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New Technology To Integrate Smartphones Into Car Infotainment Systems

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Nokia has demonstrated a new technology that enables an in-car navigation screen to be connected to a conventional smartphone and act as its surrogate display. Once connected the full range of smartphone features, services and applications are available through the high resolution screens and audio systems embedded in the car. It also enables an information exchange between the smartphone and the car as well as information retrieval through GPS functionality.

The demonstration was carried out by Nokia, its subsidiary, NAVTEQ and Magneti Marelli Electronic Systems.

Connectivity between the smartphone and the car may provide key information such as fuel levels and engine status and combined with GPS information from the smartphone or car, could enable location based services. These services might include the nearest petrol station with the day's lowest prices or even offering an e-coupon for a free coffee if the driver chooses a particular station. In addition, ADAS based safety features may also be supported, for example, to warn drivers to slow down for an upcoming sharp bend. The integrated system mirrors the display of the smartphone on the larger screen and commands can be given either by voice, gesture, touch or traditional in car controls to enable ease of use.

"This collaboration offers Magneti Marelli the opportunity to make its know-how available for the integration of complex systems in the automotive field," stated Giuseppe Rosso, CEO of Magneti Marelli Electronic Systems. "In this case, through specific management of the vehicle's infotelematic node, Magneti Marelli enables communication between the car - and more precisely between certain functions and data concerning the car - and the new generation of smartphone devices. So, by combining the capabilities and functions of consumer devices with the added value of a "graded" automotive system embedded in the vehicle, the best possible system integration is provided, especially from the standpoint of ergonomics and safe use".

Connection from the mobile device to the infotainment system is made either via Bluetooth or USB cable which is a useful choice depending on the length of the journey. For a short distance the driver could leave the phone in a briefcase and connect wirelessly but for longer journeys, the smartphone battery can be preserved by connecting with a cable.

This technology known as "Virtual Networking Computer layer" is in alpha phase and was developed in collaboration with Nokia Research Center, Palo Alto.

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