The instrument panel is good, but when information is additionally displayed on the glass, it is even better. Let's talk about appointment projection display, its varieties, characteristics, cost and video.
The content of the article:
The projection display is becoming more and more popular, in another way it is also called HUD or Head-Up Display. The big advantage of this technology is traffic safety and driving comfort.
The main purpose is to project current information from the instrument panel onto the windshield of the car. The image is calculated in such a way in height so as not to distract attention from the road to have an idea about the state of the car and speed.
A little background
For the first time, such technology began to be used in aviation, but the projection display came to the automotive industry only in 1988 by the company General Motors. 10 years later, GM pioneered this technology with a color display.
Since 2003, the head-up display has appeared in BMW cars. Today, the projection system is used in many premium cars. Every year, the technology becomes cheaper, which means it is more accessible on cars of other budget classes.
head-up display
The name speaks for itself, when buying a car it is offered as an option. By design, the system includes a head-up display, a projector and a projection control system.
To form an image, manufacturers use a projector with high contrast and color saturation. Having collected together the parameters from different meters of the car:
- engine sensors;
- navigation system;
- night vision system;
- adaptive cruise control;
- sign recognition and others.
Thanks to the head-up display, the driver receives a virtual image, which allows him to concentrate on the road. Two types of screen are recognized. Often the most common can be considered a special, transparent film that is glued to the windshield. It prevents image scatter at different weather conditions. By car brand Mini the manufacturer uses a transparent screen instead of a film.
Depending on the manufacturer of the head-up display and the systems it uses, it can be designed:
- duplication of different sensors of the instrument panel;
- signal about the car in the dead zone;
- the presence of pedestrians on the side of the road dark time;
- vehicle speed;
- engine speed from the tachometer;
- indicators from the navigation system;
- signal about different road signs.
The advantage of such a display is its versatility and ease of installation. It is a portable projector that can be installed in convenient location for the driver and display a picture on the windshield.
Garmin devices are considered the most common. Installed directly on the torpedo. The second manufacturer is Pioneer, according to the instructions, it is attached to the sun visor. In this case, the video signal is sent to the projector via a smartphone via Bluetooth or a USB cable.
It is immediately worth considering that the functional set of a mobile projection display is several times smaller than a standard one. Most often, a mobile device includes indicators of the navigation system, vehicle speed, but this requires a smartphone and special software installed on it.
Of the popular mobile projectors, the device from Navdy is considered. The display can be connected to a smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or it can also be connected to an on-board computer via a diagnostic connector.
Thanks to the on-board computer, information from various sensors on the instrument panel can be displayed on the projection display. The built-in infrared camera will allow you to implement rigid control of the projection display from an additional control panel.
The simplest way to implement a projection display can be done from a regular smartphone. This will be based on special program, which displays certain information on the smartphone screen.
The smartphone itself is located on the instrument panel, the image from the smartphone display is projected (displayed) on the windshield, thereby showing the driver the necessary information.
The program distorts the image in a mirror form so that the correct, readable information is on the glass. But still, it will not be able to replace the stationary one of the above induced displays.
Display Price
The cost of a standard display will depend on the manufacturer, on average, its price as an option will be from 500 euros. Based on a Garmin mobile projection display, its price ranges from 200 euros. The cheapest and easiest way is to use a smartphone, just buy a special stand for a couple of thousand rubles and install it near the windshield and add your smartphone.
It is worth noting that the head-up display technology only on the windshield is just beginning to develop. It is believed that in the future the Head-Up Display system will display all the necessary information on the windshield, including the image from the side rear-view mirrors.
Video of the principle of operation of the projection display:
The world of auto electronics is developing at a rapid pace. Every year, new devices appear to increase engine power, optimize suspension performance, improve fuel efficiency or improve occupants.
Some electronic novelties very quickly prove the appropriateness of their presence in the car, after which they quickly become a standard attribute of a complete set of models descending from the assembly lines. Such devices include wireless communication, cruise control systems, etc. At the same time, there is a whole class of other electronic devices that continue to be considered promising for many years after the invention. They undergo endless improvements, defend their "place in the sun" with the help of the opinions of authoritative experts, they are even installed on the conveyors of individual brands, but they still cannot boast of real people's "love". Among motorists, such devices are usually called "autoexotics". A prominent representative of the group are systems for projecting information on the windshield.
Development history
The first data projection systems on the windshield appeared in military aviation. Almost simultaneously, the technology for displaying information on the cockpit glazing was used by Soviet and American aircraft designers in the 70s of the last century. In the USSR, the system was called HUD (indication on the windshield), in the USA - HUD (Head-Up-Display - display for a raised head).
(click to enlarge image)
The development pursued the goal of maximizing the concentration of the pilot's attention on the air situation by eliminating the need to distract his gaze from the instrument readings. General Motors engineers "peeped" the idea and transferred it to the automotive field, resulting in the appearance of the first HUD projector on the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme in 1988. Only 14 years later, a similar device appeared on another GM car - the prestigious Chevrolet Corvette. In Europe, the pioneer in the use of projection systems was BMW company. Work to expand the functionality of the HUD is currently being carried out by Volvo and Audi engineers. The highest activity in the development of a new direction was shown by the Japanese: since 1989 Nissan began to complete with projection systems individual models on the conveyor. Over time and others Japanese manufacturers recognized the need to equip cars with a HUD system, so today almost all the cars they produce for the domestic market have this option.
Principle of operation and output information
The executive device (or projector) forms an information picture on its screen and transfers it to a transparent film located on the windshield. The projector can receive service information from the on-board computer, navigator, form it independently according to GPS data, etc. Most models have the ability to reproduce speech information or issue sound warnings.
(click to enlarge)
Unlike aviation systems, where a large amount of information can be displayed in the pilot's field of view, car projectors today have a rather meager set of displayed parameters. These include:
- vehicle speed;
- engine speed;
- coolant temperature;
- number of the selected transmission gear;
- on-board network voltage and battery charge level;
- indications of the parking control system;
- pictograms control lamps and navigation information.
Relevance of development. Prospects and problems
A certain innovation and rational grain in the attempts of manufacturers to accustom motorists to a simple perception onboard information from the windshield. The main idea is similar to the one that was solved in aviation: the driver's attention should not be distracted from road conditions and it really increases the safety of all road users. System developers are trying to improve the functionality and capabilities of the HUD, they promise that soon the image will move across the windshield, following the direction of the driver's gaze. For this, they plan to use portable cameras and lasers. And the total computerization of on-board equipment makes it possible to build rather complex algorithms for outputting a large amount of information, taking into account the needs of a particular driver.But the projection system also has serious disadvantages that do not allow it to acquire the status standard equipment for each production model.Such disadvantages include the high cost of the original device, the limited output parameters and the dependence of image quality on the state of the windshield. Studies carried out in some countries have also shown a significant decrease in attentiveness among older drivers. age groups when information from the projector appears on the windshield. That is, there is large group drivers who, due to age-related conservatism, cannot and do not want to get used to the appearance of any images on the windshield. If for some reason you do not want or due to circumstances you cannot overtake your car on your own, contact
What to expect in the coming years? Why and how will your car become smart? In what direction will it develop automotive industry? What technologies are already available and what are waiting for you?
A lot of things can change in just one decade. For example every 5 years computer equipment is very outdated. True, we are still far from technology like in the Star Wars movie.
Let's start. For example, if you are reading this text, then you have access to the Internet. And if you go back, for example, in 1995, the Internet was available to a very small circle of people, however, like a computer. But since then things have changed dramatically. Now you can access the Internet with phone, player, choose a provider that is more suitable for your needs and financial capabilities, and so on.
It's the same with cars, where even the Chinese have managed to introduce the new Android system into their car. By the way, earlier to meet such a number of airbags in the most different options (lateral, protecting the knees etc.) was impossible on any machine.
Electric cars could only be found on the golf courses. Cars are also changing, and the rate of adoption of new technologies will only increase every year.
Internet and car?
OnStar
It is possible to slow down transport remotely, preventing the hijackers from escaping from the police while chasing. Now there is a new feature that will help you recover stolen cars in hours, if not minutes.
New technology called Remote Ignition Block ( remote ignition lock). The OnStar operator has the ability to send a signal to the computer in the stolen car that will cause the ignition system to lock out and prevent it from restarting.
"This feature will not only help the authorities recover stolen cars, but also prevent dangerous car chases."
Holographic information displays
Similar systems can be seen at or. The bottom line is to display information directly on the windshield. Now there are operating models that can display information about speed, direction of movement, and more. And in the near future we will be able to navigate the road without even seeing it. For example, Company General Motors has already taken the first steps in this direction.
Now General Motors, in collaboration with a number of universities, has begun to develop the so-called "smart glass". GM hopes to turn the glass into a transparent display that can display information such as road markings, road signs or various objects such as pedestrians, which in fog or rain can be very problematic to recognize on the road.
Part of this technology was shown at Light Car, where with LED technology, the car uses a transparent back door as a projection screen, for visible communication between cars, which is very useful for all motorists. For example, with what force the driver presses the brakes, you can show the car that is driving behind when the scale of the picture on the display is illuminated.
Communication of your car not only with other cars, but also with the infrastructure!
Soon all cars will be connected with each other and the road structure into a single whole, into a single network, which already has its own name - "car-to-X communication". Today, several companies, including Audi, have begun to create it. The essence of development is to make it possible "communication" of your car not only with other cars, but also with infrastructure, such as webcams at intersections, traffic lights or traffic signs.
Knowing about the state of traffic lights, traffic congestion and road conditions, the machine can save energy by preventing the driver from unnecessary acceleration/deceleration. The machine can even reserve a parking space. If the car is in an emergency situation, it will be able to inform the surrounding cars so that other drivers can slow down in time and avoid a collision.
Audi showcases some of these innovations with an example E-tron
https://www.youtube.com/v/iRDRbLVTFrQ
Security Improvement
Speaking about technologies that can improve the security situation, developers see one of the main tasks in "keep" us on the same lane or even on the road in especially difficult cases .
Improved engine start system
In fact, such systems are not a matter of tomorrow, but of today. But it is impossible not to say about them, since they are one of the elements of the very efficiency of resource use. It's about about the system auto start or engine stop.
Such solutions can already be observed on almost everyone: when it stops, the engines turn off; to start off, you do not need to start the engine again, but just press the gas pedal. And if we talk about the future of this technology, then it can eventually be closely integrated with the car-to-X system, to further reduce fuel consumption. For example, given the information that a traffic light at an intersection has turned red, the car can turn off the main engine and continue driving on the electric motor only, thereby saving some energy.
Autopilot or precise cruise control
Brake assistance systems via vehicle-mounted echo sounders/lasers or radars have already become standard option installed in expensive cars. But, like other developments that first appeared in cars of the upper price range, this one will also soon migrate to a cheaper segment.
This kind of technology, which able to avoid collision with the vehicle in front, can help in traffic safety and is useful mainly to novice drivers, so its appearance will be very useful. If manufacturers continue to improve this technology, and it will, we may soon see something similar to autopilot.
“Our goal for 2020 is that no one gets hurt by Volvo cars”, says senior security adviser Thomas Berger, speaking of new pedestrian detection system V .
Motion monitoring or "Dead Zones"
Two more, undoubtedly necessary technologies that can help improve the security situation are the monitoring of the so-called "dead zones" and lane crossing warning system. For example, the new system, which is planned to be installed in cars starting in 2011, combines these two technologies. The system will not only be able to warn the driver if he without a turn signal will start rebuilding to the adjacent lane, but prevent rebuilding if the lane is occupied by another vehicle. Naturally, Infiniti will not the only car where we can observe similar technologies.
The so-called "blind zone". Companies such as BMW, Ford, GM, Mazda and Volvo offer special systems who use cameras or sensors built into the mirrors controlling dead zones. Small warning lamps installed next to the rear-view mirrors warn the driver that the car is in a dead zone, and if there is no reaction from the driver and he starts changing lanes, the system is taken over a Actively warn of interference by making sounds, or, depending on the brand, begins steering wheel vibration. The downside is that similar systems only work at low speeds.
Cross Traffic Alert System: this is a radar that operates on the basis of a monitoring system for "dead zones". The system is able to detect the movement of vehicles in a cross direction while driving in reverse. Cross Traffic Alert is able to determine the approach of a car at a distance of 19.8 meters from both the left and right sides, where special radars are installed. IN this moment this feature is available on Ford vehicles and Lincoln.
Crossing the road markings
Several companies, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo, offer similar friend to another solution. The system uses small cameras that read road markings
, and if you cross it without turning on the turn signal, the system gives a warning sign. Depending on the system, this may be Sound or light signals, steering wheel vibration, or slight belt tension. For example, Infiniti uses automatic braking
on one side of the car to prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane.
parking
The day is not far off when cars will be able to drive without human assistance. I set the desired destination, and you sit to yourself, sip coffee and look through the morning press. But while this day has not yet come, and many automakers are beginning to slowly prepare us for this. For example, many companies are already installing automated parking assistance systems. Such systems operate as follows: the car uses radar to determine whether there is enough space to park. Further, it helps the driver to choose the correct steering angle and practically puts the car into the parking space himself. Of course, so far it cannot do without human help, but very soon such systems will appear in which human participation will not be necessary at all. You can get out of the car and watch the whole process from the side.
Driver status tracking: a tired driver can be just as dangerous as a driver drunk driving(and you need to drink that in the norm of the law).
Vehicle-integrated tracking systems that recognize signs of fatigue in the movements and reactions of the driver and warn of the need for a break, are available from several car manufacturers. These are Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Volvo. For example, in Mercedes, such a system is called Attention Assist: it first learns the driving style, in particular rotation of the steering wheel rim, turning on the direction indicators and pressing the pedals, and also monitors some control actions of the driver and such external factors such as crosswinds and uneven road surfaces. If Attention Assist recognizes that the driver is tired, it informs them to stop for a short rest. Does Attention Assist do this with sound signal and a warning message in the instrument cluster display.
IN Volvo cars there is also a similar system, but it works a little differently. The system does not control the behavior of the driver, but evaluates the movement of the car on the road. If something goes wrong, the system alerts the driver before the situation becomes critical.
Night vision cameras
Night vision systems can help reduce traffic accidents at night time. Currently offered by companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi in the new A8. Such systems can help the driver to see pedestrians, animals or better see road signs at night. BMW uses this for this. infrared camera, which sends the image to the monitor in black and white. The camera distinguishes objects at a distance of up to 300 meters. infrared Mercedes-Benz system has more short range, but is capable of delivering more sharp image, however, its disadvantage is bad job at low temperatures .
And the engineers Toyota Recently, they have been working on improving night vision systems that can help drivers navigate more confidently at night. They recently unveiled a prototype camera based on algorithms and imaging principles discovered by studying the functioning of the eyes of nocturnal beetles, bees and moths, which can see in a wider range of colors, and is also adapted to more fully capture light that is not so much in the darkness of the night. The new digital image processing algorithm can capture high quality full color images in low light conditions from a moving on high speeds car. Plus, the camera is capable of automatic mode adapt to changes in light levels.
Demonstration of the operation of a thermal imager - a night vision camera for a car
https://www.youtube.com/v/ghzyW0HaXMs
Seat belts
Last year, Ford introduced the world's first seat belts with inflatable pillows
. According to the developers, this system will significantly increase the protection of passengers rear seats, and especially young children, who are more likely than adults to be injured in road accidents. Integrated seat belt airbag inflates in 40 milliseconds. It is planned that Ford will equip the 2011 Explorer models with similar belts, but only for rear passengers. In the future, similar systems will be extended to other automakers.
https://www.youtube.com/v/MN5htEaRk4A
Hybrids and electrics
Recently, almost all automakers, both large and small, are trying to achieve greater efficiency, or efficiency, from powertrains, while relying on new types of fuels and engines, trying to reduce consumption and increase average mileage per charge / filling. Already today we can observe a large number of mass-produced, and almost every automaker has a hybrid car in its portfolio. In the next decade, there will only be more of them.
Wireless battery charging
In connection with the upcoming spread of cars on batteries, the question of their trouble-free, and most importantly, fast reload. Of course, you can unwind the extension cord with the plug from the car and connect it to ordinary socket. But this is not available to everyone.
It is difficult to imagine a city dweller pulling a plug to the sixth floor. Or the option with free sockets on the streets looks absolutely futuristic. Another option, which seems not so fantastic, is induction charging device . In addition, the technology is already being tested on smaller devices such as players and Cell phones. These kinds of chargers could be built into parking spaces in large stores, for example.
Active aerodynamics
Despite the fact that all automakers have long been using wind tunnels, and in this aspect there is room for improvement.
For example, BMW, in its BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car, has already successfully used systems air intake controls. Depending on the driving conditions and the outside air temperature, the dampers in front of the radiator are opened or closed by a signal from the system. If they are closed, this improves aerodynamics and reduces engine warm-up time, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Naturally, BMW is not the only company using this technology.
KERS - regenerative braking
This is a type of electrical braking in which the electrical energy generated traction motors operating in generator mode is returned to the electrical network.
Only in the 2009 season in "" on some fireballs the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) is used. It was expected that this would spur developments in the field hybrid cars and further improvements to this system.
As you know, Ferrari introduced a hybrid coupe based on the 599th model, with KERS system.
Cars of the future
2057 year. The limited space of city streets and vertical architecture require the automotive industry to create newest cars who can survive in urban jungle And arrange vertical races. Automakers find innovative solutions in biomimicry, where four nano-laser wheels easily adapt to any track.
held together magnetic fields), which can restore its shape with one click on the alarm key fob or inside the car. The driver will be able to choose the type of car body from several possible “pre-installed” skins. The choice of car color is simply unlimited - a dream for girls who choose their car to match the color of their favorite lipstick.
Magnetic fields will help the concept instantly regenerate after being hit. SilverFlow restores its original form with a simple "reload". The appearance of gold areas will inform about the completion of the "transformation" and the readiness of the car for the trip.
The transfer of mechanical energy to the wheels, according to the thoughts of the Mercedes, is transmitted special fluid, whose molecules are set in motion by electrostatic nanomotors. Four swivel wheels allow the car to turn on the spot and park sideways. You won’t find a steering wheel and usual pedals in SilverFlow, acceleration and direction of movement will be set by two levers mounted on the sides of the driver’s seat.
Honda Zeppelin
This Honda, was created by a student who studied at the Department of Automobile Design at Hongik University, which is located in Korea.
Sequence GT
Top news of the week
PCS– automated control systems vehicles consist of technical means providing work information systems(personal computers, printers and local networks) and operating systems(a set of software that starts working immediately after the button is turned on electrical supply computer).
Cars are changing, and the rate at which new technologies are introduced will only increase every year. Many believe that such a close integration of the Internet and the car will only exacerbate the already difficult situation with safety (the factor that distracts the driver from the road will increase). Just as the speed of data transfer in cellular networks is growing, in the same proportion, the speed of the Internet will increase in the car. True, this has its advantages. You can expect services such as a car service reminder with a variety of informational support, the possibility of automatic recording and direction to the next service centers, connecting the car to various databases so that you can book a hotel room, and so on. Passengers in the future can receive more possibilities for entertainment on the road, etc.
In addition to the ability to access the network, cars have the ability to integrate more closely (to be more fully synchronized) with computers and mobile devices. This is the presence of USB ports in the car, the ability to remotely update the software of various car systems without resorting to the services of people specially trained for this. Or, for example, if there is any malfunction in the car, the dealer can remotely find the cause and point to possible ways way out of the current situation or fix the breakdown if the failure was in computer system. These developments exist in systems such as General Motors' OnStar or Mercedes-Benz's Tele Aid emergency call system.
Figure 2.1 - Synchronization with car devices
With the help of the OnStar system, it is possible to remotely slow down vehicles, preventing the hijackers from escaping from the police during the chase. This system can recover stolen cars in hours, if not minutes. The new technology is called Remote Ignition Block. The OnStar operator has the ability to send a signal to the computer in the stolen car that will cause the ignition system to lock out and prevent it from restarting. This feature will not only help the authorities recover stolen cars, but also prevent "dangerous" car chases.
Holographic information displays. Similar systems can be seen in BMW or Audi. The bottom line is to display information directly on the windshield. For example, General Motors has already taken the first steps towards creating and implementing models that can display information about speed, direction of movement, and more.
Now General Motors, in collaboration with a number of universities, has begun to develop the so-called "smart glass". GM hopes to turn the glass into a transparent display that can display information such as road markings, road signs or various objects such as pedestrians, which can be very difficult to recognize on the road in fog or rain.
Part of this technology was shown at Light Car, where with the help of LED technology, the car uses a transparent rear door as a projection screen, for visible communication between cars, which is very useful for all motorists. For example, with what force the driver presses the brakes, you can show the car that is driving behind when the scale of the picture on the display is illuminated.
The system by which cars will be connected to each other and the road structure into a single whole, into a single network, already has its own name - "car-to-X communication". Today, several companies, including Audi, have begun to create it. The essence of the development is to make it possible to “communicate” the car not only with other cars, but also with infrastructure, such as webcams at intersections, traffic lights or road signs.
Knowing the status of traffic lights, traffic and road conditions, the car can save energy by warning the driver from unnecessary acceleration / deceleration. The car will even be able to reserve a parking space on its own. If the car is in an emergency situation, it will be able to inform the surrounding cars so that other drivers can slow down in time and avoid a collision. Audi showcases some of these innovations with the E-tron. Speaking of technologies that can improve the security situation, developers see one of the main tasks in keeping us in one lane or even on the road in especially difficult cases.
Improved engine start system. These systems are one of the elements of the very efficiency of resource use. This is a system for automatically starting or stopping the engine.
Such solutions can already be seen on almost all hybrid cars: when it stops, the engines turn off; to start off, you do not need to start the engine again, but just press the gas pedal. And if we talk about the future of this technology, then it may eventually be tightly integrated with the car-to-X system in order to further reduce fuel consumption. For example, given the information that a traffic light at an intersection has turned red, the car can turn off the main engine and continue driving on the electric motor only, thereby saving some energy.
Autopilot or precise cruise control. Brake assist systems via vehicle-mounted sonar/laser or radar systems are already a standard feature on high-end vehicles. But, like other developments that first appeared in cars of the upper price range, this one will also soon migrate to a cheaper segment. This kind of technology, which is able to prevent collisions with the vehicle in front, can help with traffic safety and is useful mainly for novice drivers. If manufacturers continue to improve this technology, and it will, we may soon see something similar to autopilot.
Motion monitoring or "Dead zones". Two more, undoubtedly necessary technologies, combined into one information technology that can help improve the safety situation is the monitoring of the so-called "dead zones" and the lane crossing warning system. The system will not only be able to warn the driver if he starts changing lanes without a turn signal, but will also prevent changing lanes if the lane is occupied by another vehicle.
The so-called "blind zone". Companies such as BMW, Ford, GM, Mazda and Volvo offer special systems that use cameras or sensors built into the mirrors to monitor blind spots. Small hazard warning lights next to the rear-view mirrors warn the driver that the car is in a blind spot, and if there is no response from the driver and he starts to change lanes, the system takes on a more active warning about the obstacle, making sounds, or, depending on brand, the steering wheel vibrates. The downside is that such systems only work at low speeds.
Cross Traffic Alert System: This is a radar that works on the basis of a blind spot monitoring system. The system is capable of detecting cross-traffic traffic while reversing. Cross Traffic Alert is able to determine the approach of a car at a distance of 19.8 meters from both the left and right sides, where special radars are installed. This feature is currently available on Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Crossing road markings. Several companies, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo, offer similar solutions. The system uses small cameras that read road markings, and if the driver crosses it without turning on the turn signal, the system gives a warning sign. Depending on the system, this may be a sound or light signal, steering wheel vibration, or a slight belt tension. For example, Infiniti uses automatic braking on one side of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane.
Parking. Many companies are already installing automated parking assistance systems today. Such systems operate as follows: the car uses radar to determine whether there is enough space to park. Further, it helps the driver to choose the correct steering angle and practically puts the car into the parking space himself. Of course, so far it cannot do without human help, but soon there will be such systems in which human participation will not be necessary at all. You can get out of the car and watch the whole process from the side.
Driver monitoring: A tired driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver (and it's legal to drink it). Vehicle-integrated tracking systems that recognize signs of fatigue in the driver's movements and reactions and warn of the need for a break are available from several automakers. These are Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Volvo. For example, in Mercedes, such a system is called Attention Assist: it first learns the driving style, in particular the rotation of the steering wheel rim, the inclusion of direction indicators and pedal pressure, and also monitors some of the driver’s control actions and such external factors like side wind and road roughness. If Attention Assist recognizes that the driver is tired, it informs them to stop for a short rest. Attention Assist does this with an audible signal and a warning message in the instrument cluster display.
Volvo cars also have a similar system, but it works a little differently. The system does not control the behavior of the driver, but evaluates the movement of the car on the road. If something goes wrong, the system alerts the driver before the situation becomes critical.
Night vision cameras. Thanks to night vision systems, it is possible to reduce the number of accidents at night. Currently offered by companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi in the A8 model. Such systems can help the driver to see pedestrians, animals or better see road signs at night. BMW uses an infrared camera for this, which transmits the image to the monitor in black and white. The camera distinguishes objects at a distance of up to 300 meters. The Mercedes-Benz infrared system has a shorter range, but is able to produce a clearer image, but its disadvantage is poor performance at low temperatures.
And Toyota engineers have been working lately to improve night vision systems that can help drivers navigate more confidently at night. They presented a prototype camera based on algorithms and imaging principles discovered by studying the functioning of the eyes of nocturnal beetles, bees and moths, which can see in a wider range of colors, and is also adapted to better capture light, which is not so many in the darkness of the night. The new digital image processing algorithm can capture high-quality full-color images in low light conditions from a vehicle moving at high speeds. Plus, the camera is able to automatically adapt to changes in light levels.
Thermal imagers are also relevant - night vision cameras for a car.
Ford introduced the world's first inflatable seat belts. According to the developers, this system will significantly increase the protection of rear seat passengers, and especially young children, who are more likely than adults to be injured in an accident. The seat belt-integrated airbag inflates in 40 milliseconds.
Recently, almost all automakers, large and small, are trying to achieve greater efficiency, or efficiency, from powertrains, while relying on new types of fuels and engines, in an attempt to reduce consumption and increase average mileage per charge / fill up. . Already today we can observe a large number of mass-produced electric cars, and almost every automaker has a hybrid car in its portfolio.
Wireless battery charging. In connection with the spread of cars on batteries, the question of their trouble-free, and most importantly, quick recharge is acute. Of course, you can unwind the extension cord with the plug from the car and connect it to a regular outlet. But this is not available to everyone. Another option that seems not so fantastic is induction chargers. In addition, the technology is already being tested on smaller devices such as iPods and mobile phones. These kinds of chargers could be built into parking spaces in large stores, for example.
Active aerodynamics. Despite the fact that all automakers have long been using wind tunnels, and in this aspect there is room for improvement. For example, BMW, in its concept car BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics has already successfully used air intake control systems. Depending on the driving conditions and the outside air temperature, the dampers in front of the radiator are opened or closed by a signal from the system. If they are closed, this improves aerodynamics and reduces engine warm-up time, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Naturally, BMW is not the only company using this technology.
KERS - regenerative braking. This is a type of electric braking, in which the electricity generated by traction motors operating in generator mode is returned to the electrical network. Only in the 2009 season in Formula 1, some cars used the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). It was expected that this would spur development in the field of hybrid cars and further improvements to this system.
22" high resolution touch display
How do you think how they will develop electronic technology in the auto industry? We offer you a look into the future of in-car entertainment systems. Something tells us that the future has already arrived.
Over the past few years, automotive entertainment systems changed revolutionary. Every year, digital will completely take over the auto industry. Technology will develop exponentially. Our online publication is starting to publish a series of articles that will reveal all the most advanced electronic technologies in the automotive industry.
Think about how cars have changed in 10 years? Today, almost all new cars have various infotainment. Many automakers have begun to put on their new products. But so far, many of them cannot boast of their capabilities at the level of a smartphone and tablet. Why do you think?
The point is that while car computer cannot match the resources of a smartphone and tablet. But very soon automotive computer equipment will be able to compete in performance with modern laptops.
The technical characteristics of the car control unit are in no way inferior to modern powerful tablets
But the resources of the equipment does not mean that everything will work perfectly and smoothly. The main thing is the software. One of the leaders software vehicles is QNX, being subsidiary BlackBerry.
It is worth noting that the company has just begun to develop in the automotive industry market. But brands such as, and even those that use QNX technologies are already working with it.
Big technology in a small Mercedes
Debut of the new infotainment system QNX at the show 2014 Consumer Electronics Show at Mercedes CLA 45 AMG
Even with the technology and opportunity, QNX has not yet indulged big amount new innovations. So out latest developments this is a new infotainment system installed on. This car has a huge display with high resolution, powerful multi-core processor, elegant digital panel and a large number of functions and applications.
The matt gray CLA 45 AMG evokes awe. But really this model surprises inside. At first glance, the 22-inch HD quality LCD screen catches the eye. Most of the screen is occupied by various applications. On the right is displayed information about the air temperature, clock, audio player navigation.
Touch screen with perfect response. Like on the iPhone. Finger control on the screen is exactly the same as in the familiar to all modern smartphones. The system also provides the ability to control many functions not only using the screen, but also using traditional buttons. The home screen is represented by five large buttons that, when pressed, increase in size, prompting you to select further actions.
QNX has developed a large number of applications for many car brands. So the company has created three different sat-nav apps that, when demonstrated, perform great with no lag or system crashes.
It's all driven by a quad-core processor and a dedicated graphics chipset that performs just as well as the latest tablet models. It is worth noting that this chipset was released this year, unlike where the video card for the LCD monitor was released back in 2012.
Visualization and image quality of the display redefines automotive technology
Even the 2011 chipset is used, which by today's standards of obsolescence of computer technology is already ancient.
Another multimedia feature on the big screen in the CLA 45 AMG is that when you turn on the music, the screen is divided in half into two parts, where on the one hand the information about the music being played is displayed, and on the other hand the general list of available audio tracks is displayed.
Connection
Advanced innovative image transfer function from smartphones and tablets to the car screen
The car also features a new MirrorLink feature, which is still rare in production vehicles. This system simulates the display of your gadget (, cell phone or tablet) on the car screen. This allows you to use all phone functions on the car screen. True, some functions are still disabled so as not to distract the driver. So games and some other entertainment applications are not available for display on displays in the car.
Vehicle self-diagnosis system
Another beautiful and necessary feature is the diagnostic system, which visualizes what is happening under the hood on a large display.
So the following data is available: level, coolant, oil level, tire pressure, fuel quantity and much more. And all this is displayed in a very beautiful way. , data on all vehicle systems in real time can be transmitted via the Internet to a remote computer (for example, to a master in a car service).
The instrument panel also has a built-in LCD screen that displays the speedometer and other digital data.
QNX didn't just update the infotainment system. They have created a new generation of digital technologies in the automotive industry. This in-cabin display can show weather, route information, media coverage and more.
Voice control
A new step in speech recognition technologies
Another special element is the new speech recognition system. Like Siri, the system doesn't need specific voice commands that you need to remember. You just speak and the system determines what you want. But, unfortunately, so far people are not used to talking with their own. Therefore, for sure, this function will be in demand in order to simply speed up access to any function when it is really needed.
Also, the new system from QNX improves the sound quality of cellular speakerphone.
Not finished yet
QNX could be coming to many new cars very soon
This system is on Mercedes car The CLA 45 AMG was first showcased at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show. But for now, it is in the final stages of development. The main thing is that this technology should come to mass-produced cars. After the development is over, many manufacturers will certainly want to equip their own with such technology.
In our opinion, today this technology can significantly make any stock car very expensive. But in the future, the cost of technology will fall, which means that the mass appearance of the QNX system on many machines is inevitable.
With a high-quality display, multi-core processor with graphics card, intuitive zoom, this technology is destined to succeed. This is a huge step forward in the development of infotainment technology.
And most likely, what we now see in modern cars, in a few years it will not look relevant.
