| Ford pickups get in-dash Windows CE computers, RFID |
Feb. 06, 2008
 Ford has announced plans to build a Windows CE-based computer into its 2009 F-150 pickup. The vehicle will optionally offer "Ford Work Solutions," including the in-dash computer, an RFID-based asset tracking system, and real-time transmission of vehicle location and maintenance information, Ford says.
(Click here for a larger view of the Ford Work Solutions in-dash PC)
The announcement is particularly significant since the F-150 has been America's top-selling vehicle for decades. Last year, Ford sold nearly 2,000 F-150 trucks per day in the U.S., according to figures published by Automotive News, outselling any other vehicle. The automaker says a third of these vehicles were sold to commercial customers, on whom it has chosen to focus with its Ford Work Solutions technologies.
The Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer, shown above, was jointly developed with Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli, and uses Microsoft's Windows CE-based Microsoft Auto technology, according to Ford. Integrated into the vehicle's center stack, where a radio would normally appear, the computer offers the following features:- A 6.5-inch "high-resolution" touch screen, with stylus
- Two gigabytes of memory
- An SD slot for additional memory
- A USB port
- Bluetooth
- A wireless keyboard and trackpad
Also included in the computer is GPS functionality, with software supplied by Garmin, and "full, high-speed" Internet access via Sprint's EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) Rev. A network. The latter provides a maximum burst downlink rate of 3.1 Mbps and maximum uplink burst rate of 1.8 Mbps, according to Sprint.
Ford's onboard computer uses Bluetooth to connect to its keyboard, mobile phones, and optional printer
Source: Ford Motor Corporation
The computer's Bluetooth capabilities let it connect not only to the included keyboard and trackpad, but also to an optional, "Ford-certified" wireless inkjet printer. In conjunction with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, the system offers hands-free calling, push-to-talk voice recognition, access to user phonebooks, and reception of text messages, Ford notes.
Also part of the system is the "Tool Link" asset tracking system, jointly developed with Dewalt and ThingMagic. This allows users to mark expensive tools, safety equipment, and other assets using industry-standard RFID tags, then program them into an inventory list. When the vehicle is running, RFID antennas mounted on the inside of the pickup's bed scan it continuously, according to Ford. If any inventoried tools are not found, the system will alert the driver via the in-dash computer screen.
Finally, the "Crew Chief" telematics and diagnostics system is said to deliver real-time vehicle tracking, linked to a web-based application that can be used by fleet administrators back in the office. As well as tracking the vehicle, Crew Chief interfaces with the vehicle's electrical architecture and can monitor numerous diagnostic functions, including tire pressure or check engine light codes. It can also be programmed to identify user-set alerts, such as unauthorized use of a vehicle or excessive idling.
Ford did not state whether the in-dash computer would be offered separately, or sold only with the Tool Link and Crew Chief technologies. However, several Ford Work Solutions features will eventually be available as dealer-installed upgrades for trucks already in service, the company says.
Microsoft Auto
Microsoft Auto technology has had many names
(Click image for further information) |
Microsoft's Windows CE-based automotive technology has popped up under a wide variety of names. Currently branded as Microsoft Auto, it has also been referred to by Microsoft as Windows Automotive (2003) and Windows Mobile for Automotive (2006). Meanwhile, it is known to Ford as Sync and to Fiat as Blue&Me. The consumer-oriented Sync and Blue&Me implementations focus on integrating phones, MP3 players, and GPS into a car's entertainment system.
Automakers are reluctant to divulge "speeds and feeds," so details about specific implementations of Microsoft Auto are scarce. According to data sheets published by Microsoft, however, a key part of the Microsoft Auto reference design is the i.MX31 SoC (system-on-chip), first shipped in 2006.
The i.MX31 integrates an ARM1136 processor core along with a Java accelerator, a vector floating point math coprocessor, and a video processing engine that supports full-motion (30 frames/sec) VGA video. It also contains a host of system functions and peripheral interfaces (see block diagram). Freescale says its automotive-grade versions of the i.MX31 have achieved the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC) Q-100 qualification. Among the parameters required to achieve this rating, operating temperature is said to range from -40 degrees to 85 degrees C temperature range.
Other features of the Microsoft Auto reference platform, according to Microsoft, include:- Windows CE 6.0 core operating system
- 256 MB NAND flash memory, 64 MB DDRAM
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Vehicle bus interface
- Microphone for voice interaction with system
- USB 2.0 host connections
- IEEE 1394
- UART connections
- Cell phone module capable
- GPS receiver capable
Availability
The Ford Work Solutions technologies will be available as optional equipment on 2009 F-150, F-Series Super Duty, and E-Series vans, starting in fall 2008, according to Ford. During 2009, they will be offered on Transit Connect vehicles and will "receive upgrades and additional features over time," the company says. Pricing was not provided.
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