A GPS navigation device is any device that receives Global Positioning System (GPS) signals for the purpose

of determining the device's current location on Earth. GPS devices provide latitude and longitude information, and some may also calculate altitude, although this is not considered sufficiently accurate or continuously available enough (due to the possibility of signal blockage and other factors) to rely on exclusively to pilot aircraft. GPS devices are used in military, aviation, marine and consumer product applications. GPS devices may also have additional capabilities such as: containing maps, which may be displayed in human readable format via text or in a graphical format providing suggested directions to a human in charge of a vehicle or vessel via text or speech providing directions directly to an autonomous vehicle such as a robotic probe providing information on traffic conditions (either via historical or real time data) and suggesting alternative directions providing information on nearby amenities such as restaurants, fueling stations, etc.

In other words, all GPS devices can answer the question "Where am I?", and may also be able to answer: which roads or paths are available to me now? which roads or paths should I take in order to get to my desired destination? if some roads are usually busy at this time or are busy right now, what would be a better route to take? where can I get something to eat nearby or where can I get fuel for my vehicle?

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Over the years, the technology involved in manufacturing an automobile has become more advanced, as automakers shift their focus from basic transportation to the design of features that make a vehicle safer, more comfortable, and more easily operated. One such feature is the global positioning system (GPS). A GPS unit consists of a space segment, a control segment, and a user segment. The space segment is a constellation of two dozen satellites orbiting the earth twice every 24 hours, at approximately 10,900 nautical miles above the earth's surface (1). These satellites are funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense. The control segment is a series of monitoring stations located at different sites on earth. These stations update and correct errors in the navigational message of the satellites. The user segment is a receiver that receives radio waves from the satellites in orbit. It can determine how far away it is from each satellite by keeping track of the time it

takes for a radio wave to travel from the satellite to the receiver (2). Four satellites are used simultaneously to pinpoint the precise position of the receiver on the earth. Information from the first three satellites narrows down the range of possible locations to two points; one of these is usually illogical and indicates a point not on the earth. A fourth satellite is used to confirm the target location (3). The accuracy of a typical GPS receiver is about 10-15 meters. This may not be practical for locating a small ob-ject such as an automobile, which is about three meters long. Differential GPS (DGPS) is a system that improves the accuracy of the GPS receiver to about one to two meters (4). Several reference GPS receivers are placed at stationary locations, whose coordinates are known. These receivers compare their known locations to the location information they receive from satellites, and broadcast the range errors they detect from each other and from every satellite. A DGPS receiver can pick up this range error information and correlate it with the satellite signals it is receiving, to find out its true position (5). The accuracy is dependent on how fast the reference receivers broadcast their signals. When installed in a car, a GPS unit can provide useful information about the car's position and the best travel routes to a given destination by linking itself to a built-in digital map (6). A monitor in the car shows the relevant portion of the map. The driver can enter the target location, and the computer will calculate the optimal route and display it instantly. It can respond to user preferences and map a route that avoids highways or avoids local roads. If the map is detailed enough, it will also provide the locations of the nearest gas station, supermarket, restaurant, hotel, and ATM machine. Some GPS units can issue auditory directions (i.e., "Turn left,") to guide drivers as they travel (7). GPS also tracks the distance traveled on a particular trip, vehicle mileage, and speed. It can keep a record of driving activity, including the address of each destination, names of streets traveled, and how long the vehicle remained at each location, to allow owners to monitor the use of their cars by other drivers (8). Some systems issue warnings when the car is speeding and when the car is approaching a speed trap (9). GPS can aid in the recovery of a stolen car. Integrated with the automobile security system, GPS can notify the car owner by phone or e-mail when the car alarm is triggered, and indicate the location of the car (10). An owner can contact the GPS unit from outside the car using a cell phone or via the Internet, and can start the car engine remotely and unlock the door, solving the problem of frozen locks. GPS also monitors the car condition, and issues warnings when the battery is low or when it is time for an oil change (11). The Ford automobile company has developed a new telematic system through GPS on the Ford Focus, that will alert emergency services when an airbag deploys. The emergency services can locate the vehicle quickly and provide assistance to an injured driver or passengers (12). In addition to its applications in private vehicles, GPS is being used by commercial shipping companies to speed the delivery of cargo. It allows companies to track their fleets, record the movement of their trucks, and control route planning (13). Car rental companies can equip their cars with GPS technology to find stolen rental cars and charge customers for dangerous conduct as speeding (14). Commercial fishermen can use GPS receivers to keep track of the best spots where they have caught fish. GPS technology is also a valuable aid to targeting locations for military personnel,

firefighters, and construction workers (3). The development of GPS technology opens the door to the design of an unmanned vehicle. Equipped with laser and infrared scanners to "see" its environment, such a vehicle could be used for tasks that are considered too time consuming or hazardous for human drivers. Students in the electrical and electronic engineering department of the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore are working on this technology (15). Though GPS technology is gaining popularity in cars, some problems still exist. The biggest problem is the blockage of signal transmission by obstacles such as mountains, high buildings, tunnels, urban canyons, or thick-branched trees. Multipath signals generated by reflections from nearby surfaces or fences can also interfere with the GPS data. Some methods have been introduced to improve these disadvantages. Dead Reckoning (DR) is a way to keep tracking vehicles during periods of blocked transmission. DR combines directional and distance information from a heading sensor in the car and from the car's odometer, and calculates the current position of the vehicle by computing the course steered and speed over the ground from a last known position. DR is used to improve accuracy when GPS transmission is available, in addition to being a backup when transmission is blocked. However, its accuracy tends to drop if the car travels for an extended period without receiving GPS signals (16). GPS technology is advancing very quickly. New models are being developed every year to correct problems in the older versions, focusing on improved accuracy, better reception, and even more user-friendly features. .3.

In addition to the vehicles, the automobile industry includes fuel suppliers, manufacturing suppliers, parts and maintenance service, road construction and maintenance, insurance and driver and ownership registration, all of which are heavily dependent upon Information Technology (IT).

But the prominence of IT is apparent in the automobile itself. The internal combustion vehicle has evolved from the horseless carriage into today's complex of senors and microprocessors. It's now an electronic communication and transport device.

Vehicle Operations
Many microprocessor modules are dedicated to operating the vehicle. For example, the engine control unit (ECU) manages spark plug timing and maintains the prescribed mix of fuel to air and fuel emissions. Other modules monitor climate, cruise and transmission control and blind-side and rear view cameras. A power distributor module oversees the power relays, and a dashboard module controls the various indicator lights and gauges.

Entertainment

Today's automobile features several driving experience enhancement platforms, such as sound systems, hands-free phones and remote-controlled TV.

Passenger Safety
A microprocessor module controls the anti-locking brake system (ABS), traction, sway stability and lane drift. The latest microprocessors sense an imminent collision and trigger the braking system. A factory standard module deploys the airbags. Warnings are also initiated if a door or trunk is ajar or a braking failure is detected. General Motors' OnStar system includes wireless communication, global satellite position systems (GPS) and a network of call/data centers. In an emergency a driver is only seconds away from contact with roadside help. OnStar also can do remote vehicle diagnostics and warn the driver of any discernible future problems.

Vehicle Protection
In addition to alarm systems to discourage breaking into a vehicle, the modern automobile offers code key entry and ignition that allow only a predetermined person to drive off. Tracking devices are also now available to identify and locate a stolen car.

Read more: Information Technology in the Automotive Industry | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7613910_information-technology-automotiveindustry.html#ixzz1bKhj67v0

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NMUK relies heavily on Information Technology to function. Computer-controlled robots and other machinery, particularly in the Body Shop, are vital to production. These machines are maintained and controlled by specialist engineering teams. Other functions, such as the complex scheduling of vehicles, parts control and ordering, vehicle tracking, etc. are managed by software written in-house. Most of the software resides on an IBM Mainframe. This Mainframe is not just responsible for NMUK; it controls business functions across the Europe region, including NMUK's sister plant, NMISA, based in Barcelona, Spain. The Mainframe is located within the European Data Centre (EDC), which, as well as housing and maintaining the Mainframe and over 50 PC servers, acts as a European helpdesk.

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Fords popular and award-winning SYNC system, powered by Microsoft, is one such technology. Numerous studies show that hands-free multimedia devices offer benefits compared to hand-held devices. The benefits are seen in driving performance as well as object and event detection. Ford SYNC provides a way for drivers to use cell phones and MP3 players through voice commands alone, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Ford SYNC is now available with Traffic, Directions and Information, a subscription service that allows drivers to access traffic reports and turn-by-turn directions, all via voice command. Ford SYNC was launched in late 2007 and is now available on nearly every vehicle from Ford and Lincoln in North America. Please see the case study for more on how SYNC helps to further reduce driver distraction.
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In 2010, Ford introduced the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology an all-new user interface that delivers a smarter and simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyFord Touch, along with MyLincoln Touch, was developed after a thorough review of current interior design and its limitations considering the abundance of new and emerging technologies. After studying vehicle communications trends and the ways drivers were using technology inside their vehicles, it was evident that the current way of interacting with car and truck technology was rapidly becoming obsolete. The MyFord Touch user interface replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges, and is designed to increase focus on driving while providing access to information, entertainment and connectivity features. The system includes a next-generation, state-of-the-art voice recognition system with nearly 10,000 available commands, and clear, large, color LCD displays, along with two five-way controllers on the steering wheel. These features encourage drivers to maximize the time their eyes are on the road and their hands are on the wheel. And although the user interface is all new, it should not feel unfamiliar, as it is based on the fundamentals of Fords awardwinning navigation system, as well as the SYNC user interface. MyFord Touch launched on the 2011 Ford Edge and goes global with availability on the 2012 Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on new Lincolns beginning with the 2011 MKX.
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Fords Rearview Camera can enhance rear visibility, as well as assist with actions that require reverse maneuverability such as parallel parking and hitching trailers. The system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen. These images can help improve visibility directly behind the vehicle when the vehicle is in reverse. The camera image is overlaid with lines that mark the width of the vehicle, which makes it easier to gauge distance and navigate in reverse. The system also increases visibility in low light by using a low-light-capable camera and high-intensity reverse taillights. The Rearview Camera is offered on most of Fords vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking mandating rearview cameras and displays meeting specified criteria by September 1, 2014, on all vehicles with less than a 10,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating.
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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) helps drivers maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front of them. It is one of the innovations now available on the 2011 Ford Taurus, Explorer and Edge; the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKT; and the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX, Galaxy and new Focus in Europe. While primarily a comfort and convenience feature, Adaptive Cruise Control also contributes to more controlled driving when traffic flow is uneven. The ACC module is mounted at the front of the vehicle and uses radar to measure the gap and closing speed to the vehicle ahead. The system automatically adjusts the speed of the car to help maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front. Ford was the first manufacturer to launch radar-based ACC several years ago.
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In driving situations that present a high risk of collision with the vehicle in front, Fords Collision Warning with Brake Support technology activates a visual and audible warning. In addition, the brake system is pre-tensioned and the servo boost assistance system is modulated to provide faster brake performance, if required by the driver. Range and speed information is sensed with long-range radar mounted on the front of the vehicle. Collision Warning with Brake Support can be activated or deactivated as the driver wishes, and it may alert the driver if the sensor becomes blocked by snow, ice or mist. This technology is available in the U.S. on the Ford Taurus, Edge and Explorer and the Lincoln MKS, MKX and MKT, and in Europe on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX, Galaxy and Focus.
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Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is designed to help inform the driver when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot zone. The system uses two radar sensor modules that are mounted behind the left- and right-hand side of the rear bumper. BLIS is active above 10 km/h (about 6 mph) and is even capable of detecting motorcycles in some cases.
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Cross Traffic Alert is designed to assist the driver when other parked vehicles may obscure the drivers view of traffic while backing out of a parking space. To assist the driver while slowly backing up, the BLIS sensors in the corners of the rear bumper can detect approaching vehicles. A warning chime will sound, an amber light will display in the outside mirror on the appropriate side of the vehicle and a text message will inform the driver of the situation.

In North America, both BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert are available on the Ford Fusion, Taurus, Edge and Explorer, as well as on the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and MKT. In Europe, BLIS is available on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy as well as the new Ford Focus and C-MAX.
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Lane Keeping Alert (previously called Lane Departure Warning) is designed to warn the driver, via a vibration in the steering wheel, when the front-view camera detects that an unintentional lane departure is likely to happen. The frontview camera continuously monitors the road ahead and evaluates where the car is in relation to the lane markings. If the driver uses the turn indicator, or the driving situation suggests an intended lane change, the warning is suppressed. Lane Keeping Alert is deactivated at speeds below 38 mph, so as not to interfere in urban stop-and-go conditions. The system can be activated and deactivated via a switch on the turn indicator stalk. Lane Keeping Alert is available in Europe on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy, as well as on the new Focus.
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Lane Keeping Aid goes a step further. In addition to vibrating the steering wheel, it undertakes a temporary steering intervention to steer the vehicle back into the lane, when the front-view camera detects that an unintentional lane departure is likely to happen. Like Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid can be activated and deactivated via a switch on the turn indicator stalk and is automatically deactivated below 38 mph. Lane Keeping Aid was introduced in Europe on the new Ford Focus, and its availability will be expanded to other vehicles.
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Driver Alert computes a vigilance level for the driver and displays it in the cluster upon request. The vigilance judgment is based on statistical analysis of lane information collected by the forward-looking camera and the vehicles yaw behavior. If the driver vigilance level falls below a certain level (i.e., if the driver gets tired), a warning is given. Driver Alert is available in Europe on the Ford Focus, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy.
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Our new Traffic Sign Recognition technology uses a forward-looking camera to recognize speed limit signs next to the road; it then shows them in the information display. Traffic Sign Recognition is available on the Ford Focus in Europe.
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Finally, Active Park Assist, a semi-automatic parallel parking system, is another new driver-assist technology. After activating the system by pressing the parking button, sensors detect a parking space by scanning. As the car passes the space, sensors measure the length. The system then defines the optimum point from which the vehicle can start parking and gives audible and visual warnings advising the driver to stop. From there the driver has to engage reverse and operate the accelerator and brakes, but the car controls the steering angle. When in the space, the vehicle continues to control the steering, with the driver engaging forward and reverse gears as necessary until the system gives a finish signal. Active Park Assist is available on the Ford Focus and C-MAX in Europe and the Ford Flex, Escape, Focus, Taurus and Explorer and the Lincoln MKT in the U.S.

Source:- http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2010-11/issues-vehicle-assist#blind