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01/09/2006
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The increasing numbers of mobile navigation, communication and entertainment devices in vehicles calls for novel thinking on integration into future vehicle platforms. To this end Siemens VDO has developed Media Hub to enable external infotainment systems using Bluetooth connections, USB and other standard hard-wired interfaces to link with the vehicle control and instrument system.
Clearly, the intention is that this should be a futureproofed adaptable solution. The company says developments are already “far advanced” and all prototypes are completely functional. A series launch may be feasible in “just the next few years”.
The speed of portable infotainment devices’ technical progress is steadily increasing. In particular, mobile phones have developed from pure communications devices into portable organisers and entertainment devices in recent years. They can now play music or serve as a compact navigation system. Additional functions such as TV reception, video downloads and gaming already are foreseeable. Experts expect a great number of such portable device infotainment options, from MP3 players to handheld computers.
So that drivers can safely, ergonomically and comfortably use these mobile devices in the future, Siemens VDO is intensively working on integrating the external functions into the carÌs human-machine interface (HMI). The goal is to integrate the mobile infotainment applications into the control and instrumentation concept in a manner allowing mobile phone navigation or internet downloads to be completely operated from the steering wheel and displayed on an instrument cluster screen.
The Media Hub concept was developed with a universal interface to establish connection between external functions and the vehicle. Similar to the Bluetooth connection of a mobile phone’s hands-free system, Media Hub will also enable other devices and applications to transmit to the carÌs HMI. To accomplish this, the company has developed a special software structure to accompany the Bluetooth interface to enable proxies can be transmitted to and implemented in the vehicle.
These utilities translate the external device’s ‘language’ into the vehicle’s ‘language’ to ensure a smooth exchange of information and commands. When the Media Hub and mobile telephone or navigation system have interfaced once and are synchronised, the system can detect the devices at any time and immediately make the corresponding connection when the vehicle is entered and started. Bluetooth, USB or other standard hard-wired interface links also can be networked with the vehicle control and instrument system.
Media Hub is a flexible development approach. Depending on the vehicle-maker, market and model, this individually configurable module can be integrated into both the infotainment future, as well as the cockpit display and control systems along with a radio or CD tuner. In addition, directly linking an individual module to the vehicle’s CANbus is conceivable.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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Copyright European Automotive Design.
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