5 ms·

How about a GPS car navigation unit that detects if you're going too fast for an upcoming curve and warns you? It seems like it already has all the data.

arbuge 14y ago
Kind of already happening. Many gps units warn you if you're over the speed limit, and limits are set with upcoming curves factored in.
- lutusp 14y ago
  > Kind of already happening. Many gps units warn you if you're over the speed limit, and limits are set with upcoming curves factored in. Here's a startup idea, but not for the faint of heart: 1. The authorities put a QR code (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code) on all the speed-limit signs, a label that can be read from a great distance, and one specially coded to be unambiguously a speed limit notification. 2. An enterprising startup designs an Android app that (a) reads QR codes through the windshield of a car, (b) compares the speed limit to the GPS-derived velocity, and (c) alerts the driver that he's exceeding the locally posted limit. 3. Drivers plant their Android devices on the dashboard of their car and run the app. The dashboard of a modern car happens to be a great place to get a GPS fix. This isn't meant to force people to drive the speed limit, but only to let them know when they aren't.
  - eik3_de 14y ago
    Current cars (BMW, Mercedes-Benz) already have that. There's a camera that recognizes signs and warns you if you're above the limit. See http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/3series/sedan/2011/showroom/safety/traffic_sign_recognition.html#t=l http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/3series/sedan/2011/sho...
    - lutusp 14y ago
      Oh, well, this won't be the first time I have suggested something that's already been done. :)
  - phn 14y ago
    I think this kind of technology is already being placed inside cars themselves. And the QR code is probably harder to scan while moving than recognising the speed limit plate itself.
vladoh 14y ago
The problem with this is that if you rely on the system and there is an error in the map (the curve is not marked) you have a big problem. If you don't rely on the data and drive carefully there is no point anymore :) A possible solution would be to detect the curve radius with a camera, but it has it's own problems. You never have 100% accurate data.
- tocomment 14y ago
  Well the market is for careful drivers who once in a while aren't paying attention, or are simply approaching a curve that isn't well marked. I'd consider it a system of last resort, not something to replace careful driving but to enhance it.
ZoFreX 14y ago
And maybe throw in some modifiers if it's raining (or has recently rained) and if it's dark or foggy.

arbuge 14y ago

Kind of already happening. Many gps units warn you if you're over the speed limit, and limits are set with upcoming curves factored in.

lutusp 14y ago
> Kind of already happening. Many gps units warn you if you're over the speed limit, and limits are set with upcoming curves factored in. Here's a startup idea, but not for the faint of heart: 1. The authorities put a QR code (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code) on all the speed-limit signs, a label that can be read from a great distance, and one specially coded to be unambiguously a speed limit notification. 2. An enterprising startup designs an Android app that (a) reads QR codes through the windshield of a car, (b) compares the speed limit to the GPS-derived velocity, and (c) alerts the driver that he's exceeding the locally posted limit. 3. Drivers plant their Android devices on the dashboard of their car and run the app. The dashboard of a modern car happens to be a great place to get a GPS fix. This isn't meant to force people to drive the speed limit, but only to let them know when they aren't.
- eik3_de 14y ago
  Current cars (BMW, Mercedes-Benz) already have that. There's a camera that recognizes signs and warns you if you're above the limit. See http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/3series/sedan/2011/showroom/safety/traffic_sign_recognition.html#t=l http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/3series/sedan/2011/sho...
  - lutusp 14y ago
    Oh, well, this won't be the first time I have suggested something that's already been done. :)
- phn 14y ago
  I think this kind of technology is already being placed inside cars themselves. And the QR code is probably harder to scan while moving than recognising the speed limit plate itself.

vladoh 14y ago

The problem with this is that if you rely on the system and there is an error in the map (the curve is not marked) you have a big problem. If you don't rely on the data and drive carefully there is no point anymore :) A possible solution would be to detect the curve radius with a camera, but it has it's own problems. You never have 100% accurate data.

tocomment 14y ago
Well the market is for careful drivers who once in a while aren't paying attention, or are simply approaching a curve that isn't well marked. I'd consider it a system of last resort, not something to replace careful driving but to enhance it.

ZoFreX 14y ago

And maybe throw in some modifiers if it's raining (or has recently rained) and if it's dark or foggy.