IMS Granted European Patent for Mobile-Based Telematics and Connected Car Services

IMS' Comprehensive Portfolio of 196 Patents and Patents Pending Includes Intellectual Property Covering Recording and Reporting of Driving Characteristics using Smartphones and Other Mobile Devices

WATERLOO, ON, June 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS), a leading connected car solution provider, announced today the granting of a patent, by the European Patent Office (EPO), that covers the fundamental requirements to enable connected car services using smartphones and other mobile devices.  

Patent EP 2171673 B1 covers the invention of using mobile devices for telematics and connected car service delivery, including: associating a mobile device with a vehicle, using mobile device sensors and location information to assess driver behavior, using a mobile device to collect and transmit data from the vehicle, and the processing of driving behavior data either remotely or within the mobile device itself. Regions covered by this European patent include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

"This patent protects the technology behind smartphone-based programs and services that leverage our DriveSync® connected car platform, including usage-based insurance, driver coaching, road-usage charging and advanced vehicle diagnostics, to name a few," said Dr. Basir, CEO and President of IMS. "With a growing portfolio of 196 patents and patents pending, IMS' comprehensive connected car portfolio  further showcases IMS' leadership in innovation and our commitment to protect intellectual property in our customers' connected car programs."

IMS' patent portfolio contains additional complementary mobile patents, offering customers comprehensive protection for their smartphone-based programs. Examples include using optimized compression to deliver rich mobile information using minimal wireless data, using enhanced behavior-based contextual scoring and coaching, enabling mobile-based location reminders, delivering personalized in-vehicle feedback and analyzing information across communities of vehicles.

The demand for smartphone-based telematics and connected car programs is growing as more businesses and consumers seek the convenience and cost benefits of leveraging the end user's existing smartphone for data collection and transmission. After analyzing usage-based insurance as a popular connected car service, Ptolemus Consulting Group estimates smartphone-based data collection will grow significantly over the next 5 years and smartphones will represent about 30% of new usage-based insurance policies sold in the European aftermarket in 2020¹.   

¹Source: Ptolemus Consulting Group, Global Usage-based Insurance Study - January 2016

About Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS)
IMS is a leader in connected car technology that enables drivers to be safer, smarter and greener. The unique approach of converging in-car infotainment, automotive telematics and wireless technology has resulted in an impressive range of solutions. From insurance and government, to fleets and everyday drivers, IMS technology revolutionizes industries. For more information, visit www.intellimec.com    

SOURCE Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc.

Jennifer Silva, Communications and Events Specialist, IMS, [email protected]