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Toyota Patents Winking, Laughing, Crying Car

Posted by simoniker on from the international-sign-of-the-finger dept.

theodp writes "If the patent system ain't broke, don't fix it: The NY Times/IHT reports that four inventors working for Toyota in Japan have won a patent for a car that they say can help drivers communicate better by glaring angrily at another car cutting through traffic, as well as appear to cry, laugh, wink or just look around." The article goes on to describe "...a car with an antenna that wags, an adjustable body height, headlights that vary in intensity and hood slits and ornamentation designed to look like eyebrows, eyelids and tears."

8 of 484 comments (clear)

  1. What I want to know by IncarnadineConor · · Score: 5, Funny

    is what part of the car is going to represent the middle finger

    1. Re:What I want to know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Screw that.

      I want rocket launchers and flame throwers.

      Let's have some real retribution for those who piss me off, none of this namby pamby crying shit.

      And don't dare mod this comment as "funny".

  2. I just want to know... by Robotech_Master · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...would Herbie the Love Bug count as prior art?

    --
    Editor Emeritus and Senior Writer, TeleRead.org
  3. Two Words: by XCorvis · · Score: 5, Funny

    Two Words:

    Moon Roof

  4. the new kids craze by CmdrGoatse · · Score: 5, Funny

    2 tonne furbies on wheels

    --
    | ` /
    | \,X`\ HEIL HITLER
    | .
  5. How long.... by Rob+Carr · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...before the first news article "Driver of Glaring Car Shot to Death"?

    --
    This sig seemed like a good idea at the time....
  6. emotional ricer.... by sickmtbnutcase · · Score: 5, Funny

    I wonder what expression a riced-out version will show when mom's minivan beats it in a drag race...

  7. Prior art disclosure obligations and Benny by Nakito · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hope the inventors complied with their duty to submit a copy of "Roger Rabbit" to the patent office. Benny the Cab anticipates every technology described in the article.