Self-Driving Cars: The Next Revolution
The revolution, when it comes, will be engendered by the advent of autonomous or self-driving vehicles. And the timing may be sooner than you think, according to a KPMG report
The time is 7.30pm and you have just managed to end your business meeting. However, you still have more tasks to complete. Your travel time back to your home is about an hour and you would like to get moving at the earliest. You take some deep breaths to relax from the grilling meeting, fish out your mobile phone on which rests an app that will have the nearest cab sent to you. Within seconds of sending the request you receive a text confirmation and in the next few minutes—the cab.
“Home,” you say, as you start initiating a video call with a prospect in New York. The car first checks road conditions and then glides into the self-drive lane, checking and flashing a message that you are likely to reach home in the next 45 minutes. During this time, you will have closed a business deal with the New York prospect, apprised a subordinate, answered a few calls from your office and yes, also set your pick-up time for tomorrow morning. You reach home relaxed and ready to spend some quality time with your family. As you get off the car, it glides away to pick up its next guest. No one wishes you good night—as there is no driver in the car!
This technology is enabled by equipping cars with a host of sensors, cameras and radar systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) then guides the cars as to where to drive. It is important that the automobiles collect a vast quantity of data about nearby obstacles, compute risks and make micro-second decisions.
How it all began
Modern solid-state control systems made their way into automobiles only in the early seventies with the proliferation of transistor technology and affordable solid-state products. The transistor served a very good purpose to incorporate aspects like the ignition’s mechanical points into electronic ignition modules. This was maintenance-free, more reliable and cost-effective. The growing need of being able to control automobiles with higher accuracy in order to meet the tightening emissions and fuel economy standards catalysed the automotive computer systems’ evolution.
Modern automotive computer systems came into the picture only by early 1980s when almost every car manufactured in the US had a check-engine light and a primitive computer. The onboard computer was indeed a bit ancient, given its huge tin box with edge-board connectors which had a propensity to oxidise and result in drivability issues. Stricter emission laws saw the advent of microprocessors in car engines, since sophisticated control processes were needed to regulate the air and fuel mixture so that the catalytic converter could eliminate most of the pollution from the exhaust.
In the last few years, the automotive sector has seen a lot of innovation and advancements in technology. Today, computers are being used for a number of aspects in cars. This has resulted in cars that are fuel-efficient, more secure and environment friendly. With time, cars are getting more and more sophisticated.
How different are car computers
Car computers are quite different from the typical computers that we are familiar with, that is, those having a CPU, a monitor and keyboard. A car computer generally looks like a small box. It is known as electronic control module (ECM) and is usually placed behind the glove box or in the engine compartment.
An ECM manages the key engine operations, such as spark timing, fuel delivery, emissions and, in some cases, the automatic transmission too. The computer gets electrical signals from sensors and input devices associated with the engine on a regular basis. It analyses this information and sends control signals to valves, controllers and other output devices, to balance the requirements of power, fuel economy and emission control.
The ECM uses closed-loop control, a control method that monitors outputs of a system to control the inputs to a system, managing the emissions and fuel economy of the engine (as well as a number of other variables). Collecting data from a number of different sensors, the ECM keeps track of everything from the coolant temperature to the quantity of oxygen in the exhaust. Using this data, it performs millions of calculations per second, which include looking up values in tables, calculating the results of long equations to decide on the optimal spark timing and determining how long the fuel injector is open. The ECM works with the objective of achieving the lowest emission levels and highest mileage.
A contemporary ECM could even have a 64-bit, 100MHz processor. While this processing power may seem insignificant (considering the levels to which today’s computers have reached), actually your car computer is more efficient than your PC. The programming memory needed by a typical ECM is approximately 1MB to 2MB. Whereas, generally, we need about 2GB of programming space on our PC. The microprocessor is packaged with several other components on a multi-layer circuit board. Besides, there are several other components in the ECM that support the processor. Some of these are mentioned below.
Analogue-to-digital converters. These read the outputs of certain sensors in the car. The output of a sensor is an analogue voltage. Since the processor understands only digital numbers, the analogue-to-digital converter transforms this voltage into a 10-bit digital number.
Digital-to-analogue converters. Sometimes the ECM has to give an analogue voltage output to certain engine components. As the processor on the ECM is a digital device, it requires an element that can convert the digital number into an analogue voltage.
High-level digital outputs. In some of the recently launched cars, the ECM fires the spark plugs, opens and closes the fuel injectors and switches the cooling fan on and off. Such computerised tasks need digital outputs. For example, an output for controlling the cooling fan might supply 12V and 0.5A to the fan relay when it is on, and 0V when it is off. The minute amount of power that the processor supplies energises the transistor in the digital output, allowing it to supply a considerably higher amount of power to the cooling fan relay, which in turn provides an even higher amount of power to the cooling fan.
Communication chips. These chips carry out various communication standards that are used on cars. There are several standards used, but the most popular one is called controller-area networking (CAN).
Car computer doctor
Data streams, that is, the signals generated by on-board computers, constantly flow through operating system of the car, adjusting and re-adjusting the engine. Diagnostic computers that are interfaced with the car’s computer read the data streams flowing through the system. If there is a problem with engine oil or car temperature, the information is communicated by the car computer. The problem could be related to faulty electrical or mechanical component, damaged wiring, etc.
The car computer system is programmed to send a problem signal whenever required. This signal gets stored in the car computer’s memory so that it is available whenever a diagnosis is done later. The car repairs shop must have access to information either in hard copy form or online to translate what the codes mean and how to go about diagnosing the particular problem.
Technological advancements have made more auto repairs possible. Generally, car computers remind you to check the tyres pressure, coolant level and see if the brake oil and engine levels are adequate. Some computers even remind you when a service or insurance premium is due.
In time to come, your car will even be able to tell you if the BMW in front is facing some problem. This will help you decide whether you should stay clear of it to prevent an accident or you should extend some help to the driver.
Soon you should be able to upload your car computer diagnostics data to a website and analyse it for some recommendations on how to get your car back on the road. And if you are not the do-it-yourself type, you will be able to send the data to a repairs shop wirelessly. The shop could then send you an estimate with a list of all the required jobs that need to be done on your car. You could simply accept or reject the offer, without having to go physically all the way to them.
Perhaps our great grand children will not have to worry about maintenance of their cars at all. Just as cars would drive themselves, these would also be able to link up with the on-board diagnostics to see if there are issues and, if so, self-drive to the repairs shop.
The road ahead
As the degree of computerisation in cars increases these will be able to exchange info about traffic, weather, road conditions and several other aspects. However, one of the most important aspects is that, cars will be able to communicate their velocity and direction and caution each other about accidents that could happen. This technology is called vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or V2V, and we can look forward to it soon.
On-car devices equipped with V2V emit a short-range safety signal ten times per second and detect signals from other vehicles to determine whether a potential accident is about to happen. Cars equipped with the devices will sound beeps when they detect possible hazards, such as another vehicle entering an intersection, an approaching pedestrian, a patch of slippery ice ahead, or even their driver speeding too fast around a curve.
Then we have researchers, app developers and car companies developing technologies to scrutinise human drivers in a manner that ensures there are no accidents. Advanced sensors in the passenger cabin will keep an eye on a driver’s key parameters, such as heart rate, eye movements and brain activity, to sense any abnormal condition—be it sleepiness or a heart attack.
In-car systems are increasingly being geared up to operate in synergy with smartphones and tablets. Chevrolet, Honda and other car brands have joined Apple to equip cars with an eyes-free mode for Siri—the voice assistant on an iPhone. The system enables drivers tell Siri to send messages, create calendar events or activate turn-by-turn navigation, without the need to take their mobile phone in their hands.
Next, we have car manufacturers innovating a new generation of smart headlights that can automatically regulate their brightness or direction based on on-road conditions. Laser high beams will be used to light up roads for nearly half a kilometre—which is twice the range of LED high-beam headlights and using even lesser energy.
We are not quite sure what the future holds for the auto industry in the long run. We might see robots sitting behind the steering wheels and driving our fully automated cars!
The revolution, when it comes, will be engendered by the advent of autonomous or self-driving vehicles. And the timing may be sooner than you think, according to a KPMG report
The time is 7.30pm and you have just managed to end your business meeting. However, you still have more tasks to complete. Your travel time back to your home is about an hour and you would like to get moving at the earliest. You take some deep breaths to relax from the grilling meeting, fish out your mobile phone on which rests an app that will have the nearest cab sent to you. Within seconds of sending the request you receive a text confirmation and in the next few minutes—the cab.
 Fig. 1: Dashboard view of Google self-driving car (Source: www.slashgear.com) |
“Home,” you say, as you start initiating a video call with a prospect in New York. The car first checks road conditions and then glides into the self-drive lane, checking and flashing a message that you are likely to reach home in the next 45 minutes. During this time, you will have closed a business deal with the New York prospect, apprised a subordinate, answered a few calls from your office and yes, also set your pick-up time for tomorrow morning. You reach home relaxed and ready to spend some quality time with your family. As you get off the car, it glides away to pick up its next guest. No one wishes you good night—as there is no driver in the car!
This technology is enabled by equipping cars with a host of sensors, cameras and radar systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) then guides the cars as to where to drive. It is important that the automobiles collect a vast quantity of data about nearby obstacles, compute risks and make micro-second decisions.
How it all began
Modern solid-state control systems made their way into automobiles only in the early seventies with the proliferation of transistor technology and affordable solid-state products. The transistor served a very good purpose to incorporate aspects like the ignition’s mechanical points into electronic ignition modules. This was maintenance-free, more reliable and cost-effective. The growing need of being able to control automobiles with higher accuracy in order to meet the tightening emissions and fuel economy standards catalysed the automotive computer systems’ evolution.
 Fig. 2: Early automotive computer systems used in 1979 Chrysler cars (Source: www.allpar.com) |
 Fig. 3: ECM from a 1996 Chevrolet Beretta (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_control_unit) |
 Fig. 4: A master diagnostic technician using a laptop computer to diagnose and repair the brake system (Source: http://www.cbsnews.com) |
Modern automotive computer systems came into the picture only by early 1980s when almost every car manufactured in the US had a check-engine light and a primitive computer. The onboard computer was indeed a bit ancient, given its huge tin box with edge-board connectors which had a propensity to oxidise and result in drivability issues. Stricter emission laws saw the advent of microprocessors in car engines, since sophisticated control processes were needed to regulate the air and fuel mixture so that the catalytic converter could eliminate most of the pollution from the exhaust.
In the last few years, the automotive sector has seen a lot of innovation and advancements in technology. Today, computers are being used for a number of aspects in cars. This has resulted in cars that are fuel-efficient, more secure and environment friendly. With time, cars are getting more and more sophisticated.
How different are car computers
Car computers are quite different from the typical computers that we are familiar with, that is, those having a CPU, a monitor and keyboard. A car computer generally looks like a small box. It is known as electronic control module (ECM) and is usually placed behind the glove box or in the engine compartment.
An ECM manages the key engine operations, such as spark timing, fuel delivery, emissions and, in some cases, the automatic transmission too. The computer gets electrical signals from sensors and input devices associated with the engine on a regular basis. It analyses this information and sends control signals to valves, controllers and other output devices, to balance the requirements of power, fuel economy and emission control.
The ECM uses closed-loop control, a control method that monitors outputs of a system to control the inputs to a system, managing the emissions and fuel economy of the engine (as well as a number of other variables). Collecting data from a number of different sensors, the ECM keeps track of everything from the coolant temperature to the quantity of oxygen in the exhaust. Using this data, it performs millions of calculations per second, which include looking up values in tables, calculating the results of long equations to decide on the optimal spark timing and determining how long the fuel injector is open. The ECM works with the objective of achieving the lowest emission levels and highest mileage.
A contemporary ECM could even have a 64-bit, 100MHz processor. While this processing power may seem insignificant (considering the levels to which today’s computers have reached), actually your car computer is more efficient than your PC. The programming memory needed by a typical ECM is approximately 1MB to 2MB. Whereas, generally, we need about 2GB of programming space on our PC. The microprocessor is packaged with several other components on a multi-layer circuit board. Besides, there are several other components in the ECM that support the processor. Some of these are mentioned below.
Analogue-to-digital converters. These read the outputs of certain sensors in the car. The output of a sensor is an analogue voltage. Since the processor understands only digital numbers, the analogue-to-digital converter transforms this voltage into a 10-bit digital number.
Digital-to-analogue converters. Sometimes the ECM has to give an analogue voltage output to certain engine components. As the processor on the ECM is a digital device, it requires an element that can convert the digital number into an analogue voltage.
High-level digital outputs. In some of the recently launched cars, the ECM fires the spark plugs, opens and closes the fuel injectors and switches the cooling fan on and off. Such computerised tasks need digital outputs. For example, an output for controlling the cooling fan might supply 12V and 0.5A to the fan relay when it is on, and 0V when it is off. The minute amount of power that the processor supplies energises the transistor in the digital output, allowing it to supply a considerably higher amount of power to the cooling fan relay, which in turn provides an even higher amount of power to the cooling fan.
Communication chips. These chips carry out various communication standards that are used on cars. There are several standards used, but the most popular one is called controller-area networking (CAN).
Car computer doctor
Data streams, that is, the signals generated by on-board computers, constantly flow through operating system of the car, adjusting and re-adjusting the engine. Diagnostic computers that are interfaced with the car’s computer read the data streams flowing through the system. If there is a problem with engine oil or car temperature, the information is communicated by the car computer. The problem could be related to faulty electrical or mechanical component, damaged wiring, etc.
 Fig. 5: Vehicle-to-vehicle communication rendering (Source: wot.motortrend.com) |
 Fig. 6: BMW i8’s new headlights, from LED low beams (left), shining 100m ahead (middle) to LED high beams(right) (Source: http://ecomento.com) |
The car computer system is programmed to send a problem signal whenever required. This signal gets stored in the car computer’s memory so that it is available whenever a diagnosis is done later. The car repairs shop must have access to information either in hard copy form or online to translate what the codes mean and how to go about diagnosing the particular problem.
Technological advancements have made more auto repairs possible. Generally, car computers remind you to check the tyres pressure, coolant level and see if the brake oil and engine levels are adequate. Some computers even remind you when a service or insurance premium is due.
In time to come, your car will even be able to tell you if the BMW in front is facing some problem. This will help you decide whether you should stay clear of it to prevent an accident or you should extend some help to the driver.
Soon you should be able to upload your car computer diagnostics data to a website and analyse it for some recommendations on how to get your car back on the road. And if you are not the do-it-yourself type, you will be able to send the data to a repairs shop wirelessly. The shop could then send you an estimate with a list of all the required jobs that need to be done on your car. You could simply accept or reject the offer, without having to go physically all the way to them.
Perhaps our great grand children will not have to worry about maintenance of their cars at all. Just as cars would drive themselves, these would also be able to link up with the on-board diagnostics to see if there are issues and, if so, self-drive to the repairs shop.
The road ahead
As the degree of computerisation in cars increases these will be able to exchange info about traffic, weather, road conditions and several other aspects. However, one of the most important aspects is that, cars will be able to communicate their velocity and direction and caution each other about accidents that could happen. This technology is called vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or V2V, and we can look forward to it soon.
On-car devices equipped with V2V emit a short-range safety signal ten times per second and detect signals from other vehicles to determine whether a potential accident is about to happen. Cars equipped with the devices will sound beeps when they detect possible hazards, such as another vehicle entering an intersection, an approaching pedestrian, a patch of slippery ice ahead, or even their driver speeding too fast around a curve.
Then we have researchers, app developers and car companies developing technologies to scrutinise human drivers in a manner that ensures there are no accidents. Advanced sensors in the passenger cabin will keep an eye on a driver’s key parameters, such as heart rate, eye movements and brain activity, to sense any abnormal condition—be it sleepiness or a heart attack.
In-car systems are increasingly being geared up to operate in synergy with smartphones and tablets. Chevrolet, Honda and other car brands have joined Apple to equip cars with an eyes-free mode for Siri—the voice assistant on an iPhone. The system enables drivers tell Siri to send messages, create calendar events or activate turn-by-turn navigation, without the need to take their mobile phone in their hands.
Next, we have car manufacturers innovating a new generation of smart headlights that can automatically regulate their brightness or direction based on on-road conditions. Laser high beams will be used to light up roads for nearly half a kilometre—which is twice the range of LED high-beam headlights and using even lesser energy.
We are not quite sure what the future holds for the auto industry in the long run. We might see robots sitting behind the steering wheels and driving our fully automated cars!
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