From Motor1 · Brian Potter · · 50s
GM Patents Drag Strip Launch Camera
GM's camera system automatically launches cars by reading drag strip lights without driver input.
In brief
GM's camera system automatically launches cars by reading drag strip lights without driver input. General Motors patented a camera that watches drag strip lights and triggers car launches without driver pedal input. Originally reported by Motor1.
GM Patents Launch Control System
General Motors won a patent for a camera-based launch control system that watches drag strip lights and automatically launches cars.
System Uses Christmas Tree Lights
The system identifies Pro Tree and Sportsman Tree light patterns to time brake, torque, and throttle without driver input.
Pro Tree vs Sportsman Tree Timing
Pro Tree fires all three amber lights together with green 0.4 seconds later while Sportsman Tree fires ambers in sequence half a second apart.
No Vehicle Specified
The patent does not name any future GM model, vehicle, or production timeline for the system.
The bottom line
General Motors patented a camera that watches drag strip lights and triggers car launches without driver pedal input.
