Inter-Vehicle Communications Unit promotes safe driving.

Press Release Summary:



Able to be installed in instrumental panels and windshields, 50 x 57 x 26 mm Simple and Compact IVC Unit enables direct communication between vehicles as well as vehicles and pedestrians. Device integrates components such as antennas used for inter-vehicle communications, LED/buzzer user interfaces, GPS module, and accelerometer. In addition to notifying nearby vehicles of driver's location and vice-versa, unit can warn driver when positioning of person/vehicle may lead to accident.



Original Press Release:



OKI Develops Ultra-Compact Inter-Vehicle Communications Attachment for Cars



-Integrates antenna and display functions into a compact device designed for automotive applications, promoting communication between vehicles and between vehicles and pedestrians -

TOKYO - OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) today announced the development of the world's smallest class of ultra-compact inter-vehicle communications device (Simple and Compact IVC Unit) which enables direct communication between vehicles and between vehicles and pedestrians.

The device integrates components previously deployed externally, such as antennas used for inter-vehicle communications, LEDs/buzzer user interfaces, a GPS (Global Positioning System *1) module and accelerometer, allowing the device to be reduced to one-eleventh the size of the conventional device. This miniaturization should allow installation in the upper area of instrumental panels and windshields, contributing significantly to real-world implementation of inter-vehicle communications.

Japan is developing inter-vehicle communication systems to support safe driving and enhance road traffic safety. In May 2007, OKI announced the Safety Mobile Phone, a system whereby mobile phones that are used by over 80% of the population in Japan, can be utilized to help support pedestrian safety. Moreover, in January 2009, OKI succeeded in developing a prototype of Safety Mobile Phone Attachment which can be connected and used on Japanese phones. Safety Mobile Phone Attachment enables system evaluation, consideration of pedestrian safety applications, and result verifications to be done more easily.

"We are pleased to announce further enhancements in the hardware for the Safety Mobile Phone Attachment for the Simple and Compact IVC unit designed for automotive use," said Yoshiyuki Gondou, General Manager of Intelligent Transport Systems and Safety Systems Division at OKI. "The unit measures 50mm x 57 mm x 26 mm, approximately one-eleventh the size of the conventional 5.8Ghz bandwidth inter-vehicle communication devices previously developed by OKI."

"In addition, the device incorporates, as integral components, parts previously connected externally by cables, such as antennas for inter-vehicle communications, LEDs/buzzer that display the status of various services, a GPS receiver and antenna, accelerometer, and a gyro sensor, eliminating the need for externally connected devices and simplifying vehicle mounting. We expect the unit to be attached in upper area of the instrumental panels and windshields."

By using this product, a driver will notify nearby vehicles of his or her location from the embedded GPS and obtain their location through the inter-vehicle communication function. In addition, the product standalone can alert the users beforehand when the positioning of the person and vehicle may lead to a traffic accident. This technology will contribute to intercommunication system for pedestrians, roads and vehicles and will contribute to reducing accidents for the vulnerable road users.

Going forward, OKI plans to enhance communications based on the new device and to promote the development for technologies for real-world system installations. OKI will also pursue the study of other applications to promote ideal driving and provide support for driving based on specific environments. In addition, the company plans to include UHF band inter-vehicle communications functions and to expand functionality to encompass IEEE802.11p (*2) standards.

About OKI Electric Industry (OKI)
Founded in 1881, OKI Electric Industry is Japan's leading telecommunications manufacturer. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, OKI provides top-quality products, technologies, and solutions to customers through its info-telecom systems and printer operations. Its various business divisions function synergistically to bring to market exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various sectors. Visit OKI's global website at http://www.oki.com/.

Notes:
The names of the companies and products mentioned in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies and organizations.

Press contact for OKI :
Sonomi Kitamura
Public Relations Division
Email:press@oki.com

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