e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

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Toyota develops telematics network
Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) announced that it completed development of G-BOOK, a subscription information network designed to "orderly and efficiently link people, cars, and society anywhere, anytime." In September, G-BOOK opened its introduction site, and this month limited services for PCs, PDAs, and mobile phones were scheduled to begin. A new Toyota vehicle featuring an onboard G-BOOK terminal is scheduled for roll-out later this fall.

G-BOOK is based on the infrastructure of a Toyota membership-based information service and membership system primarily aimed at providing interactive information services via vehicle-mounted wireless communication terminals. It can also be used to link various G-BOOK-compatible functions (e.g., use of a cell phone to determine a vehicle's location, operating status, etc.) and, in the future, will also make it possible to control home appliances and home security systems from a vehicle.

The onboard vehicle terminal features a Data Communications Module (DCM) and a Secure Digital (SD) card to take advantage of the latest network services. Whereas conventional communication, navigation, and car-information services require cell-phone use for access, the DCM allows a direct, one-touch connection. The flat-fee service enables subscribers to enjoy high-speed communications without worrying about log-on time or transmission volume. And the DCM also automatically reconnects if the connection is interrupted while traveling through a tunnel, for instance. Navigational maps and the onboard terminal's basic software are stored in the SD card, which can be inserted into "E-TOWER" terminals at convenience stores and other locations to download local or new maps or to upgrade the onboard terminal's Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive software. Music and games can also be downloaded, and the SD card is compatible with commercially available audio players, digital cameras, and PDAs that use SD cards, making it possible to share music files, images, and games.

Text information is converted at the G-BOOK Center and delivered to onboard terminals so subscribers can listen to the information read in a natural-sounding synthesized voice. In addition to conventional direct user-terminal voice command functions, plans call for the employment of a G-BOOK Center-based central language recognition system called IVR (Intelligent Voice Recognition) for processing of multiple-word commands issued through a cell phone, for instance.

G-BOOK services will span safety and security, navigation, information, entertainment, communication, and e-commerce. Future plans call for the G-BOOK Center to detect the location of the vehicle and dispatch a tow truck or provide appropriate maintenance if a car experiences problems. A service will eventually be offered that will enable customers to access bank and securities accounts to check on balances and transaction details. The entertainment service will include the transmission of "karaoke" or other music, and the downloading of various types of games. A service will also be offered that will enable a group of drivers traveling together to display each other's current location on onboard navigation system maps.

To make it easier for more companies to become G-BOOK content/service providers, Toyota will provide the software specifications needed to develop compatible content. The company views G-BOOK as an important and standard automobile function, so it plans to increase the number of vehicles equipped with G-BOOK terminals and focus on service/content enhancements.

- Kevin Jost
http://www.sae.org/automag/electronics/10-2002/index.htm