BMW 7 Series: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is telematics?

Telematics combines wireless voice and data to provide location-specific security, information, productivity, and in-vehicle entertainment services to drivers and their passengers.

2. How does a telematics system work?

The heart of a telematics system within the car is a telematics Communications Unit (TCU) that is connected (wirelessly) to a central service center. The TCU serves as the central platform of a telematics system, where all telematics-related technologies are deeply integrated. It communicates location-specific information to a central service center and in turn the center helps deliver telematics services to a driver via the cellular phone.

These services can include dispatching ambulance services to a driver in an emergency situation, or sending roadside assistance to a driver whose car has broken down. Other services include the ability of a central server to deliver navigation assistance and real-time traffic information, among others. What's more, the TCU is also connected to the engine control unit (or the onboard computer) which enables enhanced services such as remote engine diagnostics and automatic airbag notification.(01)

3. What is the difference between telematics and navigation systems?

A telematics system provides numerous services to drivers, and navigation is simply one of the services offered. Navigation systems that are starting to appear in high-end cars today are referred to as autonomous navigation systems. Here, the navigation database resides in the car on a CD. These systems are relatively expensive. telematics systems provide navigation assistance "off-board". This means that the database resides outside the car, making the service far more affordable to a wider number of people.

4. Where does the word "telematics" come from?

The term originated in Europe and remains widely used in the European automotive industry to describe automotive communications technologies.

5. Can you explain a telematics system in technological detail? What are its components?

The main component in a telematics system is the telematics Communications Unit (TCU). In North America, a TCU contains a Motorola GPS receiver, cellular transceiver, and modem/transceiver control board. In Europe, a TCU contains a Motorola GPS receiver and GSM transceiver. Motorola's European telematics systems do not require a modem due to the already existing digital data transfer services, such as SMS (short message service) available with GSM.

Every telematics system developed by Motorola contains Motorola's automotive grade telematics software, which is uniquely programmed to deeply integrate the components of a TCU, enabling simplified delivery of telematics services from one centralized area.

6. What services does a telematics system offer today?

Today, telematics systems offer drivers emergency and roadside assistance, air bag deployment notification, navigation, remote door unlock, vehicle security notification and stolen vehicle tracking services.(01) (02)

7. What services will telematics offer in the future?

Just as today's telematics safety and security features are a direct result of initial consumer demand, future telematics services will also be a direct result of what drivers want in their cars. These systems may provide customized services such as travel information (traffic updates, parking availability, airline status), messaging (voice mail and email retrieval), information (sports, weather, stock market updates and Internet access) and entertainment (audio games, books, magazines and newspapers). These are only a few of the applications which will evolve with telematics to keep drivers and their passengers in touch.

Eventually, telematics will even reach outside the car and communicate with the office and home, extending far beyond voice conversations. Drivers will be able to turn on home lights, start and stop the sprinkler system, set their office security system - all via their telematics systems.

8. How does a driver interact with a telematics system?

Drivers activate telematics systems via buttons located on the dashboard or the overhead console of the car. Motorola works with each automaker to help develop a purpose-built system for the projected ergonomic desires of drivers. The BMW Mayday telematics system has an emergency and roadside assistance button located on a cellular handset. The Mercedes TeleAid system has an S.O.S. button located behind the rear view mirror and "Information" and "Roadside Assistance" buttons located in the armrest.

9. Can a Global Positioning System (GPS) phone handle telematics services?

We have several concerns about integrating GPS functionality into a phone handset, instead of the vehicle itself.

Our first issue is the ability of a GPS phone to operate inside of the automobile without an external GPS or cellular antenna. GPS antennas must have an unrestricted view of the sky to track satellites. So the decision must be made whether it's more cost-effective to have the GPS in the phone or in the car.

Furthermore, integrating telematics into a portable phone may be very attractive from a cost and convenience perspective, but does not support the stolen vehicle alarm, door lock/unlock, and other features that require the device to remain in the car when the occupants have left.

Finally, GPS is only one part of the locating solution. In addition, cellular infrastructure positioning, such as cell tower triangulation, can help. Given current technology, GPS does not operate as effectively inside multiple story, concrete or metal buildings, where many emergency calls originate.

All of these issues, and many others, are taken into account when designing telematics systems and service.

10. How does the airbag deployment notification feature work?

The TCU is constantly "listening" or on the lookout for any sign of emergency. Because the TCU is connected to the engine control unit, when the airbag sensor sends a message to the engine controller to deploy the airbag, the controller alerts the TCU as well. Automotive-grade software that enables these functions and assures their reliability.

Once the TCU is alerted, it automatically makes a cellular call to the response center. The call gets priority call status and jumps ahead of other telematics calls, and the operator is alerted that a call has been received from an airbag deployment. That way, emergency crews can be sent immediately to the scene. (01)

11. What services do consumers really want in their cars?

Initially, autonomous navigation-only systems caught the fancy of drivers in Europe and Japan, while in North America, consumers were more interested in emergency response or emergency call systems.

Increasingly, consumers are attracted to the broader spectrum of telematics services, such as the delivery of personalized information and entertainment.

12. Do Motorola's systems use digital cellular technology?

Yes. In Europe, Motorola's telematics systems use the European digital standard, GSM.

In North America, however, only AMPS offers the broad geographic coverage essential for reliable emergency response services. That's why it's the system being utilized in North American telematics right now.

13. What do telematics systems cost?

While each automotive company determines its own pricing, system prices currently range from $500 to $2000 in Europe and North America. Some GM vehicles include the OnStar system at no additional equipment charge, and require only a low monthly service fee. Monthly service costs vary, depending on the services offered. Like other new technologies, we anticipate that consumer demand will ultimately drive these costs down.

14. Do European and North American drivers expect different features?

It's clear that Europeans and Americans are all interested in navigation, safety and security services. But the degree to which they prioritize these services varies.

In Europe, there is a greater emphasis on navigation. At the same time, frequent cross-border travel creates language barriers, making familiar navigation and security services even more welcome. In the United States and Canada, safety and security are the most desired services. North Americans are also interested in navigation, but the need for it is not as great. All drivers are interested in getting real-time traffic information.

15. When will North American telematics make the shift to digital?

In North America, the growth of telematics depends on digital cellular standards providing service over a larger geographic area, especially in cities. Unlike the European-wide GSM standard, North America has multiple standards including AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, GSM and iDEN.

Today, only AMPS offers wide enough geographic cellular coverage for emergency response services.

That's why it is utilized in the Motorola telematics systems Motorola currently installed in North America. For data transmission on analog AMPS, modems can be added to the telematics hardware and central service center. In the future, systems will be based on digital wireless, to allow a richer array of features in metropolitan areas.

In addition, as the industry endeavors to deliver comprehensive data services such as Internet access and customized entertainment services, the migration to digital communications technology will be even more essential.

Companies such as Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson and Unwired Planet are addressing these issues for a wide variety of wireless devices. Through the Wireless Applications Protocol (WAP) consortium, we are working together to ensure a reliable and standard method of transferring data over wireless networks worldwide.

16. What new technologies will help deliver greater telematics services?

An important, ongoing initiative that will help drive telematics growth is the ITS Data Bus, or IDB. IDB is based on an open protocol for networking car audio, video, communication and computing devices.

Lead by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and supported by several corporations (including Motorola), IDB will allow seamless integration of multiple technologies inside the car.

IDB will allow simple plug-and-play use of any consumer electronics, regardless of the manufacturer. In addition, a firewall contained in the IDB will allow all electronics in the car to operate independently of each other, eliminating signal interference.

17. How will IDB specifically impact telematics?

Many companies are expected to integrate IDB into their telematics components and other electronics systems. Motorola, for example, plans to integrate IDBs into our telematics Communications Units, enabling the system to act as the central hub for all electronics interacting within the car. This will allow consumers to simply plug and play various electronics via their TCU, and take advantage of additional telematics services, without requiring multiple wires and cables overlapping in different areas of their vehicle. Not only will IDB allow easier installations, but it enable drivers to add new services without being concerned about propriety systems and wiring. With IDB, consumers will have greater choice, resulting in greater market growth.

Automatic airbag deployment notification, information services and other telamatics services must be supported by your carrier's network, depend on service availability and coverage, and require a subscription. These services are not available in all areas. Check with your service provider for availability. All location based services are subject to the availability of GPS signal or alternative location tracking means. GPS coverage is not available in all areas.

The use of wireless devices and their accessories may be prohibited or restricted in certain areas. Always obey the laws and regulations on the use of these products. All navigation systems select routes based on several criteria: geographic distance, type of route, and in some cases dynamic traffic information. While these systems usually opt for the shortest travel time to your destination, it is important that you take into account factors including road and driving conditions, terrain and local environments, some of which may contain hazards to you or your vehicle. Always use your best judgment when deciding on a route. As the driver of your vehicle, you are always the final decision-maker, and despite the many advantages of using any Telematics system, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring your safety.

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