Continental puts together holistic car HMI
The dialogue starts already before the driver enters the car: The car key is integrated into the user’s mobile phone. This “dynamic” key can be passed among authorised user or between car rental service and customer. Inside the vehicle, novel instrument clusters with a combination of conventional pointer instruments and of AMOLED display or a curved AMOLED display help car designers to create a clear, non-distracting user interface.
During the drive, it is essential to keep the drivers attention on the traffic situation. For this reason, the HMI should be as little distracting as possible. With a display that provides a haptic feedback, Continental hopes to offer the most intuitive way to allow the driver to interact with the vehicle.
Another element of the holistic HMI is the head-up display that utilises augmented reality techniques. It displays relevant data from driver assistance and navigation systemsat the place where they happen, enabling the driver to keep his view on the traffic. The AR HUD is complemented by the intelligent light control that optimises the illumination of bends and intersection as well as of persons at the roadside. In addition, the system – Continental calls it Pixel Light – can project navigation hints to the road.
Finally, the mirrors are replaced by cameras and display screens, a concept under development also at Continental’s competitors. Instead of rear view mirrors, the driver watches a display. The benefit: The control unit can blend relevant sensor information into the camera image. For instance, it shows the user if another vehicle (bicycle) is approaching in the blind spot, helping to avoid the typical accidents that happen frequently when a driver or passenger thoughtlessly opens the door while a bicycle is approaching.
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