OnStar is a cool system for any family. There is even the ability to unlock your door from Space, no kidding, so if you lock yourself out of your car you simply call a number and they unlock it from space. With this great technology and the fact it always knows where you are with GPS, that means the OnStar system could do much more, if it were designed to do so.
Recently a friend on a road trip in a mini-van had been thinking that when going up and down hills the engine had a tough time at the higher altitudes. Having Onstar of course makes drivers feel safer when traveling on road trips; for instance if you get caught in a snow bank collapse or small avalanche. As more people get GPS in their vehicles it will adjust traffic thru an area due to how the display is set on everyone’s in car navigational devices.
Some GPS units suggest best routings and distances, by doing this on the more advanced units it will change traffic flows, for those who have such units. The programmer in Los Angeles could end up effecting traffic in Wyoming on a Device made in China sold with your German car. Go Figure? Currently not all GPS Navigational Systems are programmable and those which are, well like your home VCR, you may never figure out how to use all these cool options. It might be easier to learn a new language?
My friend said; “Wouldn’t it be cool if the Onstar had the capability of programming ones itinerary into an onboard computer, which would then program the engine to be more efficient??br />
Well with GIS information data sets figured into the GPS Navigational system it would be easy. The XML database sets can be integrated that is not a problem. Then the Onstar could tell the navigational system that the elevation is changing for a hill. The engine would change for fuel setting for a lower gear or passing gear as the driver hit was one-third up the hill. The GIS-GPS system would tell satellite where it was and the satellite would tell the car that you were at higher altitude and to lean out the mixture of gas and air. Sure, I agree this would be a fuel efficient way to increase fuel mileage and performance and it is not only a smart idea, but also easy to engineer.
I can tell you I have my generator in my motor coach set for about 1500 feet and when I am up at 7-8000' it runs with extra soot coming out. It does not adjust properly itself. If Onstar adjusted for hills or down hill too that would be smart, it can be done, you know? My friend is correct, as it makes a lot of sense. Think on it.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs