Communication Systems

Basic Description

Vehicle communication systems permit the occupants of a moving vehicle to communicate with the rest of the world. These systems enable voice and data communications for personal and business purposes as well as communications for traffic monitoring, navigation, diagnostics, entertainment and safety applications. Many new vehicles on the market today come with systems that are connected to communication services provided by the automobile manufacturer. With these systems, drivers can get in touch with a 24/7 customer service provider either at the touch of a button or automatically in the case of an accident

Services like GM's OnStar and Ford's Sync employ a GPS system to continuously monitor the position of the vehicle. It uses the nationwide cellular network (analog or digital) for voice and data communication. The GPS and the cellular technology are integrated with the vehicle onboard electronics and computers.

The services listed below are offered by many automotive manufacturers:

1. Automatic crash response.
2. Automatic air bag deployment response.
3. Emergency services.
4. Automatic vehicle diagnostics and checks.
5. Hands free voice activated calling.
6. Turn-by-turn Navigation.
7. Stolen vehicle assistance.
8. Remote door unlock.
9. Road side assistance.
10. Crisis assist.
11. Stolen vehicle slowdown and ignition block.
12. Remote horns and lights.

Sensors

Global positioning system (GPS), mobile cellular, wireless local area networks (WLAN), short-range microwave (DSRC), infrared, airbag sensor, impact sensors

Actuators

Door locks, speakers

Data Communications

CAN, Cellular, GPS, Radio Frequency, Bluetooth

Manufacturers

BMW Assist, ChevyStar (GM in Latin America), Fiat Blue&Me, Ford Sync, Lexus Enform, Lojack, Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid , OnStar by GM, Toyota Safety Connect,

For More Information

[1] Inter/Intra-Vehicle Wireless Communication, Gregory S. Bickel, April 23, 2006 (pdf).

[2] How OnStar Works, Shanna Freeman, HowStuffWorks.com, Feb. 8, 2006.

[3] Vehicle Infrastructure Integration, Wikipedia.

[4] OnStar, Wikipedia.

[5] Lexus Link, Wikipedia