Your right! They have thought of all this. As you approach a change down in limits it will reduce the speed for you if you don't so that you will be doing the limit by the time you get there. This is all done smoothly, no harshness at all. I know this because I've actually driven the thing (the Escort prototype). Overtaking etc. is been covered amongst other things. The people who run this are pretty sensible and know their business...
1. The system can use the difference in position to calculate the velocity as a second measure.
2. Why not encrpyt this data? Only operate if it is verified.
I've actually driven the original prototype of this project. You can find more information at www.mira.co.uk/app and follow the Electronic Vehicle Speed Control link.
There is no 2 way communications. All that is received is the current position via GPS. The onboard computer then checks this against a database of position and speed limits. I imagine that this could be PGP encrypted so that the program knows that it is genuine. This information is then used to limit the speed. The prototype did this crudely by cutting the fuel supply IIRC. Obviously this wouldn't be too hard to beat, but this can all be programmed into the ECU. It would also be possible to provide a kickdown facility that let the vehicle break the speed limit for a short time to improve overtaking safety.
It is very strange to drive when you have your foot to the floor and enter a limited area - the speed drops to the limit. There are issues in scaling it up - but these can be overcome.
It's an interesting issue with regards to morality. Should we have the option of breaking the law? I'm not sure about that one. Personally I'm all for it in built up areas, say 30 & 40 mph limits, but not so much on motorways and dual carriageways.
Be kind - it's my first post!
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Your right! They have thought of all this. As you approach a change down in limits it will reduce the speed for you if you don't so that you will be doing the limit by the time you get there. This is all done smoothly, no harshness at all. I know this because I've actually driven the thing (the Escort prototype). Overtaking etc. is been covered amongst other things. The people who run this are pretty sensible and know their business...
1. The system can use the difference in position to calculate the velocity as a second measure.
2. Why not encrpyt this data? Only operate if it is verified.
I've actually driven the original prototype of this project. You can find more information at www.mira.co.uk/app and follow the Electronic Vehicle Speed Control link.
There is no 2 way communications. All that is received is the current position via GPS. The onboard computer then checks this against a database of position and speed limits. I imagine that this could be PGP encrypted so that the program knows that it is genuine. This information is then used to limit the speed. The prototype did this crudely by cutting the fuel supply IIRC. Obviously this wouldn't be too hard to beat, but this can all be programmed into the ECU. It would also be possible to provide a kickdown facility that let the vehicle break the speed limit for a short time to improve overtaking safety.
It is very strange to drive when you have your foot to the floor and enter a limited area - the speed drops to the limit. There are issues in scaling it up - but these can be overcome.
It's an interesting issue with regards to morality. Should we have the option of breaking the law? I'm not sure about that one. Personally I'm all for it in built up areas, say 30 & 40 mph limits, but not so much on motorways and dual carriageways.
Be kind - it's my first post!