More and more features in today's vehicles put increasing demands on the driver's ability to process information, operate functions and simultaneously concentrate on driving. This necessitates simplifying and optimizing the human-machine-interface (HMI).
Therefore, Siemens VDO has developed a cockpit study, “Breeze”, showing a new, ergonomic HMI concept in an attractive design.
The number of switches is minimized by implementing a force feedback switch, allowing intuitive operation of several functions via a menu system displayed on a 10 inch monitor. Specific driver functions are operated by mulit-function keys in the steering wheel with a secondary display. The turn indicator is operated by squeezing the steering wheel grips. Vibration elements are activated in dangerous situations to alert the driver. Additional features include flat panel loudspeakers and instrumentation with 3D-effect
Many technical details are presently under development, however, some solutions are already in production.