The Blind Spot Problem
One professor almost solved it
Professor Hayden Sweesy savored the aroma of his coffee, his eyes unfocused as he gazed out the window of his favorite diner. The Sunday morning crowd was sparse, just as he liked it. The gentle clink of cutlery and murmur of conversation provided the perfect backdrop for his deep contemplation.
His mind was consumed by the “blind spot” problem plaguing all the self-driving cars. Under unusual circumstances, these vehicles experienced a momentary lapse in their forward vision. It was a fraction of a second, but in the heavy city traffic, that could mean the difference between life and death. The government’s ultimatum loomed large: solve the issue or face a ban on all autonomous vehicles.
The professor sighed, taking a bite of his toast. He’d been wrestling with this conundrum for months, and time was running out. The implications were enormous — not just for the industry, but for the future of transportation itself.
As he chewed thoughtfully, something clicked in his mind. A cascade of ideas tumbled forth, each building upon the last. Professor’s eyes widened, his heart racing as he realized he might have stumbled upon the solution.
With trembling hands, he grabbed a napkin and began to sketch a rudimentary design furiously. His pen flew across the paper, outlining a complex system of redundant sensors and predictive algorithms. It was elegant in its simplicity, yet robust enough to potentially eliminate the blind spot issue entirely.
The professor barely noticed as his coffee grew cold, his breakfast forgotten. He was lost in the thrill of discovery, refining, and expanding his concept with each passing minute. This could be it — the breakthrough that would save the self-driving car industry.
Without a word to the puzzled waitress, the professor threw some cash on the table, gathered his precious napkin, and bolted for the door. He had to get to his lab immediately, to begin testing and refining his concept. As he rushed out and crossed the street, his mind was so preoccupied with the solution that he didn’t see the Waymo, a Level 4 autonomous vehicle, taking a left turn.
And then he stepped right into its blind spot.
By the time a small crowd gathered around the professor’s lifeless body, his napkin, released from his grasp, drifted on the cool morning breeze before settling in a nearby puddle.
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