Predictive Automotive Technology Drives Location Awareness and Saves Fuel
A new, predictive automotive technology provides detailed information on vehicle position, direction, and time, increasing situational and awareness location which results in fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions.
Announced by M/A-COM Technology Solutions (MACOM), the RoadScape™ system provides detailed Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) data, such as road slope and curvature, to the vehicle’s control systems. RoadScape then enables vehicular original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop end-user powertrain applications. For instance, RoadScape’s early identification of the road slope and curvature aids in optimal shifting of automatic transmissions, resulting in less fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions.
RoadScape also generates ADAS messages which can also be used to predict future data, with the information applied to such functions as power management, such as turning off unnecessary accessories, such as air conditioning, until the road levels out.
Two systems are currently available: RoadScape GPS and RoadScape eHorizon. The GPS system provides geo-location information to the vehicle’s electronic infrastructure via a single module with 2-m accuracy in all environments. The eHorizon system includes all of the GPS’ functions, with an added, advanced map and an electronic horizon processing algorithm.
MACOM anticipates RoadScape to be available in 2017 model year vehicles. More information can also be found on the MACOM site or by visiting the MACOM booth at the Telematics Detroit 2013 conference and exhibition.