Toyota has filed a new patent for a system that allows vehicles to capture images of objects based on the driver's gaze. The technology, identified by US patent number 2026/0261754 A1, uses interior cameras to track the driver's head and eye movements to determine where they are looking.
To initiate a capture, the driver can press a steering wheel button or use a voice command, such as requesting a photo of a specific billboard. The system then directs exterior vehicle cameras to photograph the target. Images are not stored in the car but are transmitted directly to a connected mobile device for later viewing.
The proposed system could also integrate with a driver's health records and browsing history to identify objects of interest. For example, if a driver has been advised to walk more, the car might record locations where pedestrians frequently gather. Users can also set pre-defined instructions, such as capturing photos of classic cars.
Toyota aims to reduce distracted driving by keeping the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. By automating the framing and focusing process, the company seeks to minimize the need for drivers to use smartphones while operating a vehicle, potentially lowering the risk of traffic accidents.
