There is nothing that drives me more insane then when drivers do not use their turn signals when driving. I, along with many others I am sure, are constantly slamming on the brakes, and/or swerving to avoid hitting these inconsiderate drivers. Often, even when drivers do intend to use their blinkers they wait too long before turning them on, often causing accidents. My solution to this problem is through the creation of "Automatic Blinkers" that can sense and anticipate when a driver is going to turn and automatically activate the brake lights and turn on the blinker.
Idea Generation
I thought of this technology based on the fact that it is a pet peeve of mine when people don't use their blinkers. I talk about it all the time when I am driving. I realized that out of all the technology that is utilized in cars today, why can't something like this be created. We have cars that can sense when the driver is dozing off and sound an alarm to awaken them and cars that can park themselves, how can't we have cars that can automatically turn on blinkers?
Idea Screening
As far as I know, there are no automated blinkers used in cars, or any type of transportation for that matter, that I am aware of. I believe that this could be done pretty easily, especially with all the advancements that are already being made in the automotive industry.
Business Analysis: Referring to page 149 of our textbook
What is likely the demand for the product?
The demand would be quite significant in my opinion. Like airbags, stability control, and check engine lights, I think that automatic blinkers would be enforced and required for every car as a safety feature.
Would current customers benefit from the product?
It would be a huge benefit to any driver in general. It would eliminate or help eliminate crashes as a result of someone not using their turn signal.
What new facilities, if any, would be needed?
A general manufacturing facility would need to be created to develop, test, troubleshoot, and create the computers and sensors required to make everything work.
What is the risk of failure? Is the company willing to take the risk?
As with any new product the initial risk of failure would probably be high. The Automatic Blinker system would need to be tested over and over again to rule out any bugs. Furthermore, the cost of the system would have to be in line with other advanced safety options that are available in cars currently. I think that as long as the funding is available and the product has a large following anyone would take the risk.
Development
Developing the blinkers would probably take a lot of design and trial and error. Using infared sensors mounted on the sides of the front bumper, as well as speed and steering sensors mounted on the gas and brake pedals and steering column, the system would constantly monitor driver input, as well as vehicle speed and steering direction to anticipate an oncoming turn (much like the system used by Volvo, for example, known as the City Safe System that anticipates a front end collision). Using the information from the sensors, the computer would activate the right or left blinker and activate the rear brake lights early enough to give warning to the person driving behind the car.
Test Marketing
I would market the product to all car companies and work with the one(s) that are most interested. I would listen to all suggestions that are brought to the table.
Commercialization
As long as the product development goes well and there is a market and demand for the technology then I don't see any limit to how far it can go. The automatic blinkers could be used internationally like airbags are.
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