Sony Corp exhibited new models of its "nav-u" series of personal navigation devices (PND) at Sony Dealer Convention 2009, a trade show that took place Sept 9, 2009, in Japan.
They are the successors of the flagship model equipped with a 4.8-inch LCD panel. This time, Sony showcased two models with their power off. One features a 1seg broadcasting reception function, and the other does not.
Neither the release date nor the pricing have been determined yet, but they will allegedly be released in the very near future.
Sony improved navigation accuracy by employing a two-axis angular velocity sensor (gyroscope) and a three-axis acceleration sensor for position matching. The two-axis gyroscope detects movements in the directions of inclination (pitch) and revolution (yaw).
For example, the former information is used to determine whether the vehicle is running on or under an elevated road, while the latter information helps recognize a fork road inside a tunnel, where it is difficult to receive GPS radio waves.
The existing nav-u series PNDs use a barometric sensor to measure inclination. But Sony eliminated it in the latest model by employing the two-axis gyroscope in place of a one-axis gyroscope, which is used in the existing models.
In addition, vehicle speed is deduced from the measurement value of the three-axis acceleration sensor to improve the location accuracy. Furthermore, the new PND features an electronic compass for pedestrian users.
Sony apparently employed a crystal-based two-axis gyroscope instead of a silicon MEMS gyroscope. And it replaced a pressure sensitive touch panel, which is used in the existing products, with a capacitive touch panel for more comfortable operation.
The Bluetooth function of the new PND enables to make and receive calls with a mobile phone in a handsfree manner, transfer phonebook and location data from a mobile phone to the PND and hear audio guidance of the PND from a car audio system.
Nikkei Electronics Asia magazine is available each month free of charge to engineers, managers and other qualified readers.
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Microdevices |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The most comprehensive technical journal for makers and users of LSIs and LCDs. | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2009 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009