A patent filing by Apple published this week includes evidence that the company may be working on an in-car GPS navigation system. The 11-page filing has a huge emphasis on safety in respect to driver engagement with the GPS when the vehicle is in motion.
Rather than focus on specific navigational technologies, the patent describes different ways both the driver and front-seat passenger could interact with the system safely. For instance, motion sensors could automatically detect when the vehicle is in motion, rendering the GPS device’s touchscreen inoperable. At the same time, the patent describes other vehicular sensors such as heat monitors and tire pressure gauges that would continue to operate.
The patent also mentions the possibility of hands-free use using a microphone, speaker, and likely Bluetooth. Experienced drivers could have the option of unlocking the GPS device when the vehicles is in motion, but in order to override the safety features, the system would use personal identifiers to recognize who is in the driver’s seat. Methods could include voice recognition, biometric fingerprint identification, or a cellular ID read over Bluetooth. So, for example, a new driver or even a car thief could be recognized as such and the appropriate electronic measures could be taken by the system.
Also, the patent details how a front-seat passenger could still use the navigation system when the vehicle is in motion. The description indicates that the touchscreen of the navigation system would be able to recognize the angle in which it is touched. Obviously if a passsenger is interacting with the touchscreen it would come from the opposite direction of a driver interaction.
There is also mention of various iPhone-related specifications that likely point to Apple’s intention of pairing the phone with the in-car GPS navigation system. AppleInsider has comprehensive details worth checking out.
