NECTEC G-BOX CHECKS DRIVERS AND DELIVERIES

       Device monitors position, speed, status, allows voice contact
       The National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) has developed a computer-based system to maintain real-time surveillance over the behaviour of transport drivers and remotely monitor the progress of deliveries by road.
       The system is called the G-Box, having been developed as a driving assistance system in the centre's so-called Generic Box Project. Nectec, which developed the G-Box as a means of minimising transport risks to businesses, expects the technology to be ready for commercial use in the near future.
       The director of Nectec's Intelligent Transport Systems Programme, Passakorn Pathombutr, said that the G-Box, which would be located in transport trailers, rather than in the prime mover or driving cabin, aimed to check the status of the trailer and its cargo from point of origin to destination. The technology is based on embedded systems and open-source software. The status of the trailer will be displayed constantly on a monitor screen in the computer centre of the company's head office.
       The G-Box is integrated with a global positioning system (GPS) which provides both location and speed. The system will also report on the status of both the trailer and the engine control unit of the truck.
       The system will also provide useful real-time information to the driver during the journey, such as warning of accidents or road construction on the road ahead so that the driver can avoid troublesome spots. These warnings will be delivered to the driver about 20 kilometres before the site of the problem.
       The system will not only allow head-office administrators to check the status and location of the trailer and its load, but also to give the driver a verbal warning if the speed of the trailer exceeds speed limits set by the company or the law.
       "We are concerned about both security and the confidence of drivers," Passakorn said. "The G-Box can also check and control the behaviour of drivers while they are on the road."
       Nectec has installed prototype G-Boxes into two PTT truck-trailers hauling oil around the country. The next step is to transfer the technology to business partners so the G-Box will soon be available commercially to the public.
       He said the centre planned to implement and bundle controller area network technology, speech- and voice-recognition technology into the G-Box in the future so that the box will provide a gateway for truck-trailer drivers to communicate with other vehicles. Moreover, users will be able to access the Internet on the move, from cars, trucks or buses on which the G-Boxes are installed.
       Passakorn said the G-Box was also suitable for installation in school buses, taxis and passenger cars, to monitor driving economy or to oversee new drivers.