First UMTS car from DaimlerChrysler

DaimlerChrysler equipped this Mercedes-Benz S 400 CDI test car with in-car PCs, two retractable TFT displays, and wireless keyboards for the use of UMTS services.

In early June, DaimlerChrysler—along with partners Siemens Information and Communication Mobile (IC Mobile), Sun Microsystems, T-Mobile, Jentro AG, and MBDS (Nice University Sophia Antipolis)—unveiled what it believes to be the first test car with high-band-width UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) mobile-phone services for delivery of live video and audio on the move. In the specially equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class, content was transferred into the test vehicle at an average transmission rate of 128 kBit/s. Ultimately, UMTS could allow a maximum vehicle bandwidth up to six times ISDN speed—384 kBit/s. The high speed allows live video and music downloads, video telephony, and an off-board navigation system. The corresponding UMTS network, which should be available in several years, will help provide mobile data services for business applications and entertainment and information with video support. A direct mobile link to corporate networks could be possible.

DaimlerChrysler provided the control units/monitors, the link to the car infrastructure, and the specification of the UMTS services. T-Mobile supplied the UMTS network and, together with Siemens IC Mobile, established the UMTS infrastructure for the test radio network in Berlin. Siemens IC Mobile also contributed UMTS radio network technology and participated in the development/implementation of the test vehicle's UMTS applications. Along with the user interface, Jentro supplied the central platform for networking and controlling the in-car functions and services based on Java from Sun Microsystems, which provides the back-end content server. MBDS developed the prototypes of mobile Internet applications for the UMTS standard.

The test vehicle's UMTS capabilities cover a range of services. In addition to live video conferencing, there is a video-monitoring system, access to traffic observation cameras, as well as video entertainment and multi-player video games. Also offered are news services, an electronic office, and broadband access to the Internet.

UMTS technology makes video conferencing and document work via a remote server possible.

The S-Class test vehicle was equipped with in-car PCs having two flip-up 15-in TFT monitors recessed into the seatbacks and wireless keyboards in the rear. Via a touch-screen monitor, the driver and front passenger can access services such as a navigation and traffic observation camera, which switches off automatically above a speed of 6 km/h (4 mph) for safety.

DaimlerChrysler is quick to point out that the test vehicle's operating elements, user interfaces, and interaction processes were developed for demonstration purposes and do not necessarily correspond with the requirements of future UMTS production solutions. The company says it attaches the highest level of priority to mature technology and optimum design of the man-machine interface to rule out driver distraction.

- Kevin Jost

Audi redefines interface

Audi's MMI has a push-button/rotating knob in the center of two concentric rectangles, and eight "theme" buttons at the corners of the outer rectangle access electronics for entertainment, communication, information, and control.

Audi says its Multi Media Interface (MMI) uses fewer buttons, dual monitors, a large rotary switch, and push-button controls to make its vehicle's human-machine interface more customer-friendly by using a consistent operating logic for all electronic systems. Similar in concept to BMW's I-Drive, the MMI uses remote thumb-wheel controls on the steering wheel—together with a secondary display located within the driver's line of sight in the instrument cluster—to provide access to "the basics" of the system without distracting the driver. The interface is said to significantly reduce driver information workload and expand the range of control by combining a car's multiple electronic devices and their dissimilar operations into a logical, single control unit.

The MMI's main control is located in the center console between the shift lever and the armrest. It has a push-button/rotating knob in the center of two concentric rectangles, and eight "theme" buttons at the corners of the outer rectangle access electronics for entertainment, communication, information, and control. Each of these buttons is divided into two sub-themes. The two upper-right buttons afford access to all audio/visual sources; the top button can be clicked up for direct access to audio controls, the bottom for access to CD/DVD. The two lower-left buttons form the communication key groups for all Internet and telephone functions; the two upper-right keys pair navigation and (in the future) information on traffic. The two lower-left buttons access vehicle operation commands and setup menus.

Once a main theme key has been selected, the four most important subsidiary functions of that theme are accessed via four "soft keys" at the corners of the inner rectangle. Then a driver can dial or push the central rotating knob to attain the desired effect or, alternatively, access the subset of information/operation via two steering-wheel-mounted thumb wheels. Though seemingly complicated, Audi says the MMI's operation is more intuitive than similar systems in the automotive industry.

MMI uses two monitor screens positioned in the driver's primary field of view. The main 7-in monitor, located high in the center of the dashboard, provides a real-time display of driver inputs at the central control module, with color-coding to help the user "feel" his/her way through an operation. This display folds flat when not needed. The second, three-in monitor is positioned directly ahead of the driver in the center of the instrument cluster and shows only the information relevant to the driver, such as onboard computer calculations, navigation instructions, or audio system information.

- Kevin Jost

Nexiq enables small display design

Nexiq Technologies has extended its IVIS (in-vehicle information system) product offering from 32-bit to lower-end 8- and 16-bit systems with its latest IVIS-Lite software. The new solution targets hardware platforms with limited memory and processor resources, primarily for informational display applications, and uses a C-language interface for easy integration of existing code, compilers, and development environments. However, IVIS-Lite and the company's GUIDE (Graphical User Interface Development Environment) are said to provide data management, graphic presentation, and design and development capabilities that its current customers enjoy.

IVIS-Lite can be used to design, prototype, test, and produce displays for automobiles; industrial and manufacturing equipment; consumer electronics; appliances; and heavy construction and agricultural equipment. According to James Griffin, Executive Vice President, Nexiq Telematics Services, "IVIS technology significantly reduces the complexity and time frames associated with designing and developing intelligent telematics systems and displays. The easy-to-use development environment provides users the power to customize displays without having a large programming staff.

The Lite version of the software includes the core functionality of IVIS, which was developed for applications with high-resolution displays and significant multi-tasking and data storage requirements. IVIS-Lite is more suited to smaller, multi-screen information displays. The same GUIDE design environment is used for both IVIS product offerings, allowing automatic generation and compilation of code for easy implementation.

IVIS-Lite requires only 256 kB to 1 MB of memory, features real-time anti-aliasing, and supports color or monochrome displays of up to VGA resolution. Though operating systems are supported on target hardware platforms, they are not required.

- Kevin Jost