When David helps Goliath - New software architecture from Siemens VDO Automotive enables the integration of digital assistants into the automobile
At the CeBIT 2003 the automotive industry supplier, Siemens VDO Automotive AG, demonstrates how the high-performance computing power of a modern PDA can be integrated into the infotainment landscape of an automobile. This is made possible by the use of the new software architecture, TLA (Top Level Architecture). In this way, high-performance infotainment solutions can be developed even for small-volume series at optimum cost.
Personal digital assistants (PDA) are becoming more and more popular and help in the search for addresses and telephone numbers or for schedule planning. When driving, however, the PDA is not used today or is employed only as an imperfect alternative to a permanently installed navigation system. At the CeBIT 2003, Siemens VDO Automotive presents an application that will enable high-performance navigation to be employed even in lower-range models. The contact between the PDA-based navigation system and the driver is made via the instruments, operating elements and loudspeakers that are already available in the vehicle. They are controlled via the Top Level Architecture (TLA) installed on the PDA.
The driver can thus receive information on the route via the central display in the cockpit of the vehicle and via the radio display. At the same time he is given navigation instructions such as "Please turn right now" via the car loudspeakers. More importantly, the operation of the navigation system is detached from the PDA so that the driver can enter his destinations comfortably via the familiar and ergonomically arranged operating elements of his radio or via corresponding keys on the steering wheel. The route information is available either on-board on CD-ROM or DVD or for off-board navigation comes via a GPRS or UMTS link to the navigation center.
By contrast with the expansion solutions available today, the PDA will in future be given access to various items of vehicle information that are important for navigation, such as acceleration data or the current speed. Navigation will thus be assured even when the vehicle is unable to receive GPS data, for example when it is in a tunnel or between skyscrapers.
The basis for the integration of a PDA into the vehicle is created by the Top Level Architecture (TLA) from Siemens VDO Automotive AG. The company developed this open java-based software architecture during the course of further development of the infotainment products for future vehicle generations. The TLA allows different applications and expansions to be integrated into the infotainment system of a vehicle according to the wishes of the manufacturer or motorist.
A precondition for the integration of the PDA into the vehicle system is the installation of the navigation software and the TLA on the digital companion. The PDA can then receive the relevant data in the car from the vehicle bus (CAN bus) via Bluetooth and is also linked without cables to the mobile telephone using the same technology.
One of the goals at Siemens VDO Automotive AG is the wider use of navigation and telematics systems even in lower-range models. The Top Level Architecture offers an outstanding basis for this since the costs for a corresponding system can be reduced.
Siemens VDO Automotive is one of the world's leading suppliers of electronics, electrics and mechatronics to the automotive industry. As development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures products for powertrain, engine control electronics and fuel injection technology which improve engine performance and reduce emissions. Information and car communication systems with instrumentation, audio and navigation terminals, telematics and multimedia applications right through to complete cockpits provide increased ride comfort and ease of operation. Siemens VDO products for chassis and carbody such as airbag, ABS or access control systems contribute to greater safety and security. A separate Trading division markets products for retrofitting in cars and commercial vehicles, with the main focus on fleet management and audio and navigation systems. In the 2002 business year (30.9.), Siemens VDO Automotive generated sales of EUR 8.5 billion.
Reference Number: SV 200.303.008
