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| Features | Beetle Tracks is a project that
brings the flexibility of computer technology to the everyday car driver. Specifically,
PDA devices can now be used to provide vehicle information in new ways. Over the
past several years, computer technology has become increasingly present inside of cars.
Examples are map displays, autoPCs masquerading as radios, intelligent cellular
telephones, etc. The automovtive industry has been putting more and more computer
technology in car systems that isn't so visible. In particular, diagnostic systems
have been required in cars for several years.
This project started just after we purchased a new 1999 GLX Volkswagon Beetle. While this car is lots of fun with its 150hp turbo-charged engine, it has only the simplest of gauges on the dash; speed, small RPM indicator and fuel gauge. This led to investigating how additional system parameters might be obtained and displayed for the driver. The Beetle Tracks project augments the standard vehicle gauges with a selection of additional gauges that can be selected for display. |
This project migrates the vehicle's system parameters
into a format that is useful for the driver, not just the mechanic. This same
migration of technology has been happening in other areas such as the airline industry.
All the pieces are now in place for this to happen to the auto industry as well.