Fingerprint Start
From steam locomotives to electric cars, the way we fire up those motors changed as technology evolved over the decades. The car key, currently, is still dominating the way we start up our engines. The more advanced feature that came into the automotive industry is the push-button start. This makes it easier for drivers who tend to forget their keys in the ignition upon turning off the engine.
One of the downsides of this feature, in certain vehicle brands, is that it still requires the driver to have the key/remote on them or placed anywhere inside the car for the push button to work effortlessly.
A fingerprint-start feature will be superb in the automotive industry. It will minimize the risk of car theft and aid those who suffer from memory loss such as forgetting their keys in the ignition after turning off the engine. A driver will benefit from the convenience of getting into their vehicle and simply scanning their fingerprint to fire up the engine.
Automobile makers would also have to add the option of setting up multiple fingerprints for a vehicle. Couples or families will find this feature a major advantage if they have more than one driver in their family.
Therefore, fingerprint-start will revolutionize how vehicles start their engines.
Facial Recognition Start and Off
Facial recognition became an integral part of the security industry. This system is implemented by banks, governments, and the relevant public and private sector participants. It is mainly used to protect classified and confidential information that can be catastrophic in the wrong hands. Banks and governments make use of this intelligent system to secure their files and documents.
Carjacking and hijackings are increasing daily around the world. The automotive industry implemented security methods such as panic buttons in the vehicle, push-button start (provided the key is inside the vehicle), and many other features. I feel that automobile makers need to research and carry out a facial recognition system. This can be embedded in the door frame to open the door or embedded in the steering wheel center, to start the car.
You may ask yourself, “How will I get the engine to stop running?” Well, by simply stepping out of the car. The engine will run for as long as you are in the car. The infotainment system should allow you to save between 2-3 facial recognition profiles to the vehicle's computer system. This will allow you, your partner, or a third party to make use of the vehicle when you’re not available to.
Interior Live View App Display
Dashcam video recorders are in high demand as it is of utmost importance when a road accident comes about. Drivers realized that they needed a device like this whenever they're involved in vehicle collisions that weren't their fault. Should an accident occur, dashcam footage is used in court to argue a case.
You’re sitting in a noisy restaurant or you’re at a big event where your vehicle is parked quite far from where you are. If the alarm sounds, you’ll be unable to hear the siren due to the high noise level. However, there may be another way to have peace of mind. A camera security system is installed inside your car.
A carjacker attempts to break into your vehicle to steal the contents inside or, ultimately, steal your vehicle. The carjacker triggers the silent alarm which sends a sound and a vibrating alert to your mobile phone. You’ll be able to view and record the activity inside your vehicle thanks to the tiny hidden security camera(s) built-in. A system like this is needed especially if you’re driving an expensive or high-end vehicle.
Live View Headlights and Taillights
The idea of having cameras in the headlights and taillights can go hand in hand with number three above. With the use of an app designed specifically for this can be viewed by the driver at any time on their mobile phone. Should the alarm be triggered, the cameras in the lights and inside the vehicle will automatically share the live feed to the mobile device.
The driver can call the police and present them with the live footage transmitted from the vehicle. A security surveillance system like this in a vehicle will make the carjacker think twice before attempting to steal the vehicle. The automotive industry brought about reverse cameras - why not make use of them for security purposes?
Automatic Breathalyzer in the Steering Wheel
Drunk driving, regardless of what country you live in, is a huge concern and problem that governments are faced with. Consuming too much alcohol tremendously fuels the drinker’s confidence level, which amplifies their inability to make informed and rational decisions. For this reason, they become speed demons.
Law enforcement, worldwide, carries out random breathalyzer tests and roadblocks every day. This is more frequent on weekends. These safety methods removed many drunk drivers from the streets - some even jailed. However, this doesn't stop the intoxicated driver from getting into their vehicle.
What if your vehicle prohibits you from driving drunk? You're with a few buddies at a bar or a restaurant celebrating your promotion at work. A few hours into the night you realize that you had one too many. Your buddies disappeared into thin air, therefore, you decide to get into your vehicle and head home to your family. At this moment, you're trying your utmost to keep a straight face, cool and calm to drive home. Unfortunately, whatever you're doing to combat your fatigue is not working.
As soon as you get into your vehicle, a high-tech breathalyzer embedded in the steering wheel or wherever in the vehicle can automatically detect that you're too intoxicated to drive. For that reason, the vehicle won't start regardless of what you do. You've two of many options I can think of: book an Uber or, phone a friend or family member.
There are many pros and cons to this, however, automobile makers should research and develop prototypes and tests in a medium-sized market to determine how effective this is and if it will make a difference.
Voice-controlled Functionality
Thanks to the rapid development of the automobile and wireless technology, we now have hands-free functionality in our vehicles if you receive a call while you're driving. It is illegal, in many countries, to drive while holding your phone by your ear when you're on a call. Hence, hands-free was developed.
Automobile engineers developed hand gesture technology and steering wheel functionality to make it less distracting for the driver for he/she needs to focus on the road ahead of them. Although, in my opinion, this is not entirely true. The driver would still need to take their eyes off the road to locate the desired control on the steering wheel or the intended button on the infotainment navigation system which is generally touch screen sensitive. A few automobile manufacturers built a control button in the center console to navigate the infotainment system. Yet, the driver still needs to take their eyes off the road.
For the driver to maximize their attention on the road, automobile manufacturers should implement a voice control system that will enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system. These functions can range from changing radio stations, rolling the windows up or down, adjusting the volume, answering calls, etc.
In conclusion, if a driver can control 90% of their vehicle by using their voice, it will greatly minimize the drivers’ chances of being distracted.
Solar Power for Extra Mileage
Ever since the invention of alternative forms of generating energy such as windmills, hydroelectric power, and solar power, it put less strain on the oil industry. The United Arab Emirates is one of the market leaders of the oil industry with Saudi Arabia and Russia being at the top. The development of Dubai multiplied tenfold over the years. Some consider the city of Dubai an overnight success. The city is marveled with skyscrapers, luxury, and groundbreaking technology.
The automotive industry still heavily depends on oil for their mega factories to continue production. Electric-powered cars have come into play which is changing the way automobile manufacturers think. However, many drivers prefer the old-fashioned way vehicles are made - fuel engines! Electric cars are ridiculously expensive which only the wealthy can afford. I prefer the "oil" fashioned way! On average, it'll take you between thirty to forty-five minutes to charge your vehicle. On the other hand, it'll take you less than five minutes to fill your tank with fuel. However, there may be a way electric cars can keep their batteries going while driving - solar recharge!
Solar panels are used all over the world to draw sun rays from the sun and turn it into electricity for our consumption. It can be found on our roofs, at power stations, and in wide-open fields. Picture an electric car that can recharge for extra mileage while driving. Innovation like this can become rather expensive for electric automobile manufacturers to research and develop. In turn, those who can afford electric-powered automobiles will more than likely consider a vehicle that will provide them with extra mileage while driving. If I was an automobile engineer, I would convert the entire body of the vehicle into a solar body.
Fingerprint Door Open
Since the creation of the biometric fingerprint scanner, it has made its way to highly secured buildings and door entrances, banks, government facilities, and mobile devices. Fingerprint scanning provides a more secure way of gaining access instead of using the old pin/password system. Banks and financial institutions implemented fingerprint biometrics to protect their clients and their data. To gain access to confidential information, you have to do one of two things: chop off the persons’ finger or, you’d have to be a world-class hacker.
Institutions and government entities that possess such data constantly monitor, review, and upgrade their cybersecurity systems. These cyber experts are paid top dollar to make sure their data doesn’t fall in the wrong hands. Should the security systems fail to do what its suppose to do, this can lead to an unimaginable catastrophe.
Currently, in the automotive industry, a vehicles’ engine is started in two ways: key and push-button start. As mentioned earlier in the article, automobile makers should implement a fingerprint start function. This can be designed to work hand-in-hand with a fingerprint door system as well. The thought of opening your door using your fingerprint will ultimately minimize carjacking and hijacking. In addition to this, it will prevent your teenage son or daughter from stealing your vehicle to go to a friend or a party.
Thanks to the advancement of technology, automobile companies should invest their time, money, and resources to bring about this security feature.
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