A Life-Saving Black Box for Cars
(ContentDesk) June 10, 2005 -- Developed over three years by 10 partners under the European Commission's IST programme, the AIDER system has been completely tested in the field and, from the car maker's perspective, contributes towards meeting the requirements for introducing enhanced an in-vehicle emergency call service (eCall), according to AIDER coordinator Silvia Zangherati at the FIAT Research Centre (CRF). The system developed and validated by the project is one of the most comprehensive created to date. "Essentially it is a black box for cars, which not only records different parameters inside and outside the vehicle but also automatically alerts emergency services in the event of an accident, providing information about the severity of the crash, the number of occupants and their health status," Zangherati says.By using mechanical and biomedical sensors as well as cameras to monitor the on-board pre- and post-crash environment and transmit the information wirelessly to a control centre, the system dramatically accelerates and enhances the response of emergency services."During trials we found that the system reduces the response time of emergency services by approximately 30 per cent and also increases the effectiveness of their response," the coordinator notes.Location information obtained via GPS satellite tracking allows call centre operators to pinpoint the exact location of the vehicle, while biomedical data allows them to determine the severity of occupants' injuries, helping them decide whether to send a helicopter or an ambulance, and what equipment might be needed. Information about the number of occupants and video footage of their locations inside or outside the vehicle assists paramedics in locating patients who need priority attention. "The system provides emergency services with all the information they need to respond as effectively as possible, compared to the current situation in which an occupant or a passerby has to make an emergency call and may not be able to give the precise location of the accident or determine the injuries the people involved have sustained," Zangherati says.At the heart of the AIDER platform is the impact-resistant black box containing a processing unit, flash memory and a mobile communications system that incorporates GPS tracking.
Data is obtained from an exterior front-mounted camera, a 360? degree camera inside the vehicle, mechanical sensors on the front, sides and back to register impact, and biomedical sensors connected to the occupants. "The biomedical sensors could be something the driver or passengers put on when they get into the car or they could be incorporated into a permanently wearable device such as a wristwatch," Zangherati says. The data is processed and cyclically stored in the flash memory. If an accident is detected a signal containing all the necessary information and low-resolution video footage is automatically sent via GPRS to a control centre. Operators can also remotely obtain additional information such as higher resolution video images of the exact moment that the accident occurred.
A back-up communications system using the COSPAS-SARSAT international search and rescue satellite network can also be employed if GPRS fails, with the project partners having developed an integrated antenna for the black box that is able to transmit and receive over the different communications technologies. By alerting emergency services immediately after an accident occurs, crash victims will have a better chance of receiving medical attention within the "golden hour," the hour after a serious injury in which effective treatment can be crucial to patients' survival.With more than 1.3 million traffic accidents causing 1.7 million injuries and 40,000 deaths each year in Western Europe, enhancing the response of emergency services would save thousands of lives and would in turn reduce the social and economic impact of road deaths.In addition, Zangherati notes that the system could be used to reconstruct accidents, helping the police determine who or what was to blame. "Besides the social benefits, there are also commercial ones. Insurance companies, for example, are very interested in seeing systems such as this incorporated into vehicles," she says.Please mention IST Results as the source of this story and, if publishing online, please hyperlink to: http://istresults.cordis.lu/Contact: Tara Morris, +32-2-2861985, tmorris at gopa-cartermill.com.
Free stolen and lost car checks now available to UK motorists buying used cars.
Motorists no longer have to pay to find out if the used car or motorbike they are about to purchase is one of more than 300,000 cars and motorbikes stolen each year in the UK.
Checkmyfile.com has launched the UK's first free, online Police Stolen Vehicle Check, sanctioned by The Police Information Technology Organisation ? a government agency that provides information technology, communications systems and services to the Police.
Barry Stamp, Joint Managing Director of checkmyfile.com, the UK's leading online credit reporting agency, says, "When a consumer buys a used car, there is always the big fear it may have been stolen. Because of the way our laws work, many have lost both their new car and their money because they didn't check if the car they were about to buy was stolen.
"Now a quick, free check of the police lost or stolen database, on checkmyfile.com, will help to cut the number of people who fall victim to buying stolen cars. If...
Used cars > Free stolen and lost car checks now available to UK motorists buying used cars.
Nanotechnology Unfolds Futuristic Green Cars
Automakers are constantly incorporating the most advanced technology in their lineup. This time around they are planning to use nanotechnology to come up with spectacular vehicles. Two of the most sought-after vehicles are Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans and Volkswagen Nanospyder.
Recently, automakers have unleashed their environment-friendly concept cars that are expected to be manufactured using nanotechnology. The latter is a technology of building tiny machines using functional systems at a molecular scale. According to experts, nanotechnology, in its original sense, means projected ability to assemble items from the bottom up, utilizing techniques and tools being developed these days to make complete, high performance products.
Nanotechnology works from the bottom to the inside of the machine called personal nanofactories (PNs).
Using mechanochemistry, nanotechnology will facilitate control at the nanometer scale. A nanometer is one billionth...
Nanotechnology Unfolds Futuristic Green Cars
Used cars > Nanotechnology Unfolds Futuristic Green Cars
A Quick Guide to Rental Cars
Rental cars can be a necessity; their use can save lots of time and aggravation. However, the actual act of renting them can seem to be a test in patience. There are forms to be filled out, questions to be answered and signatures to be signed. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you know exactly what you are getting and giving for your rental car.
If you have personal auto insurance, call your agent to see if you are insured with a rental car as well. This will allow you to save money by turning down the insurance offered by the rental company at the time of vehicle pick up.
Be sure to read the contract and ask questions about anything that you do not understand.
It's better to take sometime at the counter or on the phone to pin down the details, than to think you got it and have to deal with the company in the event of an accident. Ask questions!
You will want to ask about procedures that may be required by the rental company....
Used cars > A Quick Guide to Rental Cars
Detroit, Hybrids Are Not Just Cars Anymore
It seems that Detroit is not the only ones listening and delivering on what the consumer expects when shopping for a better more efficient gas powered car and as the result Detroit spent hundred's of millions of dollars in creating and improving HYBRID vehicles. This push to satisfy consumers in every aspect of buying a new vehicle is evidenced by the consumers ever increasing relevance of internet shopping where a person in pajamas at home can purchase a new vehicle. Purchasing on the World Wide Web is another automotive segment effected by the consumer who demands top efficiency in every technological convenience, Case in point, The internet's online automotive purchasing segment with its Autobytel and Cars.com.E-commerce, 11% bought their cars online, 9% through newspaper ads. Car shoppers are now empowered by the Internet. Most of the estimated 61 million consumers who bought a new or used cars last year began their search on the internet.
In 2004, Web sites generated 22%...
Detroit, Hybrids Are Not Just Cars Anymore
Used cars > Detroit, Hybrids Are Not Just Cars Anymore
Research on the Road to Intelligent Cars
(ContentDesk) March 10, 2006 -- Although safety is improving on European roads, every year over 40,000 people die on Europe's roads and 1.4 million accidents occur. Clearly, there is still plenty of work to be done if the EU is to halve road fatalities by 2010, a target fixed in September 2001.Although safety is improving on European roads, every year over 40,000 people die on Europe's roads and 1.4 million accidents occur. Clearly, there is still plenty of work to be done if the EU is to halve road fatalities to under 25 000 by 2010, a target fixed in September 2001.Although intelligent ICT-based systems already exist, their market take-up has been very slow. Reasons for this include legal and institutional barriers, competition among car-makers, the relatively high cost of intelligent systems, lack of customer demand, and above all a general lack of information on and awareness of the potential benefits of such systems. Partly to counter this, the PReVENT integrated project is devoting...
Research on the Road to Intelligent Cars
Used cars > Research on the Road to Intelligent Cars
OHAI Releases Multi-Language Software for Chinese New Year
Built on Rice University linguistics and computer science research, Polyglot? enables users to type many languages with a single easily learned software application.The Polyglot Suite, which makes heavy use of OHAI's patent-pending Press & Hold? technology, contains:- Ohai linguist? for European, Latin, and African special letters, symbols, and punctuation- Ohai Zen? for faster, more convenient input for Chinese characters, words, and phrasesDaniel Mailman, the company's general manager and inventor...
keyboard A Life-Saving Black Box for Cars Used cars
Used cars > OHAI Releases Multi-Language Software for Chinese New Year
Sarsparilla Success - New Bottling Plant and More Choice from Mawson's Traditional Drinks
Following Joe's recipe, using pure plant extracts, Nigel has recreated the authentic taste known to generations. The cordial is currently available through health food shops, supermarkets (including Booths), department stores and at farmer's markets and country fairs. The company also report increasing interest from hoteliers, restaurateurs, caterers and publicans seeking a more distinctive non-alcoholic drink.Building on this success, Nigel has launched two more traditional cordials ? Dandelion...
A Life-Saving Black Box for Cars Used cars water Sarsparilla Success - New Bottling Plant and More Choice from Mawson's Traditional Drinks
Used cars > Sarsparilla Success - New Bottling Plant and More Choice from Mawson's Traditional Drinks
Asbestos Removal
Many buildings hold the presence of carcinogenic Asbestos which was used in thermal system insulation and numerous other materials. Before the ban on "popcorn ceilings" in the United States in 1978, its use was a common practice in the construction of homes. The "popcorn ceiling" is a source of the dangerous Asbestos, and therefore initiates a health need to remove the Asbestos present in the home and get the same verified in a competent laboratory. Asbestos might also be found in homes built...
A Life-Saving Black Box for Cars Used cars Asbestos Removal
Used cars > Asbestos Removal
Tuff-Seal Garage Flooring Announced by Flooring Adventures
Richmond, VA (ContentDesk) June 29, 2006 -- Tuff-Seal Garage Flooring has been announced by Flooring Adventures.
Tuff-Seal Garage Flooring is specially-designed to enhance the appearance, usability and value of residential garage space by creating a cleaner, brighter and warmer environment. Tuff-Seal tiles utilize a patented hidden...
Used cars > Tuff-Seal Garage Flooring Announced by Flooring Adventures
Unique Party Favors
A party favor is given by a host to their guest to thank them for attending their event. When a hosts gives their guests unique party favors, the guests know how truly appreciated their presence was at the party.? Guests attending a party will usually bring a hostess gift or something the host can use or serve at their party.?The party hostess usually? gives the guests a party favor, thus making it a unique party favor is a reminder of how the event was special.??...
A Life-Saving Black Box for Cars Used cars Unique Party Favors party
Used cars > Unique Party Favors