Message-Id: <200612242020.kBOKKtS9009605@laptop13.inf.utfsm.cl>
To: davids@webmaster.com
cc: Valdis.Kletnieks@vt.edu,
       "Linux-Kernel@Vger. Kernel. Org" <linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org>
Subject: Re: Binary Drivers 
In-Reply-To: Message from "David Schwartz" <davids@webmaster.com> 
   of "Sun, 24 Dec 2006 09:33:15 -0800." <MDEHLPKNGKAHNMBLJOLKIEAGAJAC.davids@webmaster.com> 
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2006 17:20:55 -0300
From: "Horst H. von Brand" <vonbrand@inf.utfsm.cl>
Sender: linux-kernel-owner@vger.kernel.org
Content-Length: 1451
Lines: 29

David Schwartz <davids@webmaster.com> wrote:

[...]

> Now, let's try it another way: Are they allowed to sell a car that
> incorporates a computer that uses a trade-secret algorithm for controlling
> the fuel injection to get 20 more horsepower and 5% better mileage if it's
> impossible to *start* the car without knowing that algorithm?

It is done regularly. Current cars control the fuel injection etc via an
onboard computer, without this control the engine just won't start. Did you
get the specs for the exact fuel control algorithm with your car? Should
you be able to fool around with that, thus violating emission control
measures (this would damage not only you, but everybody)?

Almost everything around you is controlled by a uP nowadays (it is much
cheaper/preciser to control e.g. the washing machine that way than via the
customary rotating wheels with notches). Did you get the specs for that? 
Can you get them?
-- 
Dr. Horst H. von Brand                   User #22616 counter.li.org
Departamento de Informatica                    Fono: +56 32 2654431
Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria             +56 32 2654239
Casilla 110-V, Valparaiso, Chile               Fax:  +56 32 2797513
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