The rapid development of microelectronics in recent decades has been a catalyst for the penetration of computer systems in the car. Today, microprocessor-based signal dozen sensors control the operation of the engine, ignition system, brake system and security system, protect the car against theft, etc. The next phase of technological revolution - the development of mobile communication systems are also not spared and automotive telematics systems began to explore the interior of the vehicle.
Manufacturers are intensifying their efforts
The market of automobile telematics navigation system appeared first. Since the mid 90's by manufacturers such as Sony, Pioneer and Bosch supply equipment based on satellite GPS, which integrates with car audio. The navigation system allows you to answer several questions: "Where am I?", "How to reach a given point?" etc. Today, navigation systems have voice interface and the map database on CD / DVD media. A typical navigation system AVIC-505 is proposed Pioneer. Modern automobile telematics systems provide access both to the navigation information, and to mobile communication channels. According to him the driver than usual voice could get online to receive a fax. As soon as the growing demand for smart cars, the market is auto-electronics and automotive telematics was growing rapidly. If the European car market has an average annual growth of 6%, the growth of auto electronics market is 12%. And this is not the limit. Today the cost of electronic components is 15% of the cost of production, but over the next five years this figure should be doubled. Number of electronic devices in the car increases. To combine into a single system cell phones, pagers, pocket PCs and laptops, audio and video systems, navigation equipment vehicle manufacturers are working on a unified interface. To expedite this work, the leading manufacturers (BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors (GM) and several others) came together and formed a consortium AMIC (Automotive Multimedia Interface Consortium). However, developing standards will affect only the interface of multimedia devices and will not affect other electronic units, responsible for managing the fuel injection, performance clutches, brakes, door locks, etc. As regards basic AMIC interfaces IDB-C (Intelligent transportation systems Data Bus - CAN) and MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport). Have not gone unnoticed, and two versions of versions of the IEEE-1394 - "optical" and "brazen." Automakers are familiar with the interface bus CAN, its appeal is that when working with it does not require royalties. MOST - Fiber Solutions, today supports data transfer speeds of 25 Mbps, but the solution is quite expensive. For the use of MOST and IEEE-1394 automakers will have to lay out, respectively, 30/25 cents per unit (connection). If in the near future an agreement on the software and hardware specifications will be signed, the first cars equipped with standard interface will appear in 2005
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Created and alliances of manufacturers of cellular phones and cars. Alcatel is actively working with Reno, Ericsson works with Volvo, the presence of Motorola's auto market is more noticeable. The company collaborates with BMW, Ford, GM, Audi and Opel. At the last show in Detroit, representatives of BMW said that all 7-series models will be equipped with cell phones CPT 8000. Phones can work in networks based on GSM or CDMA. They are made on the basis of the device Motorola Timeport and equipped with voice dialing and supports hands-free mode.Dialing is performed using the keypad located on the steering wheel or radio control panel. Delivery models with built-in phone began in March. French Citroen began production of "communication vehicle", which provides e-mail, voice control, cell phone GSM 900/1800 and navigation GPS. This is the first Windows-car called Xsara Windows CE-based 250-series cars in this group. Xsara has a radio receiver, CD-player, phone (Ericsson T28), has an address book, and the ability to transfer data. On-board computer is connected to a GPS-receiver and a CD-changer for 6 CDs. The company Autoliv together with Ericsson and Volvo has released a new product Volvo On Call, which automatically informs the ambulance services of the of the accident. The main components are a cell phone and GPS-receiver, which determines the coordinates of the signals from the satellites. If the accident triggered the airbag, the phone automatically dials a Volvo On Call Alarm Center and sends back a text message about the incident showing the location of the vehicle. The phone will automatically remains on, providing a link to medical personnel and victims. Platform Nexperia CIP (Car Infotainment Platform), announced Philips. It will enable automobile companies to provide drivers and passengers the opportunity to go on the Internet without leaving the car. This versatile platform will simplify the equipment of the automobile device to access e-mail, web, information about the location and direction of motion, the state of traffic kompleksiruya to conventional musical road systems. Nexperia platform describes the system architecture, hardware and software. In a joint project of similar conduct Ericsson and Mannesmann. They create a system of mobile wireless communications for a broad class of vehicles. Here it is assumed support technologies WAP and Bluetooth. The car will be equipped with a complex that connects the driver to information and entertainment services. Such a complex could be connected Internet terminal, fax, audio-video television equipment. Manufacturers are oriented to create a system for both passenger cars and trucks or buses. One of the first GM began shipping cars equipped with Internet access. While equipped model Cadillac DeVille and Seville. By the end of this year, GM plans to build WEB-access in 32 of its 54 models. In the U.S. and Canada GM also has launched a paid service of OnStar, which organizes around the clock assistance to drivers. Thanks to a mobile phone behind the wheel of a person can connect with experts OnStar-center and specify its location (the system of GPS), get recommendations on the best route to make remote diagnostics machine, unlock the door closed, etc. One of the services called "personal collection". It is based on speech recognition technology and allows the driver to make voice dialing. For this we first have to enter a number in the memory system and the corresponding name. Negotiations are conducted with the help of car audio system. Another service - "Virtual Assistant" lets you use commands from a voice access to email, and information and news services (stock quotes, weather forecasts). In late 2000, more than a million cars and trucks were equipped with a terminal of OnStar. Basically, the corporation sets the equipment on the cars models such as Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac. "We're trying to turn the vehicle into a knot of communications" - the president said Chet Huber, OnStar. One of the offices of Ford, the company Visteon, began shipping the built-in PC called ICES (Information, Communication, Entertainment, Safety and Security System). The main features of the system - the control elements associated with the steering wheel and the wheels, 5.8 "color screen and software, providing access to e-mail, traffic control centers, information centers with Internet access. In addition, the system includes a means of navigation (GPS), indicating map (on screen) the right turns or destinations, as well as two-way paging device, and a device that displays information on the screen, located on road signs.Joint venture between Ford and Qualcomm, the leader of mobile communication technology CDMA, - Company Wingcast, engaged in the development of systems of Internet access for vehicles. Here the work is already underway on the basis of third generation mobile communication systems. Creating systems to negotiate the so-called hands-free "Hands-Free", - one of the main areas of work for manufacturers of cellular phones. Since the legislation of most developed countries prohibit negotiating behind the wheel, and apply to violators of the penalties, this market is booming. Their kits offer voice dialing and phone manufacturers - Motorola, Nokia, Philips, and manufacturers of accessories - THB, Wester. Fighting windbags does not stop. In some countries provide special conventions that, having heard the call could remove the car from the highway. There are voices calling for automatic switch off their phones during routine engine. As a reasonable alternative is possible to use control system that uses the principles of speech recognition. One system, developed by U.S. company Cellport Systems can learn how to send commands to the onboard computer, type "Open the window, turn on the radio, and give a voice command to set a specific number. Another mobile technology, services which are already in demand by drivers - a trunk link. Developing in the sector of professional radio, it provides an operational voice and data access as a special services (law enforcement, firefighters, etc.) and corporate customers. Created a system supports both local communication, and regional. For example, Russia assumed a trunking communication system along the highway from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Cars can be equipped with a specialized set and subscriber station. In the west, established the Association of Representatives of communications services, public safety (ARSO). One of the directions of its work, bringing mobile technology to provide television services to medicine in the provision of first aid on the road. Rapid transfer of medical records of victims (blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, etc.) as well as two-way voice communications in conjunction with the transfer of video images enable ambulances to maintain operational contact with medical specialists. Based on the trunking system infrastructure in Prague, a system of public transport management. The project has solved the problem: improve transport services, passenger access to traffic information in real time. Terminals will be installed in buses, trolleybuses, trams. At each terminal will be available functions of voice and data. In Russia, according to the "concept of building a unified system of integrated information and telecommunications software auto-road industry," along a number of federal highways will create a number of systems of production and engineering and emergency hailing trunking radio. In addition to trunking systems are now available to motorists and service of satellite communication systems Globalstar and Inmarsat. Of course, such services and equipment is significantly more expensive than using cellular systems. But the effectiveness of satellite systems is significantly higher. This communication anytime, anywhere, regardless of the coverage area of cellular operators, particularly where that kind of connection is not there. Subscribers Globalstar and Inmarsat are available as voice communications, and transmit / receive data. In addition, Globalstar service is available to subscribers of location, not depending on the system GPS. Of Inmarsat terminals already installed on the trucks of many road transport companies. Managing a fleet is able to track the vehicles, to instruct the driver if you want to change the route to send information regarding changes in the arrangements for the supply of goods or the conditions of chartering. For example, the Dutch company "Rynart Transport", specializing in supplying high-value cargo to Eastern Europe, typically sends two or three trucks in groups, one of which is necessarily a terminal equipped with Inmarsat-C. As stated by Managing Director Frank Rinart, this terminal reduces operating costs by 30%.Similar systems designed for various transport companies are being developed in Russia. One such solution offered by RRC. System "Cyclone" allows you to control and manage mobile objects anywhere in the globe. It is based on satellite communication system Inmarsat-C / mobile communication system GSM, and the navigation system GPS. Installed on a vehicle sensor system GPS, the terminal of Inmarsat-C / GSM terminal and onboard computer. Central server node system is connected to the receiving station of Inmarsat and is connected to the Internet. With communication systems car constantly communicate its location. You can also send a text message. Manager, to learn about the situation of a particular car, connects via the Internet to a central server. It can also refer to a specific car team - a text message. The system supports group call mode and query mode.
The market of telematics services is expanding
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Determine the location, information about the state of road traffic, communications during emergency stops, safety of the vehicle and its owner - this is not a complete list of telematics services to vehicle drivers. Automotive Telematics Positioning System satellite signals are traditionally used global positioning system GPS. Recently, however, proposed a number of solutions to eliminate the GPS signals and reduce the cost of the system. These solutions are based on the triangulation method, performed on signals received from base stations of cellular communication. It should be noted that the accuracy of positioning using GPS systems are much higher - 10 - 30 m, while the special technologies 100 - 150 m. One such solution offered the French company Alcatel and Webraska Mobile Technologies. If necessary, assess its location strayed driver sends a request. In response to the screen of his cell phone there is map of the area where the driver, and an asterisk, showing its location. The accuracy of the system - 150 m. In Russia, created several navigation systems that have been successfully mastered drivers. Geographic Information System PalmGISGPS "displays the location of the vehicle at the Moscow map and track movement on a city map. It uses a sensor system GPS. Naturally, the city map displayed on a laptop or handheld computer. Another option is a mobile navigation system offers the company Benefon. Her model Esc! - GSM-phone + Navigation GPS-receiver. The screen device is reproduced map of the area, previously introduced by the Internet or a computer. When you turn on the GPS-receiver on the map arrow appears, displayed the current location. Model Esc! will be available in Russia in the 4 th quarter, its estimated price - $ 900 traffic jams not only poison the environment, but also the mood of the drivers. In Moscow, the operative information on the state highways can be found on the website www.77.ru. Its creators - companies "Demos-Internet", "Geocenter consulting" and club "Angel." If you provide wireless mobile access to the site and render the situation on the display screen laptop or the car itself, then all the information the driver receives in real time, on the road. One solution that protects the vehicle from car thieves, suggested that the Russian company Parabayt. System called "Cell Car Alarm" involves the installation of a special unit in the car. It includes a transceiver mobile communication system, autonomous power supply and interface that supports communication with various sensors. The principle of operation of the system is standard. The only peculiarity is the use of cellular communications channel for communicating car owner and the security services of any unauthorized access. Dial-up can occur on one or more telephones, and, in addition, an alert is sent as SMS messages.Scope of supply can be supplemented with a GPS-receiver. Then in the SMS-message will be given the coordinates of the stolen vehicle. In the absence of malicious system regularly sends a message that the car is under her protection.
The way forward - whether it strewn with roses?
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So what glimmers ahead? As the basic functions: acceleration, braking and safety will be implemented on the basis of electronic control, drivers will be of interest to services supplied by mobile systems. But the opponents of the built-in wireless automotive systems have their own arguments. Thus the need for rapid access to the Internet is not obvious, it's more important for employees, but not massive motorist. While surveys of motorists - the potential users of such systems support his skepticism. Only 8% of respondents stated that they would like to have in your car Web-based access, while its price should not exceed $ 25 for example, referred to GM OnStar service will cost about $ 40, and the services Wingcast - from 10 to $ 30 per month. Art Spinella, an analyst firm CNW Marketing believes that the market for cellular phones, handheld PCs and laptops is growing at a furious pace. "And the duplication of systems can be explained only limousine millionaires. Prospects for embedded systems do not." Do not forget another aspect. Will the whole electronics high / low temperature and vibration, at least for 10 years or with mileage of 300,000 km. For the owner of the VAZ such reliability seems comparable to the reliability of Space Station Alpha, but for Western automakers such an approach is due to market demands. Prospects for wireless access systems a concern not only among experts. Such a system serves as a source of danger for the driver. Even if your hands are not involved, the question arises, how safe tracking information on the display. Of course, the voice interface reduces the likelihood of an accident. But research by scientists from the University of Toronto showed that the risk is reduced slightly. Since every phone conversation distracts the reason for accidents to be found in the brain, rather than hands or eyes - this is the conclusion of the National Security vehicular traffic (U.S.). Despite statements by the representatives of automotive firms of interest to the market of mobile communications, many analysts do not hide their doubts. The market of telematics services is not to their teeth, the expert said the investment bank Dain Rauscher Jonathan Lawrence. However, producers will try to impose their game market. "Consumers need to get used to new technologies. But if they were born, it will soon appear and demand," - said Michael Smith, manager of the Telematics company Ford. Note that the situation varies significantly by region. For Europe, the greatest interest are information systems that report on road traffic. For example, in the UK popular system Trafficmaster. Based on a network of IR sensors that monitor the flow of passing, it processes the information and on-demand displays monitor evaluation of the intensity in a given area. Such an assessment is the maximum twenty-minute delay, and in most cases is sufficient to select the detour route. If such a system will give the driver the forecast, for example, "On the road the bus overturned, and the time of release," Tube "will be from 2 to 3 hours" - the number of subscribers of the service will increase substantially. Deutsche Telekom and Mannesman - the main operators in Germany, created a unit serving drivers telematics information. While this market is in its infancy, and all participants will make a great effort to expand the subscriber base. In Japan, the maximum demand is for navigation systems. According to SRI Consulting Company in the last year they were sold (including pre-installation in new machines), more than 1.5 million in the U.S. Similar systems have not enjoyed such popularity.In the West, the natural allies of mobile operators and service providers to perform non-governmental organizations promoting traffic, such as the Automobile Association in the UK. They are interested that the drivers can report road services about their problems. Interested in information that characterizes the traffic situation and public services. By 2005, Europe will have 185 million cars. At 17 million of them will be embedded telematics systems. Such data in his report gives the company Ovum. European operators are likely to try to extend their service packages to include telematics services. Some manufacturers predict mounting multiple screens in the car. The European Commission suggests that the turnover of this market by 2005 will amount to $ 30 billion will be whether these predictions hold, the future will show. But here it is worth considering that the entire mobile communications begins to shift to third generation systems, where data transfer and delivery of multimedia will play a key role. Of the third generation will take passengers entertainment information, will provide Internet access on the move at an acceptable speed and delivery of multimedia content. Then we can really say about this sector of the market - advertisers will be able to appeal to passengers. If the journey takes longer than 5 minutes - why not look at mail, or do not work with the corporate database. In third generation systems will be developed service targeted newsletters and offers from the manufacturer. By purchasing a specific brand of car, the driver will receive information about new accessories, support programs, new kinds of service, etc. Vehicle diagnostic system can automatically send a monthly service center monitoring results, and its owner by e-mail will receive the results and specific recommendations. In the next 5-7 years, the car will be WEB-site for the exchange of technological information and receive multimedia content. The first steps in this direction are taking place today, and the leading role here will belong to both operators and service providers. As demand for mobile communications is extremely high, the rise in the services sector should be sustained. And the important part here along with the voice communication will be data traffic. Interest of drivers to obtain information, for example, road traffic will continue to grow because growth of vehicle fleet ahead of the development of road infrastructure. **** Era "Homo sapiens" - Homo sapiens began about 10,000 years ago. As soon as an era of sensible cars? While this is more fantasy than reality. However, the presence of computer systems, mobile communications and navigation systems on board gives us hope that in the 21 century car-wise will be companion of man. Sources, Materials:
