Creativity research is a large and varied field in which the subject has characteristics on many different levels. The arrival of digital media and computational tools has opened up new possibilities for creative practice (Edmonds et.al. 2005). The Auto driver is a creative project that aims at converting a simple human activity, driving a vehicle into a computer technology aided activity. Sharma (2006) notes that humans are intricately bound up with technology. With that in mind, creativity combined with technology can perform a simple task as driving a vehicle. The Auto driver is a technology project to develop a self-driving vehicle. Using GPS (Global positioning system) and other relatively new driving technologies, and combining them into one functional unit able to drive a car. A GPS system currently in use for driving involves indicating available parking spaces (Hsu 2010). Auto driver will take this idea further and use the GPS system to navigate cars through highways and city streets, without getting lost or losing control. By combining technology that is in place, it is possible to develop this car. By use of low cost sensors, the car will be able to recognize other cars in front and behind it while on the road. Similar technology developed by researchers at Rutgers University is helping in parking cars (Joentz 2010).
Overview
Edmonds et.al. (2005) Point out that the cutting edge in the digital arts is a highly fertile ground for the investigation of creativity and the role of new technologies. In this project, the idea is to research develop a car with an onboard computer system named Auto driver. A system that combines an automated engine to drive the car and an automated navigation system to guide the car. A typical journey in the car begins by the car recognizing the owner. Once the car owner pulls the car lock, the sensors in the car lock read the fingerprints an instantly scan them and recognize that it is the car owner. If the wrong person tries to open the door it will not open, and it could be programmed to inform the owner of an attempted illegal entry into the vehicle. Once the owner is inside, the car will have a voice recognition unit and the car owner will speak up and tell the car where he needs to go. The onboard navigation system will locate the destination, and inform the car owner how long it would take to get there. Before the car begins the journey, the onboard computer system will tune the onboard entertainment system to what the car owner wants to listen to or watch as they embark on the journey. Auto driver will then run a check on all mechanical systems in the car and advice on the mechanical status of the car. Providing relevant information like a stop in the petrol station for oil and gas or making an appointment with the mechanic.
Auto driver then starts the engine of the car and by use of modern engine technology plus an advanced cruise control; system regulates the speed at different points of the journey. A combination of position sensors located on the car, Auto driver will be able to sense its distance from other vehicles, objects on the road and the road itself. According to Jonietz (2010), a system exists of using sensors on a car to sense certain fixed objects. Using the navigation system Auto driver will be able to guide the car the entire journey. Currently GPS used to test prototypes for parking cars has a success rate of 90% (Hsu 2010). Incorporating such a GPS system together with automated driving would have an almost similar result of around 90%. Auto driver aims at automating and revolutionizing the driving industry, like what the ATM did to the banking sector. Auto driver aims at pioneering automated driving by combining the different kinds of driving technologies. Takahashi (2013), reports in his article in the wall street journal that in development is technology for a cruise control system able to communicate,with other cars to help the car maintain a safe distance. Takahashi (2013) continues by adding that technology for helping a car steer itself on the highway is not far off. Auto driver will aim to combine all available technologies into one onboard system that can seamlessly drive a vehicle.
Challenges
The challenges that auto driver would experience vary. First would be developing a battery that would power the car without failing. The System would require power full time from a battery that has a high power output due to the number of onboard electronics. Auto driver would need modifications for people with speech impairment, or hearing disabilities as its voice command system will require human voice activation. Another challenge would be the car ending up in the wrong destination, or taking the wrong route. Navigation systems make occasional errors in giving directions. Auto driver will not work in areas where roads are not well document or off-road where roads have no tarmac. A major down side to an automated driving system is that the driver will not have full control, and it might remove the fun-to-drive feeling (Takahashi, 2013).
Artist statement
Auto driver is a system created to use computer technology to revolutionize driving. By using artificial intelligence, Auto driver will try to improve safety on the road while trying to make driving pleasurable. Takahashi (2013) reported that one leading car manufacturer sees automated vehicles as a way of reducing accidents caused by human error. Using technology Auto driver will mainly aim at reducing road traffic accidents. Takahashi (2013) continues to note that key areas that automation of driving would bring are safety and emission cutting which would be good for the environment.
Conclusion
From the initial concept of the Auto driver as a creative idea, to the actual development, Auto driver would seem to be an idea that is very revolutionizing. The technologies to develop such a system are in place. By combining creativity and computer technology Auto driver would be a reality. Arising from a series of studies of creative people and associated developments in computer technology, a strategy for practice-based research has evolved in which research and practice are interdependent activities that mutual benefits as well as discrete outcomes (Edmonds et.al., 2005). The outcome of combining creativity and technology in this case would be a system that is able self-drive a car to anywhere.
References
Edmonds, Ernest A., Weakley, Alastair., Candy, Linda., Fell, Mark., Knott, Roger., Pauletto, Sandra. (2005). “The Studio As Laboratory:Combining Creative Practice And Digital Technology Research.” International journal of Human-computer studies: 63 (2), p.452- 481.
Hsu, Jeremy. (August 2 2010): “Car Navigation Systems Could Show Available Parking Spots.” Retrieved From http://www. Popsci.com.
Jonietz, Erika. (February 8,2010); “ Finding A Parking Space Could Soon Get Easier Technology.” Retrieved from http://www. Technologyreview.com.
Sharma, Dinesh. (2008). ”Understanding Human Technogenesis; Human Development In The Post-Genomic World.” Journal of genomics, Society and policy: 4 (3), p. 89-102.
Takahashi, yoshio. (2013,October 10). Toyota To Market Automated Driving Technology Around 2015. The Wall Street Journal.
