University develops new cloud-based connected car system
The University of Hertfordshire has recently launched a new cloud-based connected car system which will use satellite positioning to track a cars location and assess data collected for potential dangers.
An application in the cloud enables a vehicle fleet manager on any internet-connected device to view the location of any vehicle in the fleet in real time. The University's Smart Systems research and development team, within the School of Engineering and Technology, can test, from the University laboratory, how the system's in-car LTE modem – a device that enables the blackbox to communicate with the Internet – would perform in mobile networks from all across the world within a single simulator.
This data is then processed and the status of individual vehicles or the whole fleet is tracked on an interactive map available via the cloud to any suitable tablet, PC, or smartphone. This technology gives the industry a complete wireless solution, to enable cost effective development and to measure customer experience within a single system.
It is being used for fleet tracking but it is also being developed for the use in other types of vehicles e.g. mobility scooters. A black box will report back to the cloud information about the scooters whereabouts so family/friends can monitor its location.
Johann Siau, Principal Lecturer in Digital Communication System at the University, said:"With support from Anritsu, its simulator technology enables the team at the University to carry out detailed tests of various mobile network conditions and connectivity standards. By working with Spectracom, which provides advanced satellite positioning technology, the team at the University is able to fully test their connected car cloud solutions through various tracking scenarios. We hope to develop this system so that it can be used in everyday life such as for the use of mobility scooters."
The University worked with Anritsu, a specialist test and measurement equipment company, and Spectracom, a specialist in advanced satellite positioning technology, to demonstrate the system at the international Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month, to 90,000 visitors. Exhibitors included Samsung, Huawei and various mobile and wearable technology companies.
