Telematics control unit shows off emergency call system

A new telematics control unit from FUJITSU TEN, has shown off a new emergency call feature at the ITS European Congress 2014 venue in Helsinki. To show how interchangeable the system is and can therefore operate anywhere in the world, FUJITSU TEN demonstrated its ability to operate in Europe and Russia at the same time.

This was necessary however, as due to a European Commission ruling, all companies that create these emergency contact systems, known as eCall, will require passing regulation before being given the go ahead. Different countries may end up with different approval systems, but of course, with a technology designed to save lives, making sure it’s up to standard is important. By showing that its technology works in multiple markets at the same time, FUJITSU TEN took the first step on the way to approval.

The new tech system from the company is known as ERA-GLONASS and with its demonstration, it proved itself capable of getting in touch with emergency services, regardless of where in the world the driver is. This makes it much easier for manufacturers that choose to equip the technology, to sell the vehicles anywhere in the world without worrying that it won’t work because of localisations of the backend systems.

Evgeni Meilikhov, Development Director, ERA-GLONASS Project, GLONASS Union said: “We were glad to demonstrate harmonized operation of ERA-GLONASS and eCall systems together with our partners ERTICO and Fujitsu Ten at the 10th ITS European Congress. Harmonization of standards and technical regulations will facilitate creation of a common safety space in Russia and EU. This will bring us closer to our common goal – saving lives on the roads.”

eCall systems are thought to be one of the easiest ways to introduce customers to telematics. Since it provides information to emergency services in the case of an accident, the eCall system doesn’t feel as intrusive as day to day tracking. However that is of course what it’s doing, so marketing will need to make this clear, or people could be very angry if they discovered that they’ve been tracked, ostensibly without their permission.

This will ultimately mean however, that emergency vehicles can respond to the scene of an accident far faster, being given all the information in an accurate fashion. On top of that though, they’ll be able to go with appropriate equipment. By looking at the diagnostic results sent to them through the eCall system, emergency responders will know if they’re likely to need to cut someone out of a car, of if neck braces and back boards are required. Likewise if the owner of the car can be looked up on their records, they’ll be able to check blood-type information and therefore get transfusions ready for their arrival if needs be.

The potential for this sort of system is huge, as well as offering customers the usual telematics features if they want it. It all needs approval first however and that’s what this test was designed to achieve.