Significant breakthrough in intelligent transport development
One-stop shop for transport services on the way
Drivers and other people on the move may soon have an increased range of easy-to-use location based information services available on their smart phones and other mobile devices, from a variety of service providers. VTT and its corporate partners have developed the Vedia Multi-Service concept for transport services and piloted its first applications. Vedia functions include for example automatically finding the nearest parking space that the driver can book and pay securely using a terminal device. Unlike most existing transport services, the Vedia Multi-Service system is not device-specific. The new system also enables charging based on actual use.
Location-based traffic information and user services have been around for some time, but the services available have been fragmentary and tied to specific devices. VTT brought together a strong group of Finnish service providers and other intelligent transport operators to develop the device-independent Vedia Multi-Service concept.
The Vedia concept allows the use of several interactive location based information services on the same terminal device, whether a smart phone, tablet or other mobile device. The idea of a Multi-Service is to create a virtual one-stop shop where users have easy access to services through their terminal devices while on the move – on foot, on public transport or in a car.
The Vedia pilot involves some 30 vehicles in the greater Helsinki area. They are being used for testing basic Vedia features: kilometres driven, travel analysed by road type, and emissions based on the vehicle ID data and emission category.
Initially, Vedia services will be offered to professionals. Examples of services include automatically generated driving logs and travel reports, as well as transport monitoring and control, and updated maintenance services.
Consumer services will be added later. The Vedia Multi-Service will provide drivers with real-time information on traffic congestion, slippery roads, the best deals on petrol, and so on. The terminal device can also instruct the driver on how to drive so as to conserve fuel and keep emissions low. When approaching the city centre, the driver can use the service to find a free parking space, and to book and pay for it. Arriving at the car park, the driver can check public transport timetables and routes on a mobile device to find the best way to get to work. Voice output will be developed to enable the services to be used safely.
Vedia services will cater not just for the driver but for passengers, too, as it will provide games, films and other entertainment services. Use of these entertainment services will be recommended for the rear seats only, for safety reasons.
Vedia has several distinct advantages compared with existing systems. Vedia will make high-quality and continuously updated services available in any vehicle, through an easily installed vehicle device or mobile device. Pre-installed vehicle systems are expensive, and advanced systems are only available in high-end models. Moreover, they become obsolete as the car ages.
Vedia improves on existing satnav systems in that it can incorporate interactive services, such as payment functions. Satnav systems provide little information beyond route information, apart from the location of speed cameras and real-time traffic information.
The long-term aim for Vedia is that vehicles and people on the move can be online all the time if they so wish, accessing the services they require.
Vedia services are commercial solutions for which VTT and its corporate partners have developed new business models, service networks and secure payment functions. The ultimate aim is to develop Vedia and its tested services into an exportable product.
Vedia will also enable the use of new kinds of insurance services and official services, and no separate version of the system will need to be developed for this purpose. Any services that require vehicle-specific identification can be accessed using a peripheral registered for a specific vehicle.
Consumer privacy is of prime importance in the development of the Multi-Service concept. The Vedia concept incorporates an agreement between the customer and the service provider. The service provider may not use the customer’s data for any other purpose than that specified in the agreement. For example, the customer’s contact and location information are subject to privacy and will not be disclosed to any third parties. Customers can check the information on them in the system through a web interface, using their user IDs.
The Vedia Multi-Service platform was developed by DNA, G4S, Indagon, Logica, Media Mobile Nordic, Nokia Siemens Networks, Semel, Teliasonera and Tieto in addition to VTT.
Press material: http://www.vtt.fi/news/2011/040111_significant_breakthrough_in_intelligent_transport_development.jsp?lang=en
Additional information
Armi Vilkman
Senior Research Scientist, VTT
Tel. +358 40 592 1458
armi.vilkman@vtt.fi
Further information on VTT:
Sakari Sohlberg, Chief Communications Officer
Tel. 358 20 722 6744
sakari.sohlberg@vtt.fi
www.vtt.fi
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is a leading multitechnological applied research organization in Northern Europe. VTT creates new technology and science-based innovations in co-operation with domestic and foreign partners. VTT’s turnover is EUR 280 million and its personnel totals 2,900.
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