GPS Issues

[garygid]

I am a GPS Navigation fan, having worked with some of the
first computerized street maps back in the 1970's at IBM.
I have many different GPS units, most in the $100 to $250
range with included maps of at least the entire US, or even
the US and Canada. Important points:

1. Good map data,
2. Good Route-Finding algorithms,
3. Good database of Points-of-Interest (POIs),
4. Ability to Update (and "ignore" and "fix) bad or
missing map and POI data,
5. Good graphics and User Interface,
6. Ability to Update the software.

So far I have not found a discussion of the GPS system
that is to be included in the production Typ-1 vehicle.

In two video clips, where the Typ-1 GPS screen is shown active,
it shows the vehicle's location and shows a "Google-Map"
type picture on the screen (shows buildings, not just "streets").

Most often, GPS devices hold all the roads in the US in
about 1GB of memory, but do not include such "aerial" views
(which would take much more storage).
Some off-road GPS system use these "picture" type maps, but
the maps usually cover only a limited area, where the person
expects to operate. These maps can be "obtained" (or created)
from many different sources, which vary from scans of paper maps
to pieced-together sections of Google maps (not for commercial use).
(For those with an interest, see StitchMaps.com).

So, what is this GPS system in the video using for a map database?
Cheers, Gary

[futura]

I believe it's the StreetDeck system. This is Windows-XP based.
Despite my misgivings about Microsoft in my auto, I've heard very nice comments about the Streetdeck interface. I think the map software can be either Google or Microsoft's "MapPoints". I also the believe the Streedeck system is designed to be easily upgradeable.

http://www.streetdeck.com

Cheers.

[LQUAN]

Speaking of the StreetDeck system...Do you see an opening for CD or cassette on the prototype Aptera StreetDeck? Or it only plays MP3s that must be downloaded before your trip. Heck, I don't even play MP3s, only store bought CDs.

What about the promised XM radio capability...Do you see a XM antenna anywhere outside of the car? I guess since the body of the car is none metallic, they put the antenna inside.

The GPS mapping information is most likely stored inside the StreetDeck hard-drive, not CD type. I wonder how reliable StreetDeck GPS compare to my Toyota GPS. The GPS on my Toyota works only work when homeland security allows it to work. Here in the BIG city, every once in a while when homeland security is threaten, all GPS give false information. How do you like to find yourself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when you needed a map? It happens to people here in the big city all the time.

[garygid]

Apparently the StreetDeck "Internet Connected Navigation" will
get satellite photos from sources on the Internet, and use them
from its (presumably massive) storage, even when no longer
connected to the Internet. Thus, it would seem that a WiFi
connection is essential for this "photo-map" function.

With a WiFi access point at home, would the StreetDeck
be able to download map-photos while the Typ-1 is charging?

A typical laptop computer (is that what StreetDeck uses?) might
require something like 75 watts when not "sleeping".

Does the StreetDeck in the Typ-1 ever Shut Down?
Do I have to wait for Windows to boot up to be able to drive?

When not connected to the Internet (typically one is not connected
when driving ... unless one has special, more expensive, cell phone service),
there appears to be a "conventional" map database that is used.
I wonder whose database?

Are PIOs only downloaded from the Internet?
To be useful there should be a database of over 10 million POI
covering not only your local area, but the area that you are going to,
and the entire route.

I did not see a specification of the StreetDeck systems Hard Drive size.

Another VERY important GPS specification is the type of GPS receiver.
The SIRF III is one of the very best in common use.
What does StreetDeck use?

I will try to find out more.

[Aptera #1159]

You should watch the night-time walk-around. It boots up pretty quickly.

[garygid]

If StreetDeck is Windows XP based, then it was either "sleeping"
or some special version of the/an operating system.

Maybe this is some special Automotive OS version without
the (alleged) "built-in" crashes of other Windows systems?

[LQUAN]

I have been developing embedded touchscreen applications for Windows CE and XPE (the E stands for Embedded) for several years before my current job. I can tell you that these types of slim-down Windows OS can boot up very fast, 2 to 2.5 seconds. The OS has been slimmed down to run specific hardware. I don't know about Windows XPE or Windows Mobile of today, but the ones I used to work with used paging method so they do not have to recreate the same screen over and over again like your desktop Windows. Most of my firmware/software works today are involving with DSP. DSP boot up even much faster than Windows. The drawback is DSP does not support beautiful GUI like Windows.

[Raiyn]

Maybe this is some special Automotive OS version without
the (alleged) "built-in" crashes of other Windows systems? <rimshot>.........

[n_dawg]

StreetDeck needs regular Windows XP. Direct3D specifically. And they state that it uses Windows' hibernate feature on their site.

“Beautiful GUIs”? Are we talking about the same Windows? Cause the one I know is uglier than a road-killed platypus. ;)

[garygid]

Does the StreetDeck system (actually the Win XP) have
problems recovering from Standby or Hibernate?

How stable is the StreetDeck system?

Some coments seem to indicate crashing behavior.

[Raiyn]

Some coments seem to indicate crashing behavior.

Perhaps the "<rimshot>" was too subtle? :D

[n_dawg]

*shrugs* try it ;)

I figured out the problem I was having was due to Direct3D not being enabled in the virtual machine software I was running. I enabled it and it worked fine. link (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/streetdeck-f-q/79500-could-not-find-any-compatible-direct3d-devices-error.html)

[garygid]

I believe that StreetDeck uses an external USB-connected GPS Receiver,
something like this (http://www.buygpsnow.com/holux-gr-213-holux-usb-sirf-star-iii-holux-gr-213-517.aspx) $40 unit.

In my recent GPS experience, the SIRF III chipset is superior,
and (with a reasonable antenna design for the included antenna)
it will pick up satellites inside the typical one-story house.

However, I have no experience with this particular unit.
The three reviews each gave it 5 or 5 stars.

Does anybody have experience with this particular device?
Or, can you suggest another unit that would be "better"?

Thanks, Gary