Motorola and Trafficmaster plc have announced that they are to co-operate with Blaupunkt, supplier of navigation systems, to provide dynamic traffic information directly onto its satellite navigation systems, via GSM.
Current navigation systems operate without reference to the real-world traffic conditions, and can unintentionally guide motorists into severe traffic congestion. Motorola and Trafficmaster partnered in September 1999 to combine their expertise in GSM and live traffic information technologies to provide a solution that will make navigation systems smarter.
The Travel Pilot navigation system will be able to display a constant stream of digitally formatted traffic information, without any interaction required from the user. This data will be sourced directly from Trafficmaster's network of sensors. This live traffic information will be displayed on the navigation system screen in a clear, simple format using coloured icons, warning the driver of any delays ahead. The dynamic traffic data will be transmitted by means of the established GSM Cell Broadcast standard directly into the Travel Pilot navigation system, all via a GSM mobile communication system.
The navigation system will automatically display the vehicle's location, together with an indication of any traffic congestion. When the driver enters a destination on the navigation system, the unit will check for traffic 'en route' and take into consideration any delays that might affect that journey. If a problem occurs during the course of the journey, the system will assess the likely impact and if necessary, automatically calculate an alternative route, so the user is guided along the optimum route to their destination. Traffic information can also be presented in text form.
David Martell, Chief Executive of Trafficmaster plc, commented: "This agreement with Blaupunkt, Europe's leading navigation system supplier, is a key step in Trafficmaster's strategy to deliver a dynamic driver information service to motorists across Europe. Live traffic information, combined with navigation, provides the motorist with enormous benefits and is an extremely exciting commercial opportunity"
This navigation system from Blaupunkt will be available to motorists in the United Kingdom from early 2001.
Anna Lagerkvist
