A car that functions with your facial expressions!

How about a car that works at your nod and wink? Engineers have devised a whole new way of driving using just facial expressions where a nod or wink could control the functions inside a car.

A gadget has been created that controls a car's functions using nods and winks. The infra-red sensor is mounted on the dash board and recognises the driver's facial expression to control the car.

A computer concealed inside the car translates the gestures which corresponds to a list of commands for the radio, Sat Nav, heating and mobile phone.

The gestures, which are being tested before they are finalised, include a wink to turn the radio and music player on and off.

The technology is meant to be able to differentiate between an accidental blink and a wink by the length of time of the action before turning the radio on or off.

Drivers can nod left to turn the volume up and right to turn it down while a tap on the steering wheel to skip the station or song.

Motorists can even make a phone call by making the 'lifting the receiver gesture' with their hand and dial by saying the name of the person they wish call.

Even the air conditioning and heating can be controlled by raising and lowering the left hand above the gear stick which has another computer sensor mounted inside.

Engineers from a global infotainment company have created a prototype car which could hit the roads in two years.

"It's all about reducing distractions in the car. If you don't have to take your hands off the wheel or look down then it's obviously safer," Hans Roth, director of technology at the company, said.

"You would make a gesture with your hand, like tapping your finger or making a movement. All of these could change different functions in the car, from the radio to the heaters to CDs and navigation systems," he said.

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