[Quietcars] Does anyone on list know about this and which carrier are they referring to?

[Robert Wilson]

Hi,

I don't have anything about this particular Motorola press release but I remember seeing last summer a notice about Sanyo developing a cell phone that detected traffic to alert the blind. But I've not been able to find the original announcement or any follow-up. It was part of the announcements from the Tokyo auto show.

The 2010 Prius has a 'smartkey' system that includes transmitters at the door handles that query our 'keyfob.' This is how the door locking mechanism works. I don't have the technical details, yet, but this is one of three different transmitters in the 2010 Prius:

1) 'smartkey' door unlocking - built into every 2010 Prius
2) bluetooth - built into +90% of every Prius, only the basic model does not have bluetooth
3) accident avoidance system - an option for the top-end Prius and thus small numbers

Of the three systems, the 'smartkey' is most universal and likely to be one that could easily alert people within range of the vehicle. However, we don't know if it has a 'beaconing' capability that would be available whenever the car is in "READY" or able to move. Also, it may not scale well to other, less sophisticated hybrids.

Bluetooth is rapidly spreading across all vehicles but to the best of my knowledge, no one is doing work to use it as a beaconing system to alert the blind to hazards ranging from traffic to construction areas. It offers the greatest potential for a low-cost, general solution since all modern cell phones have bluetooth built-in. All it takes is a standard followed by regulation.

Accident avoidance system, this is the approach I would like to see in all vehicles. In the Prius,  uses both radar to detect objects but also optics and can apply the brakes if a collision is about to occur. SAAB uses radar and BMW uses cameras. This approach, high tech, saves the car, the passengers and pedestrians. Best of all, the radar has a lot of power so personal detectors can be smaller and less expensive.

I would also share that there is a receiver built into every Prius, the remote keyless entry system. Remote keyless entry systems are built into over 90% of all USA vehicles and could provide a way to alert the driver and 'bleep' the horn in the event someone needs to know the vehicle is there. Again, all it takes is a standard and requirement that all vehicles comply with a 'sound on demand' system. Not trivial, it scales well.

Bob Wilson

 		 	   		  
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