Swiss GPS receiver technology provider u-blox (News - Alert) is partnering with paragon, a German automotive electronic supplier, and Magna, an automotive systems and components provider, to develop a rear-view mirror navigator for vehicles.

 

The MirrorPilot Navigator — which includes a GPS navigation system (receiver, antenna, speaker), and self-dimming rear-view mirror — replaces the standard rear-view mirror inside a car, leaving the cockpit free of cables. It also includes a remote control.

 

The new product is available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It comes pre-programmed with a variety of routes and device options, as well as storage for recent destinations and more than 800,000 points of interest. The system automatically zooms in at crossroads and junctions and redirects users at traffic jams.

 

The navigator currently uses u-blox' LEA-4S GPS module, with SuperSense weak signal tracking functionality that enables accurate and reliable positioning even in difficult signal conditions such as parking lots and dense urban environments.

 

Another model is being designed that incorporates the 50-channel LEA-5S module, featuring 1-second acquisition performance.  

"We were looking for a small, cost-efficient GPS receiver that would out-perform standard navigators in terms of positioning accuracy and reliability,” said Frank-Horst Schank, general manager at paragon, in a statement. “u-blox's compact LEA-4S GPS module offered outstanding performance at the right price. Moreover, the module's standalone architecture and ease of integration reduced our development efforts, enabling us to enter the market in record time.”

 

Paragon AG develops, produces and distributes trendsetting system solutions in the business divisions automotive and electronics.

 

“The MirrorPilot cleverly solves several of the problems typically associated with the installation and use of external navigation devices,” said Armin Boshenz, area sales manager at u-blox, in a statement. “By integrating the navigator into the rear-view mirror of the car, cumbersome installation, power cables and limited views to the road become a thing of the past. We are proud to have been selected as technology provider for such an innovative product.”