is using the touchscreen, he or she is distracted from actually driving the vehicle. This distraction, no matter how small, increases the possibility of a crash. Apple has set out to eliminate the distraction from the driver.

The new touchscreen Apple is developing will incorporate a suite of features that would hopefully prevent the driver from using the touchscreen and becoming distracted. Apple envisions using sensors situated around the vehicle to determine who is attempting to operate the touchscreen. The patent suggests that the sensors may look at which direction and at what angle the touchscreen is being approached from. These sensors would disable the use of the touchscreen if they determine the driver is trying to operate it.

While these features would increase safety, they do not seem practical. Many people don't have passengers with them when they are driving. I know it would be a major inconvenience if I had a touchscreen and couldn't use it while I was driving. Most of the time, I'm alone when I'm driving. Now, if the touchscreen is able to be used by the driver while the car is stopped, that wouldn't be so bad. Anyways, keep an eye on this and see where it ends up and if anything develops from it.

I thought most GPS's had security features in place already so that you couldn't manipulate them when going over a certain speed?

Mine doesn't. It just makes you click "I agree" to a disclaimer that basically says you are an idiot if you try to operate it while driving, and if you die a horrible death for being an idiot they aren't liable.

LOL. nice