Car HMI

In the past, tractor operation was made possible using a few oversized levers and light-emitting diodes which are being replaced today by giant displays, joysticks, many buttons and levers.
Three years ago, the Preh company from Bad Neustadt focused on this market with its "Commercial Vehicles HMI" division that was set up specifically for this purpose. Although the automotive industry is the main component of Preh's billions of euro in sales, the commercial vehicles sector alone, with sales of 30 million euro in agricultural engineering, already accounts for 60% of total commercial vehicle sales.

Not three, but thirty years ago Preh started equipping agricultural machinery with instruments and controls from well-known manufacturers, such as John Deere. Preh's so-called shifters are furnished in continuously variable tractors from John Deere. Not only the shifters convinced John Deere; therefore its cooperation with Preh is at the "partner-level supplier" level, John Deere's highest supplier rating.

Among other well-known agricultural machinery manufacturers in the Preh customer portfolio are Claas, which uses the automotive supplier's joysticks and control elements, and Deutz Fahr.
In its offer, Preh concentrates on specific special solutions, which are individually tailored to the partner and always take place in close coordination.

In the product requirement profile, too, other standards must be set than in the automotive sector.
If the latter focus is more on a haptic experience and a high-quality ambience, commercial vehicles must be robust and even more durable equipment. This becomes all the more important the further a vehicle is used from the street. Dust, dirt and rain play an increasingly important role and must not impair functionality in any way. That is why robustness and longevity mean switches, buttons and other operating elements must survive a test with 1.5 million actuations in order to be ready for series production.

By way of comparison: "Only" one-sixth of these operations is required for controls in the automotive sector.

In order to be able to withstand such loads, high quality is required. Preh achieves this through extremely high level vertical integration up to 90%. From development to prefabrication, assembly and final inspection, almost everything is pre-developed, further advanced and processed at Preh in-house. 

The robust consoles for agricultural machine technology almost make you forget that delicate electronic components from Preh are used everywhere in them. Potentiometers, transistors or resistors, over a quarter of a million electronic components are processed every hour at Preh in Bad Neustadt. These are also necessary in this number, because electronics will also increase significantly in the agricultural machinery sector, for example for presentations on displays.
Preh develops complex operating concepts for modern agricultural machinery including the display, joystick and armrest.

A concept study by Preh aims to reduce the number of agricultural machine switches and buttons in the cab cockpit and introduce ergonomic solutions that combine the work machine and the office.

Control elements integrated in the armrest, ergonomic two-way control lever with a small touch sensor and double display unit that can be easily controlled with the sensor are just a few examples of such an agricultural machinery concept study. By means of active haptic feedback, noticeable feedback comparable to pressing a button, can be realized when a function is selected on the touch display. The operator immediately feels when the function has been confirmed. Two modular rotary knobs are also part of the concept study by Preh and enable a direct view of the touch screen display. Thanks to this reduction in buttons, levers, rotary controls and knobs, the agricultural machine cab cockpit is not only tidier, but also supports the vehicle operator in his work.
 

To Article (German version only)

Real glass, acoustic, visual and haptic feedback are just a few examples of what Preh's multi-modular center console concept can offer. The goal is always the most intuitive usability through simultaneous addressing of several senses (seeing, hearing, touching). This means that distraction from the traffic can be reduced to a minimum.

For a high-quality impression, Preh GmbH relies on refining user interfaces using the so-called Preh-PVD process. Here, the PVD (physical vapor disposition) technology, which is conventionally used in the high temperature range, is lowered by modification to a temperature range that enables plastic surfaces to retain their actual dimensional stability. This makes it possible to cover operating system surfaces with a coating of real metal and insert functional icons by means of a laser. These icons can then be equipped with backlighting for a high-quality impression in the car cockpit. Further development of this process led in 2007 to Preh GmbH being nominated a "finalist" for the PACE Award. 

To Article (German version only)

Making vehicle operation as intuitive as possible so as not to distract the driver contributes substantially to road safety. Preh's center console concept uses real glass surfaces that can be controlled with just a light touch. Selecting functions is made easier by visual, acoustic and haptic feedback. This intuitive operating concept enables increased traffic safety.
Since then, smartphone-typical gestures have progressively found their way into more vehicle models. Starting in the Audi A8 with an innovative multi-media interface that enabled character recognition in the touchpad, BMW has integrated touchpads in its iDrive controller since 2012, for example in the BMW 7 Series. The touchpads not only recognize characters, but also react to swipe and zoom gestures, just like a modern smartphone.

While driving, the driver's gaze must be directed towards the road and cannot be fixed on the screen, as smartphone users do. It is all the more important for a center console concept to consider this fact when operating the functions.

For this purpose, the main screen should be placed at the height of the instrument cluster and designed only as a display instrument, but not as a touchscreen. Ultimately, intuitive control operability is essential. Preh's center console concept is therefore equipped with active haptic feedback, i.e. when a function is selected, there is noticeable feedback.

Instead of countless buttons, the touchpad is designed as a central operating unit (Central Control).
Touching the touchpad in navigation mode, for example, makes the cursor visible on the display and enables the driver to operate it quickly with just one finger. The haptic feedback is also supplemented by visual feedback in the display.

In addition, the touchpad, made of curved real glass, leaves a very elegant impression on the operator. Not only optical, but also wear criteria were taken into account when selecting this material. The real glass is insensitive to scratches and chemicals.

Another innovation in Preh's center console concept is the real glass surface for climate control. This additionally contoured surface of Preh's climate control system is also equipped with active haptic feedback. On the one hand, it enables intuitive operation and, on the other hand, it is also a visual highlight in the center console.

To Article (German version only)

The new center console concept presented by Preh at the IAA enables visual, acoustic and haptic feedback as well as communication via smartphone-typical "swipe gestures." The fourth generation of so-called black panel display technology uses three-dimensional real glass with three-dimensional function icons.

The touchpad positioned in front of the center armrest shows a completely new approach. It has haptic feedback and a scratch-resistant real glass surface. The driver can select the navigation points in the menu with just one finger using handwriting recognition and a computer mouse-like control. Jochen Ehrenberg, Head of Development at Preh, points out there cannot be "one perfect operating system solution." Rather, Preh has the driver's personal preferences in mind when creating the center console concept. This innovative operating system offers various ways of selecting functions, from which the driver can choose the most comfortable method for him.

To Article (German version only)

Preh's center console concepts contain innovative operating options and focus on medium-term feasible series production. Examples from the last few years are the magnetic haptics presented in 2007 and black panel technology. Both technologies can be found today in a wide range of applications for proven series products from well-known manufacturers, for example in BMW's 5, 6 and 7 series.

In 2011 Preh presented a 3D real glass center console concept in a black panel design. Another milestone two years later was the black panel surface, a combination of real glass and plastic. Improved tactile surface structures as well as active haptic feedback and modular selection options contribute to intuitive usability.

Preh not only achieves haptic feedback, but also visual quality by combining real glass and functional 3D icons, which give the center console an elegant impression. Preh gives special attention to using smartphone-typical gestures in its new center console, enabling multimodal function selection in the vehicle interior. 

To Article (German version only)

Networking mobile devices with a vehicle is enjoying increasing demand. Preh has developed a center console concept that takes this trend into account. The smartphone has undoubtedly become a daily companion for most motorists and the user interface of these end devices, which use swiping gestures or enable zoom functions to guide through menus, is indisputably practical. Such user interfaces also have a major disadvantage. The driver's gaze remains on the display longer than would be the case with a simple push of a button. The longer the view is distracted from the traffic situation, the greater the risk of an accident.
Preh's center console concept aims to harmonize usability and safety and therefore separates display and function selection. Preh implements this for operating the air conditioning system and the central controller in the center console. Here the basic central control element functions can be selected without eye contact and displayed in the driver's field of vision. This should reduce distraction to a minimum. Preh has integrated a touchpad into the rotary knob, which can be operated using smartphone-typical gestures, such as swiping and zooming. 

To Article (German version only)

Control systems in vehicles must be selectable so that driver distraction is reduced to a minimum. An ADAC study has shown that simple search for a desired radio station takes 12 seconds - a long time that significantly increases the risk of accidents. With their concepts, operating system developers and manufacturers naturally aim to optimize such processes, but there cannot be a uniform concept that is suitable for all drivers. Preferences are too individual, and swiping/zooming movements on smartphones have markedly shaped millions of users' operating habits. Thus, two target groups emerge which have to be considered equally. While one driver has internalized turning a rotary knob or pressing a button, the smartphone generation is more familiar with the usual swipe and zoom movements.

In fact, the so-called stroop effect can be used to demonstrate that internalized actions flow almost automatically, but new or unfamiliar actions require increased attention.

Preh enables the ideal solution by letting the driver decide how to select a function. Preh's multimodal center console concept includes separate control of the air conditioning system and seat and integrates a centrally positioned rotary knob that can be moved in four directions. A touchpad is also part of this center console concept. In addition, using multifunction steering wheels always makes sense.
The multimodal center console concept leaves the driver free to determine how a certain function should be operated. Selecting the favorite radio station can be made either via multifunction steering wheel, voice control or touchpad operation. A possible weak point, the lack of haptic feedback when selecting a function using a touchscreen instead of a rotary knob or button, is avoided from the outset in the Preh center console concept.

The real glass surface used has clearly perceptible contours and selecting a function on the touchscreen "answers" by means of optical, acoustic and haptic feedback.
Since 2010, series vehicles are increasingly equipped with touchpads, starting with Audi A8's MMI operating system. Whether at Mercedes, BMW, Audi or other manufacturers: The principle always remains the same - to keep distraction as low as possible.
There is no uniform solution for all drivers, but Preh's multimodal center console operating concept can give each one the right operation selection concept and thus make an essential contribution to increasing road safety.

To Article (German version only)

The PrehCon center console concept, implemented in black panel technology, only allows the button symbols and rotary knobs to become visible and shown in an elegant ice-blue light after the ignition has been switched on. A nanometer thin real metal button coating, achieved by Preh's PVD (physical vapor deposition) translucent technology, enables new options in vehicle interior night design.

Another tactile and visual experience is the futuristic gear selector lever, which is discreetly lowered into the center console when the ignition is off. The third PrehCon component is the integrated touchpad. On the one hand, this enables navigation device control and telephone operation. When the driver selects the telephone function in the PrehCon center console, the telephone keypad appears on the touchpad. The operator receives system feedback by means of haptic, visual and acoustic feedback. This innovative application means the separate telephone keypad can be omitted.

PrehCon also enables climate control with just one modular rotary knob for separate use by the driver and front passenger. Using modular haptic feedback from this rotary knob, different cogging torque shows the operator the current operating system control mode. After a short familiarization period, intuitive operation is possible. Not only the climate control rotary knob, but also the central control button, with its haptic feedback, passes user feedback in menu navigation. Among other things, mechanical interlocks simplify operation and avoid errors in use.
 

To Article (German version only)

For automotive suppliers and car manufacturers, the balancing act between intuitive interior operation on the one hand and a high-quality look and feel in the car cockpit on the other hand is a constant challenge. Especially in luxury vehicles, the number of buttons, switches and rotary knobs often overwhelms the driver. Even selecting functions via a central display menu does not necessarily have to be intuitive to use. The problem is always the same: When the driver must look for the desired function, he is distracted from the traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.

PrehCon has set itself the task of reducing driver distraction as much as possible. The concept distinguishes between primary and secondary functions. The primary functions must be designed as intuitively as possible so the driver can select them without a learning phase. Calling up secondary functions, on the other hand, should also be intuitive after a relatively short learning phase.

For example, with conventional climate control systems having two climate zones, two control elements were required to set the desired temperature; with PrehCon only one rotary knob is sufficient. This can be pushed to the right or left in order to select the respective zone before setting it with a turning motion. Haptic feedback also makes it possible to provide different functions with a perceptibly different torque.

PrehCon also combines the gear selector lever with the parking brake, which raises from its resting position when the vehicle is started. The center console concept is also supplemented by an innovative touchpad functionality. In the so-called "Phone" mode, a telephone keypad is visible on the touchpad surface. When the user presses the buttons, he receives visual and haptic feedback.

The center console concept also relies on Preh PVD (physical vapor disposition) technology for an elegant visual impression. This enables buttons or switches to be coated with a wafer-thin real metal surface, which can be provided with the corresponding functional symbols via laser, for backlighting in the night design.

Technologies combined in PrehCon improve the car cockpit in terms of intuitive usability, less distraction and more traffic safety.

To Article (German version only)