Computers rule in ‘07

There is little question what the key automotive technology has been in 2007. With all the major advancements from materials to safety, to production there has been one constant — the computer. I say the computer because its influence goes way beyond just the computer chip. Many of today’s cars are created on the very paradigm that is the computer. A chip sits in the central control, while networked wires provide data flow, and can be programmed to do everything from helping us park to connecting with our personal devices. So with that, we look at the top technologies that only could be possible with the computer.

We’ve been trying to get cars to drive themselves, but Toyota has got the closest so far with its Advanced Parking Guidance System. APGS interfaces with the parking sonar that normally just alerts you when you’re too close to an object. The entertainment system also plays a part as the DVD screen turns into a reverse camera. After using the monitor to set the parking area, the car takes over using data from multiple sources. The system is just an amalgam of all the other computer-controlled parts of the car. Modern processing power allows the variable electric power steering, drive-by-wire braking and accelerator, and accident avoidance sonar to come together and park the vehicle without human assistance.

They may be old school, but Lamborghini is owned by Audi, which lives technology and thus the insane display in the limited edition Reventon. Not only is it computer designed for lighter weight and aerodynamics, its dashboard is a high-tech TFT display. The million-dollar car has no physical display, but a liquid crystal screen based on the military. Its jet fighter-like display gives two display modes more reminiscent of a fighter than the traditional car, but it’s not just for show. The computer generated system offers on the fly multiple display modes changes, is extremely clear, and tied to G-Force-Meter giving full telemetry like an F1 car.

Subaru reaches their peak with their SI-Drive system. Perfected in the family-oriented Legacy models, it’s been refined and will find its way as standard on their turbo models. The SI-Drive integrates the computer controlled transmission and ECU to offer three different modes of driving — Intelligent, and two Sport modes. Intelligent mode makes the computer choose the behaviour of the vehicle based on the inputs. Start driving hard and the car responds with sharper acceleration and shifting. If you get stuck in traffic then the car moves into a more efficient mode modifying the ECU programming to a more frugal setting. The Sport modes are obvious. A further extension of this is from Ferrari with their magnetoheological suspension. It’s a big word, but the suspension integrates with the F1 like ECU settings available from a switch on the steering wheel, the Manettino system. Turn the system from comfort to race and computers constantly monitor your speed then control the dampers for maximum traction. The Active Suspension is based on computer controlled magnetic signals that alter the stiffness of the dampers at amazing speeds.

All together now
The major revolution is the adoption of the computer paradigm, networking. The mechanical systems have now been integrated with each other all controlled by a central processor that can share that data with any other system. Your brakes now know what your steering does. We spend a lot of time in our cars, so automakers started including convenience options that have been reflecting our modern tastes. It’s gone from simple audio, to include video, and now a switch to the way we currently work, computer interfaces. Cassettes and CDs have been replaced by WMA, MP3, USB, Hard drives, and Smart cards. The big revolution is our wireless world, supported by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Bluetooth protocol has been in use for a while now in cellular phones and computers, now jumping into the automotive scene full force.

Mercedes’ COMAND in-car entertainment system now comes with a Bluetooth function allowing cellular phones to connect with ease. The biggest use of it comes from Ford. SNYC, developed by Microsoft, for Ford’s automotive products fits completely into our modern connected life. The Bluetooth powered SYNC facilitates a full integration of music and communication devices. Users can make calls, or control their portable music players with voice commands after the device has connected to the vehicle’s entertainment system. SNYC is out now in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
The future of the computer in the role of the car will continue to move forward at a serious pace as more and more of the vehicle’s system become electrical. Currently, there are cars that can drive themselves using GPS data. Many cars have intelligent lane recognition functions and even Nissan has a system that can check if the drive is asleep. There’s very little question that computer will eventually rule the road.

Rory Daley

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