Mobile Internet and Telematics

Reinventing the wheel?

Mobile Internet is being promoted as the future communications medium for the vehicle industry. But why bother?

Arguments surround the concept of mobile Internet. In one corner are its proponents, who claim that it will be a truly liberating phenomenon, allowing drivers to remain in constant touch with the outside world. But for every enthusiast there is a corresponding opponent, who will argue that putting the Internet into a vehicle is one technological leap too many.

Quite why the Internet and the car (or truck, van or bus…) are being touted as natural bedfellows is itself something of a debatable issue. As the only truly global phenomenon, the Internet functions on a single code standard, but the level of accessibility varies tremendously; the speed of connection, degree of complexity designed into a site and its internal links can all affect the speed with which access can be gained, and links made to interconnecting sites. Following the electronic trail from a search engine through to the desired final site is a process requiring considerable concentration – and trying to do any of that whilst in control of a moving vehicle is a recipe for disaster.  And most of all, the Internet is a visual medium, requiring the surfer to actually look at a screen, a rather difficult trick to achieve when the driver’s eyes are occupied with the road and the other vehicles on it.

A recent research programme, however, suggests a middle way. Claudio deLuca, a university engineering student taking a one year internship at SiemensVDO Automotive, has developed a software package which he feels will bring practical benefits and cost-saving potential for commercial vehicles. With a home page for every truck, claims deLuca, shipping companies could control their truck fleets more efficiently over the Internet. As part of a pilot project,  SiemensVDO Automotive equipped a driver’s cabin with a mobile Internet  connection,  linking it with the vehicle’s electronic system. In the test vehicle, the truck driver not only has the usual instruments in front of him but a PC monitor as well. He connected to the Internet using a WAP-enabled, voice-activated cell phone, which could be controlled without a mouse or keyboard.

The onboard computer is able to tell headquarters when parts such as brakes or exhaust pipes need to be replaced, and fuel consumption data can also be called up. “Many companies already have systems for vehicle monitoring, but these are not compatible with one another.” Explained Siemens VDO, adding: “The Internet standard reduces the hurdles for potential networking. In addition to the logistical advantages, fleet operators could conduct remote vehicle maintenance. Drivers would also benefit; even before paying for their food at a rest stop, they could contact their parked vehicles and turn on the air conditioner – or the heater in the winter.”

Although the creation of a suitable software package has undoubtedly helped this particular student to develop his academic career, it is still difficult to define the specific benefits of using the Internet when compared to other, existing, telematics solutions which do not require the provision of a monitor screen ahead of the driver. A standard black box solution, of the type offered by just about every telematics service provider, already offers the potential to provide transmission of data and voice to and from a vehicle. The level of data that is transmitted is dependent entirely on the complexity of installation, the number of sensors fitted to the vehicle, and any pre-configured restrictions on the numbers which can be contacted from the vehicle and any time constraints which are programmed into the vehicle.

There are two problems facing systems designers; the first that of acceptability by drivers, the second the absolute practicality of equipping vehicles with expensive hardware. Unless this is going to be of unquestionable value, then potential adopters will be difficult to win over.

My feelings are that in absolutely practical terms, the Internet belongs on a desktop or a laptop – not in a vehicle. Imposing an unsuitable medium onto drivers is a sure way of irritating them; far better is to look at what drivers demand, and then seek the most effective way of delivering it. Although the Internet apparently provides the infrastructure for delivering just about any type of data to a driver, the reality is that few drivers have the time or inclination to read a screen. Apart from all else, it is the type of distraction that nobody of sound mind could advocate. Instead, voice-based downloads of news-on-demand, route guidance and other content is perceived as preferable.

Dennis Foy

 

Automotive Telematics "A Desperately Needed Book   The Automotive Telematics   World Has Been Waiting For!" Written by industry expert Dennis Foy, Automotive Telematics explores the history, present state and exciting future prospects of the transport telematics industry.

"The most complete and detailed account of the telematics industry. Provides a very good introduction and insight to the history and possibilities for the future of technology enhanced driving."
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