DETROIT, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive is this
week presenting the advantages of improved human-machine interface (HMI)
concepts for reducing driver distraction. This topic is among eight Siemens
VDO Automotive technical presentations being delivered during the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress being held March 3-6 at Cobo Center
in Detroit.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021029/SILOGO )
Increasing onboard functions in vehicles have placed a greater demand on
drivers to process information and operate vehicle controls, while
simultaneously concentrating on driving. Improved HMI is perceived as an
important solution to reducing driver distraction, an initiative being urged
by federal safety legislators and vehicle makers.
The Siemens VDO Automotive paper explores HMI concepts developed and
implemented in a functioning cockpit concept study, called BREEZE. BREEZE
better utilizes the steering wheel's inherent ergonomic advantages, allowing
drivers to maintain focus on the road, while reducing many unnecessary
distractions.
The cockpit concept of the future features mobile Internet access and
smooth surface only interrupted by a primary control knob and required safety
switches. Main menu functions are controlled directly from the steering wheel
through integrated, multi-function, rolling thumb switches. Drivers easily
navigate through on-board system menus by manipulating the roller switches to
move a cursor in corresponding directions.
The BREEZE cockpit further improves HMI by relocating turn signals and
hazard lights switches to integrated finger trays. The concept eliminates the
need for traditional steering column-mounted instrument control stalks by
utilizing rain sensors to activate windshield wipers, a running light
assistant to control headlights and repositioned interior illumination
controls to the driver-side door.
The paper also addresses the next generation of road safety features in
the cockpit concept. To help drivers stay alert, the on-board computer
vibrates the steering wheel when recognizing potentially dangerous situations,
such as an excessive increase in vehicle speed, insufficient distance between
other vehicles on the road or the subtle drift of unintended lane departure.
A rotating tactile feedback knob located on the center console controls
infotainment functions. The tactile control knob, used in conjunction with a
large display monitor, gives the driver access to a variety of vehicle
functions through an intuitive menu interface. Various aspects of the BREEZE
cockpit concept are expected to be introduced on vehicles as soon as the next
model year.
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain technologies, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics, plus interior products including infotainment systems. Worldwide
sales reflecting fiscal year 2001/2002 totaled $8.5 billion. For more
information: http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs 426,000 people in 192
countries and reported worldwide sales of $77.8 billion in fiscal 2002
(10/1/01 - 9/30/02).
The United States is Siemens' largest market in the world, with sales of
$21.5 billion in fiscal 2002 and approximately 70,000 employees in all 50
states and Puerto Rico. Corporate headquarters for Siemens' U.S. businesses
are located in New York City. For more information: http://www.usa.siemens.com .
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021029/SILOGO
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@siemens.com
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