Chapter 5

1. Chapter 5 Computers in the Transportation Industry

2. Computers in Transportation • Design, test, and manufacture vehicles • Control the basic systems inside cars and trucks • Provide collision warnings and safety features • Provide new entertainment options for cars • Design smart cars

3. Computers in Transportation, 2 • Navigate to destinations using computerized mapping, onboard GPS systems, and telematics • Automate trains and buses • Handle air traffic control • Book airline reservations and check-in • Perform pre-flight calculations • Help with airline pilot training

4. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) • Designs can be modified during the process • Product features can dynamically change • Calculations are performed to optimize the design • Many options can be created to get feedback from customers and executives • Product cycle and costs are reduced • In 1995, the Boeing 777 was the first airplane to be designed completely digitally; CAD was used to link 238 design teams

5. Testing Systems • Computer-aided engineering (CAE) allows for testing in the early stages of product development Reduces risks, cost, and time associated with physical testing • CAE is also used for aerodynamic testing • Wind tunnel testing Tubes send wind over the test object; instruments measure and record forces • Virtual wind tunnel testing Uses a software program, a 3-D model, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate the effects of wind

6. Testing Systems, cont. • Drivers and pilots use simulations to predict the performance of any vehicle under stress • Computerized crash analyses can be performed with software that simulates a car crash • After testing is done, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is used to assemble products Uses robots, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines, tooling machines

7. Inventory Control Systems • Vehicle manufacturers rely on inventory control systems to track supplies and ensure adequate supplies • A customized database management system tracks parts, location, cost, etc. • Also stores information on collections of parts, called kits, that are needed to complete a specific job • Kits have their own codes and price; their individual components can be tracked separately

8. Engine Control Unit (ECU) • Is the most powerful computer in most cars • Controls the engine by monitoring the outputs of the car and adjusting the inputs to the car accordingly • Communicates with vehicle modules through a communications bus • Sends packets to instrument panel with updated data from various modules • Stores errors that are sent to it from modules for later diagnosis

9. Antilock Braking System (ABS) An ABS system relies on a microprocessor called an ABS controller Watches speed sensors and sends messages to the brake valves to open and close rapidly in order to prevent skidding Speed sensor Pump valve

10. Collision Warning System (CWS) Cars and trucks with a CWS are equipped with a central processor, sensors, and radar to warn the driver when a vehicle is too close. Driver Display Unit

11. Smart Tires • A SmarTire pressure-monitoring system uses a wireless radio transmitter mounted to the tire rim • Sensors transmit tire pressure and temperature to a receiver inside the car, which outputs messages on a module

12. “Smart Car” Features Include • Voice-activated controls with speechrecognition technology • Adaptive cruise control (ACC) using radar or lidar (laser-based) to maintain safe driving distances • Cameras and microphones to help guide the car • Headlights with sensors on the steering wheel and back axle to see around corners • Wireless communications to pass information between cars

13. Computers on the Road Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) use computers, communications, and electronic technologies to make transportation safer and more efficient For example, Web sites provide updated traffic reports

14. Computerized Mapping Trip planner and map software and Web sites give directions and maps based on a starting point and destination

15. Global Positioning System (GPS) • A GPS device monitors and displays your car’s current location in relation to a map • If you are lost, the GPS will recalculate your route

16. Telematics Telematicscombines computers, GPS, and a cellular phone to connect with a live operator • Locates your car using GPS • Reads system data from the ECU • Provides roadside assistance, sometimes remotely (ex., unlock car) • Current systems include OnStar (GM) and TeleAid (Mercedes Benz) • Incurs a monthly fee for the service

17. Route Optimization Trucking companies use software to find the best route with the right sequence of locations • Schedules drivers and optimizes routes based on customer locations, network distances, costs and capacities, and delivery time windows • Includes information on restricted roads using map databases • Calculates fuel consumption and tolls • May have a satellite link with the company headquarters

18. Electronic Toll Collection • An electronic toll-collection system uses a vehicle-mounted transponder (an RFID) that stores account information Antennas above each toll lane emit radio frequencies that communicate with the transponder • Light curtains and treadles (sensor strips) detect cars entering the lane, as well as the number of axles on the vehicle • Each lane use a lane controller that runs the equipment and tracks vehicles All lane controllers at a toll plaza are connected on a LAN, in turn connected by WAN to a central database, which stores customer information

19. Intelligent Highways • Highway traffic can be tracked and controlled through • Sensor loops at red-light intersections transmit data to a computer database concerning speed and traffic flow • Video cameras • Live broadcast feeds from TV stations • Dynamic message signs (TxDOT) • New technology might use • Radio frequencies emitted by cell phones • Radio signals from RFID devices that are placed in cars

20. Trains and Buses • Computers are used in a networked system to allow one car of a train to communicate with another • GPS systems and onboard computers help dispatchers determine train routes • Routes and stops of airline trams are controlled by computerized train control systems • Highly computerized buses are steered by an optical guidance system that include networked cameras, computers, and motors Stops are wirelessly displayed for riders using GPS devices

21. Airlines • Airplanes are designed and tested with computers • CAD and CAE software • Wind tunnel simulations • Airplanes rely on computers for system control (fly-by-wire), communications, and in-flight entertainment • Airport services are automated by computers, including flight and gate information and customer services • Pilots are sometimes equipped with laptops with airplane manuals and software for preflight calculations

22. Air Traffic Control • Air traffic controllers use computers to track flight patterns, ensure safe distances, and help with rerouting • The Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATSCC) oversees all air traffic control in the U.S. • An electronic flight progress strip is generated by the tower & passed from controller to controller during the flight • The FAA is constantly working to update flight technology for air traffic controllers and pilots, such as collision avoidance systems

23. Reservations and Check-in • A global distribution system (GDS) is an electronic system that stores data about available flights and seats (ex., Sabre) • GDS systems are massive client-server systems that can be accessed from hundreds of terminals across networks • Web sites rely on GDS systems to allow customers to design and book entire trips online • Customers can check-in electronically for a flight at a computerized kiosk at the airport, or over the Web at the airline’s Web site (i.e., print a boarding pass)

24. Tools for Pilots • Computer programs are widely used to aid in preflight calculations, including complex fuel load calculations • Flight simulators are used to train airline pilots • Live training without associated risks & costs • Can dynamically replicate an instrument failure, turbulence, or commands from air traffic control • Aircraft accident forensics

25. Conclusion • Computers are used in vehicles • Design, testing, manufacturing • ECU, ABS brakes, collision warning systems, night vision, entertainment options • Automated buses and trains • Computers are used for navigation • Computerized mapping, onboard GPS systems, telematics, route optimization, electronic toll collection, intelligent highways • Computers are used in the airline industry • Air traffic control, reservations, calculations, training