What is OnStar?
OnStar is a telematic service that provides communication, tracking and emergency response services to car owners. It makes use of different technological applications like computers, wireless telecommunications and the Global Positioning System to address the needs of car owners.
OnStar was developed and deployed by General Motors for the purpose of providing fast and effective response in the event of vehicular accidents. OnStar has now been improved to provide more than the basic services. Now, it provides assistance with directions, car breakdown help as well as communications and leisure services.
What is Behind OnStar Technology?
The OnStar equipment consists of an onboard computer and cellular phone, a GPS beacon and an assortment of sensors. OnStar's onboard phone functions similarly to a standard mobile phone. It works on voice command to enable the driver to communicate without suing his hands. The hands-free feature was also made available for the purpose of facilitating a convenient way of communication during accidents.
The GPS receiver sends out radio signals to pinpoint the vehicle's location from time to time. The GPS beacon sends out the signal to the GPS satellite and the satellite calculates the distance and location of the vehicle in reference to a mapping system based on the time it takes to send and receive the signal. This comes in handy during situations where vehicles are stolen, have broken down or are involved in accidents.
A set of sensors equipped with the OnStar installation helps diagnose the condition of the vehicle. This information is sent to the OnStar advisor which would contact roadside assistance in case of breakdown situations. The same computer system sends out information regarding vehicle damage during accidents. The information sent, along with the location information attained via GPS, is then used to contact the nearest emergency service provider.
All of the OnStar functions are facilitated by the onboard computer system on the vehicle. Information regarding driving directions, hotel and restaurant information, stock quotes, and email could also be accessed via a virtual advisor that the OnStar computer system accesses via the World Wide Web. This function is done through VoiceXML technology. This feature converts voice commands to Extensible Markup Language which lets the computer communicate to a virtual advisor.
Installing OnStar into a Car
The OnStar equipment is preinstalled in some vehicles. To be able to make use of the OnStar technology, one must look for a manufacturer or unit that has OnStar as an added feature. Once one has found such a vehicle, he must then subscribe to his desired service plan. He may chose from several services that OnStar providers offer.
Once one has subscribed to an OnStar service plan, he may access his OnStar capabilities through the OnStar panel. The OnStar panel is usually located at the bottom of the vehicle's rear view mirror, the dashboard or on a separate console altogether. OnStar functions can be accessed by using three standard buttons: the blue "contact button," the red "emergency button" and the white "phone call button."
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