HMI Transport & Systems Europe 2012

Future intelligent & integrated concepts, development and user experience design in automotive cockpit

Human machine interfaces (HMIs) traditionally consist of multiple systems which allow drivers to interact with their vehicle.

In today's automotive designs, the HMI also displays any feedback from the vehicle to the driver.

This interaction begins the instant one unlocks the car door, continues while driving, and ends the moment the driver gets out and locks the car. It involves the optimal balance of the driver's sensory inputs to make the driving experience both safe and enjoyable.

Some of the more commonly recognized HMI system modules for enhancing the driver's experience are keyless entry, power seats control, side mirror control, occupant detection and most importantly, the vehicle's centre stack where the majority of human-machine interactions take place.

Today, more and more companies are venturing to introduce technologies one would expect to be consumer electronics features into vehicles.

In addition, the HMI is being extended to allow drivers to control and access personal electronics devices, from cell phones to MP3 players, through the car's infotainment system. How drivers interact with these systems is also changing as mechanical buttons give way to capacitive touch inputs, resistive touch screens to capacitive touch screens, standard bulbs to high brightness LEDs, and standard colour to colour mixing solutions. Looking back at some of the new products introduced during the past few years, and knowing what exists in the development pipeline, one can, with some confidence, project what features drivers might be able to select from when buying a new car.

The automotive industry is going through a Human Machine Interface revolution that continues to change the way drivers and passengers interact with their cars.

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