GPS World

Tag: auto navigation

  • Cohda Wireless, u-blox Develop System to Warn Drivers of Danger

    u-blox has provided global positioning technology to Cohda Wireless‘ vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) equipment, collectively called V2X. V2X will be a key technology for the next generation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as well as autonomous vehicles, the companies said.

    Cohda’s DSRC (dedicated short-range communications) based V2X system uses accurate satellite positioning with embedded dead-reckoning technology provided by u-blox. The system enables early warning of imminent collisions, oncoming traffic, the presence of road workers and unsafe speed based on vehicles in the vicinity.

    “Cohda’s V2X DSRC-based solutions make full use of u-blox’ advanced automotive-grade positioning technology to enhance driver safety through ample warning time and excellent non-line-of-sight performance. Such technology will soon be a standard feature embedded in all vehicles,” said Michael Ammann, VP platform partnerships at u‑blox.

    “Our V2X vehicle warning systems are dependent on highly accurate position and velocity data to deliver the performance that is crucial to meet the safety demands of next generation cars,” said Fabien Cure, Chief Engineer at Cohda Wireless. “u-blox’ satellite positioning solutions, leading automotive dead reckoning technology, module roadmap and clear strategy to deliver lane accurate performance in challenging urban environments was convincing.”

  • CSR Demonstrates SiRFDrive in Chicago

    CSR has added significant upgrades to its SiRFDRive software dead-reckoning algorithms, improving automotive positioning performance and meeting the requirements of leading OEMs across the globe. This video demonstrates how these latest algorithms improves the overall performance in Chicago, once of the most challenging environments to obtain accurate vehicle positioning results.

    Learn more in the article BeiDou, Dead Reckoning Added to SiRFstarV 5ea Auto Platform.

  • BeiDou, Dead Reckoning Added to SiRFstarV 5ea Auto Platform

    CSR plc has released significant upgrades for the SiRFstarV 5ea automotive-grade quad-GNSS location platform. Support has been added for concurrent use of GPS and BeiDou (BDS) satellite constellations, along with major updates to the SiRFDRive software dead-reckoning algorithms. Together, these upgrades ensure that SiRFstarV 5ea offers improved automotive positioning performance meeting the requirements of OEMs across the globe.

    CSR is being acquired by Qualcomm, with the transaction expected to close by the end of the summer of 2015.

    By adding support for China’s BDS constellation to SiRFstarV 5ea’s existing GPS and GLONASS capabilities, the new software offers automotive OEMs the flexibility to perform concurrent GPS and GLONASS or GPS and BDS operations. The new BDS capability provides OEMs the opportunity to market their products to regions where BDS support is mandated and also exploit the benefits of the BDS satellite constellation which is now fully operational over China and surrounding countries. The SiRFstarV 5ea platform, which is optimized and certified for the strict requirements and life cycles of the automotive industry, is also Galileo-ready through future software upgrades.

    “Automotive OEMs from around the globe all have something to gain from the new additions to our cutting-edge SiRFstarV 5ea automotive location platform,” Anthony Murray, senior vice president, Business Group, at CSR, said. “Tier Ones and OEMs are looking to develop global platforms that can be easily configured to meet regional requirements and preferences, while Asian car manufacturers in particular have been calling for simultaneous GPS and BDS support to meet regional market needs for BDS support.”

    SiRFDRive for SiRFstarV 5ea now also includes CSR’s latest dead reckoning algorithms that work alongside concurrent GPS and GLONASS operations. The combination of increased satellite visibility and the latest dead-reckoning algorithms improves the overall performance in challenging environments such as Chicago and Tokyo by a factor of two.

    “Many Tier Ones are looking for more complete dead reckoning solutions to simplify the design process and accelerate time to market. SiRFDRive is a state-of-the-art plug-and-play solution that covers a range of end products spanning from low to high end telematics and navigation systems,” continued Murray.

    SiRFstarV 5ea is designed for automotive market AEC-Q100 qualification requirements as a standalone location engine platform. The platform provides automotive Tier One suppliers and OEMs around the world with continuous, highly accurate positioning capabilities for the next generation of in-dash navigation and telematics applications in cars, trucks and other moveable assets requiring automotive-qualified devices.

    Updated SiRFstarV 5ea evaluation kits are available now, and the SiRFstarV 5ea platform is ready for immediate integration into next generation infotainment and telematics products.

    CSR provides the following video describing SiRFDrive.

  • AT&T, LG to Collaborate on Connected Cars

    Since the AT&T Drive Studio opened in January 2014, twelve companies have joined AT&T there in an effort to collaborate and develop new services for the connected car of the future. The latest company to join is LG Electronics, which signed on November 18.

    AT&T Drive Studio is a connected car center for innovation and research. Its sponsorship agreement with LG allows the companies to collaborate on the AT&T Drive platform to support services on automotive-grade hardware and equipment for tomorrow’s connected vehicles.

    Located in Atlanta, the more than 5,000-square foot AT&T Drive Studio features working garage bays, a speech lab, a full showroom to exhibit the latest innovations, conference facilities, and much more. Drive Studio integrates AT&T solutions across multiple companies and serves as a hub where AT&T can respond to needs of automotive manufacturers and the auto ecosystem at large.

    “At the Drive Studio we work with automakers to make the in-car experience better and safer for the driver and passengers,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “The spirit of the AT&T Drive Studio is to bring together players in the auto industry ecosystem, like LG, to design the road ahead.”

    “By analysis of customer insights and Car OEM’s requirements, safety, comfort and convenience are key factors in automotive area,” said Jong Rak Lim, vice president and head of LG’s In-Vehicle Infotainment R&D Lab. “As global telematics supplier, we are very pleased to participate in AT&T Drive Studio as a sponsor and hope to bring better Connected Car solutions into the market together.”

    AT&T already provides mobile Internet access in vehicles manufactured by both U.S. and non-U.S. automobile makers. AT&T entered the market with a proprietary, global SIM platform that made it possible for automotive, consumer and M2M equipment makers to work through a single carrier to wirelessly enable and connect products across the globe, and cars are being sold throughout world today with this SIM.

  • Denso Tests Autonomous Cars on Japan Roads

    Denso Tests Autonomous Cars on Japan Roads

    Denso-drive-test-c

    Denso Corp. began testing advanced driving support technology on a public road in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, this past June. Denso is testing automated driving scenarios in a single lane and testing automatic lane changes, as well as other driving maneuvers. Denso’s goal is to develop technologies that reduce driver workload and assist in safe driving.

    Previously, Denso tested this technology on its test course in Japan. Denso’s goal with public road testing is to identify, analyze, and solve real-life problems that don’t occur on the test course.

    Denso is conducting the field tests as part of activities led by the Vehicle Safety Technology Project Team to reduce traffic accidents. The project team is organized by the Aichi prefectural government and involves companies and organizations operating in the prefecture.

    Denso has been developing its advanced driving assistance technology to achieve safer and more reliable driving while the driver remains in control of the vehicle. Development and commercialization of this technology will help prevent traffic accidents and contribute to increasing safety of our automotive society.

    Denso Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world’s major carmakers.

    Testing involves automated driving on a single lane.
    Testing involves automated driving on a single lane.
    Automatic lane changes are also being tested.
    Automatic lane changes are also being tested.

  • Car Dealership’s GPS Tracking System Saves Philadelphia Kidnap Victim

    A GPS tracking device helped Philadelphia police rescue a woman who was kidnapped November 2 and apprehend the suspect who abducted her. A growing number of used car dealerships use the technology to protect their investments. This time it protected the life of an innocent victim of violent crime.

    The NBC affiliate in Philadelphia covered the story on the air and posted it on its website.

    Surveillance video showed the crime being committed. The brazen attack was shocking to watch — an innocent woman named Carlesha Freeland-Gaither was grabbed by a man who then forced her into a car parked at the curb. The man then got in the car and drove away.

    Police investigating the crime immediately checked the surveillance video and discovered they could read the license number of the vehicle used by the kidnapper. When they checked the license number, they discovered the vehicle had been purchased from a used car dealership specializing in helping people with bad credit get car loans.

    “‘Buy Here, Pay Here’ refers to the fact that the dealership is also serving as the lender,” said Eddie Bermudez, product development manager with Position Plus of Lake Forest, California. “These lenders take a big risk lending money to people who other lenders won’t touch.”

    The BHPH industry found GPS tracking systems to be a big help when a borrower is delinquent on their loan payments. The Position Plus system is used by almost 1,500 dealerships across the country.

    “The lender places a small GPS tracking device in the vehicle,” Bermudez said. “As long as their loan payments are current, there’s no problem. But if they go delinquent, the lender has the option of using the GPS tracking device to locate the vehicle. This makes the process of repossessing the vehicle much easier.”

    The lenders each have a policy as to how they handle these situations. In most cases borrowers receive emails or text messages warning them they’re behind before repossession efforts are initiated.

    Fortunately, the kidnapping in Philadelphia ended well. The vehicle was located in the parking lot of a shopping center. The suspect attempted to start the car, but he was completely surrounded by police. According to Bermudez, the PositionPlus system could have stopped him cold.

    “If it had been our system, he wouldn’t have been able to start the car,” added Bermudez. “We can’t shut down the engine while it’s driving, but we can keep the vehicle from starting the next time the ignition is turned on.”

  • Teletrac’s Fleet Director Improvements Designed for Mobile

    Teletrac-fleet-director Photo: Teletrac, Inc.
    Photo: Teletrac, Inc.

    Teletrac, Inc., a GPS tracking and fleet management provider, is offering a new version of its Fleet Director GPS fleet tracking system that provides users with greater control and flexibility, Teletrac said.

    Users now have full access to Fleet Director’s management features via mobile device, in addition to desktop functionality. Also, the latest update offers robust fleet management tools, such as the ability to monitor fuel consumption, increase driver safety, and meet compliance mandates.

    “In the current climate, businesses have the ability to achieve high levels of profitability and growth with the help of an advanced fleet management platform,” said Tony Eales, president, Teletrac. “The latest version of Fleet Director churns millions of data transactions daily, providing vital information to help meet company goals across multiple industries and workforce sizes. Businesses are equipped with the actionable data necessary to cultivate and develop their company on multiple levels and gain a competitive advantage in their market.”

    Teletrac has modernized Fleet Director in four key fleet management areas: anywhere, anytime mobile access; deeper driver and vehicle behavioral data; enhanced mapping functionality; and advanced safety analytics.

    “Fleet management has historically been an at-a-desk job, limiting companies in their productivity and communication. The added flexibility of using modern devices — such as smartphones, laptops and tablets — to do business has increased productivity while also adding expectations from customers,” said Sid Nair, director of Product Management, Teletrac. “As the industry has evolved, so have we.”

    Enhancements include:

    Mobility: Fleet Director allows users to manage their vehicles from any mobile device or browser through new HTML 5 functionality. The software’s clear and user-friendly interface lets users navigate easily to a targeted location regardless of whether the manager is in the office or on a mobile phone in the field.

    Actionable Data: The updated software allows managers to move beyond basic track-and-trace functionality, offering an in-depth look at the overall health of a business. The new Fleet Director is built with more robust driver and vehicle behavioral data, providing businesses with insight into performance areas such as fuel management, power take-off time, engine performance and job-site delivery tracking.

    Cutting-Edge Mapping Technology: Mapping has moved beyond location tracking with Fleet Director’s enhanced interactive features. Vehicle and asset mapping is now accessible on easy-to-use Google Maps that toggle between single and multiple views. Managers can consult Fleet Director to pinpoint the exact road their drivers are on while using Google Street View to zoom into the terrain and makeup of the road. These added map enhancements provide fleet managers with tools to have better control of their business.

    Advanced Safety Behavior Data: Fleet Director Safety Analytics helps managers get closer to their fleet through insight into key driver safety events, such as speeding, harsh braking, accelerating, stop sign violations and fast cornering. New data-rich dashboards display relevant information that shows the time and date of each event and the number of infractions per vehicle and driver, including the best and worst performance rankings. Safety infractions can be replayed on the map interface to show how an unsafe driving incident occurred in real-time, providing useful data that can prevent the risk of a crash.

  • Omnitracs Completes Acquisition of XRS Corporation

    Omnitracs LLC, a provider of fleet management solutions to transportation and logistics companies, has completed the acquisition of XRS Corporation for $178 million. XRS is a provider of mobile-based solutions that enable trucking companies to manage fleets, comply with regulations, and reduce operating costs.

    Omnitracs acquired XRS to strengthen its core technology portfolio, adding complementary solutions designed to help fleets solve critical business problems, Omnitracs said. The combined company will continue to deliver transportation management products and services that empower fleets to control virtually every aspect of their business, from improving safety to complying with industry regulations to enhancing productivity and profitability, the company said.

    “This acquisition exemplifies Omnitracs’ commitment to delivering solutions that translate into real value and a true competitive advantage for customers,” said John Graham, CEO of Omnitracs. “By integrating XRS into the Omnitracs portfolio of businesses, we can now offer fleets an extended array of industry-leading solutions, helping fleets make intelligent decisions that positively impact all aspects of their operations.”

    Together, Omnitracs and XRS will provide end-to-end fleet management solutions to more than 30,000 customers with nearly 1,000,000 mobile assets in 63 countries.

    Omnitracs Outlook 2015. In related news, registration is now open for Omnitracs’ first joint user conference — Omnitracs Outlook 2015 — which takes place February 8-11, 2015, in Dallas, Texas.

    Omnitracs Outlook 2015 will unite fleet customers of Omnitracs and its business units Roadnet, Sylectus, and Omnitracs Analytics (formerly FleetRisk Advisors). The conference will bring together fleet executives, managers, power users, product experts, specialized technology providers and industry opinion leaders for educational, networking and peer-to-peer sessions designed to help fleets improve operational efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance.

    “With just a few months until this ‘don’t miss’ event, we look forward to bringing together our customers from across all Omnitracs business units for an opportunity to learn about the company’s strategic vision, product roadmap and more,” said John Graham, CEO of Omnitracs. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to host everyone in our new hometown, Dallas, and look forward to the unparalleled networking and education sessions at Outlook 2015.”

    The sessions at Omnitracs Outlook 2015 will include product-specific breakouts targeted to users of Omnitracs, Roadnet, Sylectus and Omnitracs Analytics; cover the latest transportation and logistics technology trends; and highlight user case studies. Peer-to-peer networking opportunities and the technology expo, featuring integration partners and hands-on solution demonstrations, will deliver additional value to conference participants.

    Interested sponsors and exhibitors should contact [email protected].

  • Geotab Offers Future-Proof Commercial Telematics Solution

    Geotab-GO7-Side-W
    Photo: Geotab

    Geotab, a telematics engineering company, has launched its new GO7 telematics device. The GO7 allows fleet management applications to receive vehicle data communications from the engine, drive train, instrument cluster and other subsystems.

    The Geotab GO7 is the newest device in Geotab’s line of telematics solutions and has added a number of new features such as programmable CANBUS, OBD, J1708 connection pins, enhanced auto-protocol detection and higher sensitivity accelerometer — making the solution future-proof and cost effective for any fleet to install and maintain, the company said.

    The GO7 is an plug-and-play device with internal antennas that eliminates installation and out-of service vehicle time, which significantly lowers installation costs and improves fleet productivity, according to Geotab. The latest edition of Geotab’s GO devices caters to more than one vehicle protocol at a time, allowing the device to collect data simultaneously for all possible datasets, such as RPM, VIN, fuel level, seat-belt detection and odometer. The secondary protocol support provides detailed engine data for a variety of vehicles, including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Volvo and Mazda. The technology is scalable, from light duty, medium duty, to heavy commercial trucks in addition to supporting all major vehicle manufacturers globally, Geotab said.

    GO7-Installation2-W Photo: Geotab
    Photo: Geotab

    “Our goal is to provide the most advanced and efficient telematics solution in the industry,” said Neil Cawse, CEO, Geotab. “Together with our MyGeotab software, the all-new GO7 device allows us to provide our customers with the most sophisticated end-to-end fleet management solution on an industry leading platform — providing great productivity enhancements, safety features and cost-savings to our fleet customers.”

    Top features of the GO7 include:

    • Easy plug-and-play installation
    • External device expandability via IOX Technology
    • Intelligent in-vehicle driver coaching
    • Small form factor device
    • Breakthrough accident detection and notification
    • Accurate engine diagnostics, DTC, and proprietary engine data
    • Real-time vehicle data
    • Fast GPS acquisition time using Almanac OTA support
    • Built-in auto-calibrating accelerometer.

  • Installed Base of Fleet Management Systems to Reach 7.1M in Europe by 2018

    According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of active fleet management systems deployed in commercial vehicle fleets in Europe was 3.65 million in Q4-2013. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2 percent, this number is expected to reach 7.10 million by 2018.

    A group of international aftermarket solution providers have emerged as the leaders on the European fleet management market. Masternaut reported an active installed base of close to 350,000 units in July 2014, mainly in France and the UK. TomTom Telematics was the fastest growing vendor also in 2014 and has now surpassed 400,000 subscribers in August 2014.

    The two companies share the number one spot in terms of active installed base in Europe. Digicore has also joined the exclusive group of fleet management providers in Europe having more than 100,000 active devices in the field. Transics is number one in the heavy trucks segment with an estimated 85,000 active units installed.

    A major trend in the past three years has been the announcements of standard line fitment of fleet management solutions among the HCV manufacturers. Scania, Daimler, Volvo and MAN now experience fast growth of telematics subscribers thanks to these initiatives. FleetBoard by Daimler, Dynafleet by Volvo and Scania Fleet Management are the most sold systems with cumulative shipments of 150,000 units, 135,000 units and 100,000 units respectively as of Q4-2013.

    A recent trend is that LCV manufacturers increasingly work together with aftermarket players to offer fleet management solutions. PSA Peugeot Citroën has for instance launched a new fleet management service on the French market in partnership with Orange Business Services in April 2014. Ford and Telogis recently partnered to deliver fleet management solutions to Ford customers in Europe. Teletrac has moreover for a long time collaborated with OEMs on the UK market, including Citroën and Mercedes Benz.

    M&A activities on this market continued with full force in 2014. “Seven major mergers and acquisitions have so far taken place this year among the vendors of fleet management systems in Europe,” said Johan Fagerberg, Senior Analyst, Berg Insight. At the beginning of 2014, Qualcomm finally divested also the majority of the European arm of its fleet business to Astrata Group, a fleet management company headquartered in Singapore.

    Later in February, WABCO acquired Transics and the transaction valued the company at about €100 million. Lysanda acquired UK-based TRACKER Network in February and plans to establish Tantalum Corporation from the combined business.

    In April, TomTom also acquired the French FM provider DAMS Tracking, adding another 27,000 subscriptions to the installed base. Francisco Partners, moreover, divested Masternaut to Summit Partners and FleetCor in the same month.

    In July 2014, Zucchetti Group acquired a majority share of Macnil from its founders. The latest transaction was done in October 2014 when Finder acquired its Polish competitor Autoguard to form the largest FMS provider in Poland. Fagerberg anticipates that the market consolidation of the still overcrowded industry will continue in 2015.

    Download the report brochure.

  • u-blox Rolls Out New Module, Outlines Marketing Strategy

    Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO, holds a drone with GPS embedded.
    Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO, holds a drone with GPS embedded.

    Several companies at CTIA Super Mobility Week, held in Las Vegas September 9–11, are attempting to find niche opportunities in the crowded machine-to-machine market — and Switzerland-based u-blox is no exception. The company is focusing on the mobile, industrial and consumer-location markets, said Thomas Seiler, u-blox CEO.

    While Seiler says there is no one dominant market for u-blox, the fleet market has been very good for the company. In addition, asset tracking has been a good market, he said.

    “We are also seeing consumer markets such as e-bikes, golf carts, commercial helicopters and drones growing,” Seiler said.

    While many location companies are fretting about government regulation, u-blox is taking the position that most agency requirements have actually helped build the market. “Regulatory requirements have been driving business for us. The [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] proposes that vehicles report location, speed and direction,” said Nikolaos Papadopoulos, u-blox America president. “The collision avoidance regulations have helped to create an ecosystem that drives business.”

    The company recently rolled out its ODIN-W160 multi-radio module for automotive, industrial, medical and security applications.

    Nick Papadopoulos, president of u-blox America, tells CTIA Super Mobility Week show-goers what they should see at the u-blox booth.

  • Telematics Munich Conference Focuses on Connected Cars

    The upcoming Telematics Munich conference, scheduled for November 10-11 at the Hotel Dolce Munich, is considered Europe’s largest and most influential business conference and exhibition for the connected car industry.

    More than 1,000 industry executives and 100 speakers are set to attend the conference, which has the theme “The Car Plugs into the Connected World: Auto Mobility Strategies for 2020.”

    This year’s agenda covers these topics:

    • Personalized Connectivity Prevails — Context is king as data from changing driving environments sync with personal preferences to create a UX that bridges generational gaps.
    • Data Investments Pay Out — Collect. Analyze. Deliver. Harness connected car data to obtain real consumer and vehicle insights and generate new revenues.
    • Move with the M2M Hype Curve —Align the tech of other connected industries (such as home automation and health) with the car to draw closer to a totally connected lifestyle.
    • Tech Titans Enter The Connected Car — Discuss the business model and CRM repercussions for entrenched telematics players as CE giants move into the ecosystem.
    • Auto Mobility Towards 2020 — Debate OEM commitments, V2X tech, and smart cities today to plot the path of automated vehicle technology of tomorrow.

    Learn more at the conference website.