Device from Johnson Controls Creates Wireless Electronic Network in Vehicle Interior
12 April 2000
Advanced Bluetooth(TM)-based Device from Johnson Controls Creates Wireless Electronic Network in Vehicle Interior
New TravelNote(R) Connect will automatically offer
hands-free operation for future-generation cell phones
LOS ANGELES, April 12 Johnson Controls this week unveiled
to West Coast automakers new technology developments that will enable a full
range of digital devices to "share" information wirelessly within a vehicle
interior -- everything from cellular phones and pagers, to hand-held computers
and more.
At private shows with automakers in Los Angeles, Johnson Controls unveiled
TravelNote(R) Connect. This unique device, featuring an all-new communications
technology called Bluetooth(TM), will allow future cellular phones to
automatically provide "hands-free" operation while allowing other electronic
devices to "talk" to each other.
TravelNote Connect is a modified TravelNote digital recorder that
integrates Bluetooth technology. TravelNote -- a production product available
in several 2000 model year vehicles -- is a digital recorder/playback device
that can be integrated into a vehicle's overhead console or sun visor. It
enables the driver -- or front-seat passenger -- to record, store and play
back "reminder" messages. TravelNote Connect integrates Bluetooth technology
which allows the device to establish a wireless link with a cellular phone,
providing hands-free, "speaker-phone" capabilities.
"Our new product will have the capacity to make every cellular phone a
hands-free phone in the near future, without complex retrofits or costly
installations in a vehicle interior," said Jim Geschke, vice president of
electronics integration for Johnson Controls.
"TravelNote Connect is small, elegant and simple -- yet it offers
considerable value in safety, convenience, and added functions," he said.
Bluetooth technology is an emerging industry standard -- supported by hundreds
of companies -- that enables all different kinds of digital devices to
exchange data without wires. It relies on tiny computer chips -- integrated
into the devices -- that can transmit and receive radio signals within a 30-
foot range.
As a result, wireless networks can be created quickly and seamlessly
within houses, office buildings and cars. Any Bluetooth-equipped device can
"talk" to any other Bluetooth-equipped device, irrespective of product type,
brand, manufacturer or operating system.
"We're on the 'cutting edge' with Bluetooth technology, and you're likely
to see many more Bluetooth-based innovations from Johnson Controls in the near
future," said Geschke. "It's an outstanding technology that will enable
industry leaders like us to enhance electronics for in-home and in-vehicle
use."
Some analysts predict that more than 100 million devices will contain
Bluetooth chips by the year 2002.
A consortium of five companies, including Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and
Toshiba, developed the Bluetooth standard. To date, nearly 1,200 companies
have agreed to adopt the standard.
In recent years, Johnson Controls has established itself as leader in
integrated, wireless communications products for vehicles. The company's
HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver -- integrated into a vehicle's overhead
console -- allows a driver to remotely operate garage door openers, as well as
home lighting, security and door-locking systems. During the past five years,
more than 8.5 million HomeLink units have been sold for original-equipment
vehicle applications.
Another popular wireless product from Johnson Controls is the company's
PSI(TM) Pressure Safety Information system. It automatically monitors air
pressure in all four vehicle tires and transmits the data to an onboard
display, using radio-frequency (RF) technology.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls --
which employs more than 65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved
US$12.1 billion in sales for the 1999 fiscal year. In model-year 2000, it will
supply interior products for more than 23 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls
, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its
sales for 1999 totaled US$16.1 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For access to other Johnson Controls news release and
additional company information, visit the company's web site on the World Wide
Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, Inc., 734-254-5632
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