Carnavi offers more than just route guidance

Navi & Map Sdn. Bhd. today unveiled its advanced all-in-one music, movie and navigation system designed and developed specifically for Malaysian motorists. Known as ‘carnavi’, it is intended to be more than just a system that provides guidance as it also offers entertainment.

“Our trademarked navigation system, ‘carnavi’, is a contraction from ‘car navigation systems’ and is a popular term used in Japan to describe a driver-oriented, in-car navigation system combining entertainment, connectivity and navigation features,” said Navi & Map Chairman, Datuk Abdul Rashid Rahim.

Speaking at the official launch of carnavi this afternoon, Datuk Abdul Rashid Rahim  said that the carnavi technology introduced by Navi & Map was a result of more than 2 years of research and development work carried out in collaboration with Japanese technical partners. It incorporates sophisticated navigation technology such as a Hybrid Positioning System that processes information not only from the free GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites but also from sensors that are built into carnavi.
 
A speed sensor detects the vehicle’s traveling speed, while the gyro sensor measures the car’s tilt and lateral movements. Together with GPS information, carnavi is thus able to accurately display the vehicle’s position on the map, even on occasions when GPS signals are not available due to physical obstructions or poor weather conditions.

Touch-screen operation offers easy input of commands	DVD player is behind the screen

Apart from this, the carnavi is also designated as a key component in the implementation of an Integrated Traffic Information System (IT IS). Carnavi can receive traffic information such as traffic jams and road closures and update the driver in real-time. Carnavi would also be able to anticipate stop signs and dangerous road conditions, and adjust the car’s traveling speed and alert the driver accordingly.

“Hopefully, our company’s product will pave the way towards introducing next-generation driver-aid technology in Malaysia,” he said.

3D image of important junctions makes it easier for driver to identify turn-offs

The Carnavi comes with a 30-gigabyte hard disk containing detailed map data developed by Navi & Map. Use of a hard disk for map data allows for quicker processing compared to reading off a CD. At present,  detailed map data is available for Kuala Lumpur but updating of maps (including adding Points of Interest such as hotels, petrol stations, etc) and expansion of areas covered is an ongoing process. Updates will be available for a fee for those who have a need for the very latest maps.

 

There is also enough space for storing up to 3,000 digital music files. The system also allows CD and DVD playback, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free mobilephone operation. 

The Carnavi’s physical dimensions are based on the 2-DIN industrial design standard to ensure perfect fitment in most car models. This design accommodates a 7-inch wide, touch-sensitive screen that facilitates user interaction and provides clear images in various driving conditions.

Datuk Abdul Rashid revealed that several car manufacturers and distributors have expressed interest in having such a system offered to their customers as a dealer option or even as standard equipment. At present, it is available as a dealer option for both the Suzuki Swift and the new Grand Vitara and the latest Inokom Santa Fe.

Carnavi system can also be installed neatly in the Perodua Myvi dashboard which has a 2DIN opening

At the launch event, the company also showed installations of the system in models such as a Honda Civic, Honda Odyssey, Hummer and Perodua Myvi. Due to the sophistication of the system, Navi & Map ensures that all installation is done professionally so as not to affect the other electronic systems in the vehicle.
 
Three introductory packages ranging from RM1,099 to RM7,700 are being offered to car owners, with the premium package consisting of the carnavi unit and a rear-view camera from Sanyo specially developed for the system. The rear-view camera can be connected to carnavi to provide clear, undistorted images of objects behind the car whenever the driver engages the reverse gear. The introductory packages include installation and a free map update which would be available by early next year.

Navi & Map is optimistic that they will be selling, on average, 1,000 units a month initially.