Telematics is a somewhat broad phrase that can apply to such a wide range of systems and technologies. The average motorist can easily become lost in all the cross traffic. Telematics, in its broadest sense, refers to the intersection of Automotive Telematics System and telecommunications. It also refers to just about any technology used to send, receive, and store information; as well as remotely control other devices.
Telematics involves in everything from automotive insurance rates to fleet tracking and connected cars, and to complicate matters. Further, virtually every modern OEM navigation system includes a variety of telematics features. These are to the spot where they are sometimes as telematics systems.
What Is the Distinction Between Infotainment and Telematics?
If it appears that there is a large, slightly out of focus, gray line between infotainment & Telematics in automobiles, it is because there is. Telematics accounts for a large portion of the “info” portion of the portmanteau in most infotainment systems. This data frequently includes GPS navigation with external mapping & route calculations, cell-based concierge services, collision notification systems, and other features firmly rooted in in-vehicle telematics. While the entertainment section includes traditional head component features like radio tuners and media players.
GM’s OnStar was one of the first subscription-based OEM telematics systems, and it is also one of the most well-known. To realize how telematics differs from news and entertainment, consider the evolution of OnStar, which began as a simple button and cellular connection to a booking system. Drivers could connect some of the same information that modern infotainment systems provide such as driving directions. But all of the heavy lifting was accomplished off-site rather than by an onboard computer.
All of OnStar’s original telematics features are still available in current model GM vehicles, though many of them now include additional features that you would expect from modern infotainment systems, such as touchscreen displays, media players, as well as on GPS navigation, rather than merely voice-based turn-by-turn directions without no visual component.
Reviewing Vehicle Telematics Systems
When integrated with modern infotainment systems, Automotive Telematics hardware might be as simple as OnStar’s original button-and-speakerphone implementation, or as complex as visual and touchscreen features. In any scenario, the hardware typically consists of a cellular radio and/or modem. As well as some manner of operation, with the heavy lifting performed off-site. With this in mind, telematics hardware is frequently incorporated as standard or coupled with a navigation / infotainment option. And usually comes with a free trial subscription.
OEM telematics systems contain a wide range of functions that fall into four broad categories. Convenience services, security and safety services, internet and voice services, and smartphone connectivity. Each function incorporates automotive technology & telecommunication in some way; able to access by OEM.
Features of Automotive Telematics system Convenience
Because telematics enables a remote operator to activate multiple systems within a car. Provide many of the functions by various telematics systems to make your life easier in some way. For example, if you lock yourself out of your car, several telematics systems allow you to call a service to remotely unlock your doors. While others allow you to do so through a smartphone app. Similarly, telematics can occasionally be use to turn on the headlights and honk the horn. If you can’t recall where you parked your car.
And also another convenience-based element that has been present since the original OnStar system. Telematics can often use to obtain turn-by-turn directions in vehicles that have telematics but lack GPS navigation. The process can be automated Or a human operator can take the request. By following which a GPS navigation system on the other end of the line will track the vehicle’s location. And deliver turn-by-turn directions automatically. Concierge navigation services, in the same vein. This can use frequently to identify restaurants, gas stations, as well as other areas of interest.
Some telematics systems can dictate and read back text messages, issue maintenance reminders, provide real-time fuel economy & vehicle performance data, and provide a range of other convenience-based services.
Features of Automotive Telematics System Security and Safety
Aside from convenience, security and safety are at the core of all automotive telematics systems because telematics systems include built-in cellular radios. They effectively provide a link to the outside world even if you aren’t carrying a telephone, which can be quite beneficial in the event of an accident.
Automatic collision notification is a key element of many telematics systems. This function integrates several car systems into the telematics and connects to an operator automatically if certain criteria are satisfied. If the airbags deploy, for example, the telematics system may be programmed to automatically link to an operator or even to a specific, specialized emergency services system.
The operator will then establish contact with the vehicle’s passengers. If you didn’t get an answer, or residents confirm that an accident has happened, the operator can call emergency services to deploy assistance. Because occupants of a car in a serious accident may become unconscious. Otherwise unable to reach or use their cell phones, this form of telematics service may and does save lives.
Aside from accident notification, other security and safety elements are there. Some telematics systems, for example, provide theft recovery elements. And they usually have concierge-based access to emergency services for difficulties and situations that would not normally trigger the accident reporting system, such as a sudden medical condition.
Automotive Telematics system for voice and internet
Due to the inclusion of built-in cellular radios or modems in telematics systems some of these systems enable handsfree calling without the need of a cellular phone. For example, vehicles equipped with OnStar allow you to make calls straight from the system without pairing your phone, however you must pay airtime to do so. Other systems enable you to make emergency calls or give a specific amount of free calls or minutes per year, which might be beneficial if your phone dies and you need to contact someone urgently.
Other telematics systems go a step further and use the built-in cellular modem to access the Internet. Some systems, for example, let users to conduct Internet searches for local companies, discover the nearest gas station, or locate other areas of interest. Other systems can gather navigation traffic data from the Internet and use it in real-time to aid in GPS route planning or just to help drivers avoid crowded regions.
Automotive Telematics System Integration through Smartphone App
Some telematics capabilities have typically been operated via concierge-style settings, while others have been operated via infotainment system touchscreens. Some telemetry systems, however, now include smartphone connectivity via applications.
These applications provide you access to many of the same services that you used to have to contact a concierge for, such as unlocking your doors if you forget your keys, locking your doors if you believe you may have forgotten, or even honking your horn or flashing your lights if you can’t find your car. Others can start the engine remotely if you don’t have your key fob with you, and they can even alter the climate settings to obtain the exact temperature before you get in the car.
Frequently asked Questions
1. What are the data points captured by Telematics system?
Location of the vehicle, Geographical feature of interest (Geofencing), Vehicle acceleration, Vehicle mishaps (harsh braking, acceleration and cornering), Diagnostics for automobiles (e.g. EPM, MPG, odometer), Vehicle condition (customizable), Reports on remote vehicle inspections, Panic signals
Job dispatch and communication, Sensor or electrical activity (via PTO), are some of the major data points.
2. What is the simple meaning of Telematics?
If the Telematics is a concept that combines the words telecommunications & informatics to represent the combined use of communications and information technology to transport, save, and receive data from telecoms devices to remote objects over a network. And in further details, Telematics, in its broadest sense, refers to the confluence of telecommunications and information processing.
3. What will be the future of Telematics?
No need to wait for more time to see the improvement in telematics. GPS and telematics advancements are continued from 2022, boosting the administration and efficiency of organizations with a fleet of cars. One of the most difficult difficulties will be safeguarding the increasing volume of data from internal and external sensors.
