PORTLAND, Ore. – Freightliner LLC has upgraded its Truck Productivity Computer to include the new Windows CE Automotive operating system and the latest voice interactive software from Lernhout & Hauspie.

“The system upgrades we have made and the relationships with software and service providers we have forged will bring tremendous functionality, flexibility and reliability to the Truck Productivity Computer,” says Paul Menig, Freightliner LLC director of electrical/electronic engineering.

The on-board computer is equipped with a communications interface, vehicle information display, global positioning system, AM/FM stereo, weather/RDS receiver and compact disc player. Freightliner’s Truck PC also features Hitachi’s SH4 166 MHz processor, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, IrDA port and RS-232 serial port.

Although Freightliner has packed these features and more into one package, the Truck PC is still small enough to fit into the standard radio slot in a commercial vehicle dash.

The Truck PC’s upgraded voice recognition capabilities also allow the unit to offer the latest in text-to-speech software. The driver will not only be able to “talk” to the computer; it also will be able to convert text memos from the fleet to speech.

“The upgrades we are making to the Truck Productivity Computer’s voice interactive capabilities will enhance the driver’s ability to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while controlling the flow of information,” Menig says.

Freightliner will begin field-testing on the retooled unit in the first quarter of next year with production expected by mid-2001. n