Controlling the engine is the most processor-intensive job in a car, and the engine control unit (ECU) is the most powerful computer on most cars. The ECU uses closed-loop control, managing the emissions and fuel economy of the engine.
Gathering data from dozens of different sensors, the ECU knows everything from the coolant temperature to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. With this data, it performs millions of calculations each second, to decide on the best spark timing and determining how long the fuel injector is open. The ECU does all of this to ensure the lowest emissions and best mileage.
By Gene Frantz, Texas Instruments Smart, programmable cameras with a high degree of analytical intelligence will be the workhorses that enable the next generation of applications for the security and automotive markets to name just a couple. The technology will be in place. Are we ready for it as human beings?