Apple Patent Filing Details Safe Navigation System

An Apple patent filing published this week describes an in-car navigation system focused on maintaining driver safety, according to an AppleInsider report.

The heart of the filing is focused on assuring that drivers don't distract themselves while driving by fidgeting with the touch-screen. It details numerous methods of locking down the system while a vehicle is in motion, or, alternatively, authorizing only the front seat passenger to control the system.

For instance, the navigation system could determine if the vehicle is moving at the time of input or whether the vehicle is in gear or in park. The system could also be communicatively coupled (wired or wirelessly) to particular sensors in the vehicle, such as tire sensors, engine sensors, steering sensors, or GPS sensors. If the vehicle is determined to be in motion, the navigation system would enter into a lockdown mode where touch-based input would be disallowed, assuming a passenger is not present.


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