IBM Patents a Mapping Algorithm To Re-Route Drivers Along Retail-Heavy Roads

[Swede]

With connectivity and smarter planning, intelligent cars promise to cut congestion, make roads safer and generally improve the whole experience of getting behind the wheel. But nobody said it was all altruistic.

IBM has apparently patented a couple ideas for earning fees by monitoring driver activity. One plan would encourage drivers to take different routes that bring them past certain retail establishments — if, that is, the retail establishments want to pay for it. And another plan discusses charging bad drivers a toll for behavior like tailgating.

IBM’s Smarter Traffic division has a few research programs devoted to planning driving routes depending on congestion and other factors. One such app, which we discussed this summer, uses GPS to monitor a driver’s habits and road sensors to check traffic, and recommends the best route. But this patent application suggests that someday, it may not actually be the best route for you, unless you’re actually craving Starbucks when your car just happens to reroute you past one.

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2011-09/ibm-patents-algorithm-system-re-route-drivers-past-fee-paying-retailers

[leveymg]

1. I will take a low-tech solution to any automotive device that tries to market or fine me.

Death to informants.

[Ikonoklast]

2. OK, we'll mark you down as a "No" vote.

[Shagbark Hickory]

3. IBM? Now there's a blast from the past.

They're routing me down Memory Ln.

[Ikonoklast]

4. IBM overtook MicroSoft this week in total market capitilization.

They are still a powerhouse.

[leveymg]

5. Most of that growth is IBMs Global Services Division, not software.

I wouldn't throw a lot of venture capital into this particular product. It's not going to go over well in the US market, anytime soon.

[rrneck]

6. IBM = I've Been Manipulated nt