PATROL CAR LOCATION SYSTEM WITH SELF-CONTAINED LOCATION DETECTORS

The paper introduces a vehicle information system, specifically a motor vehicle location system, developed by Sumitomo Electric for use with police patrol cars. This location system uses a self-contained position detector that does not require any other external support facilities. Specifically, the position of the vehicle is detected by processing data received from vehicle wheel sensors and geomagnetic sensor using a locator mounted in each vehicle. High precision position detection is assured by using digital maps and a map matching method to prevent accumulated sensor errors causing erroneous position determination. The active status and position information of each vehicle is transmitted by radio to the center where the information is plotted on a map and displayed on the screen in lists. This system was introduced by the Aichi Prefectural Police Department and is used to monitor the position and status of 216 patrol cars.