TOKYO -- Alps Electric's new driver assistance system lets motorists control their car's heads-up display with a glance and lock or unlock the doors with the mere wag of a finger.

     The new Premium Cockpit system features an updated version of Alps' heads-up display, which shows the speed and route on the windshield in front of the driver. The display uses a newly developed laser light source to produce a clearer image, even in bright settings. Alps recently began mass-producing the display, and U.S. and European automakers are expected to debut the technology in their new models starting in 2015 and 2016.

     The system uses sensors to detect the movements of the driver's eyes, then uses the data to select and change what is shown on the heads-up display. The display can also be controlled using hand motions or by gripping the steering wheel more tightly.

     The door locks can be controlled by waving a ringlike wearable gadget worn on the finger.

     Additionally, a built-in safety feature prevents the driver from falling asleep at the wheel. A sensor in the driver's seat monitors heart rate, and, in conjunction with data from the sight-line sensor, provides a warning when a driver appears to be nodding off.

(Nikkei)