To demonstrate the cutting edge achievements of Intelligent Transportation System technologies in improving safety and efficiency of road traffics, the 15th ITS world congress official closed five blocks of 11th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Highlights from the demonstrations:
Volkswagen Group of America showed autonomous driving vehicle with a Passat, which was jointly developed by VW's Palo Alto-based Electronics Research Lad and the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab.
Audi's demonstration concentrated on the emission reduction using connected, intelligent vehicles and environment friendly navigation, which have been developed by its Clean Air initiative.
Nissan Motor Co. displayed Signal Violation Warning, Cross Traffic Notification, Oncoming Traffic Notification, and Cooperative Intelligent Cruise Control systems, which is currently in development. These systems are developed by Nissan as part of the U.S. DOT Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) project and they use the DSRC technology for inter-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-raodside communication.
Toyota's Smart Car showed the DSRC technology for car-to-car and car-to-roadside communication can be used for pedestrian and vehicle collision avoidance, and in traffic congestion monitoring and control system.
Raytheon Company's proof-of-concept demonstration shows the ability of 5.9GHz DSRC technology in cooperative pedestrian warning system, which is announced as the first system focusing on warning the endangered pedestrian.
INRIX, a traffic information provider, announced at ITS that it's providing traffic information to DOT and other agencies in 11 states versus only one state.
The Best of ITS Awards this year went to Visteon for its Light Vehicle Integrated Vehicle Based Safety System (IVBSS), which integrates forward collision warning, road departure warning, lane change merge alerts, and blind spot detection.
DENSO exhibited its 5.9GHz DSRC wireless devices enabling the car-to-car and car-to-roadside communications. Besides, DENSO also demonstrated its gaze detection system and adaptive front lighting technologies.
Kapsch TrafficCom Inc. introduced the 5.9GHz DSRC based R155Multiband Configurable Networking Unit (MNCU) whose pre-version has been used in VII test beds in California, Michigan, and New York.
Mark IV presented its electronic toll collection system.
EarthCam, the international leader in intelligent network technology, unveiled its latest webcam advances at the congress.
Dienstag, 16. Dezember 2008
Intelligent Transpotation System -- Development in the U.S.
"Smart Highway Lab" in Michigan
11-18-2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced to deploy advanced technology along the Telegraph Road corridor in Oakland Country for the sake of next generation vehicle safety and mobility applications. In this plan, the DSRC radios will be used to broadcast traffic signal information.
"The connected vehicle concept gives us the unique opportunity to shape the future of transportation by improving safety and mobility on heavily traveled highways and permitting countless other applications that can help us all spend more time with our families and less time on the road," said MDOT director Kirk T. Steudle.
"Smart Way" in Tennessee
11-18-2008, advanced information technologies are used for improving the safety and operation of highway and public transit in the TDOT SmartWay project. The components of SmartWay include roadway traffic sensor, camera video surveillance, dynamic message signs, hellp freeway service patrols, transportation management centers, incident management, construction information, TDOT Smartway Information System (TSIS), and Information on Weather-Related Road Conditions.
11-18-2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced to deploy advanced technology along the Telegraph Road corridor in Oakland Country for the sake of next generation vehicle safety and mobility applications. In this plan, the DSRC radios will be used to broadcast traffic signal information.
"The connected vehicle concept gives us the unique opportunity to shape the future of transportation by improving safety and mobility on heavily traveled highways and permitting countless other applications that can help us all spend more time with our families and less time on the road," said MDOT director Kirk T. Steudle.
"Smart Way" in Tennessee
11-18-2008, advanced information technologies are used for improving the safety and operation of highway and public transit in the TDOT SmartWay project. The components of SmartWay include roadway traffic sensor, camera video surveillance, dynamic message signs, hellp freeway service patrols, transportation management centers, incident management, construction information, TDOT Smartway Information System (TSIS), and Information on Weather-Related Road Conditions.
Tyco Electronics' WiMAX Based System will Serve for Pennsylvania Highway Administration
Lowell, Mass., U.S., - Nov, 17th - Announce by Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems, VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data, Access) broadband communication network from Tyco has been selected by Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) for improving the public safety and helping reduce the roadway congestion. The VIDA system will support the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) by transmitting real-tiomoe video to the PTC's traffic operations center in Harrisburg.
The selected VIDA broadband systems are based on the IEEE 802.16 (or WiMAX) technologies, which can provide better QoS and avoid the interference problem as suffered by those systems that work on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz license free band., e.g. WiFi. Besides, this system provides also easy of management and good scalability based on the full IP network solution.
ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONITC
"Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s products range from some of the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks, to traditional wireless systems that offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. More information about Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s solutions can be found on the Web at http://www.tycoelectronics.com."
The selected VIDA broadband systems are based on the IEEE 802.16 (or WiMAX) technologies, which can provide better QoS and avoid the interference problem as suffered by those systems that work on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz license free band., e.g. WiFi. Besides, this system provides also easy of management and good scalability based on the full IP network solution.
ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONITC
"Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s products range from some of the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks, to traditional wireless systems that offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. More information about Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s solutions can be found on the Web at http://www.tycoelectronics.com."
Dienstag, 25. November 2008
Kapsch Launched 5.9 GHz Module for On-Board Communication Systems
"Interoperable platform supports wide range commercial, safety and mobility applications.
New York, NY November 17, 2008 -- Kapsch TrafficCom Inc., international supplier of innovative road traffic telematics solutions, today launched its eWAVE Embedded WAVE module, a compact 5.9 GHz Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) wireless module designed for integration into on-board and roadside 5.9GHz DSRC communication systems."
New York, NY November 17, 2008 -- Kapsch TrafficCom Inc., international supplier of innovative road traffic telematics solutions, today launched its eWAVE Embedded WAVE module, a compact 5.9 GHz Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) wireless module designed for integration into on-board and roadside 5.9GHz DSRC communication systems."
Related readings:
Sirit Demonstrates 5.9GHz Broadband Wireless DSRC Packet Sniffer
"11/17/08 - Sirit Inc. (TSX: SI) announced during the ITS World Congress show in New York City that they will demonstrate a Dedicated Short Range Communications ("DSRC") Packet Sniffer at the ITS World Congress using the event's "11th Avenue Theatre" Vehicle Infrastructure Integration ("VII") technology demonstration area."
IEEE 1609 family gets a new member...
The IEEE 1609 project begun to review the existing standards covering Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE) towards Full Use standards. The project agreed in spring 2008 to address additional trial use lessons learned during the field tests.
A new standard was started, namely IEEE 1609.5 "Standard for Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE) - Communication Manager". As introduced by Thomas Kurihara, Chair of the Dedicated Short Range Communication Working Group, "IEEE P1609.5 defines communicaiton management service in support of wireless connectivity among vehicle-based devices, and between fixed roadside devices and vehicle-based devices for Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments".
According Kurihara, IEEE P1609.5 collects the communication management services previously defined in IEEE 1609.3 and IEEE 1609.4 and provides a more clear guidance to user of the entire family of standards.
More concretely, contents in IEEE 1609.5 may include:
- new WAVE Short Message Protocol (WAMP) features like: Repetitive message generation by the stack; message relay for increased coverage; Duplicate filtering.
- Location aware service
- Different channel timing schemes for increased efficiency and quality of service
- Standardized Application Program Interface(s) for data, control, and test
- More flexible communications service management
Related readings:
Freitag, 14. November 2008
Interesting Blogs on Traffic...
Thanks marycash, I got a very interesting blog from Tom Vanderbilt on "Traffic" and "HowWeDriver" ;-)
Here is the URL:
GM & Opel Develop Vehicles with a Sixth Sense
On the second international forum of CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium, GM and Opel demonstrated their vehicular communication systems.
(News from: Infibeam. The original article can be found at http://news.infibeam.com/blog/news/2008/11/03/gm_opel_develop_vehicles_with_a_sixth_sense.html)
Preventing accidents by warning drivers about potential danger from other vehicles was a major goal during the development of the new General Motors/Opel C2C (car-to-car or vehicle-to-vehicle) communication systems. Vehicles equipped with this technology can communicate with each other and exchange information such as location and speed. Drivers can then be warned in advance if another vehicle is stopped in an area that is difficult or impossible to see, or about to enter the same intersection as they are.
“Driving is a very complex task. Knowing where the other guy is and where he’s headed can be as critical as being in control of your own vehicle,” said Hans-Georg Frischkorn, Executive Director, Global Electrical Systems, Controls and Software. “With C2C technology, we intensify the driver’s awareness of his environment to improve road safety, without any distraction to him and certainly without reducing his level of control. This sixth sense lets drivers know what’s going on around them to help avoid accidents and improve traffic flow.”
For these systems, GM/Opel uses proven, reliable components that are part of everyday life. The hardware consists of a microprocessor, GPS receivers (Global Positioning System) and Wireless LAN modules. The vehicles establish communication within a few hundred meters of one another and exchange information such as location, speed, acceleration and direction of travel.
Today, vehicles can be equipped with multiple safety sensors, including radar-based sensors connected with speed control devices, lane change assistance systems or sensors to detect objects in a car’s blind spot. GM/Opel can increase the operating range and coverage of individual sensors significantly with its comprehensive technology - a more effective and affordable way to provide extensive observation and assessment of the surrounding traffic conditions. 
Demonstration with typical driving situations
GM/Opel engineers demonstrate the new technology’s advantages with a range of practical exercises. Several functions help prevent the rear-end collisions that occur on a daily basis due to poor visibility, twisty roads or short lapses in driver concentration. For example, the system warns of a stationary vehicle on the road even before the driver behind can see it, for example around a corner. Depending on the situation, the system transmits these warnings visually, acoustically or through vibrations in the driver’s seat.
In another scenario, a collision warning system improves safety while approaching intersections. Even if there is no visual contact between the drivers of two vehicles, the system detects any collision danger in advance and alerts both drivers if they need to intervene, for example by braking. Work zones or emergency vehicles can also transmit signals to drivers if a lane is closed or a path needs to be cleared.
Goal: Wide availability for as many vehicles as possible
GM/Opel has deliberately based this technology on inexpensive, proven components, giving it the potential to become standard equipment in many vehicles. The alternative would be to offer extremely expensive high-tech systems for just a few cars, but as Hans-Georg Frischkorn says: “GM/Opel has always been committed to democratizing innovations. Our C2C systems are affordable and could potentially be used in every vehicle class. That’s especially important because cooperative systems like these become more effective when many vehicles are equipped with them.”
Volkswagen's Car-2-Car system begins testing
A field test of Car-2-Car communication system was performed by Volkswagen.
Volkswagen is claiming to have reached an automotive milestone today as tests begin on its Car-2-Car communications system. The system aims to increase the levels of communications between cars of all makes and models eventually, and to hopefully improve road safety.
The enlistment of a number of different manufacturers means that research regarding the "Car-2-Car" communication is being conducted to define a universal standard for communication between vehicles. This will allow vehicles to communicate potential hazards and other important information to nearby vehicles. For example, if a vehicle encounters an adverse condition such as a traffic jam, fog, an icy road surface or an accident, it will transmit this information to all potentially affected vehicles in the area. Approaching traffic is alerted, allowing drivers to adjust their driving to the upcoming situation.
The tests are being conducted at Volkswagen's testing grounds in Dudehofen. Currently the test are being conducted in two Volkswagen vehicles, the Passat and the Golf, which both act as a sender, receiver and transmitter. 'Ad-hoc networks' based on wireless LAN technology are used to exchange data between the vehicles. The tests conducted simulated a variety of situations, including the presence of a motorcycle at an intersection, a stationary vehicle, a construction site and a police car in action.
Data access was provided by a 'CarGate' which creates an abstract of the vehicle data, thus allowing simple access to a multitude of information, such as road speed, engine speed, wheel speeds or status of the hazard flashers. This data can then be processed and transmitted in a useful manner to the driver, to help him or her to avoid adverse situations.
Volkswagen first mentioned Car-2-Car communication around 4 years ago, when it headed up a consortium of European manufacturers in order to make the technology a reality. In 2004, the consortium consisted of Audi, the BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Renault and Volkswagen.
According to the message from Motor Authority:
(The origional news can be found at http://www.motorauthority.com/volkswagens-car-2-car-system-begins-testing.html)
"
Volkswagen's new GTI, along with a Passat Variant, were used for the technical demonstration
Volkswagen's new GTI, along with a Passat Variant, were used for the technical demonstration
Volkswagen is claiming to have reached an automotive milestone today as tests begin on its Car-2-Car communications system. The system aims to increase the levels of communications between cars of all makes and models eventually, and to hopefully improve road safety.
The enlistment of a number of different manufacturers means that research regarding the "Car-2-Car" communication is being conducted to define a universal standard for communication between vehicles. This will allow vehicles to communicate potential hazards and other important information to nearby vehicles. For example, if a vehicle encounters an adverse condition such as a traffic jam, fog, an icy road surface or an accident, it will transmit this information to all potentially affected vehicles in the area. Approaching traffic is alerted, allowing drivers to adjust their driving to the upcoming situation.
The tests are being conducted at Volkswagen's testing grounds in Dudehofen. Currently the test are being conducted in two Volkswagen vehicles, the Passat and the Golf, which both act as a sender, receiver and transmitter. 'Ad-hoc networks' based on wireless LAN technology are used to exchange data between the vehicles. The tests conducted simulated a variety of situations, including the presence of a motorcycle at an intersection, a stationary vehicle, a construction site and a police car in action.
Data access was provided by a 'CarGate' which creates an abstract of the vehicle data, thus allowing simple access to a multitude of information, such as road speed, engine speed, wheel speeds or status of the hazard flashers. This data can then be processed and transmitted in a useful manner to the driver, to help him or her to avoid adverse situations.
Volkswagen first mentioned Car-2-Car communication around 4 years ago, when it headed up a consortium of European manufacturers in order to make the technology a reality. In 2004, the consortium consisted of Audi, the BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Renault and Volkswagen.
Also displayed this week were similar communications-based safety systems by Nissan and General Motors. Europe's Intelligent Car Initiative is beginning to have a direct influence on these sorts of projects as it calls for the use of Information and communication technologies to reduce road accidents and ease traffic congestion."
Relataed readings:
Donnerstag, 6. November 2008
EU Project EVITA on Intrusion Protected Vehicular Applications
Trusted Cars
The newly launched EU-Project EVITA aims at the information security in vehicular communications, e.g. for the toll collection or safety applications.
In the future, vehicles would be able to warning the driver about approaching dangers by using wireless coommunication technologies. However, to have these application running available on the market, the probelm of information security has to be solved. The goal of EU-Project EVITA is "a system that can protect both safety relevant componets in the car and the communications among different units from manipulation", as stated by the project coordinator Dr. Olaf Henniger.
The EU funds this 3-year project with 3.8 Million euro, and other cost are from the project partners. The participants include: BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG, escrypt GmbH, EURECOM, Fraunhofer ISI, Fujitsu Services AB, Infineon Technologies AG, die Universität Löwen, MIRA Ltd., Institut TELECOM/ParisTech und TRIALOG.
Original release (in German): : http://www.sit.fraunhofer.de/pressedownloads/pressemitteilungen/20080819.jsp
EVITA poject Website:
http://evita-project.org/
Montag, 3. November 2008
Freescale for Auto Electornics
Freescale progressed as the supplier for automotive electornics:
(The original article from John Day's Auto Electronics Blog )"Freescale at Convergence 2008 Strategy Analytics’ report,”Automotive Microcontrollers: Market Demand and Product Directions,” predicts that 32-bit devices will account for 58% of the $7.6 billion automotive MCU market by 2015 and that high-end MCUs will be key enablers of future emissions-controlling powertrain technology, advanced safety and driver assistance systems, and multimedia entertainment products. So that’s what Freescale focused on at Convergence 2008:Freescale FlexRay and BMW
Freescale’s FlexRay controller technology was first implemented last year in the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, which was the first standard-production vehicle to use the FlexRay protocol. The Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) system in the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe, which manages the vehicle’s drivetrain and suspension functions, uses two 32-bit Freescale Power Architecture MCUs. As with the X5, Freescale FlexRay controller technology is used in BMW’s optional Adaptive Drive, which allows drivers to select a sporting or a more comfortable ride with the press of a button. Sensors in the vehicle continuously monitor vehicle speed, steering-wheel position, and the pitch and yaw forces acting on the BMW chassis. The FlexRay network carries that sensor data to the chassis control system, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s stabilizers and dampers, changing their settings to counteract forces that might cause the body to roll or sway.Mobile web connectivity – and DSRC
Freescale and software developer G4 Apps unveiled a jointly developed, production-ready automotive platform for safety and telematics applications with mobile Web connectivity options including cellular, Wi-Fi, and DSRC (dedicated short-range communications), the protocol and radio interface used in the United States Department of Transportation’s VII (vehicle infrastructure integration) program for vehicle safety. The platform, based on Freescale’s MPC5121e multicore microprocessor, supports the mobility applications in the U.S. DOT’s SAFE TRIP 21 initiative and similar initiatives elsewhere. Freescale said it provides a reference design that OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can use to develop higher volume products. i.MX35 multimedia
Richard Robinson, principal automotive electronics analyst for iSuppli Corp., predicts that the infotainment application processor market will more than double over the next six years, reaching $1.2 billion in 2014, up from $580 Million in 2007.Freescale said its new i.MX35 family of infotainment application processors, based on the ARM1136JF-S core, will enable OEMs to offer navigation capabilities and hands-free control of in-car audio as affordable options on all vehicles - not just on luxury models. The i.MX35 builds on the i.MX31, which powers Ford’s SYNC. Consumers can choose songs, retrieve text messages and get directions, all with simple voice commands.There are three pin-compatible devices in the i.MX35 family. The i.MX351 is for audio connectivity platforms, the i.MX355 for “cost-effective display-based systems,” and the i.MX356, which integrates an OpenVG 1.1-compliant graphics processing unit, for navigation services and other applications that call for higher levels of graphics content. The i.MX356’s OpenVG technology also supports applications like personal navigation devices, which require connectivity as well as high performance graphics.Connectivity options include two CAN modules, a Media Local Bus (MLB) to connect to MOST INIC transceivers, Ethernet, two MMC/SD/SDIO ports, a CE-ATA/SDIO port for external wireless modules, two integrated USB PHYs, and a 3.3V general purpose I/O interface. Freescale said the processors support lower cost memories like DDR2 and multi-level cell NAND.The i.MX35 family supports the Microsoft Auto platform and works with QNX Software’s Aviage family of middleware products and its Neutrino OS. An i.MX35 product development kit (PDK) is available as are board support packages for Windows Embedded CE and Linux operating systems, plus optimized audio and video codecs and digital rights management libraries. Samples are available now to tier one customers. Others will have to wait until Q1 2009. Volume production is planned for Q3 2009. Suggested resale prices for 2010 in 100K quantities range from $10 to $13.MPC5674F for “green” engine design
For engine control in mainstream, high-volume automobiles, Freescale’s 32-bit MPC5674F powertrain MCU, built on 90 nm Power Architecture technology, offers 264 MHz clock speed and more than 600 million Dhrystone instructions per second (DMIPS) performance, which the firm claims is about 10 times better than conventional engine controllers. The chip includes on-chip digital signal processing, four A/D converters, 4 MB of on-chip flash, 256K data RAM, 64 and 32-channel DMA controllers, and a variety of interfaces, including four that support FlexCAN. Target applications include common rail diesel injection systems, gasoline direct injection engines, homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) systems, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).Kevin Klein, global manager of automotive MCUs at Freescale, said the MPC5674F went from concept to sampling in just 12 months, and that on-chip integration and virtual sensing capabilities reduce the need for external components, helping to reduce system cost by nearly 30% over conventional systems. Klein noted that precise fuel control in common rail diesel injection systems requires complex calculations to determine fuel injection timing, air volume and pressure, engine temperature and battery voltage. The MPC5674F offers 64-channel dual enhanced timing units with 30K dedicated RAM to handle complex engine timing events. Tuning gasoline engines for maximum fuel efficiency requires precise control of spark and fuel, using advanced calculations to govern spray timing, air volume and temperature. Running engines leaner – with less fuel and more air – can help improve mileage but also can generate more knocking, especially when the engine is not producing torque. Knock detection techniques include in-cylinder pressure sensing, vibration sensors, and spark plug ionization, all of which require extensive digital filtering and calculations. Klein said pressure sensing, in particular, requires multiple A/Ds and large RAM and flash arrays to handle large quantities of data and complex algorithms.Klein said the MPC5674F’s high level of integration enables engine designers to implement virtual sensors and avoid using separate knock detection ASICs, further reducing system cost. Government standards and regulations, such as the Euro IV, V and VI emissions standards, require cleaner burning engines that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Higher-precision tuning calls for a higher number of calibration tables and diagnostic information, which results in a need for larger memory.
Klein said 4 MB of on-chip flash provides sufficient non-volatile memory to support computationally intensive modeling environments and auto code generation, eliminating the need for off-chip memory.The MPC5674F is packaged in a 416-pin PBGA. Pricing wasn’t available.Chrysler adopts Freescale VA tool suite
Chrysler is using VA-Harness and VA-Complexity Management, the first two commercialized components of Freescale’s Virtual Architect (VA) tool suite. Chrysler and Freescale will work together on other components of the suite expected to be released over the next 12 months from Freescale’s Virtual Garage program www.freescale.com/virtualgarage.
Freescale said the VA tools help to ensure synchronization of design data and product planning data to reduce complexity, reduce errors, improve accuracy of service diagnostics, and lower warranty costs. VA-Harness and VA-Complexity Management (VA-CM) enable a complexity driven wire harness design process to help ensure that every orderable vehicle has the required set of wire harnesses. Freescale senior VP Henri Richard noted that in the typical design environment, each domain – sensors, wiring harnesses, communications busses, electronic control units, actuators, etc. – operates semi-autonomously, thus a change in the architectural design of a component in one domain typically requires time-consuming manual coordination between engineers of different domains.As car companies add more electronic features for differentiation, they face not only system complexity but also product complexity, according to Richard. “This transition has put automobile manufacturers increasingly in the role of system integrator,” and the tool suite enables smoother systems integration.The VA tool suite lets system engineers specify vehicle level EE performance requirements, communicate and collaborate with other EE engineering design domains, and conduct performance requirement validations. “This helps to ensure synchronization of design specifications (harness, network and ECU) for the vehicle, reducing the likelihood of costly errors,” Richard said."
Big success with field performance evaluation of 5.9GHz DSRC based eToll collection system by Kapsch
An "extraordinary success" in a field evaluation of their 5.9GHz electronic toll system in trials on E470 in Colorado was reported by Kapsch. It was announced that the system successfully collected 100% of more than 10,500 DSRC sample passes during the evaluation test, which was conducted by an American nationally known, independent R&D laboratory.
Source: TOLLROADSnews 2008-10-28
Source: TOLLROADSnews 2008-10-28
"Kapsch report accuracy of 100% in electronic toll tests with 5.9GHz - SwRI tests
Posted Tue, 2008-10-28 21:44
The American offices of Kapsch are reporting "extraordinary success" in a performance evaluation of their 5.9GHz electronic toll system in trials on E470 in Colorado recently. In a press statement they say a nationally known, independent R&D laboratory evaluated the system and determined that it collected "100%" of more than 10,500 DSRC sample passes.
The transponder/reader or DSRC system was tested by a fleet of 27 vehicles which made approximately
11,000 passes under the Kapsch readers. Comparing the transponder reads with a count of vehicle passes using a separate GPS system the independent laboratory concluded that the system obtained 100% accuracy.
On request Kapsch provided us a copy of the report of the testing by the independent laboratory minus the cover page, and with the name of the laboratory blacked out. They said the laboratory demanded a non-disclosure agreement.
We discovered independently of Kapsch that the laboratory was the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio Texas, so we'll refer to the report as the SwRI report.
E470 Public Highway Authority allowed them to mount their readers, vehicle detection and classification lasers, cameras, and lights on a beam over one set of open road toll lanes at the Parker Road or Toll Plaza A on the far southern end of tollroad. Their equipment was set up without interference to the 915MHz Title 21 toll system that takes tolls routinely there. The plaza services about 17k vehicles/day.
SwRI says the tests were also of the Kapsch laser vehicle detection and classification (LVADC) compared to loop-based VDAC, a Kapsch automatic license plate reader as well as the 5.9GHz reader/transponder 
communications. Test specifications are to be published separately.
Tests were conducted weekdays over two weeks Aug 25-29 and Sept 1-5, 8am to 6pm. During the first week the test drivers drove only in lanes, but in the second week they did straddles of lanes, including the shoulder lane.
Kapsch personnel mounted the transponders in the test vehicles. They used mounting brackets with two 
different angles for differently angled windshields.
In some tests three transponders were fitted to the one vehicle to simulate closely spaced vehicles.
10,000 passes were the target sample size, SwRI says because Kapsch believed they could meet a 99.9% accuracy.
SwRI mention in several places in their report that the test drivers were under strict instructions to drive safely and a proper distance from other vehicles. For example: "The safety and security of the drivers and equipment... was given the highest priority. Drivers were instructed to stop if hazardous weather conditions occurred."
SwRI indeed reports 100% read results for all 27 drivers in both single tag and triple tag (called "Over Equipped") tests for a total of around 11,000 passes.
COMMENT: 100% is an extraordinary read rate! Perfection. We've heard claims of 99.95% and above in tests, but never 100%, at least not in test samples this large.
97 or 98% is considered good for transponders in actual use, and some do only 95 to 96%.
The SwRI test had the advantage of transponders mounted in cars by Kapsch staff, versus the norm of customer mounted transponders in the real world of electronic tolling, at least in the US. Customers make mistakes in mounting transponders. Some end up just holding them to the windshield and storing them in the glove box the rest of the time.
Also on real roads a proportion of drivers don't obey the safety rules of the kind SwRI laid down for their test drivers. Some tail-gate and get close to high trailers whose metallic mass can scramble the RF signals.
Real drivers keep driving in nasty weather where SwRI testers called it a day.
How far the three tag per vehicle set-up simulates close-spaced vehicles, we're unsure.
5.9GHz transponders are designed to be factory installed whether made by Kapsch or any other manufacturer so all brands would have a mounting advantage over present models.
All that said 100% accuracy for transponder reads in nearly 11k passes can't be beat.
VDAC detection accuracy of 99.74%, classification 88.62%
SwRI reports the Kapsch laser vehicle detection and classification system (LVDAC) in the same 11k+ test drives had a 99.74% rate. Only 31 out of 11,912 vehicle passes were not detected.
The detection rate plays into all the other operations since it is usually a 'trigger' for the reader, for classification, and the camera. Tou don't read if you don't first detect.
Loops, apparently Idris loops, in use by E470 had a tad better detection rate, SwRI reports - 99.76% But the difference, 99.76 and 99.74 is probably not statistically meaningful.
SwRI did two sets of classification tests of the Kapsch LVDAC units. The more stringent test required separation of Class 2 and 3 vehicles, the less stringent accepted them grouped as one class. Results were 88.62% accuracy and 96.86%. (FHWA F-series classification)
The loops do better in FHWA-F classification than the LVDAC - 92.32% and 98.07%. This is not surprising since the vehicle classes are based on axle count, and loops located where they are in the roadway seem inherently more suited to counting axles than any kind of overhead equipment which has real problems getting a useful angle of view of the wheel set.
LVDAC are usually used - as in 407ETR Toronto - for classing based on vehicle dimensions and size and distinguishing cars, straightbody trucks, and articulated or combination vehicles.
License plate reads 93.84% rear, 91.28% frontal
The Kapsch automatic optical character recognition expressed as a percentage correct of humanly readable plates with roughly the same 10k+ passes got results of 91.26% accuracy for frontal reads and 93.84% for rear camera reads.
SwRI make the unexceptionable assessment that results in use of the Kapsch gear should be similar in similar traffic conditions, on similar roads, using similar equipment, under similar environmental conditions.
BACKGROUND: Kapsch is a leading supplier of 5.8GHz European standard transponder/reader systems in Europe, Australia and South America. Headquartered in Vienna Austria it is a public company traded on the Vienna stock exchange and has grown in part by acquiring leading Swedish and Germany toll systems companies.
In June Kapsch bought up the Mobility Solutions division of TechnoCom Corp of Encino Califoprnia which has been a leader in 5.9GHz communications for the federal government supported Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) program aimed at using the most modern technology for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-roadside for a whole range of safety, convenience and commercial applications, including tolling.
Kapsch reports it has 200 projects working in over 30 countries with over 13 million transponders and other on-board units and over 11,000 equipped lanes. This includes parking payment lanes, access control lanes, special telematics lanes as well as toll lanes.
Kapsch TrafficCom US Corp, the American operation now has establishments in Sterling VA near Washington Dulles Airport and in California. They seem to be making a major push for business and represent a strong competitor for Raytheon, TransCore, ETC/Autostrade, Telvent/Caseta and other established US groups.
TOLLROADSnews 2008-10-28"
Related readings:
- First 5.9 GHz DSRC VII Network and Toll System Established on New York City Streets and Highways
- First 5.9 GHz DSRC VII Network and Toll System Established on New York City Streets and Highways: Kapsch TrafficCom United States Installs 40 Units
- Kapsch deploys wireless roadside system in New York
- Big Success with the Performance Evaluation of the New 5.9 GHz Tolling Technology from Kapsch TrafficCom at the Trial Facility in Denver, Colorado.
- Kapsch deploys wireless roadside system in New York
ITS America Announces Finalists for the 2008 Best of ITS Awards
To best review the activities of American ITS society in year 2008 before the ITS world conference 2008 in New York, this might be a good reference:
(Original released can be found at http://www.itsa.org/press_release_content/c217_d2541/News/Newsroom/Press_Releases_.html)
ITS America Announces Finalists for the 2008 Best of ITS Awards
"The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) announces the finalists for the 2008 Best of ITS Awards.
Presented by ITS America, the Best of ITS Awards is the only program in the world that honors the most innovative, effective, and influential achievements in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry. This highly competitive program recognizes the organizations whose projects have demonstrated specific and measurable outcomes and exemplified innovation by establishing a “new dimension” of performance.
The finalists were selected from among more than 40 entries by an expert panel of judges. The categories and finalists are:
Best New Innovative Product or Service:
• IdaTech - iGen Power System
• CalTrans - Sensys Wireless Vehicle Detection System
• CalTrans District 7 - Route 210 Conjestion Relief Project
• Florida DOT - iVEDDS: Inter-Agency Video and Event Data Distribution System
• CATT at the University of Maryland - Operations Academy Senior Management
• Kapsch - Multiband Configurable Networking Unit (MCNU)
• Nissan North America - Nissan Safety Shield 2007
• Visteon Corporation - The Visteon Light Vehicle Integrated Vehicle Based Safety System
• MTC and SAIC - San Francisco Bay Area 511
• San Diego Association of Governments/ California DOT - San Diego Region's 511 Advanced Traveler Information System
Best New Innovative Practices:
• New York City DOT - The Applied Solid-state Traffic Controller
• CalTrans - The VII California Program
• CalTrans - Infotek Demonstration Project
• Kapsch - ITS World Congress 2008 VII Partnership
• NAVTEQ - NAVTEQ- Missouri DOT Advanced Traveler Information Services Project
• Utah DOT - Partnership with Utah's Telecommunications Companies
• BMW of North America - The Next Generation Telematics Protocol (NGTP)
• Delcan - Lake County Passage Project
• Telegra Inc - Fuel Cell-Powered Trailer-Mounted LED Signs
• Michigan DOT- MDOT VII Model Deployment
• CalTrans District 7 - District 7 Adaptive Traffic Signal Project
• Mississippi DOT - Reconnecting Mississippi's Coastal Communities Through ITS
• Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University- Partnerships for Deploying Animal Vehicle Crash Mitigation Strategies
• CalTrans - Mobile Century: A Novel Approach to Traffic Data Collection from GPS-Equipped Mobile Phones
• ITS Midwest - Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies Patrol
• CalTrans District 4 - Commuter Travel Time Information System
Outstanding ITS America State Chapter:
• ITS California
• ITS Florida
• ITS Georgia
• ITS Minnesota
• ITS Virginia
Awards will be presented in each category on Monday, Nov. 17 in a special ceremony during at ITS America’s 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition held in conjunction with the 15th World Congress on ITS in New York City.
More information on the award programs and ITS America’s 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition and the 15th World Congress on ITS is available at www.itsa.org.
About the Intelligent Transportation Society of America:
The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is the leading advocate for ITS development and deployment in the United States. ITS America was established in 1991 as a not-for-profit organization to foster the use of advanced technologies in surface transportation systems. Members include corporations, public interest groups, universities and research laboratories, and government agencies at all levels. ITS America works closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the National ITS Program and serves as an invaluable resource to its members in the areas of technology, domestic public policy, international relations, and business development. For more information, visit www.itsa.org."
Dienstag, 28. Oktober 2008
KPIT Launches Vehicular Communication Platform
KPIT Launches Vehicular Communication Platform, Car2X
"Car2X enables development of emerging applications requiring communication between car to car (C2C) and between cars to roadside (C2I) infrastructure.
Thursday, October 23, 2008: KPIT Cummins has launched the Car2X platform to enable communication solutions in vehicular environments. The platform is based on Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology and involves platform software solution by KPIT Cummins on Freescale's MPC5121e processor for telematics applications.
Car2X enables development of emerging applications requiring communication between car to car (C2C) and between cars to roadside infrastructure (C2I). DSRC is a Wi-Fi based technology exclusively for the automotive industry.
"The Car2x platform will enable car manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers to develop diverse automotive communication applications for the 'connected car' of the future. The launch reiterates our commitment towards creating cutting-edge technology solutions for our customers," said Kishor Patil, chief executive officer and managing director, KPIT Cummins.
Supporting the industry common protocols for vehicle communication, the platform is compliant with IEEE DSRC and Wireless Access in a Vehicular Environment (WAVE) set of standards designed for the transportation and automotive industries, including 802.11p, 1609.3, and 1609.4. It enables position and location based services using GPS and in-vehicle networking services using CAN.
"Car2X provides an affordable embedded computing platform needed to support ongoing automotive industry development of emerging safety and telematics applications that will help reduce intersection and rear-end collisions, improve energy efficiency and address mobility issues such as urban congestion," said Mike Bryars, manager, global telematics operations, Freescale Semiconductor."
On KPIT:
http://www.kpitcummins.com/index.htm
"Car2X enables development of emerging applications requiring communication between car to car (C2C) and between cars to roadside (C2I) infrastructure.
Thursday, October 23, 2008: KPIT Cummins has launched the Car2X platform to enable communication solutions in vehicular environments. The platform is based on Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology and involves platform software solution by KPIT Cummins on Freescale's MPC5121e processor for telematics applications.
Car2X enables development of emerging applications requiring communication between car to car (C2C) and between cars to roadside infrastructure (C2I). DSRC is a Wi-Fi based technology exclusively for the automotive industry.
"The Car2x platform will enable car manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers to develop diverse automotive communication applications for the 'connected car' of the future. The launch reiterates our commitment towards creating cutting-edge technology solutions for our customers," said Kishor Patil, chief executive officer and managing director, KPIT Cummins.
Supporting the industry common protocols for vehicle communication, the platform is compliant with IEEE DSRC and Wireless Access in a Vehicular Environment (WAVE) set of standards designed for the transportation and automotive industries, including 802.11p, 1609.3, and 1609.4. It enables position and location based services using GPS and in-vehicle networking services using CAN.
"Car2X provides an affordable embedded computing platform needed to support ongoing automotive industry development of emerging safety and telematics applications that will help reduce intersection and rear-end collisions, improve energy efficiency and address mobility issues such as urban congestion," said Mike Bryars, manager, global telematics operations, Freescale Semiconductor."
On KPIT:
http://www.kpitcummins.com/index.htm
C2C communication with MIMO...
Berkeley tested the MIMO system (from LitePoint) in vehicular environments.
See the original article:
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Berkeley Researchers Exploring DSRC Channel with LitePoint MIMO Test System
They're using IQnxnplus to better understand channel characteristics and to test innovations
As well, see here:
Berkeley Researchers Exploring DSRC Channel with LitePoint MIMO Test System
(Business News & Technology News, 23 Oct 2008)
See the original article:
"
Berkeley Researchers Exploring DSRC Channel with LitePoint MIMO Test System
They're using IQnxnplus to better understand channel characteristics and to test innovations
BERKELEY, CA — October 22, 2008 — Using one of the first LitePoint IQnxnplus units to be shipped, Connectivity Lab researchers at University of California, Berkeley, are delving deeper into the channel characteristics of vehicles in motion communicating via dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) based on IEEE 802.11p. Using a 4x4 MIMO configuration, the team is now able to "see" multiple incoming waves, their directions and angles, and their interactions.
"Before, we were looking at the composite effects of the multipath signals but had no way to examine the various wave contributions. IQnxnplus, using separate antennas, VSAs, and VSGs lets us better understand what’s going on in the physical channel," explained Ian Tan, a Berkeley graduate student and team member.
In addition, Tan said, the IQnxnplus is being developed into a software-defined-radio (SDR) test bed. "It will provide a hardware platform for rapid prototyping of any improved communications schemes or beam-forming algorithms our group proposes. Naturally, seeing performance improvements with real hardware and software is much better than just simulations."
About DSRC
DSRC refers to one-way or two-way, short- to medium-range wireless communications methods intended specifically for automotive applications. Some applications envisioned using DSRC include: emergency warning system for vehicles, cooperative adaptive cruise control, cooperative forward collision warning, and intersection collision avoidance.
IEEE 802.11p is associated with DSRC. It is a draft amendment to the IEEE 802.11 standard that adds wireless access targeted for the vehicular environment, and defines enhancements to 802.11 aimed at supporting Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications. This includes data exchange between high-speed vehicles and between the vehicles and the roadside infrastructure in the licensed ITS band of 5.9 GHz (5.85-5.925 GHz).
Prior DSRC Work by Berkeley
The Connectivity Lab, working under the guidance of Professor Ahmad Bahai, had completed an earlier phase of DSRC exploration that looked at the effect of channel impairments on communications efficiency. "A lot of 802.11p specifications are based on 802.11a, which, in turn, targets primarily indoor wireless applications with stationary or slowly-moving radios," Tan explained. "At highway speeds, with multipath signals under both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight conditions, it is possible that 802.11p specifications could fall short on avoiding inter-carrier interference. Our work, using IQview VSAs and omni-directional antennas produced data from over 200 locations and required 50 GBs of storage. We found that, for the most part, 802.11p was suitable to the DSRC automotive environment for short packets. However, with longer packets, channel variance over the longer transmission times will exacerbate inter-carrier interference. As a result, we believe there are opportunities for enhanced performance with improved processing."
Current DSRC Work
The next phase of the Connectivity Lab’s research is to explore innovations, such as multi-antenna beamforming, that increase the communications robustness of 802.11p in environments with increased RF congestion, harsher multipath, and greater inter-vehicle distances "Here is where the MIMO tools of IQnxnplus, and its use as an SDR test bed, will help us propose ways to improve DSRC communications," Tan concluded.
About LitePoint Corporation
LitePoint Corporation, based in Sunnyvale California, designs, develops, markets, and supports advanced wireless test solutions for: developers and marketers of branded wireless products; consumer electronics and contract manufacturers; and wireless IC designers. Through its in-house expertise in the design of wireless systems and ICs, LitePoint has developed innovative test solutions to assure products conform to specifications, interoperate with other compliant products, and perform as described. LitePoint's test products address both development and high-volume production, providing its customers with superior return on investment, accelerated time-to-market, improved manufacturing yields, improved product quality, and increased profitability. For more information, visit LitePoint at www.litepoint.com. "As well, see here:
Berkeley Researchers Exploring DSRC Channel with LitePoint MIMO Test System
(Business News & Technology News, 23 Oct 2008)
Honda demonstrates V2V communication system for motorcyclists
Honda's C2C solution covers also motorcycles ...
The original article
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Honda demonstrates V2V communication system for motorcyclists
The original article
"
Honda demonstrates V2V communication system for motorcyclists
October 23, 2008 No matter what your skill level, being aware of what's going on around you is THE most critical safety factor for all road users - if you don't see it coming, you are in big trouble. For motorcyclists, who are simply less visible on the roads and face a much greater risk of death or serious injury in the event that an accident does occur, this factor becomes even more important. In the past, the technology dedicated to inter-vehicle communication has been limited to blowing the horn or perhaps catching a radio report of an accident up ahead, but things are changing fast. This brings us to Honda's latest innovation in the field. The company has debuted a new Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2V) system aimed at reducing road casualties of both motorcyclists and car drivers which links vehicles within a defined radio range via a wireless LAN network to provide immediate access to data on vehicle location, accidents, congestion or other potential threats that lie ahead.
The system monitors the position, speed, distance and direction of surrounding road users and the collected data is centralized before being sent to drivers and motorcyclists. For the latter, the information can be accessed on their navigation system display or relayed by means of an in-helmet audio system.
The HMI (Human Machine Interface) concept developed by Honda provides both a visual and an audible warning in safety critical situations. The visual element is located close to the rider's lin-of-sight on the upper edge of the motorcycle dashboard and uses changes in color and intensity to intuitively communicate the nature of the threat. This is backed by an audible warning delivered through a Bluetooth link to an in-helmet speaker.
Developed within the ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) program in Japan, Honda demonstrated the system for the first time at the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium event at the Opel Test Track in Dudenhofen, Germany. The consortium brings together a number of vehicle manufacturers with the goal of bringing greater awareness and therefore safety to our roads.
Although there is no room to doubt the premise that greater awareness equals greater safety, the statistics cited by Honda to underpin their commitment to developing this technology make interesting reading.
EU funded research project (Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study or MAIDS) collected in 1999 looked at data from 921 motorcycle accidents in 5 European countries. It was found that 88% of the accidents were mainly caused by human error, while 8% were due to external environmental factors such as weather conditions or road infrastructure. In 37 per cent of cases the motorcyclist was the cause of the accident, while in 50 per cent of cases the driver of the other vehicle was responsible. Of this 50 per cent, 72 per cent were so-called 'perception' failures, where the driver failed to see the motorcycle, three per cent were 'comprehension' failures (they saw the motorcycle but the brain did not recognize it as such), and 20 per cent were 'decision' failures (they saw the motorcycle but decided to continue with the intended manoeuvre anyway)... i.e. drivers tend not to see motorcyclists.
It's hoped systems like V2V will have an impact in particular problem areas such as accidents at an intersections and left-turn accidents (right-turn in the UK, Ireland, Australia etc) where a other vehicle cuts across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Work is continuing into extending the scope of the system to assist more difficult situations. This includes identifying when are motorcyclists hidden in "blind-spots" or pinpointing the location of emergency services vehicles when a siren is sounding.
The Car 2 Car Consortium’s research and work, coupled with Honda’s latest safety innovation will result in a new era of road safety for all road users, where vehicle communication systems share vital information with the aim of helping to reduce the number of casualties on the roads," said General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, Steve Martindale. "Honda fully supports the EU targets for traffic fatality reduction and we’re pleased to be able to further our commitment under the European Road Safety Charter with this latest vehicle communication safety system.”
"
More readings:
Honda Demonstrates Life Saving Motorcycle Technology
HONDA’S BIKE THAT TALKS TO CARS
Car to car communication the safety device of the future
Road test for vehicle-to-vehicle communication
Here comes the news from an academia partner of C2C-CC, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt DLR, on the demonstration of vehicle-to-vehicle communication on 22 and 23 of Oct. 2008 in Germany.
The orignal release:
Road test for vehicle-to-vehicle communication
"
Car-to-car communication 
DLR operates a camera system transmitting large-scale image data
"
The orignal release:
Road test for vehicle-to-vehicle communication
"
22 October 2008
Car-to-car communication A large-scale demonstration of inter-vehicle communication will take place on 22 and 23 October 2008. At the Opel proving ground in Dudenhofen near Frankfurt am Main, the new car-to-car (C2C) communication technology is demonstrated in real life. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is one of the parties involved in this project. On both days of the event, demonstrations will be given of the synergy between the separate technical components made by the partners in the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium (C2C-CC). DLR is joined in the consortium by almost all European automakers, several suppliers, and Fraunhofer and university institutes. The main contributions made by DLR scientists to this major project are the CODAR technology (Cooperative Object Detection And Ranging) and DLR's simulation expertise.
DLR operates a camera system transmitting large-scale image data During the live demonstration, the audience, consisting of representatives from the automotive industry as well as journalists, will experience the state of the art in innovative C2C technology "live", allowing them to familiarise themselves with the new possibilities created by this technology. The demonstration will revolve around five selected case studies. DLR is responsible for one of these. The task assigned to DLR is to create an almost real-time representation of the traffic situation at the proving ground and all the communication links involved. The idea is to consolidate all the spontaneous, self-organising and short-lived communication links between the vehicles into a traffic situation display showing their precise geographic locations in such a way as to be insightful to laypersons as well. Other case studies will show how C2C technology can be used to prevent collisions between motorcycles and cars or to warn a driver of the presence of a breakdown van hidden from their view behind a curve in the road.
The C2C technology is considered to be a key technology for preventive road safety. The DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation (DLR-Institut für Kommunikation und Navigation) and the DLR Institute of Transportation Systems (DLR-Institut für Verkehrssystemtechnik) have made important contributions to this field over the past months, for instance by developing new methods for cooperative driver assistance based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
DLR is using this occasion to showcase its rather unique expertise in another way as well: During several overflights of the proving ground by a specially equipped research aircraft, high-resolution aerial images are recorded and analysed practically in real time to enable large-scale traffic situation assessment. For this purpose, DLR operates a camera system capable of transmitting large-scale image data (48 megapixels per photo, five by ten kilometres in two minutes) to a ground station. This system can record several images per second, enabling observation of dynamic processes such as road traffic. Parameters such as vehicle speeds, vehicle density and length of queues can be determined in this way. The system can improve traffic management during major events and calamities.
"
Companies join for advance automotive safety platform
G4App cooperates with Freescale on active vehicle safety product with emphases on 3D image processing and mobile communications:
Original article:
Companies join for advance automotive safety platform
"Joint platform brings dedicated short-range communications with Web connectivity to mainstream vehicles.
Freescale Semiconductor and G4 Apps are soon to announce availability of a jointly developed, production-ready automotive platform for safety and telematics applications. Designed to support a full range of mobile Web connectivity options including cellular and WiFi, the platform features an industry-proven module for dedicated short-range communications (DSRC).
DSRC is the protocol and radio interface used in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) VII program for vehicle safety, using bandwidth set aside by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exclusively for use in real-time vehicle safety and mobility applications. The platform’s cellular and WiFi connectivity and software services enable general-purpose mobile Web connectivity and support the mobility applications underway in the USDOT SAFE TRIP 21 initiative, as well as similar safety and mobility initiatives around the world.
Based on Freescale’s MPC5121e multicore microprocessor, the production-ready automotive safety and telematics platform enables a full-featured solution designed for implementation in volume trials under continuous use. The platform provides a comprehensive reference design that automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can use to develop higher volume products. “Multiple wireless technologies and exceptional processing power are available today to improve vehicle mobility and safety systems,” said Mike Bryars, manager of Freescale’s Infotainment, Multimedia and Telematics Operation. “Our goal with this platform is to enable automotive manufacturers and suppliers to immediately undertake large-scale trials in everyday use and fine-tune their applications for ubiquitous roll out. The platform is based on the an automotive processor for telematics, enabling fast time to volume production of automotive-grade systems.”
The MPC5121e device provides an ideal processing platform for a wide range of automotive telematics and safety applications. Based on Power Architecture technology, the MPC5121e includes an advanced graphics accelerator required for high-resolution 3D processing, along with sufficient capability to support personal device and Web-based infotainment applications and real-time safety capabilities.
“The reduction of traffic fatalities through passive safety systems, such as passenger restraints and air bags, seems to have reached its limits,” said Bob Burrows, CEO of G4 Apps. “To help reduce fatalities even more, the automotive industry is moving to minimise accidents through the use of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and real-time collision warnings. These same technologies enable us to streamline drive time, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. With DSRC-based safety applications already running and a host of proven mobility and navigation products now available, our jointly developed platform is designed to provide a visible, reliable and cost-effective solution for the auto industry.”"
Other expresses:
Freescale and G4 Apps Jointly Develop Automotive Safety and Telematics Platform [October 16, 2008]
Original article:
Companies join for advance automotive safety platform
"Joint platform brings dedicated short-range communications with Web connectivity to mainstream vehicles.
Freescale Semiconductor and G4 Apps are soon to announce availability of a jointly developed, production-ready automotive platform for safety and telematics applications. Designed to support a full range of mobile Web connectivity options including cellular and WiFi, the platform features an industry-proven module for dedicated short-range communications (DSRC).
DSRC is the protocol and radio interface used in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) VII program for vehicle safety, using bandwidth set aside by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exclusively for use in real-time vehicle safety and mobility applications. The platform’s cellular and WiFi connectivity and software services enable general-purpose mobile Web connectivity and support the mobility applications underway in the USDOT SAFE TRIP 21 initiative, as well as similar safety and mobility initiatives around the world.
Based on Freescale’s MPC5121e multicore microprocessor, the production-ready automotive safety and telematics platform enables a full-featured solution designed for implementation in volume trials under continuous use. The platform provides a comprehensive reference design that automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can use to develop higher volume products. “Multiple wireless technologies and exceptional processing power are available today to improve vehicle mobility and safety systems,” said Mike Bryars, manager of Freescale’s Infotainment, Multimedia and Telematics Operation. “Our goal with this platform is to enable automotive manufacturers and suppliers to immediately undertake large-scale trials in everyday use and fine-tune their applications for ubiquitous roll out. The platform is based on the an automotive processor for telematics, enabling fast time to volume production of automotive-grade systems.”
The MPC5121e device provides an ideal processing platform for a wide range of automotive telematics and safety applications. Based on Power Architecture technology, the MPC5121e includes an advanced graphics accelerator required for high-resolution 3D processing, along with sufficient capability to support personal device and Web-based infotainment applications and real-time safety capabilities.
“The reduction of traffic fatalities through passive safety systems, such as passenger restraints and air bags, seems to have reached its limits,” said Bob Burrows, CEO of G4 Apps. “To help reduce fatalities even more, the automotive industry is moving to minimise accidents through the use of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and real-time collision warnings. These same technologies enable us to streamline drive time, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. With DSRC-based safety applications already running and a host of proven mobility and navigation products now available, our jointly developed platform is designed to provide a visible, reliable and cost-effective solution for the auto industry.”"
Other expresses:
Freescale and G4 Apps Jointly Develop Automotive Safety and Telematics Platform [October 16, 2008]
Car-2-Car communications demonstrated by BMW, VW, Nissan and GM
Considered as the following up activities from the spectrum regulation of 30MHz ITS frequency band at 5.9GHz in EU, BMW, VW, Nissan, and GM have demonstrated their active safety systems based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication technologies:
BMW announces Car-2-Car communications development
*Picture from motorauthority
The Car-2-Car Communication Consortium (C2C-CC) consisting of various European manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler, Renault, Fiat, VW, Honda, Opel, Volvo and Audi has been working on the European Car-2-Car (C2C) communication system that has standard interface agreed by all carmakers and a uniform frequency radio frequency enable the cars to communication effectively.
The recently approved the 5.9 GHz frequency band specifically for C2C communications in Europe marked a key milestone in the standardiyation process for C2C industry.
BMW's C2C system enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles in the vicinity for the purpose of danger warning, and traffic information exchange. The communication is performed using the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology, which organizes vehicles into ad-hoc wireless network on the road.
Similar system has been developed not only by the partners from C2C-CC, e.g. VW, but also by carmakers outside of the initiative, such as Nissan and General Motors. The systems have to be compatible with each other for being truely effective.
Source and picture courtesy: motorauthority
Volkswagen's Car-2-Car system begins testing
Volkswagen performed a test of its Car-2-Car communication system with a Passat and a Golf, which both use the WLAN technology for information exchange between the cars. Each vehicle can access to the car bus throught the "Car Gate" and get a abstract of car data, such as speed, wheel speeds or status of the hazard flashers, and exchange the information with adjacent vehicles in order to help drivers to aviod adverse situations.
For more information and photo courtesy: motorauthority
Related readings:
Nissan to pilot pedestrian collision avoidance system
GM develops second-generation car-to-car communications system
BMW announces Car-2-Car communications development
*Picture from motorauthority
The Car-2-Car Communication Consortium (C2C-CC) consisting of various European manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler, Renault, Fiat, VW, Honda, Opel, Volvo and Audi has been working on the European Car-2-Car (C2C) communication system that has standard interface agreed by all carmakers and a uniform frequency radio frequency enable the cars to communication effectively.
The recently approved the 5.9 GHz frequency band specifically for C2C communications in Europe marked a key milestone in the standardiyation process for C2C industry.
BMW's C2C system enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles in the vicinity for the purpose of danger warning, and traffic information exchange. The communication is performed using the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology, which organizes vehicles into ad-hoc wireless network on the road.
Similar system has been developed not only by the partners from C2C-CC, e.g. VW, but also by carmakers outside of the initiative, such as Nissan and General Motors. The systems have to be compatible with each other for being truely effective.
Source and picture courtesy: motorauthority
Volkswagen's Car-2-Car system begins testing
Volkswagen performed a test of its Car-2-Car communication system with a Passat and a Golf, which both use the WLAN technology for information exchange between the cars. Each vehicle can access to the car bus throught the "Car Gate" and get a abstract of car data, such as speed, wheel speeds or status of the hazard flashers, and exchange the information with adjacent vehicles in order to help drivers to aviod adverse situations.
For more information and photo courtesy: motorauthority
Related readings:
Nissan to pilot pedestrian collision avoidance system
GM develops second-generation car-to-car communications system
EU Takes the First Major Step to Establish the Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication System
Aug. 8th, 2008 -- The European Union passed a motion today to reserve an EU-wide frequency band for vehicle applications. The target of the motion is to reduce road accidents by enabling co-operative information technology systems between automotive OEMs.
An EU-wide frequency band was allocated for ‘immediate and reliable communications between cars, and between cars and roadside infrastructure.’ 30MHz frequency bandwidth within the 5.9GHz band are going to be reserved within the next six months by national authorities purely for road safety applications. The similar frequency bands have been reserved both in the U.S. and in Japan for future vehicle communications systems.
Potential applications running on this frequency band include local danger warning, traffic jam warning, as well as other infotainment services. German car manufacturers are expected to perform extensive field trial for vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems later this year as reported by motorauthority.
An EU-wide frequency band was allocated for ‘immediate and reliable communications between cars, and between cars and roadside infrastructure.’ 30MHz frequency bandwidth within the 5.9GHz band are going to be reserved within the next six months by national authorities purely for road safety applications. The similar frequency bands have been reserved both in the U.S. and in Japan for future vehicle communications systems.
Potential applications running on this frequency band include local danger warning, traffic jam warning, as well as other infotainment services. German car manufacturers are expected to perform extensive field trial for vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems later this year as reported by motorauthority.
Big Step Forward for 5.9 GHz Tolling - MARK IV
A successful story from MARK IV IVHS about their solution of electronic toll collection (ETC), in North America. (pdf)
MARK IV IVHS is an important player in North America ITS market. OTTO is its new generation of technology based on 5.9GHz DSRC that is also the near term viability of VII.
Nov. 19, 2008, New York -- MRRK IV IVHS, the largest supplier of electronic toll collection equipment in northeastern U.S., stated that mileage-based user fee is possible through 5.9GHz DSRC technology. (pdf)
MARK IV IVHS is an important player in North America ITS market. OTTO is its new generation of technology based on 5.9GHz DSRC that is also the near term viability of VII.
Nov. 19, 2008, New York -- MRRK IV IVHS, the largest supplier of electronic toll collection equipment in northeastern U.S., stated that mileage-based user fee is possible through 5.9GHz DSRC technology. (pdf)
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