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Satellite navigation systems to be made 'more realistic'

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by victor, Jan 19, 2005.

  1. victor

    victor New Member

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    Satellite navigation systems to be made 'more realistic'


    Calm delivery of accurate information unnerves experienced motorists

    by Flash Gorman

    Manufacturers of in-car satellite navigation systems have responded to
    requests to modify the manner in which their systems operate. A typical "Sat
    Nav" system has a computerised voice that calmly informs the driver which
    way to turn on the approach to a junction. Whilst this might seem ideal, it
    transpires that such automated perfection does not work in the real world.

    Married drivers, in particular, find it difficult to adjust to using the
    systems. Veteran driver Bob, from Coventry, summed up the situation. "I just
    can't get used to being told which turn to take before I actually reach the
    junction. My wife usually does the navigation for me and she always tells me
    to turn just after we've passed the junction. It's also a bit unnerving that
    it doesn't get increasingly irritated with me as the journey progresses."

    Mindful of such criticisms, a new system was unveiled by Ford at the recent
    UK Motor Show. Called "SatNag", this system professes to give a "real world
    navigation" experience and includes a number of innovative features. The
    first thing the driver will notice is that they have a choice of navigation
    personalities. These include: "Had an argument last night", "Hopeless at
    directions" and "Didn't want to come out in the car in the first bloody
    place".

    The driver will also be to select the level of anticipation present in the
    system. This will dictate the amount of violent braking required to make a
    requested manoeuvre and can even be set to miss every other turn.

    To round things off, the system can be pre-programmed to "flare up" and
    refuse to give any further directions. In the deluxe model the system can
    actually get sufficiently irritated to shut down and refuse to
    come back up again despite extended pleading from the driver.
     
  2. Ms. Piggy

    Ms. Piggy New Member

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    Love it! :rofl:
     
  3. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    ...but can it provide a quick breath of anticipation when it senses heavy braking. And does it sense speed and provide feedback such as, "we're in no hurry."?
     
  4. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    :roll: OR.... as (in the wrong lane) you pass the intersection, she shouts "TURN!"

    You ask: "Which Way??" - too late, anyhow.

    Could tne "new" technology be programmed to do this, then half a block later say "You missed the turn. Now you'll have to turn around and go back!"

    SIGH..... Things could get TOO realistic.