Display de GM

Para mí este tipo de displays son la mejor alternativa, implementa una realidad aumentada que ayuda al conductor sin tener que desviar el campo de visión fuera del camino.

Alerta de control de volvo

Util en viajes largos.

Ford offers customizable interface, MyFord Touch

January 7, 2010 by John Day
Filed under Automotive Electronics News

Leave a Comment

The 8-inch touch-screen center stack display is the key interface on MyFord Touch, shown here with audio and entertainment options active.

At the Consumer Electronics Show Ford introduced a new driver interface called MyFord Touch that lets drivers personalize gauges, vehicle settings and information displays. The MyFord Touch interface includes dual 4.2-inch LCD screens with corresponding five-way button steering wheel controls and an 8-inch touch screen, all controlled by simplified SYNC voice commands.

The new interface replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges. With more voice commands, LCD screens that can be customized, and five-way buttons like those on cell phones and MP3 players, drivers can choose which information is front and center through a button click, voice command, or touch-screen tap.

Driver assist settings include:

• Traction control on/off
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) on/off
• Cross Traffic Alert on/off
• Cruise control, adaptive or normal
• Front Park Assist on/off
• Rear Park Assist on/off
• Trailer Sway Control on/off

Vehicle settings include:

• Autolamp delay in seconds
• Fuel, distance-to-empty and real-time economy
• Locks, autolock and auto-unlock
• Menu control, standard or memory
• Power liftgate, enable/disable
• Remote start climate control activation settings
• Remote start run-time duration
• Windows, remote open/close
• Wipers, courtesy wipe and rain-sensing wiper on/off

Display settings include:

• Gauge display with tachometer; tach and fuel level; or tach, fuel level and water temperature
• Trip display
• Language (English, French, Spanish)
• Distance, miles or kilometers; temperature, degrees in F or C

Sub-menus allow drivers to further personalize their in-car experience. For example, within the remote start menu, the driver can program the system to activate the air conditioning using the climate control submenu and to turn the car off after 10 minutes using the duration submenu.

An 8-inch touch-screen can be personalized using one of three options:

• Quiet: Basic information is shown nested in the four corners, but the majority of the screen is devoted to a driver-selected “wallpaper” image;
• Smart Corners: Predetermined buttons with the most popular top level functions are displayed in each of the quadrants, or
• Shortcuts: The screen is populated with driver-selected “hot buttons” that are fully personalized, and can include hot buttons from nearly any controllable function in the system.

“With MyFord driver connect technology, we realized we were really redefining how customers interacted with their cars,” said Jim Buczkowski, Ford director of Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “We had to look very closely at the evolution of hand-held devices in terms of user interface, connectivity, productivity and entertainment applications. Our goal is to set the benchmark for the automotive user interface, just as we’ve done for device connectivity with SYNC.”

MyFord Touch uses five-way controls on the steering wheel for most functions. The buttons can be controlled by a driver’s thumbs and work similarly to controls on mobile phones, MP3 players and remote controls, providing customers instant familiarity.

Selected user settings can be programmed to individual vehicle keys. If two members of the same household share a car, each can have their particular home screen and personalized settings take effect with his or her unique key. Settings also can be downloaded to a USB drive and exported to another MyFord-equipped vehicle, instantly transferring the driver’s preferences.

Regardless of personalization level, the four main function corners and their respective colors remain the same, helping drivers intuitively navigate the vehicle systems when they need to. “Ford is empowering drivers without demanding their attention,” said John Schneider, chief engineer, HMI, Driver Controls and Infotainment.

“Drivers don’t have to use the personalization features, but there are a wealth of options available to those who do. We’ve made it easy for drivers to get what they want from their displays from the moment the key is turned.”

One-touch climate control

Setting a vehicle’s interior temperature can be reduced to a single button push using the MyTemp feature. Once a driver saves a temperature using MyTemp, any subsequent touch of the MyTemp button will automatically change to this set temperature. If other drivers have used the vehicle and adjusted settings, the driver can quickly return to his or her preferred setting by touching the MyTemp button. Temperature settings also can be stored on multiple drivers’ unique keys as part of MyFord’s personalization features.

Vehicle information

Vehicle information is presented in a 4.2-inch full-color LCD to the left of the centrally mounted speedometer. The display is controlled using a cell phone-style five-way button located on the left side of the steering wheel crossbar, allowing drivers to intuitively access vehicle functions without having to reach for a dash-mounted switch or remove their hands from the wheel.

“Using simple, intuitive controls, MyFord brings the personalization consumers expect from their mobile electronic devices into the realm of the automobile,” Schneider said.

MyFord driver connect technology will launch later this year on the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge before appearing on the 2012 Ford Focus for global markets. By 2015, approximately 80% of Ford’s North American models are expected to have MyFord driver connect technology, with similar percentages predicted for the world market. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on new Lincolns beginning with the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

“Democratization of technology is a key aspect of our product plan,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “With MyFord, we didn’t want to create an upscale electronics package and just put it on our highest-end vehicles. This technology will be available across our full range of vehicles: From our small cars to the ultimate Lincoln.” MyFord will also be expanded across world markets.

http://johndayautomotivelectronics.com/?p=1603

Presten especial interes en la intefaz

Top 10 Features Your Next Car Should Have

By Aaron Gold, About.com Guide

Filed In:

1. Help For Car Buyers

Used to be that power windows and locks were the epitomy of luxury. Today they are standard on most econoboxes; technology has gifted us with a great many more goodies and gadgets. Here are ten features and options that will make life with your car a lot easier and safer.

1. Remote keyless entry

Keyless entry systems allow you to unlock your car by pushing a button on a remote. The ability to quickly get into your car without fumbling for the key is an important safety feature, especially in poorly-lit areas. With most remotes, pushing the button once unlocks just the driver's door; you must push twice to unlock other doors, so there's no worry about a hidden intruder jumping into the passenger's side. Most also have a panic button that honks the horn and flashes the lights.

2. OnStar System

With OnStar, help from a real-live person is always just a button-push away. Got a flat tire? Someone following you? Just need to hear a human voice? Push the button. OnStar advisors can summon a tow truck or a cop, or just say hello. If your airbags deploy, they call you. They can even track your car if it's stolen and remotely let you in if you're locked out. OnStar charges a monthly subscription fee; the basic plan gives you the most critical safety benefits and is a bargain at $17/month.

3. Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

Simple physics dictates that a turning wheel has more traction than one that is skidding. Antilock brake systems (ABS) watch individual wheel speeds; if one locks up, they pump the brakes far faster than a human could. Don't worry about giving up control to a computer; if the ABS system goes on the fritz (they rarely do) the brakes work normally. Do-it-yourselfers can still do their own brake jobs (though you must relieve system pressure before removing a brake line; check your repair manual).

4. Electronic stability/skid-control system

ESC systems use the anti-lock brake sensors (which show individual wheel speed), accelerometers, and steering wheel/pedal position sensors to figure out what the car is doing and what the driver wants it to do. If the two don't seem to match up, ESC does what no driver can: It applies the brakes to individual wheels and reduces power as needed to keep the car going where the driver is trying to point it. They are almost transparent and work surprisingly well.

5. Telescoping steering wheel/adjustable pedals

Most new cars have height-adjustable (tilt) steering columns; some cars have steering wheels that telescope (move in and out) and/or electrically adjustable pedals. The latter two not only make finding a comfortable position easier, but they allow shorter drivers to safely position themselves farther from the airbag while still keeping their feet comfortably on the pedals.

6. Rear-seat DVD player

Got kids? Movies-on-the-go can make long trips easier for both you and them. Many rear-seat entertainment systems include wireless headphones, so you can enjoy the stereo (or the peace and quiet). My own children would have TVs surgically implanted in the backs of their hands if they could, so in order to avoid turning them into road-going zombies I generally limit movie watching to long trips. They also make a convenient reward and/or dangling carrot.

7. GPS navigation system

Using the Global Positioning Satellite System and sensors in the car, GPS navigation systems can pinpoint your exact location and give you turn-by-turn directions (via a small video screen, spoken voice, or both) to help you find your way. Most will also guide you to the closest gas station, ATM, hospital or police station. They can steer you out of a bad neighborhood, they can route you around traffic, and no matter how lost you get, they can always help you find your way home.

8. Side airbags

Most cars have at least three feet of crush space at the front and back, but only a few inches of protection at the sides. Federally-mandated door beams help keep the car intact instead of caving in. But there's still the problem of inertia: While the car is being pushed away, your body (particularly your head, which isn't secured by the seat belt) wants to stay still, and it could go right through the side window. Side airbags cushion your noggin and help keep it safely inside the car.

9. Center console with power outlet

Open the center consoles on many new cars and you'll find a power outlet (a.k.a. a cigarette lighter without the lighter). These outlets provide a way to charge your mobile phone while keeping it out of sight. I'm dead-set against talking on the phone while driving (though I sometimes do it anyway), but it's good to know you'll always have juice to make a call in case of an emergency.

10. Roadside assistance

Flat tire? Dead battery? Out of gas? Traditionally, people have turned to AAA (US) or CAA (Canada) for life's little motoring emergencies, but many new cars come with roadside assistance as part of their new-car warranty. Several manufacturers even offer it as part of their "certified used" programs. That said, AAA and CAA memberships are inexpensive; with all the travel discounts they bring, your membership may very likely pay for itself

http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarbuyers/tp/topten_features.htm

Take a Volvo, you’ll feel better in the morning Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100503/CARNEWS/100509977#ixzz0n57q5p00

Este artículo no es precisamente de la interfaz pero si mejora como se siente el usuario interactuando con el carro.

Take a Volvo, you’ll feel better in the morning

By IZZI BENDALL

The interior of the Volvo XC 60 is the latest to get an allergy-friendly rating.

Volvo

It’s time to put away the Benadryl and the Claritin--Volvo has its own over-the-counter solution for allergies.

Filters in some Volvos clean the air in the passenger compartment, and they also remove particles that cause allergies.

Because of this, five models--the S80, the V70, the XC60, the XC70 and the S60--are recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

The development of the allergy-optimized interiors is part of Volvo Cars’ “DRIVe Towards Zero,” which is striving to develop cars that are entirely free from harmful particles and carbon-dioxide emissions.

Volvo researchers are working to develop filters that block even the tiniest particles.

“It is the small particles that are the most dangerous,” said Andreas Andersson, manager of allergy-optimized car interiors at Volvo Cars. “They may not result in immediate symptoms like the larger ones do, which cause allergies to blossom. However, small particles can cause negative health effects in the longer term.”

For more Car news, road tests, photos and insight, click here.

This article was last updated on: 05/03/10, 15:05 et

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100503/CARNEWS/100509977

An Artificial Eye On Your Driving

An Artificial Eye On Your Driving

Cars are not much different from one another. They all have engines, seats, and steering wheels. But new products are adding another dimension by making cars more intelligent. One such product is the smart camera system by MobilEye, an Israeli startup company. Prof. Avidan was part of the MobilEye technical team that developed a system to detect vehicles and track them in real-time.

by Staff Writers
Tel Aviv, Israel (SPX) Apr 21, 2010
With just a half second's notice, a driver can swerve to avoid a fatal accident or slam on the brakes to miss hitting a child running after a ball. But first, the driver must perceive the danger.

Research shows that a rapid alert system can help mitigate the risks, fatalities and severe injuries from road accidents, says Prof. Shai Avidan of Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Engineering. He is currently collaborating with researchers from General Motors Research Israel to keep cars on the road and people out of hospitals.

An expert in image processing, Prof. Avidan and his team are working to develop advanced algorithms that will help cameras mounted on GM cars detect threats, alerting drivers to make split-second decisions. His research has been published in leading journals, including the IEEE Transaction on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence and featured at conferences in the field.

The challenge, says Prof. Avidan, is to develop a system that can recognize people, distinguishing them from other moving objects - and to create a model that can react almost instantaneously. Ultimately, he is hoping computer vision research will make cars smarter, and roads a lot safer.

An upgrade you can't live without
Cars are not much different from one another. They all have engines, seats, and steering wheels. But new products are adding another dimension by making cars more intelligent. One such product is the smart camera system by MobilEye, an Israeli startup company. Prof. Avidan was part of the MobilEye technical team that developed a system to detect vehicles and track them in real-time.

He is now extending that research to develop the next generation of smart cameras - cameras that are aware of their surroundings. His goal is a camera capable of distinguishing pedestrians from other moving objects that can then warn the driver of an impending accident.

The challenge is in the development of a method that can detect and categorize moving objects reliably and quickly. Prof. Avidan hopes to realize such a method by combining powerful algorithms to recognize and track objects. Such a tool could double check for vehicles in your blind spot, help you swerve when a child runs into the street, or automatically block your door from opening if a cyclist is racing toward you, he says.

Eventually, he hopes cameras will be able to recognize just about anything moving through the physical world, offering a tantalizing vision of applications such as autonomous vehicles. The underlying technology could also be used in computer gaming to track a player's movements, or for surveillance to detect a potential intruder.

An automatic auto response
Previously, detection systems used radar, which is expensive and not particularly sensitive to human beings. A smart camera fuelled by a powerful chip, on the other hand, could detect the activities of people and animals, and prompt the car to react accordingly, braking more or locking the doors, for example.

To date, Prof. Avidan has demonstrated that his technology works on infrared, greyscale, and color cameras. "Cameras are quite dumb machines unless you know how to extract information from them," he says. "Now, as the price of cameras drop and computer power grows, we'll see more exciting applications that will keep us safe and make our lives more comfortable."

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/An_Artificial_Eye_On_Your_Driving_999.html