u-blox' dead reckoning embedded in NYC cabs

24 Jul 2008

Fleet management solution provider Mobile Knowledge chose a dead reckoning GPS module developed by Switzerland-based u-blox for a cutting edge Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) & Point of Sale system being used by New York City's Yellow Taxi fleet.

By combining GPS navigation and tracking, point-of-sale and entertainment functions in a single integrated device Mobile Knowledge rises to the challenge of modern traffic. According to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission the company and two other systems for this purpose are approved and over 13,000 Yellow caps will be equipped by 31 August 2008. To date, Mobile Knowledge and its partners have deployed 5,000 units.

The 10.4-inch rugged touch screen display of the PIM shows the position of the vehicle overlaid on a map, allowing passengers in the back seat to track their progress through the city. U-blox uses sensors in combination with GPS with its technology to provide 100% road coverage, even in areas with no GPS signals such as streets with high-rise buildings, tunnels, parking lots and other covert environments without GPS signals.

According to Mobile Knowledge's Chief Operating Officer Kevin French, the company wanted to ensure the provision of a GPS solution that would not fail, no matter how harsh the signal conditions.