Hardly any new vehicle is delivered without a touchscreen anymore. The advantages are obvious. Many functions can be accommodated in a manageable space, the interior is tidy and the smartphone-typical swiping and zooming movements are familiar.
At the same time, these facts are not only a blessing but also a curse.
Some functions are hidden in the third submenu, the display reacts with a delay or sun-related glare effects occur, and the smartphone movements that you intuitively perform on your device in the comfort of your armchair at home become a game of chance and trepidation when using the touchscreen, especially at high speeds or on winding roads, and thus a risk. This is one of the reasons why the automotive trade press and numerous reader comments are increasingly calling for a move away from pure touchscreens in vehicle interiors. The credo is always that operation is too cumbersome and menu navigation is sometimes not intuitive.
The biggest shortcoming, however, is safety concerns.
And indeed, a study by IAM Roadsmarts (IAM RoadSmart Infotainment Research 2020) found that touchscreen operation can result in an increase of up to 57% in reaction time.
So is this a damning verdict for touchscreens in terms of active safety?
Not necessarily, because there are solutions that not only compensate for the disadvantages but can overcompensate.
At Preh, we see the “tangible future of the vehicle interior” with a focus on flexible, customizable technical solutions combined with intuitive usability. Technologies are combined in various areas of the interior:
The intuitive usability within thumb's reach with minimal deviation of the eyes from the road speak for themselves. The challenge for new developments today is to implement more and more functions in the limited space available on the steering wheel, including the integration of electronic components. Due to the limited space, functions are also often outsourced to so-called “satellite switches”. We have developed such additional controls for the newer AMG models from Mercedes-Benz, among others. Using a rotating ring and integrated color display, they enable, for example, chassis and driving profile settings. The Preh Group's advanced engineering department is constantly coming up with new concepts for multifunctional steering wheel switches that remain focused on providing clear haptic feedback.
Our latest HMI solutions favor a combination of haptic controls and touchscreens, as this combines the strengths of both approaches. For example, a control knob is used that has been designed so that it can be attached to the surface of the touchscreen using a bonding process, without any gaps. Separate evaluation electronics are not required because the system uses the options already available in the touchscreen for this purpose. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning and Expedition models are the first production solutions to use the rotary function for volume control. Other OEMs are following suit. In addition, this Preh development also has the potential to serve as a true central control element, for example, for selecting functions such as media, climate or navigation. It is also feasible to place more than just one control dial on a touch screen.
The fact is – the control knob has not yet become obsolete but rather contributes to active safety.
Our advanced development team has also long since been working on the next evolutionary step: a movable and even removable control dial. This can be moved over the entire touchscreen surface, with the graphical user interface changing according to the position of the control dial. In the removable version, this control element can also be used on the center armrest, in the door area or in the rear. This enables flexible multimodal operation. It can also be ordered in multiple units, so that the individual dials remain in their respective operating locations – just as if they were permanently installed. The 360-degree push dial is available with either active or passive haptic feedback. It can be placed on a variety of surfaces, such as leather, wood, glass or plastic. What's more, it can be customized in a variety of ways: gold-plated, encrusted with rhinestones, or classically simple. If you prefer to use a touchscreen only, you can simply remove the button and stow it in the glove compartment.
The area in front of the armrest can be used as a cup holder and storage space, increasingly also with an inductive charging function for smartphones. On the other hand, this space is used for integrated operating systems. But there are also mixtures of both approaches. We favor the design as a control center because it allows important functions to be selected practically “off the cuff”. The latest concept includes haptic landscapes with three-dimensional feelers, slide functions and touchpads, as well as a control element for selecting the driving modes – always with active or passive haptic feedback.
Until now, the door control panel was positioned in front of the side armrest. But with autonomous driving, the requirements are also changing here. If the seat is moved far back in autonomous mode, the door control panel is out of reach. That's why we developed an armrest that moves forward when the driver's seat is pushed back. This covers the front control panel and releases a control panel in the rear area. The technical concept of this armrest module includes, on the one hand, the actuator system, which moves the support, including signal synchronization with the seat. After all, the armrest should only move when the seat is moved far back in autonomous driving mode. On the other hand, the control panels are also part of it. The switches are designed as closed sensory surfaces that make it easier to find the respective function without looking away, thanks to haptic feelers. In addition, an actuator ensures that each function selection is confirmed with a tangible haptic feedback. Alternatively, passive haptic feedback can also be used. We deliberately do not work with sensory technology alone here.
Door Module Concept (on)
Door Control Panel (on)
Door Module Concept (off)
Door Control Panel (off)
Even without taking autonomous driving into account, our control module concept allows new approaches to be taken in the design of interior HMI systems with the help of active haptic feedback and 3D feeler aids. The module has a completely sealed surface. Thanks to specially developed actuator and sensor technology, there are no moving parts. The control elements combined into one module can thus be inserted into the vehicle door without any gaps. Individual design of the tangible contours is just as feasible as the use of different surface materials.
In addition to “ambient light” and “surface light”, the newly developed 3D effect light is now also used. Ambient light creates a pleasant atmosphere that can promote the driver's well-being and concentration. Studies show that a low color temperature increases comfort, while a high color temperature increases alertness. Special lighting effects can improve the driver's alertness when tired. However, light also contributes to active safety, such as flashing red light in the event of danger. This requires a complex system of LED light sources, controls and safety precautions to ensure reliable functions. In this way, lighting technology not only takes aesthetic aspects into account, but also functional and safety-critical aspects.
Ergonomics plays a key role when it comes to the relationship between “look & feel” and operability in the vehicle interior. Optimum positioning of the controls is essential for user-friendliness and minimizing distraction. This is where kinematic solutions can play to their strengths: Movable, pivoting displays and adjustable center consoles allow flexible adaptation to the driver's body size, seating position and preferences. Movable displays minimize reflections from sunlight by tilting, for example. In addition, they can be rotated into the appropriate position by voice command from the driver or front passenger for improved safety, functionality and comfort.
