Being in acaraccident is a nightmare – you ’re often disoriented , disturbed and unsure of what to do once the actual crash is over . But if your car is equipped with GM’sOnStarservice , you do n’t even have to find yourcell phone . The system can get help for you . It can also curb youre - mailhands - free , make hotel reservations , and unlock your car if you ’ve lock your keys inside , among other things .
OnStar is the most popular telematics service usable in North America . As of May 2005 , it had more than 4 million customers [ ref ] . But what is a telematics service ? How does OnStar know where you are , and how can your car rent the OnStar Call Center know that you ’ve been in an accident ? In this clause , we ’ll search the technology behind OnStar , find out how to employ it , and learn about some of the controversy associated with it .
OnStar Basics
General Motors began offering OnStar in 1996 as anautomotivesafety tool – a way for people to get help easily and speedily in an emergency . Instead of trying to incur yourcell earphone , you push a button on a console table and are instantly link up with an OnStar advisor . The advisor can pinpoint your exact location and relay your job to emergency brake service . If you ’re in an accident , your car can " tell " OnStar without you having to do a thing .
Most people still associate OnStar with emergencies , but today ’s OnStar offers a host of inspection and repair , from helping you find a good local restaurant to giving you the lateststockquotes .
OnStar is atelematics religious service . The Word of God telematics is a combining oftelecommunicationand informatics : a telematics inspection and repair is one that provides information to a nomadic source , like acell phone , PDAor car . Today telematics often depict vehicle systems that combineGPSand cellular technologies with onboardelectronics . They can include rubber , communication , vehicle diagnostic andentertainmentfeatures .
Cars equip with OnStar have a little panel located in the rearview mirror , the dashboard or an overhead console , depending on the model . The blue OnStar button allows you to reach a live or virtual consultant . The ruddy button with the crossbreeding on it is for emergencies , and the phone or " white dot " button allow you to make headphone calls just as if you were using a electric cell phone .
In February 2006 , OnStar announced plans to incorporate a actual - time drive piloting system , calledTurn by Turn , in select Buick and Cadillac model . An additional 1 million 2007 GM mannequin will let in Turn by Turn , and by 2010 , it will be a standard service on all cars equipped with OnStar .
Next , we ’ll learn about the technology behind OnStar .
OnStar History
OnStar began as location - establish applied science modernise by a team at ExtremeBlue , an IBM internship program for postgraduate bookman in computer software development and concern administration . GM introduced the overhaul in 1996 as an pick on some Cadillac exemplar . Early OnStar consoles came with a handset ; the hands - detached , three - button console became received in 2001 .
OnStar ’s cellular system was analog at first , then shape up to analog / digital - ready . Most OnStar systems are now dual mode , with the capability to habituate both analog and digital communication organisation . By 2008 , GM design to make all - digital cellular systems . presently there are no plans to make upgrade packages available for senior , analogue - only models .
OnStar Technology
At its most introductory , OnStar consists of four different types of technology : cellular , voice recognition , GPSand fomite telemetry . All of the services that OnStar provides are a result of one or more of these technologies working together .
OnStar ’s cellular service is voice - activated and paw - free . The console contains a progress - inmicrophoneand uses the carspeakers . To make a call , you mouth a phone routine or a previously stored name associate with a phone number . The console table is connected to aVehicle Comm and Interface Module(VCIM ) , which use a cellular antenna on top of the car to transmit signals to OnStar ’s cellular web . ( For more information on cellular engineering , seeHow Cell Phones Work . ) OnStar ’s cellular service has a better kitchen stove than most cellular telephone telephone set ( although you could still drop off divine service in distant areas ) , with a full three watts instead of a even jail cell phone ’s 0.6 watts . With some OnStar plan , you’re able to also use the cellular table service just as you would a veritable cell sound design .
For calls to the advisor , OnStar utilise part recognition computer software similar to that already used in some hand - withstand prison cell phones . However , one of OnStar ’s unparalleled features is the power to " browse the Web " using theVirtual Advisorautomated system . For this service , OnStar uses text - to - voice technology calledVoiceXML . When you ask for information , such as " weather , " the software transform your postulation into XML ( Extensible Markup Language ) and mate it to mount in your OnStar visibility . Then it translate the information into VoiceXML and read it to you .
The GPS receiver is calledOnCore , and it is part of the VCIM ( old OnStar - equipped fomite have separate modules for the cell phone and GPS system of rules ) . A GPS receiver uses the amount of time that it takes for aradiosignal to get from orbiter to a specific locating to calculate distance . ( For more selective information on GPS , seeHow GPS Receivers Work ) . The OnStar Call Center use four differentsatellitesto pinpoint the car ’s location when either the driver or the car itself asks to be located .
To give a vehicle the ability to call when it is in an chance event , OnStar employ an event data recorder ( also bonk as a crash data fipple flute ) . GM prognosticate the entire process theAdvanced Automatic Crash Notification System(AACN ) . It ’s the car ’s equivalent of an airplane’sblack box , except that the AACN only pop out transcription in the event of a crash and only records datum .
The AACN organization comprises four constituent : detector , the Sensing Diagnostic Module ( which admit the case datum recorder ) , the VCIM and the cellular antenna . The number and localization of sensors depart depending on the specific car , but they all work the same way . When the car is in a crash , sensors channelise info to the Sensing Diagnostic Module ( SDM ) . The SDM also includes an accelerometer , which measures the rigourousness of the crash based ongravitational force . ( The range is 1.0 to 2.0 gs , depending on the fomite . )
The SDM sends this information to the VCIM , which uses the cellular antenna to ship a message to the OnStar Call Center . When an consultant receives the call , he uses the GPS to find the vehicle ’s locating and call the auto to check with the number one wood . Even if there ’s not a mensurable wallop , the VCIM also sends a substance when theair baggoes off , instigate the advisor to call the car ’s machine driver .
Next , we ’ll instruct on the nose what variety of services OnStar provides and see how to use them .
Event Data Recorders and OnStar Statistics
Although OnStar is relatively Modern , upshot information recorders are not . GM first used a type of consequence data registrar ( EDR ) in the mid-1970s in conjunction with air bag , and the technology has continue to develop . In the mid-1990s , GM set about using them in racecars and some passenger vehicles to collect clank - relate data . Today the National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB ) estimates that 65 percent to 90 percent of vehicle in the United States contain some character of EDR . Often the number one wood does n’t even recognise that it ’s there [ ref ] . In 2004 , the National Highway Traffic Saftey Administration recommended that EDRs put in in vehicle ramp up after September 1 , 2008 meet a set of minimal standards . The NTSB want to go one stride further and make interchangeable EDR installment mandatory for all manufacturers .
In September 2005, OnStar handled, on average:
beginning : OnStar Press Room
OnStar Services
OnStar has three subscription program , rate in cost from around $ 17 to $ 70 per calendar month . you could get at many of these services by press the blue OnStar push button on the console table and merely stating what you need . Others want you to employ a bell - loose issue to call OnStar .
TheSafe and Soundplan includes :
Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment- If yourair bagis deploy , the advisor attempts to call you . If you do not answer , or if you report an emergency , the adviser will contact an emergency Service provider .
Emergency Services- If you constrict the red button , OnStar forthwith locate your car and meet the closest emergency service supplier .
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance- If your car is stolen , an consultant can apply the on - boardGPSto path the gondola .
OnStar Overseas
Thanks to a highly successful marketing political campaign , OnStar claim 100 percent brand credit in North America . It has n’t been as pop elsewhere , though . After offering OnStar help on Opels in Germany for several years with pitiable sales , OnStar Europe closed down in November 2005 .
In July 2005 , the Columbian sectionalisation of GM start offering a exchangeable service , calledChevyStar , with some of its Chevrolet models .
Remote Door Unlock- If you lock your key in the automobile , OnStar can send a cellular information signal to the car ’s reckoner to unlock them .
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics- Because it ’s severely - wired into the car ’s electric system , the Vehicle Comm and Interface Module can also invite information about the position of systems like theengine , air bagandanti - lock brakes . The faculty check up on these systems on a monthly base , and then mechanically send off a substance to OnStar . If it ’s a dangerous problem , the OnStar advisor will let you know . You also incur ane - mailstatus report card .
Access to Hands - Free Calling- OnStar offers two differentcell phoneplans . you’re able to buy blocks of minute in advance , or you’re able to take to a Verizon Wireless architectural plan . If you already expend Verizon as your electric cell telephone service , you may share minutes with the hand - costless module and have calls forwarded to it .
Roadside Assistance- OnStar will call a towing company for you , or place a supplier who can bring you gas or exchange a flattire .
AccidentAssist- you’re able to call an advisor for help in figuring out the best way to cover an accident . The adviser will provide you with a step - by - step checklist of what to do , and can also call your policy company for you .
Remote Horn and Lights- If you ca n’t find your car in a parking hatful , an advisor can activate your horn and lights .
Can car thieves use OnStar?
Since OnStar can unlock your car doors remotely , some people intend that thieves can do the same matter to steal your car . Unlikeremote keyless entryfobs , which useRFsignals , OnStar ’s unlock service uses its cellular net to send a signal to the module that control the locking organization . For OnStar to unlock your machine , you must give the adviser your account figure and PIN . Unless you share your PIN , you are the only one who can get OnStar to unlock your doors . This is also true for the vehicle location service – OnStar will only traverse a automobile at the possessor ’s postulation ( or in some spot in cooperation with the police force ) .
A user pre - sets his preferences at his OnStar account Web site ( such as sports team to follow or e - mail address to ensure ) , then presses the " white Transportation " or " phone " button on his OnStar console to get at the Virtual Advisor using voice commands . The weather feature of speech can practice the GPS organisation to get local weather condition information for the vehicle ’s specific location . For exercise , if you want the Virtual Advisor to give you a weather condition report , you just say " Get my conditions " and the adviser read the weather report for your area . Virtual Advisor uses pre - pay minutes and may not shape with the Verizon plan , depending on the mannequin of your car .
TheDirections and Connectionsplan include all of the above , plus :
And in the end , theLuxury and Leisureplan includes all of the Directions and Connections services , plusPersonal Concierge Services . This service represent like a hotel concierge . OnStar maintains its own database of businesses searchable by name , type and fix .
In addition , OnStar of late coordinate withXM Radioto supply bundled divine service . If your OnStar - equip auto also has a factory - install XM Radio , an OnStar advisor can assist you with setting up your XM subscription . Both service use the same transmitting aerial .
Now , permit ’s see at some of the controversy surrounding OnStar .
OnStar Controversy
The bulk of OnStar users are happy with the service , and the many tangible - life history customer stories on OnStar’sWeb siteseem to confirm this . But not all brushup of OnStar are positive . Some users call the service " Big Brother " and say that the service can go to an invasion of secrecy .
In increase toairbagdeployment and impact rigour , the Vehicle Comm and Interface Module can also record whether you ’re wearing yourseatbeltor how tight you ’re driving . It keeps data link to events right away before , during and after a crash for about 45 twenty-four hour period . The Call Center retains receive selective information for over a twelvemonth so that it can sustain quality and follow - up on customer complaints .
OnStar say that it go on this information on toautomanufacturers to better vehicle safety . However , critic speculate that it could also be used to :
According to OnStar ’s Privacy Policy , it will share personal information to " comply with effectual requirements , valid court orders and exigent circumstances " [ ref ] . It also share information with subsidiaries , including GMAC , which provides vehicle policy . Although it did not bring up OnStar by name , a United States Appeals Court rule in 2003 that thegovernmentmay be able to use the on - boardcell phoneto eavesdrop on drivers .
For lots more information on OnStar , telematics and related topics , check out the nexus on the next page .
OnStar Hacks & Mods and The Competition
Some users dislike that they have to call the OnStar shopping center to use the GPS receiver in their motorcar , so they ’ve found ways to " hack on " into the system and obtain GPS datum in actual - time . One Web site gives dance step - by - footmark instructions for doing so . GM does not advocate any tampering with the system of rules . If chop attempts or modifications render the service inoperable , OnStar is not obligated to renovate it .
Although OnStar may be the most pop vehicle telematic service of process , it ’s not the only one out there . Other car manufacturers offer standardized systems :
Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota and Honda licence OnStar technology in previous years , but both companies dropped it in favour of developing their own system , call G - book and Internavi , respectively . Nissan also has its own telematics inspection and repair , called CarWings . All three are only available in Japan .
