TORONTO — With its 7-in. multicolor dash- or bracket-mounted screen, the new BLU Driver Center is married to PeopleNet’s g3 on-board computer, bringing data from applications like eDriverLogs and PerformX (new versions of which are slated for next year), PACOS, OER, as well as fault codes and messaging, right to a driver’s fingertips.

Its touch-screen LCD interface means that drivers simply point to what they want to access, putting them in control of all vehicle information.

The system is based on an open platform, using Windows CE (WinCE), so PeopleNet’s Brian McLaughlin says third-party developers have no need to manage additional hardware in the cab. “It’s open to anyone who wants to develop on the system,” he says.

BLU is loaded with multimedia support devices, including a USB or wireless keyboard and three additional USB ports to plug in anything from mobile computers to barcode scanners. Built-in multimedia offerings include full-screen downloadable videos, Internet, text-to-speech support, and full audio capability.

The company is also rolling out in-cab navigation developed with Maptuit and ALK, along with in-cab printing and scanning, workflow management software, and WiFi communication.

A handheld version of BLU will also be available. It shares the exact same interface and platforms as the in-cab model while supporting signature capture and barcode scanning. Intermec CN3 and Symbol MC70 devices both run on BLU, using a Windows Mobile base.

Early next year PeopleNet says it will offer a satellite modem to customers who want expanded coverage beyond digital and analog cellular in places such as northern Canada and Mexico.

PeopleNet envisions that it can deliver a completely integrated
tractor-trailer some day soon, connecting everything from doors to brakes to engines, plus cargo and trailer. It’s already partnering with companies like Eaton on implementing Vorad anti-collision technology; Magtec for remote security and vehicle control; and TMW Systems on dispatching enhancements.

Two other third-party applications for BLU, still in beta, are DriveCam’s driver monitoring technology and an in-cab scanning device from Canada’s Microdea.

The latter is a light 5V system that is compatible with any existing imaging backend. It uses the existing PeopleNet communication tool to scan and print from the road in real time. Drivers can easily scan and get hard copies of bills, permits, customs and cross-border documentation, and just about anything else from the onboard computer.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story that appeared online as well as in our October 2007 print issue incorrectly stated that the BLU Driver Center runs on Windows XP and has LED display. It should have read (as explained above), that the system runs on Windows CE and has an LCD screen. We regret the error.