Collaboration leads to reference application based on MPE(TM)

CHICAGO, March 24 — (PRNewswire) — NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions is having its Map & Positioning Engine concept taken significantly closer to production by the development of a reference application in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors and the electronics and software specialist, Technolution.

The MPE reference package includes NAVTEQ's MPE map and patented Electronic Horizon technology plus GPS microprocessor, memory and all the required software including map-matching, ADAS Interface Specification (ADASIS) and Controller Area Network (CAN) bus interface.  Working with this, NXP and Technolution have been establishing a clear path from concept to reference application and finally product development.  Designed with application development in mind, the key to this progression is to bring an MPE alive on an ITS chipset as an enabler for location aware services and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

An important step forward is the ATOP chip set from NXP with 2.5/3 G connectivity.  This enables Technolution to develop a full set of location aware services to be sent directly to back-end servers.  A connectivity function will enable wireless incremental map updates which replace individual tiles in the map with new information.  

MPE enables ADAS and location aware applications on all vehicles, even those without a navigation system or navigable map.  In this case, the first implementation on the MPE chipset is a road usage based application featuring a speed alert service.  The MPE generates an Electronic Horizon and calculates safe speeds for bends ahead the system can then recommend a speed and alert the driver accordingly.

The accurate positioning resulting from the embedded ADAS Map and Electronic Horizon is crucial for map matching applications such as toll road management where fee errors due to inaccuracy cannot be tolerated.  With map matching on-board the vehicle, positioning is inherently more precise than other map matching approaches.

The detailed information which could be generated on driving behavior opens the door to a broad range of groups.  For example, insurance companies could use it not only to develop 'pay as you drive' policies but also to precisely calculate the risk each driver poses based on individual driving habits.  Road operators could reduce overheads by implementing a remote road charging system to replace traditional staffed toll booths.  Fleet operators and mobile workforce managers also have an interest in monitoring how their vehicles are being driven.

"This latest MPE development leads the industry in taking the concept closer than ever to production," commented Bob Denaro, NAVTEQ vice president ADAS.  "The progress we have made together with NXP and Technolution will enable developers and manufacturers to bring more ADAS and position critical applications to market much faster."

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world.  NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions.  The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has more than 4,600 employees located in 203 offices and in 45 countries.

NAVTEQ, Electronic Horizon, and NAVTEQ MPE are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions that leverage its leading RF, Analog, Power, Digital Processing and manufacturing expertise. These innovations are used in a wide range of automotive, industrial, consumer, lighting, medical, computing and identification applications. Headquartered in Europe, the company has about 28,000 employees working in more than 25 countries and posted sales of USD 3.8 billion in 2009. News from NXP is located at www.nxp.com .

About Technolution

Technolution designs and develops innovative technological solutions combining electronic equipment and software with over 22 years of experience in optimal integration of existing and new systems. We have developed solutions for Weigh-in-Motion, traffic management, in-car and enforcement.  For more information visit: www.technolution.eu .

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SOURCE NAVTEQ

Contact:

NAVTEQ NXP Semiconductors Technolution Stella Smith of NAVTEQ Phone: +1-312-894-7614 Email Contact Bob Richter Phone: +1-212-802-8588 Email Contact for NAVTEQ Web: http://www.navteq.com