Taking multi-touch and gesture recognition (MT/GR) into the auto may have some very cool user and manufacturer benefits. This article posted by Marie Freebody at Optics.Org gives some very good insight on this topic in her discussion of Osram Opto Semi’s auto solution.

 

Taking advantage of MT/GR use in the automotive environment can increase safety, enhance the pleasure of motoring and provide significant opportunities to auto manufacturers for part and weight reduction.

 

Any technology that reduces driver distraction can and will save lives and prevent injuries. By providing MT/GR technology to the standard GPS display available in most cars virtually all control functions of the auto’s subsystems (i.e. audio, climate control, seat adjustment, windows, etc.) are managed by gestures on the display without the need to look at the display. This eliminates the need to visually locate a given control knob or toggle switch located in various areas of the dashboard.

 

The driver experience is enhanced by the elimination of analog knobs and switch controls. By providing audio feedback to gesture input on the display the driver and auto can intuitively communicate precise control settings.

 

By eliminating the need for the analog controls and their associated wiring assemblies the auto manufacturing is dramatically simplified with fewer parts and increased reliability.

 

 

-Phil

 

Tags: automotive, gesture recognition, multi-touch, touch screen

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 8:28 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.