Ford has filed a patent for a system that allows passengers to select ride-hailing vehicles based on their odour. The technology uses environmental sensors to detect smells inside a car and compares them to thresholds set by the user.
According to the patent, a computer remote from the vehicle stores labels of odours associated with a user. When a trip is requested, the system checks the user's preferences and sends a message describing the car's smell as 'horrible', 'bad', 'acceptable', 'good' or 'pleasant'. The rider can then accept or reject the ride based on this information.
The patent notes that the system is designed for people who may have allergic reactions to certain smells. After the trip, users can also rate the vehicle's odour, helping future passengers make informed choices.
Ford rarely files patents, but when it does, it focuses on consumer needs. Last year, the company published a patent for turning a car into a movie theatre using a projector in the trunk.
