According to Delphi's research, drivers who keep their eyes within a 20 degree range are less distracted, and therefore less likely to crash. Its four-screen dashboard prototype lets drivers keep their eyes within that range, by using video screens instead of mirrors and putting them inside the car rather than outside.
The company's ICP (Information, Convenience, Protection) system includes seven cameras: two on the sides, two in the back (a long-range camera for the highway and a short-range one for reverse), two
in the interior (one replaces the rear-view mirror, the other keeps an eye on those bickering kids in the back seat), and one camera that's aimed at the driver.
Using facial recognition, the system adjusts temperature and seat position for each driver, and can be used as an antitheft device, in that the car won't start unless it recognizes the driver's mug (the system can hopefully be disabled for Halloween and other occasions). Delphi also plans to include video tutorials such as "how to change a tire," and says the ICP will display restaurant menus and facilitate ordering.
The demo runs on a Windows PC, but a Delphi spokesperson said "some standard will emerge," possibly based on Linux. He said the system will start showing up in cars in the 4-5 year timeframe.
