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Computers and Automobiles

Computers and Automobiles. Charles Kozel. History. Before the 70’s the focus for cars was on speed and horsepower. Computers were still too large to fit in cars. Fuel crisis in 1973 inspired motivation for more efficient engines. Ignition Control Modules.

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Computers and Automobiles

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  1. Computers and Automobiles Charles Kozel

  2. History • Before the 70’s the focus for cars was on speed and horsepower. • Computers were still too large to fit in cars. • Fuel crisis in 1973 inspired motivation for more efficient engines.

  3. Ignition Control Modules • Solid state devices that controlled ignition timing and spark. • Did not last long, needed to be replaced. • Computer controlled carburetors were also tried but were unreliable.

  4. Fuel Injection • Moving into the 80’s • Problems with carburetors were improved with computer sensors. • Computer could quickly and accurately measure the state of the system to adjust the fuel injection. • Chips evolved to be faster and more reliable than past systems.

  5. On Board Diagnostics (OBD) • Standardized port in the dashboard. • Computers were now handling climate controls, breaks, light, odometer, etc. • Could monitor and tweak the engine in real time, useful for racing. • ODB2 tracked emissions

  6. GPS • While separate from the fundamental aspect of an automobile, GPS changed how we drive. • Can now find the most efficient route via an algorithm, and receive turn by turn navigation. • Use real time data to account for traffic and accident reports. • OnStar uses this technology to make driving safer.

  7. Current Technology • GPS can provide public transport arrival times down to the minuet. • Can detect and correct if you swerve into the other lane. • Automatically break if you are about to hit something in front of you. • Anti-Lock brakes. • Remote monitoring and starting. • Computers are now essential to all modern cars.

  8. Google Chauffeur • Google's self driving car software. • Uses a $70,000 LIDAR system, as well as $80,000 in other equipment on top of the cost of the car. • About a dozen of their cars are on the road at any give time. • Over 500,000 miles logged with them.

  9. Impact on Society • Largely positive, computers have made cars: • Safer • More fuel efficient • Faster via GPS • Negative impact from distractions due to cell phones and entertainment systems.

  10. New Laws • With Google’s car becoming a very real thing, Google as been pushing to make it legal. • 4 states now allow the testing of these vehicles on public roads.

  11. The Future • Self driving cars coming to consumers is something we are likely to see in the next 10 years. • They will make driving safer and more efficient than ever. • In the distant future, self driving cars will likely change driving as we know it.

  12. References • http://www.ehow.com/about_5082250_car-computer-history.html • http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/question113.htm • http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2013-09/google-self-driving-car • http://www.alexblock.net/blog/

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