The Automotive Internet — An Advanced Automotive Application

Abstract

Vehicles become more and more part of the worldwide information network. Mobile services, Internet access and e-business are either already offered or soon to be introduced. Systems allowing the use of Internet functions have to be developed. Drivers’ needs, expectations and capabilities should drive development and introduction of the technology.

CAA AG develops driver information systems and CarPCs for most of the German and some international automotive OEMs. The company is a system integrator and software developer. Core competences are hard- and software engineering, graphic design and human factors. To present its capabilities, CAA developed the CAA CarPC. The system integrates functionalities in the areas of comfort, media, telecommunication and navigation. In addition, an on-line connection is offered. This allows Internet access, e-mail, on-line maintenance, WAP applications and more. A major point of development has been the human- machine interface (HMI). Human factors criteria were essential in the design of the systems. Various HMIs have been developed to integrate the systems into different cars and to fit them to different customer groups.

The technology of the system and its subsystems will be presented. Different HMI solutions will be shown, human factors and consumer needs will be discussed. Alternative solutions for different customers groups will be presented.