Werner Hamberger

Measurement of driver's distraction for an early prove of concepts in automotive industry at the example of the development of a haptic touchpad

This contribution shows how it is possible to integrate the users behavior in the development process in a very early stage of concept. Therefore innovative applied methodologies for objectifying human behavior such as eye tracking or video observation like the Dikablis/ DLab environment in the Audi driving simulator are necessary. A demonstrative example therefore is the predevelopment of a touchpad with an adjustable haptic surface as a concept idea for infotainment interaction with the Audi MMI. First an overview of the idea of capturing human behavior for evaluating concept ideas in a very early stage of the development process is given and how it is realized with the Dikablis and DLab environment. Furthermore the paper describes the concept idea of the innovative control element of the haptic touchpad as well as the accompanied upcoming demands for research and how these questions were clarified. At the end some example results are given.

Augmented Interaction and Visualization in the Automotive Domain

This paper focuses on innovative interaction and visualization strategies for the automotive domain. To keep the increasing amount of information in vehicles easily accessible and also to minimize the mental workload for the driver, sophisticated presentation and interaction techniques are essential. In this contribution a new approach for interaction the so-called augmented interaction is presented. The new idea is an intelligent combination of innovative visualization and interaction technologies to reduce the drivers mental transfer effort that is necessary between displayed information, control movement and reality. Using contact-analog head-up displays relevant information can be presented exactly where it is needed. For control, an absolute natural and direct way of interaction is delivered by touch technologies. However, to leave the eyes on the road, the driver needs haptic feedback to handle a touchpad blindly. Therefore, the touchpad presented in this contribution, is equipped with a haptic adjustable surface. Combining both technologies delivers an absolutely innovative way for in-vehicle interaction. It enables the driver to interact in a very direct way by sensing the corresponding environment on the touchpad.

Comparison of in-car touchpads with adaptive haptic feedback

Two in-car touchpads with adaptive haptic feedback are specified in the context of this contribution. These innovative control elements enable an easy and intuitive handling of modern car infotainment systems. The current paper presents the results of a field experiment comparing a touchpad with realistic haptic feedback via sensible and operable elements to a touchpad with haptic feedback via vibration of the touchpad surface in a real driving situation.