High-tech Tokyo taxis alert passengers when they leave objects behind
- 11 years ago
Originally published on September 11, 2013
Kokusai Motorcars, a Tokyo-based taxi company, plans to install camera systems in its vehicles to automatically detect when passengers leave items behind.
Each taxi will be equipped with four cameras; one under the driver's seat, one under the front passenger seat, one on the ceiling and one in the trunk.
The system works by comparing before and after images of the areas photographed. If the system detects an item left behind, such as a purse or a mobile phone, it instantly sounds an alarm, allowing the passenger to retrieve his or her belongings before the taxi drives off.
To address privacy concerns related to the new system, the company claims the system won't capture clear images of the faces and signs will be posted inside the vehicles to alert passengers of the camera's presence.
The company will start installing the system in all 3,100 of its taxis next Spring at an estimated cost of about 500 US dollars per car. It is reportedly considering selling the system to other taxi companies in Japan.
It was reported that Tokyo drivers reported 210,000 objects left behind in their cars last year.
The company also claims that it has recovered a vast range of items from its cars over the years. It says that mobile phones account for about 60 percent of objects left behind.
The system is believed to be able to reduce the pressure on the company's drivers, who practice asking customers to check they haven't forgotten anything at the moment.
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Kokusai Motorcars, a Tokyo-based taxi company, plans to install camera systems in its vehicles to automatically detect when passengers leave items behind.
Each taxi will be equipped with four cameras; one under the driver's seat, one under the front passenger seat, one on the ceiling and one in the trunk.
The system works by comparing before and after images of the areas photographed. If the system detects an item left behind, such as a purse or a mobile phone, it instantly sounds an alarm, allowing the passenger to retrieve his or her belongings before the taxi drives off.
To address privacy concerns related to the new system, the company claims the system won't capture clear images of the faces and signs will be posted inside the vehicles to alert passengers of the camera's presence.
The company will start installing the system in all 3,100 of its taxis next Spring at an estimated cost of about 500 US dollars per car. It is reportedly considering selling the system to other taxi companies in Japan.
It was reported that Tokyo drivers reported 210,000 objects left behind in their cars last year.
The company also claims that it has recovered a vast range of items from its cars over the years. It says that mobile phones account for about 60 percent of objects left behind.
The system is believed to be able to reduce the pressure on the company's drivers, who practice asking customers to check they haven't forgotten anything at the moment.
--------------------------------------------------------
TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.
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https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS
Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:
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Stay connected with us here:
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