Automotive
Cars are connected, both internally and to wider data networks
Nordic Bluetooth LE-powered safe driving device detects dangerous driving practices
03
Jul
2017
2017
Oslo, Norway
‘SAFE METER’ from Optex employs Nordic’s nRF51822 SoC to wirelessly download driver travel logs to the user’s iOS- or Android-compatible smartphone or tablet
Nordic Semiconductor today announces that Shiga, Japan-based, Optex Co., Ltd., has launched SAFE METER, a safe driving support device designed to deter dangerous driving in company and fleet cars which uses Nordic’s Bluetooth® Low Energy technology. SAFE METER is based on Braveridge’s BVMCN5103 Bluetooth LE module which employs Nordic’s multiple award-winning nRF51822 System-on-Chip (SoC).
In operation, SAFE METER adheres to the dashboard of a vehicle and records sudden acceleration and braking, as well as irregular steering via the device’s built-in three-axis accelerometer. Optex explains that the device provides the driver with immediate feedback via alarms and icons in the event of potential accidents so they can take corrective action. SAFE METER also provides the driver with an easy to understand careful driving ‘count’ display, designed to promote safe driving awareness. The fewer logged ‘incidents’ during a trip, the higher the count, displayed numerically on the device’s display.
The device is paired to the user’s Bluetooth 4.0 (and later) smartphone or tablet―using the Nordic-powered Braveridge module’s Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity―allowing the driver’s performance metrics to be downloaded to the iOS- and Android-compatible SAFE METER app. From the app, the driver’s travel summary logs can be uploaded to the company’s Cloud platform, from where, for example, fleet managers can review the driving performance of their staff.
In operation, SAFE METER adheres to the dashboard of a vehicle and records sudden acceleration and braking, as well as irregular steering via the device’s built-in three-axis accelerometer. Optex explains that the device provides the driver with immediate feedback via alarms and icons in the event of potential accidents so they can take corrective action. SAFE METER also provides the driver with an easy to understand careful driving ‘count’ display, designed to promote safe driving awareness. The fewer logged ‘incidents’ during a trip, the higher the count, displayed numerically on the device’s display.
The device is paired to the user’s Bluetooth 4.0 (and later) smartphone or tablet―using the Nordic-powered Braveridge module’s Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity―allowing the driver’s performance metrics to be downloaded to the iOS- and Android-compatible SAFE METER app. From the app, the driver’s travel summary logs can be uploaded to the company’s Cloud platform, from where, for example, fleet managers can review the driving performance of their staff.
We selected the Braveridge module because it is based on Nordic’s nRF51822 SoC which provided us with a simple and easy way to upload logged data to the Cloud via a smartphone.
Toru Ukai, Manager, Marketing & Planning, Corporate Strategy Division at Optex Co. Ltd.
Powered by a single lithium battery, the device provides up to 12 months operation in standard operation between replacement, thanks in part to the ultra low power consumption of the Nordic SoC.
Nordic’s nRF51822 is a powerful and flexible multiprotocol SoC ideally suited for Bluetooth LE and 2.4GHz ultra low-power wireless applications. The nRF51822 is built around a 32-bit ARM® Cortex™ M0 CPU with 256kB/128kB flash and 32kB/16kB RAM. The embedded 2.4GHz transceiver is fully compliant with Bluetooth 4.2.
“We selected the Braveridge module because it is based on Nordic’s nRF51822 SoC which provided us with a simple and easy way to upload logged data to the Cloud via a smartphone,” says Toru Ukai, Manager, Marketing & Planning, Corporate Strategy Division at Optex Co. Ltd.
“The other key factor was the ability to minimize battery power consumption, thanks to the fast wake-up, short RF active time, and minimal standby power consumption of the nRF51822 SoC. The Nordic SoC’s low power consumption also allowed us to divert the remaining battery capacity to enriching the device’s user interface.”
