Mood Sensitive Car Keeps Driver Alert

Local 6 | February 23 2005

A high-tech car that can sense a driver's mood and mental state and then adjust the vehicle's cabin atmosphere will debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show, according to a Local 6 News report.

Bayer Material Science and the Swiss car designer Rinspeed unveiled the car which can keep a driver alert and stress-free by reading information from a biometric wristwatch worn by the driver and through information gathered from a mobile eye camera.

An onboard computer then assesses the driver's mental state and the car swings into action.

The Rinspeed Senso uses the latest smart surface technology -- a plastic film that glows with different colors according to the driver's current state of mind.

The car responds to a driver's mood by beaming colored lights at the driver. Orange lights are used to stimulate a driver, blue lights are used to relax the driver and a green light is the neutral color, according to the report.

Should the driver be too tired to respond, the seats also vibrate to keep him awake.

The driver's position also keeps him at the center of attention. The driving seat is in the middle of the car, with two passenger seats set slightly behind.