ZF TRW unveiled four new approaches to the human-machine interface (HMI) as part of its cockpit concept at the CES 2016 show in Las Vegas.
Sensitive steering wheel
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Legally, today's drivers are responsible for taking back control of the car from autopilots at any time after a certain warning period. The multifunctional steering wheel simplifies the safe transfer of the wheel using two special functions. The first is integrated hands on/off detection at any time so the car knows when the driver actually has a firm grip on the wheel. The second is an LED display that shows a kind of visual countdown to let the driver know precisely when he or she is back in complete control of the vehicle. This process can be shortened at any time by pressing the additional 'push-to-drive' button on the steering wheel. This allows the driver to take back control of the vehicle immediately.
Swipetronic
With its patented Swipetronic, the supplier can offer a smart and high-quality shift-by-wire alternative for automatic transmissions. One central feature is a new kind of touch display that is based on the principle of electrostatic charge. This enables flat, virtual buttons or switches to be touched just like the real thing. Unlike most previous screens, drivers no longer have to take their eyes and attention off the road in order to select the desired function. And using the software alone, the shift mode for transmission control and the corresponding haptic feedback can be adapted to meet almost any customer need – always under the premise of maximum operating safety.
In the cockpit concept, almost all traditional operating devices have been replaced by a touchscreen operating concept based on this new display technology. This, too, consequently opens up the option of individual operating functions appearing on any preferred area of the HMI unit. They are actuated by virtual buttons of the most diverse texture, but feel real to the fingertip.
Recording driver attention
When cars are on the road in highly automated mode, driver monitoring becomes significant. An important tool for this is the advanced, camera-based facial recognition feature. For example, during autopilot mode, it could determine reliably and in real-time whether the human driver is alert enough or at all capable of taking back control of the vehicle. Ultimately, it checks whether the driver has his face turned to or away from the current road situation. Additionally, the facial recognition feature, with the aid of smart algorithms, can be used to identify the emotional state of the driver and to support the driver accordingly.
Assisting belts
Passive safety systems have been transformed into active helpers and communications tools with a new seat belt system consisting of a buckle lifter (Active Buckle Lifter – ABL) and seat-belt tightener (Active Control Retractor – ACR). The combined belt system ensures first of all that the belt is always tight enough to provide the best possible safety. Secondly, when networked with other electronic assistance systems, such as the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB), it pulls the belt even tighter if a collision appears unavoidable. Derived from this is a supporting feature for automated driving: by generating highly frequent, insistent pulsations, the seat belt also clearly informs the driver, if necessary, that action on his part is required.
"Automated driving will revolutionise daily driving over the next 10 years," said R&D chief Harald Naunheimer. "Our HMI functionalities fulfill central quality criteria for automated driving. The first is providing the most comprehensive, precise, and redundant information on the state of the driver and, secondly, intuitive interaction."
