The use of computer technology in automobiles continues to grow. As consumers demand more and more from their vehicles, such technologies are utilized by automobile manufacturers to provide a higher degree of safety, security, and convenience to consumers. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are among the most recent electronic technologies to appear in automobiles. Cadillac was the first automobile maker in the U.S. to provide GPS in its vehicles in the late 1990s. As the technology becomes more affordable other automakers are equipping their vehicles with GPS.
GPS capabilities are now in many top end automobiles, like Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, Acura and Land Rover. TodayÆs sophisticated GPS systems combine the GPS database with control stations and cellular communications to provide consumers with the most advanced safety, security, and convenience features available. For example, systems like RESCU (Ford) and OnStar (Cadillac) now offer consumers a variety of features. Originally GPS technologies enabled drivers to navigate by allowing them to access a database electronically. Such databases provided roadmaps, directions, and offered consumers features like taking the route that was most scenic or the most efficient.
TodayÆs GPS technologies like OnStar provide a variety of safety and security features in addition to other conveniences. OnStar offers air bag deployment notification. When the air bag is deployed, notification is sent to the command station that operates 24 hours-a-day 365 days-a-year. If the passengers do not respond to the call, emergency personnel are sent to the vehicle location. OnStar also provides the latest and most sophisticated navigational and locating services available. Consumers can call for directions when lost, merely by pushing the OnStar button. Computer generated images of maps and travel directions are then routed to the interface screen in the vehicle. If the car is stolen, OnSta...