An Innovative Web Development and Wireless Solution
An innovative use of web development and wireless data communications is reflected
in the development work that FCI performed for a company that produces a stolen
vehicle recovery system. A key feature of the product is its unique stolen vehicle
deactivation system.
Web Development
The project goals were to develop a web presence that would not only market the
product on-line, but would also provide secured access to proprietary information
for dealers and installers of the product. FCI contributed its IT expertise and
experience to the creation of a web site that meets those goals through new applications
development along with complete integration of the new software modules.
Wireless
Once the recovery system's hardware was developed, the manufacturers wanted to enhance the product by providing GPS tracking, remote customer access, and a web-based interface application. By utilizing FCI-tailored wireless communications and an FCI-developed web interface, vehicle location and other generated information can now be tracked during a stolen vehicle episode.
FCI's
contribution includes protocols and applications for sending
and receiving wireless data communications. When a vehicle is stolen,
the owner calls a number that notifies the system and activates the
tracking mechanism. In addition to notifying the relevant authorities,
the system then tracks the stolen vehicle using a
vehicle-mounted GPS (global positioning system) unit to pinpoint its
exact location. Through the use of FCI-developed software, the system
can alert the driver of the vehicle with a programmed voice-alert of
impending vehicle shut down. Once shutdown is initiated, the vehicle is
slowly disabled, allowing a safe stop and preventing further use of the
vehicle. Operators at a central location use an integrated browser-based
application to send and receive information pertaining to a stolen
vehicle episode.