On Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 8:57 AM, Bradford R. Crain <crainb_at_pdx.edu> wrote: > > Craig: I think Toyota is engaged in a gigantic coverup, Floor mats > and brake pedals don't begin to address the recent erratic behavior of > their > cars. Almost all of my kayaking buddies drive Toyotas, and I'd hate to > see them accelerate uncontrollably to 100 mph on our narrow, winding roads. > > The consequence would be undeniable. > I know a little bit about software controlling hardware and it can be very difficult to find a bug that only shows up under certain combinations of circumstances but it sure seems like Toyota is flailing around. We used Honeywell 316 computers (with 128K of 32bit core RAM) to control the positioning and power monitoring on dynamically positioned drill rigs back in the 1970s and 1980s. They were programmed by a machine-code genius from Seattle named Mario who would occasionally come out and manage to cram one more function into that scanty memory. It was very interesting to chat with Mario. That system had two complete computer systems with one of them actually controlling the hardware and the other one comparing its output with the on-line output. Every now and then, with exactly the same program and exactly the same data input, they would disagree wildly. At that point I had to determine which one was likely correct. The consequences were a US$1 million drive-off. It was a fun job. A combination of computer engineer and merchant marine deck officer. I suspect Woz is correct about the software glitch. I only wonder why Toyota is so adamant at refusing to address it. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Mar 10 2010 - 09:10:32 PST
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