Sensoria Demonstrates Media Gateway in Ford Booth at Convergence 2000
16 October 2000
Sensoria Corp. Demonstrates Media Gateway in Ford Booth at Convergence 2000
SAN DIEGO--Oct. 13, 2000--Sensoria Corporation, a leader in networked embedded systems, announced today that the company will demonstrate the inter-networking capabilities of its Vehicle Service Interface (VSI) gateway at Convergence 2000 in Detroit, Michigan, October 16-18, 2000, in the Ford booth, #1075.
Sensoria is working in conjunction with several large automakers, including Ford Motor Company , to develop a universal platform for inter-networking the electronic devices and embedded systems found in vehicles. The VSI gateway acts as a translator between the proprietary networks in the vehicle and open system devices such as PDAs, cell-phones and CD changers.
Extending the VSI capability with multi-media functionality, Sensoria is also demonstrating the Media Gateway, which enables wireless Internet access within the vehicle. In addition to standard telematics applications, the Media Gateway introduces advanced e-commerce applications for vehicle networks. Imagine driving into a service station and evaluating a purchase and completing the transaction within minutes as your vehicle is refueled. These applications and many more are close to reality with in-vehicle networking, which allows smart consumer devices in the car to communicate with each other, the vehicle proprietary networks, and the Internet. This gives the driver and passengers a more integrated source of information and entertainment.
Demonstration at Convergence 2000
Ford will be demonstrating the networking capabilities of the VSI gateway inside a 2001 Lincoln LS in the Ford Booth, #1075, at Convergence 2000, October 16-18, 2000 in the Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. The VSI will be a "transparent" device under the dashboard, allowing all of the systems in the car to communicate and work together. Unlike other gateway devices, which require a PC to manage the demonstrations at the show, the Sensoria gateway is completely and fully integrated into the vehicle. There will be multiple in-vehicle demonstrations showing the benefits of this invisible inter-networking and the benefits of being able to personalize a vehicle.
In addition, Sensoria will have a separate kiosk inside the Ford Booth demonstrating the capabilities of the Media Gateway with integrated multi-media functionality. For example, with a home PC and a Media Gateway, Sensoria will download mp3 files via a wireless connection and play them on the car radio.
Dave Gelvin, CEO of Sensoria Corporation, said, "Multiple embedded systems are found inside all vehicles today. Being able to link existing vehicle services, information appliances, and entertainment devices with each other and with the Internet will give consumers a more pleasant and productive driving experience."
The VSI gateway provides drivers and passengers with more timely and integrated information by linking devices in the vehicle such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), cell-phones, PDAs, the car radio, and diagnostic sensors. This will enable consumers' access to traffic reports and alternate routes, cell-phone hands-free capability through the radio system, and maintenance information, such as when it is time to change the oil. This, in turn, will allow consumers to have better control over their environment and make more informed decisions.
The VSI integrated gateway, linking open-standards-based networks and devices to the proprietary networks that are embedded in automobiles and other vehicles, is Sensoria's first product. It is a major step forward for the telematics industry, allowing all of the internal and external networks within a car to communicate seamlessly over a wireless network. The company intends to extend this core expertise to other markets such as intelligent homes and residences, and industrial monitoring and maintenance.