GPS World

Tag: driving

  • Distracted Driving Device Allows GPS Functionality While Driving

    TextBuster_largeTextBuster, a device by Access 2 Communications that prevents drivers from accessing text, email and Internet functions while driving, allows GPS to function while driving.

    It does not interfere with inbound and outbound calling. The firmware technology behind TextBuster sends a blocking signal to the user’s phone automatically, every time the user enters the vehicle.

    TextBuster will not interfere with any other hands-free or Bluetooth items in the vehicle, according to the company. It is a patent-pending device that will disable the data functions to the driver’s phone only while inside the vehicle without interfering with inbound and outbound calls. It includes two components, the mobile app, which is a free download, and a small “brain box” that is mounted under the dash.

    Ohio-based Access 2 Communications developed the distracted driving device with the hopes of significantly reducing the number of preventable distracted driving fatalities worldwide.

    TextBuster will be available in Target stores nationwide starting in mid-November, according to TextBuster.

  • Geotab’s Telematics Connect with Mobileye for Collision Prevention

    Geotab, a telematics engineering company, is announcing its J1939 integration launch with Mobileye’s Advanced Driver Assistance System — the Mobileye 560. In combining these two solutions, businesses with heavy-duty fleets will be able to use advanced warning alerts to reduce the likelihood of vehicle crashes from occurring.

    In addition to the reports provided by Mobileye and Geotab that target unsafe driving practices, the solution also provides lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, pedestrian and bicyclist warnings, distance keeping (headway) warnings, and speeding alerts. The ultimate goal is to give drivers added visibility and insight in the unexpected moments they need it most.

    Edward Kulperger, VP of Business Development for Geotab, commented on the cooperation by explaining that “fleet management technology has evolved to include proactive and dynamic solutions that incorporate real time data in the vehicle and in a fleet’s operations to predict and alert both safety and efficiency elements of fleets.” Isaac Litman, Mobileye Inc.’s CEO, Mobileye Aftermarket, said, “With Geotab, we have provided businesses with an unbeatable driver monitoring and evaluation system. It is the one of the most effective risk management tools available in the marketplace today.” This enthusiasm was also mirrored by Neil Cawse, Geotab’s CEO, “The ease in which businesses can adopt this technology makes it possible for fleet managers to show real savings that make an impact on the bottom line.”

    According to Mobileye, fleets using this collision avoidance technology typically realize a return on their investment in about 6-8 months. The benefits are abundant: Safe driving habits are significantly improved, costs associated with accidents are reduced or completely avoided, smooth driving patterns are reinforced on a continuous basis, and fuel and maintenance costs are minimized. Geotab and Mobileye are working together to bring the solution to the global market.

  • ComNav GNSS OEM Boards Used in China Driving Test System

    Along with booming auto sales in China has come an increase in auto accidents, which has been a headache for the Chinese government. According to police statistics, most of the accidents in the past couple of years were being caused by new  drivers, who have been ignominiously dubbed “road killers.”

    One year ago, the China Police Ministry decided to change the method of licensing new drivers by using stricter methods for training and testing. The new system also was designed to avoid cheating.

    Under to the new testing system rules, the high-accuracy GNSS receiver became the ideal sensor to enforce the new testing, according to ComNav, a ShangHai-based OEM receiver maker. By offering a turnkey solution, from November 2012 to July 2013 ComNav sold more than 5,000 GNSS OEM boards/receivers for driver testing — the major share of that market.

    The system uses the real-time kinematic (RTK) method to establish the accurate heading and position of the car, with a ComNav M600 GNSS receiver. A base station sends differential data to a rover installed on the car. With the help of 3G or Wi-Fi, the real-time data is transmitted to the control center. Examiners can then can judge whether the car is in the right area. Both the trainee and system will know the testing results without delay.

    Surveying the testing place, marking the testing area, and measuring the car shape need to be done before the installation.

    ComNav Technology Ltd. is a high-accuracy positioning solutions supplier that focuses on high-accuracy GNSS core technology R&D, manufacturing and marketing. ComNav is the first Chinese high-accuracy GNSS OEM board manufacturer and producer of a GPS+BeiDou OEM board.

    System diagram.
    System diagram. Source ComNav
    Side parking test.
    Side parking test. Source ComNav