Visteon’s Horizon cockpit concept combines advanced technologies for revolutionary driving experience
A new automotive cockpit concept from Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC) demonstrates that futuristic-sounding advancements such as 3-D gesture recognition are closer to reality than one might imagine.
The Horizon cockpit concept, which Visteon has been demonstrating to global vehicle manufacturers, blends three emerging technologies to transform the way a driver controls features such as interior temperature, audio and navigation.
- Gesture control – An advanced camera system maps the user’s hand to replicate a virtual hand on the center stack. Horizon drivers can then easily operate certain vehicle controls simply by moving their hand or just a finger, without making contact with the instrument cluster. For example, radio volume can be adjusted by making a turning motion with one’s hand.
- Virtual touch screen – By integrating a pressure-sensitive touch pad, drivers can operate center stack controls without having to physically reach for them. The touch pad recognizes the amount of pressure applied for improved responses. The touch pad can be implemented with any soft material, such as leather or cloth, allowing flexibility for its location.
- Dual-layered display – High-resolution graphics present information on two separate planes, bringing only those controls with which the driver is interacting to the forefront. The driver can virtually “push” through the graphics on the first pane to access the second.
Incorporating these technologies through its expertise in human-machine interaction (HMI), Visteon delivers a one-of-a-kind environment for the driver.
“The Horizon cockpit concept shows possibilities for combining real-time rendered 3-D graphics with advanced display technologies,” said Shadi Mere, innovation manager at Visteon. “By weaving together multiple emerging HMI input technologies, we’re able to deliver a distinctive cockpit system that delivers an intuitive and enjoyable driving experience.”
Prior to unveiling the Horizon cockpit for its customers, Visteon presented the concept to consumers during a research clinic. Seventy percent of participating consumers showed a strong interest in a virtual volume knob in their next vehicle, stating that it was easier and more convenient than searching for a traditional volume knob.
A video of the Horizon cockpit concept is available on www.youtube.com/visteon
Read a blog from Innovation Manager Shadi Mere about the Horizon cockpit concept system at http://blog.visteon.com/
The Horizon cockpit demonstrates technologies from Visteon Electronics, a division of Visteon Corporation that delivers innovative in-vehicle user experiences through solutions in user interfaces, connectivity and open architectures.
