AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens VDO
Automotive's advanced electronic technologies enable the features only seen on
futuristic Hollywood hotrods, such as the Lexus seen in the sci-fi summer
thriller Minority Report, to hit the streets. Navigation and guidance and
personalized driver and vehicle information solutions developed by Siemens VDO
are making things previously thought of as sci-fi fly for original equipment
manufacturers' (OEM) next-generation of vehicles.
Siemens VDO Automotive is targeting as early as 2003 to deliver an
infotainment system capable of processing more than 500 voice commands. Using
language databases developed by map providers and the navigation system
processing all necessary computer operation, destinations will be able to be
directly called up with no initial need for special voice recognition
hardware. By 2006, company innovators expect it will be possible for drivers
to interact with their automobiles in connected sentences (natural language).
Personalizing Your Vehicle Through JAVA
One of the solutions allowing futuristic driver information features to
jump off the big screen and onto the street scene is Siemens VDO Automotive's
recently developed modular, Java-based software platform for faster
integration of next-generation communication technologies. The flexibility of
the Java Internet programming language platform combined with the company's
structured display and control concepts enables a high degree of
personalization and adaptation to meet the individual preferences of today's
demanding driver.
The integration of driver information and communication technologies, such
as infotainment systems and on-board Internet links, represents a growing
opportunity for automobile manufacturers and suppliers, as they appear on an
increasing number of vehicle applications -- not just in the movies. Siemens
VDO Automotive sees the demand for navigation and car infotainment growing
from 3.4 billion to 5.3 billion Euro in the Western European market over the
next five years.
However, integrating the many functions and capabilities of these systems
may be easy for movie special effects artists, but it is a significant
challenge for automotive engineers. Today, advanced infotainment systems can
calculate long, involved routes, access traffic information through off-board
services, provide concierge services and include digital radio reception,
cellular phone and wireless communication links.
Displaying Information In New Ways
Another enabler of futuristic features, while addressing the challenge of
minimizing driver distraction while accessing information, is Siemens VDO
Automotive's driver information display solutions. The company has been
making strides on the packaging and display of driver information since the
early 1990s, pursuing the development of the optimal human-machine interface
design.
One solution Siemens VDO Automotive will soon manufacture to augment
traditional instrument clusters located behind the steering wheel is a Head-Up
Display (HUD) in the driver's line of sight. Information, such as speed,
navigation information and urgent warning messages will be displayed on the
windshield in a manner that appears to be hovering in front of the vehicle, in
the same focal point required for driving.
Minimizing driver distraction through enhanced display solutions also
promotes the personalization of driver information. Frequently used menu
items can be individually designed, saved and set for further reduction of
distraction. Siemens aspires personalization of a driver's preferences and
structuring of information unique to the vehicle operator may not only
encourage a safer driving environment, but also makes traveling a more
enjoyable experience.
Accessing driver information displayed on the HUD, instrument cluster or
center console can be done from the steering wheel or a central ergonomic
controller. Frequently required actions relevant to daily travel can be
performed from the steering wheel, while more detailed, randomly used features
can be engaged through the central controller. In addition, Siemens VDO has
developed barrel keys to make it possible to implement menu-driven control
concepts from the steering wheel.
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in
fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors, and leverages its global network of innovation and
unparalleled technological heritage to deliver business results for Siemens'
customers around the globe. For more information about Siemens in the U.S.,
go to http://www.usa.siemens.com .
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States. For more information, visit
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@at.siemens.com
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