Telematics at a glance

Automotive Industries, Nov, 1999 by Paul A. Eisenstein

By the most basic definition, telematics refers to the combination of a wireless telephone and an onboard computer. Most of the burgeoning field's players are likely to use a broader description, taking in a wide range of computer-driven technologies that have a direct interface with the driver or passenger, including stand-alone navigation or adaptive cruise control.

The latter falls into the category of safety and security, and for the moment, that makes up the biggest demand for telematic hardware and services in the United States. In Europe and Japan, however, there's a boom market for communications and information services, or "infotainment," as it's come to be called. The popularity of features such as onboard navigation and real time traffic advisories shouldn't be surprising considering the labyrinthine nature of old-world roadways and the congestion that plagues most of the world's major cities.

Here's a closer look at each of these categories:

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Adaptive Cruise Control

Though technically not a telematic technology, adaptive cruise is likely to be an integral part of tomorrow's computer-controlled automobile. Set your desired speed, and radar, sonar or laser beams are used to scan the road ahead for slower traffic. If necessary, the system will automatically back off the throttle, downshift, and in some vehicles, even brake in order to maintain a safe distance. The redesigned 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the first car to offer adaptive cruise, but a wide range of carmakers plan to offer versions of their own over the next five years.

Automatic Vehicle Tracking

Wonder where your teenagers are off to with your car? This technology will make it possible to find them. There is a wide range of methods available for tracking a vehicle, with or without alerting the driver. A vehicle with a GPS receiver can be queried for its precise location. And anyone carrying a cell phone meeting the new e911 emergency locating standard will be carrying what amounts to a tracking device. Already popular with security and shipping fleets, personal tracking systems could become embroiled in the debate over personal liberties.

Black Box Technology

That expression, derived from the "black box" data recorders on commercial aircraft, is something of a misnomer. Data are processed by the same chip regulating airbag operations, then stored in a vehicle's OBD-II, or Onboard Diagnostics module. The most sophisticated black box systems are currently found on a number of General Motors vehicles, including the Cadillac Seville and Chevrolet Corvette. In the event of an accident, the Enhanced Data Recorder not only records impact forces but the position of the brake and throttle pedals, vehicle speed, engine RPMs and whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt.

Collision Warning and Notification

The warning technology functions much like adaptive cruise control, using a radar, sonar or laser beam to scan for potential obstacles, then sounds an alert if a collision is imminent. Automated braking could be integrated into future systems, though the liability issue is likely to long delay that application, especially in the litigious U.S. market. The notification technology can, in the event of an accident serious enough to set off a vehicle's airbags, automatically call for help over the vehicle's cell phone. Paired with a GPS receiver, a collision notification system can provide authorities with the vehicle's precise location. This technology was first offered as part of GM's OnStar service., and has been credited with saving a number of lives.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systems

This technology provides a crime-fighting twist on automatic vehicle tracking. Currently, the most popular system is Lo Jack, which claims a high rate of success in tracking and recovering stolen vehicles. Some systems require an owner to authorize tracking before triggering an onboard transmitter. Other systems are activated automatically when a car is broken into or driven off without authorization. Lo Jack, for one, requires authorities to use a special tracking receiver, so the service is not offered everywhere. Conceivably, recovery systems could be integrated into almost any telematic system, especially those equipped with a GPS receiver.

INFOTAINMENT

AutoPC

By mating an onboard computer to a cell phone or some other wireless two-way communications systems, the Auto PC can access the type of information and entertainment services currently delivered by a desktop PC or cable television system. With the tap of a button, or a spoken command, you'll be able to send and receive e-mail, track the latest sports scores and stock quotes, or check for traffic updates. Clarion is the first to offer this technology in the form of an after-market device replacing a car's conventional stereo system. BMW and Cadillac will offer their own, factory-installed systems, starting in 2000.

Back Seat Entertainment

A growing list of automakers and aftermarket vendors are providing video and audio systems for back seat passengers. (Though legal in Japan while idling, most markets prohibit drivers from being able to see television broadcasts.) Most systems integrate videotape players, while some add digital gaming systems. DVD players are starting to appear on the market. The neat generation may add access to satellite audio and video broadcasts.