Updated Sep. 3, 2003 — Volvo Mobility Systems, a telematics unit within the Volvo Group, is using MontaVista Linux Professional Edition on its ITS4mobility product, an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) for public transportation organizations that provides traffic control and travel information.

Major features of ITS4mobility include:

• automatic vehicle location
• on-time arrival/departure monitoring
• two-way text messaging
• automatic next-stop announcement
• destination sign control
• traffic controllers can log a vehicle's status remotely and download new timetables and software upgrades into specific vehicles using General Packet Radio Services (GPRS)

ITS4mobility vehicle console

ITS4mobility console, closeup

ITS4mobility is available globally today and has been deployed in several Nordic cities.

Tromso, Norway provides travel information in real-time for 17 of its 100 buses using ITS4mobility, with plans to link the whole system.

In Gothenburg, Sweden, ITS4mobility tracks over 450 buses and trams, providing real-time passenger information to traffic controllers, information officers, to passengers at more than 140 at-stop displays, and also via the Internet and WAP. The on-board units will also be installed shortly on ferries operating in the public transport system of Gothenburg.

ITS4mobility can use any radio communications protocol, and can be installed for any size of fleet, Volvo claims.

Technical Overview — ITS4mobility Onboard Unit

• AIC (vehicle computer, including display)
  • MontaVista Linux Professional Edition
  • Processor: Motorola MPC823e
  • Display 5.5″ TFT full color, 320 X 240

• GPS module
• Long-range data radio module
  • GSM (SMS/GPRS), Tetra or private radio

• Short-range data radio module
  • WLAN, private radio or inductive loop

• Internal and external vehicle signs

Goran Varosy, marketing director at Volvo Mobility Systems, said “MontaVista Linux played an important role in getting this technological solution to market very quickly.”

 
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