Merc field-tests wireless warnings
One day, vehicles will warn each other
It'll work in a big Benz first
During the course of this test, five vehicles equipped with WLAN-based radio technology used the "Car-2-X Communication" system to radio details of critical situations detected by their on-board sensors – fog, black ice or obstacles on the road such as broken-down vehicles – to following cars. These early warnings enabled the drivers of the cars behind to prepare for the danger and adapt their speed in plenty of time.
This field test demonstrated that WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technology also allowed vehicles to communicate with each other. One of the key benefits is that expensive, fixed-installation transmitting and receiving devices are not required, since the cars themselves act as both transmitters and receivers. The cars establish an ad-hoc radio network and send any necessary warnings to all other vehicles within a radius of around 500 metres.
For vehicles outside of this radio range, the cars act as relays and pass on any warnings in much the same way as a relay runner would hand over a baton. No additional sensors are required to detect critical situations, since the necessary information is provided by the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the Electronic Stability Programme, the steering-angle sensors, the outside thermometer or the navigation system.
The DaimlerChrysler engineers incorporated the key groundwork laid during the course of the "FleetNet" project into the subsequent "NOW" (Network On Wheels) programme (a German cooperation project) and the current "WILLWARN" project.
Their aim was to use the experience gained to work together with partners from the automotive components and electronics industries in order to further develop and standardise this promising technology whilst also securing the rights to use the required frequencies. The specialists also supplied information to partners who joined the project at a later stage, realising that establishing a fully-functioning WLAN network that would benefit all road users meant co-operating with car manufacturers and the relevant authorities. After all, for an ad hoc radio network to be of any use, enough vehicles have to be equipped with the necessary technology.
Radio beacons at the side of the road are required in order to ensure that the first vehicles to be equipped with such a system benefit immediately. These stationary radio nodes could also be used to provide traffic control centres with additional and better information. However, direct contact with the Internet and its numerous fields of application is also possible. In addition to warning motorists in advance, the new radio network could therefore also be used to improve the flow of traffic: communicating cars could guide their occupants away from traffic congestion or even prevent tailbacks from occurring at all.
Sounds like it could be a good idea, especially if it warns of speed cameras (as if!), though it won't help those driving in traffic-free conditions. Expect to see it incorporated into a big Benz sometime in the next five years.
Doubt it will ever be on all cars, but certainly it means some people can benefit from helpful information (it's along the lines of the idea of traffic announcements on the radio really in terms of safety).
i imagine that if Merc want it to take off then they will probably either invest in repeaters for certain areas (cities such as London, Edinburgh etc), or perhaps make deals with local councils etc.
A lot of areas are stating to get wireless broadband now, and I suppose there may be a possiblity that these warning networks could be hung off the back of these transmitters...
Not on any Merc you wont, those kill joys wont let you turn off all the stability systems unless you put in some secret codes to the ECU, which they keep all to themselves
On the other hand you could just hack into the system and warn all cars of a road blockage on your favourite road and go for a hoon
Mind you... I love the idea of being able to light up the dash on the next Merc that's hogging Lane 3 as I cruise past in Lane 1... I wonder what the warning would be, if it's beeping I should think you could have fantastic fun with the big Merc that's just trying it's fourth attempt at parallel parking...
It would be nicer if you had, say four recievers in each corner of the car. Then each of the recievers would then pick up another cars unique wireless ID signal, or ping. The onboard computer then works out the time difference in recieving each signal and would then be able to 'locate' the position of the other car. Hence you would then have your own onboard wireless 'Radar'. Alternativly, if the car is fitted with GPS SATNAV, you could send your position to other cars and vice versa.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff