It uses a brain-machine interface to determine what you will do before you do it.
Every person who drives a vehicle uses their brains to safely navigate the streets of the world. Our brains control the arms and legs that allow us to maneuver the vehicle. Imagine if your brain could just think your own way to the store without the need for appendages.
This is a distorted view of the patent application that Ford released recently. This patent title sounds like science fiction. It describes a method of controlling a vehicle with a Brain Machine Interface (BMI). .” You don’t have to imagine a future where motionless zombies are destroying the world using telepathically controlled Mustangs.
The patent describes how vehicle systems can monitor brainwave activity in order to predict what a driver will do next. It can detect brainwave activity that is associated with arm and hand muscles flexing to turn a steering wheel. The interface detects brainwave activity before the movement occurs and signals the car to take the appropriate steps to prepare for the turn. This is similar to active steering and suspension systems that make hundreds of adjustments per minute based on real time data. This data is slightly ahead time.
What is the exact mechanism? Although we aren’t tech experts, the patent shows that there are many computers, sensors and driver-assist system integration. The driver also wears a neural interface pad on their head. The patent description describes many parameters that can be used to enhance functionality. It primarily refers to data acquisition systems, neural system, training systems, and calculations for balancing space-time continuum. This system is intended to enhance driving’s physical act, but not replace it completely.
It is unlikely that such a thing will ever become a reality. This question won’t be answered soon. If you do eventually have neural connections to cars, don’t look at the cute dog on the sidewalk. It wouldn’t be a good idea for the car to misinterpret what you are thinking.