Johnson Controls Helps to Make In-vehicle Technology Safer
16 October 2000
Johnson Controls Helps to Make In-vehicle Technology Safer and More ConvenientTravelNote(R) with Memory Stick technology and
BlueConnect(TM) allows for wireless, hands-free communication
DETROIT, Oct. 16 We've all seen it -- the swerving or
erratic lane changes caused by a driver who is talking on a cell phone or
trying to write or read notes. Wouldn't it be safer if a person could do these
activities hands-free with their eyes and attention focused on the road?
Johnson Controls is working to make in-vehicle technology
safer by adding advanced capabilities to its TravelNote(R) digital voice
recorder, including additional memory capacity and portability. Johnson
Controls' all new BlueConnect(TM) provides drivers with hands-free
communication utilizing voice recognition and sets the stage for wireless
connections to other personal electronics products. TravelNote BlueConnect and
other advanced products from Johnson Controls are on display at the
Convergence 2000 International Congress on Transportation Electronics at
Detroit's Cobo Center from Oct. 16 through Oct. 18.
The newest version of the TravelNote product -- TravelNote with Memory
Stick -- integrates technology from Sony Corp. of America. The Memory Stick
uses a compact-sized integrated circuit recording media that incorporates
flash memory technology. When combined with TravelNote, the 16MB removable
Memory Stick allows a user to store up to 131 minutes of continuous talk time
-- compared to 3 minutes with TravelNote alone.
"We are delighted to hear of the Johnson Controls' announcement and its
support for Memory Stick," said Masaharu Yanaga, senior general manager, Sony
Corporation. "We strongly believe that Memory Stick is the best solution for
transferring a wide variety of data between the automobile and other
environments such as home and office."
The Memory Stick is completely portable -- providing users with several
different options, including the ability to be removed from the vehicle and
plugged into a computer where the recording can automatically be converted
into text using standard software. The Memory Stick also can be exchanged
between users to share recorded messages, such as directions, meeting notes or
dictation.
"Integrating the Memory Stick technology from Sony Corporation into
Johnson Controls' TravelNote is another example of product-innovation designed
to safely enhance and simplify the driving experience," said Jim Geschke, vice
president and general manager, Electronics Integration. "The driver will no
longer be writing down information as they commute -- they can simply record
the information into TravelNote and play it back whenever and wherever
needed."
According to Geschke, TravelNote with Memory Stick is a safe, easy-to-use,
in-vehicle technology development. By simply pressing the TravelNote button on
the visor, the device is activated and recording begins.
Another advanced product, BlueConnect, demonstrates the ultimate for
in-vehicle, hands-free connectivity. This device has the ability to establish
a wireless link with a cellular phone and provide hands-free, "speaker-phone"
capabilities using an integrated microphone, speaker and voice recognition
software. By using voice commands, the driver can make hands-free calls. This
solution eliminates the need for costly retrofits or installations of existing
cell phone technology. BlueConnect offers considerable value in safety,
convenience and added functions.
"There are a significant amount of digital devices within a vehicle
interior, including cellular phones, pagers and hand-held computers," Geschke
said. "Using Bluetooth technology, the future will allow electronic devices to
'share' information wirelessly, making in-vehicle communication more
convenient, easier to use and safer for the driver."
Bluetooth technology enables all types of digital devices to exchange data
without wires. It relies on tiny integrated computer chips that can transmit
and receive radio signals within a 30-foot range. This enables wireless
networks to be created quickly and seamlessly within houses, office buildings
and cars. Any Bluetooth equipped device, irrespective of product type, brand,
manufacturer or operating system, can "talk" to any other Bluetooth equipped
device.
"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.
The 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.
