Device uses smartphone, windshield camera to make better drivers

Admittedly, even I became a little freaked out when my husband installed that tracking device in my car that tells my insurance company when I speed on the highway or slam on my brakes. And I’ve never been one who’s too worried by privacy concerns. But he swears my great driving habits will save us money on our insurance in the long-run, so I’ve got to consistently remind myself to try to be the driver he thinks I am. Now there’s a device on the scene that will literally heckle drivers who make poor choices on the road. 

Although it’s currently in the crowdfunding stage (raising more than 50 percent of its $100,000 goal with 25 days to go in the campaign), the CarVi may be the next big hit to stem from the oft-talked about Internet of Things. How does it work? Essentially, the device is mounted to the car’s windshield and uses a front-facing camera to monitor driving activity. Actions such as tailgating, neglecting to use turn signals, accelerating too quickly or braking too hard will set off the CarVi device. Through the download of an accompanying app, a user’s smartphone can track the driving activity and make recommendations based on real-time data.  

According to the CarVi’s Indigogo page, the device monitors:
•    Safe lane changes,
•    Front-end collision danger,
•    Reckless driving,
•    Hard braking, and
•    Jackrabbit starts.

The device’s inventors also suggest that the CarVi can be used as an in-dash camera, recording video to a memory card that can be transferred to a user’s smartphone for later viewing. And speaking of later viewing, the CarVi provides users with their driving “SKOR” at the end of the day, denoting areas of concern as well as areas where the driver performed well. The company is heavily marketing this aspect to the parents of new drivers, who may take their newfound freedom on the road a little too far and put themselves, and others, at risk. In fact, the device even has an option for mom or dad to record their own warnings to use when monitoring the driving habits of their child, so it’s mom’s voice insinuating “you’re driving too fast” or dad indicating he’s disappointed in your tailgating habits.

The 100 x 35-mm CarVi is a circular-shaped device with an HD720p resolution lens with a built-in IR filter. Compatible with more than 95 percent of cars on the road, the CarVi works on both iOS and Android platforms and requires only a one-time calibration to get started.  

The makers of the CarVi anticipate that shipping of the device will occur in late summer, eventually selling for approximately $300. However, the earliest backers on Indiegogo will get the device for just $249.

Via Road & Track and Venture Beat