Teletronics - the Epitome of Infotronics

TELETRONICS: THE EPITOME OF INFOTRONICS

Abstract: Telmatics is an emerging concept in the field of science and the application of the same in the automotive sector could create wonders. Telematics uses the latest technology and is cost oriented. In a country like India, implementation of Telematics would be quite difficult. This can be overcome by the use of "TeleTronic" system wherein the concept of Telematics is fully utilized and can be established in a very cost effective manner. The system

uses the principle of GSM(Global System for Mobile communications) and would be commercially feasible. The transformation of mechanical systems to electronic systems and the expansion of the Communications and IT Sector sparked the idea of "TeleTronics". The paper starts with basics of Telematics, then moves on to explain the key features of Telematics and then finally the concept of the "TeleTronics".

Introduction

Mobility is at the core of human activity and the automobile sector is almost synomous with this. Automobiles today resemble "chips on wheels" because of the increasing number of digital systems under the hood and inside the passenger cabin.

At the nucleus of automobile engineering is the engine, primarily a mechanical device. Over the years , the control of the engine has seen a significant "electronification". Just as telecom switches matured form mechanical, electromechanical, electronic and finally digital control, several sub-systems in automobiles saw the maturity of the conrol systems into digital control systems.

In the past decade, the industry is attempting a number of techniques used successfully in the aerospace industry like the "fly by wire" operation of aircraft is translating to "cruise control" in automobiles. The "instrumental landing sysystem

" of the airplane is becoming the "automated guidance" using GPS and GIS. With the proliferation of the internet, ability to offer music, video and software downloads during the driving time as alternatives to car audio/stereo are being attempted.

With so many electonification, it would not be difficult to interlink mobility and make driving a safer experience. In this regard, TeleTronics could be a trend setter.

Telematics:

2.1 What is Telematics?

Telematics refers to the convergence of telecommunications and informatics. The application of the same in the field of automobiles would offer enormous

potential. Telematics is a growing area in the 4-wheeler segment(passenger cars,buses and trucks) of the automotive industry. In future it is likely to play a major role in every other vehicle of the automobile industry, namely, two wheelers (mopeds,motorbikes and scooters) and the three wheelers as well. Almost all the electronic gadgets that are used in today's automobiles can also be grouped under Telematics.

2.2 Why Telematics?

With the automotive majors introducing innovative technologies to improve safety , convenience, control and maintenance of vehicles, telematics in transportation is emerging as one of the fastest growing industry segments globally. The past two decades have seen some exciting developments in the Information and Communications Technologies(ICT)- personal computers, internet, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital audio, video and imaging equipment. This synergy between ICT and transportation, often called "Telematics in Transportation Industry" is the major focus of this paper.

Also, the auto majors - General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Daimler Chrysler, Volvo, Fiat, Honda, Mitsubishi and Hyundai along with Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindras, Bajaj and TVS Motors have perfected the

passenger car and truck industry with massive investments in plants, dealer networks, logistics networks, spare parts distribution and a service network. With the extensive marketing and distribution infrastructure of the automotive industry, today one finds an automobile within a hundred feet distance anywhere in the world.

By introducing electronics into the mechanical subsystems in automobiles, better precision and quicker response times can be achieved. Telematics also would help in locating cars and with such good interconnectivity, it would play a major role in the aspect of safety. Traffic control, navigation, automatic toll collection are the other important features of Telematics.

3 Taxonomy of Telematics :

To provide conceptual clarity, a classification can be made as follows:

* In vehicle Telematics

* From vehicle Telematics

3.1 In Vehicle Telematics:

"In Vehicle Telematics" includes a number of techniques and technologies that are under development to make the automobile safer, convenient and easy to use. Among the many features, some are fancy (particularly those that attempt to provide fantastic entertainment capability); some are neat, while some developments are profound that make travel relatively accident-proof.

3.1.1 Vision Enhancement:

These systems improve safety, by providing improved images of objects beyond the driver's normal field of vision. These include

* "Smart lights" that enhance illumination of dark areas(during poor visibility days, night time, near obstructions etc.,)

* Automatic blind spot detection and appropriate projection

* Sound warning to attract driver's attention and many other innovative ideas that automobile manufacturers have perfected over the past decade.

A few are elucidated below:

The Head Unit Display and Night Vision are shown:

3.1.2 Hazard Warning:

By detecting objects near the vehicle and alerting the driver through audio or visual signals, these systems improve safety of the vehicles. Some of these are tied into self parking vehicles.

3.1.3 Crash Protection Systems:

These systems include automated airbags and other related techniques that

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