According to Elektrobit, hybrid navigation is a game changer, and will enable OEMs to make navigation systems significantly more efficient.
A huge amount of data is processed by new cars, and companies are investigating how to manage this data more efficiently. Outside of the automotive industry, music can either be live-streamed or downloaded and ‘saved’ onto a smartphone’s system via the Internet. The benefit of this is that a consumer’s favourite music can then be accessed on-demand without an Internet connection, but can still be updated with new releases when needed. Can the same be done with in-vehicle navigation systems?
From connected to hybrid
Elektrobit Automotive’s Navigation Product Manager, Oliver Jesorsky, pointed out that users of in-dash navigation systems are asking the same question. Speaking in a recent webinar on the topic, he commented: “Consumers ask whether basic navigation functions such as destination search, route calculation and guidance are possible in a non-connected state – such as in an underground car park or in a rural area,” he said. “As such, we are turning our navigation from a connected solution to a hybrid solution.”
However, Jesorsky added, complete offloading of map data is not a solution. In new cars, map data is not only used for navigation systems; OEMs also utilize such data for engine control and driver assistance systems (DAS), but some level of permanent data is expected to remain in the car even if the car is not connected.
Through a hybrid approach, basic map material is stored on-board, while certain features are incrementally updated over-the-air (OTA) to keep the map fresh. As such, core navigation functions are guaranteed even in the case of a connection loss. In addition, there is a reduction of pre-installed map data and updates are completed quicker.
For the OEM, this presents a significant benefit. Those such as Tesla have already demonstrated the wide-scale implementation of OTA updates, most recently with the launch of its Autopilot software for Model S drivers. Many believe that OTA updates will be key for OEMs moving forward, as consumers already expect this for their portable devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops etc.) As Karl Brauer, Senior Analyst for Kelly Blue Book, told Automotive World, “Tesla’s image as a high-tech, forward-looking company is enhanced by its ability to update vehicles through OTA data streams.”
To the cloud
Through this approach, what data remains within the head unit, and what is offloaded to the cloud? “There are two types of data that are predicated to offloading,” said Jesorsky. “The first is high volume data, which does not change often and is not part of the basic map data… What’s the point [in storing data] if it doesn’t change often?”
For example, specific data mapping out ‘fixed’ models such as buildings, landmarks and satellite images do not need to be updated regularly. “On the other hand, if you have data which changes frequently within the basic map, you are forced to update that basic map data too often,” explained Jesorsky. This data may be for temporary points of interest (POIs) such as events, fuel prices or parking information. “In addition,” said Jesorsky, “information regarding adaptive traffic control – such as road changes caused by roadworks – has a lifetime which is too short for storage as basic map data.”
Also for consideration is the security and privacy of data – an industry concern of which all invested companies are aware – and the cost of such a cloud-based solution, “since data transmission is not for free of course,” Jesorsky noted. “We also need to make sure that we have some fall back services in case the connection is lost, but that is pretty straightforward given that the basic navigation functionality is already saved within the car,” he concluded.
In short, hybrid navigation will allow drivers to access the latest mapping data and travel information when needed, and if not connected to the Internet, will still have a stable navigation service to work with.
Freddie Holmes
