Product definition
The new GM car aims to enhance the driving experience by integrating information from various sources, including the driver's lifestyle, environment, and entertainment options Designed with user types in mind, particularly focusing on female drivers, the vehicle will prioritize safety and convenience By incorporating features like speech recognition, the car allows drivers to access its functionalities without diverting their attention from the road The central theme is to create a personalized vehicle that effectively responds to its surroundings, all while adhering to budget and time limitations.
Product development methodology
The HCI group initiated their project by analyzing research conducted by the GM group on the preferences and requirements of female drivers over recent semesters Following this review, they engaged in brainstorming sessions, both individually and collaboratively, to generate innovative ideas.
During our brainstorming process, we focused on generating innovative ideas for creating the "ideal car," with minimal consideration for feasibility We categorized our concepts into seven key areas: GPS, iPod/PDA/USB integration, Physical Design, Maintenance and Information, Voice Activated Devices, and Driving Control After receiving feedback from our class and the GM group, we refined our ideas to align with budget and time constraints, ultimately clustering them into three main categories: Digital Assistant, Key Functions, and Communication Control Further details on these areas will be provided in the report, along with presentations from the Audio/Visual, Infrastructure Hardware/Software, and Wireless groups on implementing our visionary scenario Our designs also build upon exploratory work conducted by students for the GM project in 2001.
When determining what features to provide drivers with, it is critical for us to keep the design principles in mind Below is a list of design principles that we follow:
Avoid having functionality that can be purchased directly from the market Instead, it would be fine to purchase a product and build more new functionalities on top of it
To showcase the basic functionality of voice recognition technology, it can be utilized for tasks such as unlocking doors or selecting songs Given the time limitations, implementing a single voice command feature will effectively illustrate the concept of voice recognition.
In situations where real-time information is unavailable, it is essential to emulate functionality to maintain convenience and usability For instance, if the car bus system is inaccessible, one can replicate the remote start feature by remotely activating a light bulb inside the vehicle This approach ensures that users can still experience some level of control and functionality despite the limitations.
If complete functionality cannot be implemented, demonstrate limited functionality from which GM can then carry on what we started
Focus on infrastructure that is common to several functions.
Do not modify the car itself For example, do not drill holes.
Try to make systems portable to other vehicles.
Background
Our features are organized into three key categories: Digital Assistant, Communication Control, and Key Functions Each category is designed to enhance the user experience by anticipating needs and providing proactive suggestions This approach transforms the car into the ultimate driving experience, tailored to meet the driver's requirements through intelligent preprogrammed settings.
Digital Assistant
Carrie, the digital assistant, acts as a personal 'butler' for drivers, providing seamless support through voice recognition and proactive GPS navigation By integrating resources like PDAs, iPods, cell phones, the Internet, GPS, and onboard diagnostic sensors, Carrie ensures drivers can effortlessly avoid heavy traffic, take voice notes, or enjoy their favorite music, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Carrie enhances user efficiency by anticipating future tasks and offering timely reminders By accessing the user's appointment list, Carrie can determine the quickest route, especially if the user is running late Additionally, Carrie can monitor the user's "to do" list and provide contextual reminders, such as alerting the driver to stop for bagels when passing a nearby shop Furthermore, if the vehicle is low on gas, Carrie will calculate the fastest route to the nearest gas station that can be reached with the remaining fuel In cases of car issues, like radiator fluid problems, Carrie will direct the user to the closest authorized dealer or service station, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
Engine troubles are now easier to manage thanks to onboard audio sensors that capture diagnostic noises for playback to the dealer If a visit to the dealer isn't possible, drivers can effortlessly record and send performance and safety data, along with audio recordings, directly from their car The system automatically displays relevant information about the issue on the main touchscreen, providing peace of mind to the driver This intuitive documentation process eliminates the need to wait roadside for assistance, making vehicle maintenance more convenient than ever.
Key’s Function
The innovative key system ensures that "out of sight" doesn't mean "out of mind" by providing drivers with a GPS-generated map to easily locate their parked car, especially in crowded areas It unlocks automatically as the user approaches, making it convenient for those with hands full of groceries Additionally, the car locks itself upon departure, eliminating the worry of forgetting to secure it With Driver ID, the vehicle instantly adjusts to the driver’s personalized settings, including radio, temperature, and seat position, upon entry, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Communication Control
With just a touch of a button, users stay connected to the world through email and the Internet Important emails and phone calls keep drivers informed, while a touch screen display provides quick access to the latest sports news and destination updates Additionally, diagnostic information is transmitted online to the dealer, ensuring constant communication and immediate feedback for prompt problem resolution.
The diagram below highlights the above mentioned details:
Our envisioned input/output structure simplifies car operation by utilizing voice commands, manually entered preferences, a touch screen, and buttons as primary inputs The main outputs include a heads-up display (HUD), in-dash display, voice feedback, and a touch screen, all designed to work cohesively Additionally, a wind/fan feature is incorporated to help wake sleepy drivers, ensuring a safer driving experience.
We aim to enhance user experience by ensuring that voice commands from Carrie, the car's personal assistant, align seamlessly with map visualizations displayed on the HUD Our design includes abstract symbols strategically positioned for clarity, such as a prominent right turn arrow to indicate upcoming directions To maintain simplicity, we propose an intuitive touch screen interface that allows easy interaction with Carrie, the personal digital assistant, and the MP3 player through straightforward touch buttons.
Our visual output will primarily focus on the Head-Up Display (HUD) to minimize driver distraction, showcasing essential information like directions, a real-time road map, and routing details The HUD will present concise, informative, and intuitive data to enhance driver awareness In contrast, secondary functions such as PDA and user manual features will be accessible via the touch screen, intended for use when the vehicle is stationary or in a safe driving context User manual functions will include diagnostic inputs, such as fuel levels, prompting proactive suggestions for refueling when necessary Critical data, including fuel status and situational severity, will be displayed on the In Dash Display, with high-severity alerts, like low fuel, indicated by a red color We aim to simulate these output displays for effective driver interaction.
We propose the integration of voice commands activated via a dedicated button on the steering wheel, allowing users to engage voice functionality seamlessly A specific "voice activation" button will initiate voice commands, while voice notes can be recorded through the touch screen interface Additionally, users can customize their preferences via the touch screen, which will be saved as pre-programmed settings accessible through "user profiles." This feature enables different users to adjust the car's preset configurations to their liking by selecting the appropriate profile, even if they are not the key owner.
Ensuring driver safety is our top priority, which is why Carrie, the car's personal assistant, will avoid displaying overly distracting information, particularly during critical moments like excessive speeding To enhance driver alertness without causing distraction, we have implemented a gentle solution: a fan that blows wind at the driver's face instead of using loud sounds or shocking alerts This approach aims to effectively awaken a potentially sleepy driver while maintaining focus on the road.
Our input/output systems are designed with user simplicity in mind, ensuring that inputs are intuitive and outputs are minimally distracting By the end of all our phases, we aim to demonstrate a proof of concept for this functionality.
The system diagram illustrates the relationships among the components from a human-computer interaction perspective Within the dashed box, three primary subsystems are identified, while external devices that engage with the system are positioned above it Below the dashed box, the interaction between the driver and the system is detailed, highlighting the comprehensive integration of all elements.
Sally wakes up to a loud alarm at 8:05 am, realizing she has a quiz at 8:30 am Rushing to the parking lot, she struggles to remember where she parked her car after a late night out A quick glance at her key helps her locate the vehicle Balancing a pile of books in her hands, she is relieved that the car unlocks automatically, saving her from fumbling with her keys She reminisces about her friend adjusting the radio stations during their last drive.
MP3/PDA/ cell phone OBD II
Input Output driving her back home so she presses her finger against the keys so that the radio presets are back to her settings in the car
Sally effortlessly connects her devices to their chargers using a standard two-pin socket With a simple voice command through her steering wheel, she plays her favorite track, "Numb/Encore" by Jay-Z and Linkin Park, instantly lifting her spirits The music's infectious energy prompts her to crank the volume to maximum As she navigates out of a tight parking space, she relies on her car's advanced sensors, which prevent potential collisions with the vehicle behind her, showcasing the importance of modern parking and blind spot warning technologies in enhancing driving safety.
While driving, Carrie, her personal car assistant, reminds Sally of her 10:30 am dentist appointment, prompting her to hit her head in frustration for forgetting to brush her teeth Concerned about her breath after a night of drinking, she hopes the dentist won't be too put off Just then, the GPS alerts her to a traffic jam on Morewood Avenue, her usual route to campus, and suggests an alternative via Beeler Street Grateful for her investment in the high-quality GM GPS system, Sally realizes it has just helped her avoid missing an important quiz.
After class, Carrie drives Sally to her dentist appointment, reminding her of upcoming turns Despite feeling anxious and wishing to hide, Sally successfully navigates to the clinic After her check-up, she returns to her car, only to find herself struggling with the heavy snowfall and unsure how to turn on the headlights of her new vehicle In a moment of frustration, she calls out for help, and Carrie assists her by showing the manual instructions.
Carrie informs Sally about an email she received, which reveals that she aced her quiz, prompting a smile from Sally She then checks the sports news and learns that the Steelers lost to the Patriots However, her excitement is interrupted when the car starts making an unusual noise, and a red warning symbol appears on both the HUD and her touchscreen Confused, she taps the symbol, which brings up an explanation indicating that the car's radiator is low on liquid and needs to be refilled.
Sally's car displayed a red alert for low radiator fluid, accompanied by a strange sound To address the issue, she recorded the noise on her PDA and sent it along with the car's performance report to her dealer After a brief wait, the dealer informed her that the sound was linked to the radiator fluid and would subside once replenished Grateful for the quick response, Sally used her touchscreen to search for the nearest gas station, which led her to a Mobil station Upon arrival, she discovered two types of radiator fluid: one labeled "Green" and the other a different variant.
Sally recalls the car's indicator for "green" radiator fluid, which she purchased and added to the radiator Intrigued by the difference between "green" and "orange" radiator fluids, she makes a note on her PDA to inquire about it during her next maintenance check at the dealer's workshop After filling up, she drives home, contemplating her upcoming question.
Visual Interfaces…
Before seeking out specific technologies, the V/A group identified several key areas in the vehicle where visual interfaces could be installed. o Windshield o Instrument cluster o Center console
Key areas for driver-car interaction were identified, focusing on modifying interfaces to enhance vehicle functionality To ensure usability, we aimed to integrate our interfaces without obstructing existing features, targeting prime locations above the speedometer and in front of the radio receiver After determining these locations, we measured the areas to select the most suitable screen options for our design.
Audio Interfaces
Our system's functionality heavily depended on integrating voice recognition and notification systems, necessitating the selection of suitable audio input and output devices for vehicles A critical requirement was that the vehicle's audio system could facilitate interaction amidst the noise typical of an automobile passenger cabin We conducted a technology survey to identify products that would effectively meet this essential criterion.
We initially chose our cameras for a driver recognition system, focusing on compatibility with onboard computing, low power consumption, and sufficient resolution for image processing As our project evolved to prioritize blind spot obstacle detection, we found that the same cameras met the less demanding requirements of this new application, proving their versatility and effectiveness.
The V/A group identified several technologies that effectively met our interface requirements, with LCD technology emerging as a versatile and cost-effective solution for our display needs Initially, we explored options for a HUD unit but ultimately opted for a projection unit from a previous GM project For audio, we considered various sound playback methods, including a tape converter and an external amplifier, ultimately choosing the tape converter due to its similar design and pricing Additionally, we assessed multiple microphones to find the most suitable option for automotive use, while our camera specifications led us to focus on USB webcam devices for our product research.
? Scree n Size Dimensions Cos t Remarks
First choice for touchscre en
Second choice for touchscre en
First choice for non- touchscre en
Too expensive; DVD player not needed;
30Hz-18kHz Yes $29.99 High quality, but expensive
Microphone unknown Yes $8.78 First choice
Extremely small; video resolution not as good
Camera view can be adjusted; very expensive
640 x 480 30 $99.99 High Quality but too expensive
HUD…
The selected HUD was simply the system used in 2001 by a previous
The V/A group determined that the most effective strategy for the GM project was to repurpose an older model, as commercial HUDs were still hard to find due to their replacement by proprietary automotive markets.
In-Dash LCD
To enhance the display of critical information in the vehicle, we opted for a compact LCD unit mounted above the dashboard instrument cluster, as a touch screen was unnecessary due to its inaccessible location The chosen Xenarc 700Y LCD display stands out for its low power consumption, high resolution, and small size, making it perfect for our needs This display will primarily show high-priority real-time data, ensuring that only the most relevant information is communicated to the driver Additionally, the recent certification of the Xenarc as an automotive component confirms its suitability for use in vehicles, further validating our choice.
Center Console LCD
The primary mode of interaction for the driver will be a touch screen, chosen for its low power consumption, cross-OS compatibility, high resolution, and affordability This touch screen will enable users to configure various system aspects and access non-essential information from the database Consequently, we selected the Xenarc 700TS touch-screen version of our in-dash LCD display, as its size aligns with the mounting limitations imposed by the existing radio receiver Thus, the Xenarc series emerged as the ideal choice for our dashboard and console display.
Microphone
To ensure effective voice recognition within the system, it was essential to select a microphone capable of clearly capturing the driver's voice in a noisy vehicle environment A noise-canceling microphone model was chosen to enhance audio clarity While the precise mounting location may vary based on the vehicle's specific geometry, the driver’s side A-pillar is the most probable installation site.
Tape Adapter
The prototype system required audio output to alert drivers of critical events, but modifying the existing vehicle audio receiver was deemed unnecessary Instead, an affordable tape adapter was chosen to connect the computer's line-level output to the vehicle's audio system, simulating magnetic media This method was minimally invasive and offered sound quality comparable to a full audio system replacement While the specific model of the tape adapter has not yet been determined, most commercial options provide similar quality and are easily accessible.
Web Cameras
While the specific deployment details for these cameras are still under consideration, we have chosen a model that we believe is ideal for the intended use Our main focus was on achieving sufficient resolution, especially given the initial potential for a facial recognition feature Additionally, the Labtec model we selected is cost-effective, making it a suitable option for various applications within the vehicle.
Unlike other groups, the V/A interfaces relied heavily on the HCI visionary scenario The technology survey focused on selecting products that minimized hardware dependencies by offering the most generic interfaces to other components Ultimately, the choice of products was driven by the information that the HCI group aimed to communicate A three-display system was selected, effectively partitioning the displayed information based on detail and criticality.
The project features three types of visual display devices: a heads-up display (HUD), a touch screen display, and an In-Dash display To ensure compatibility, we selected displays that function with both Windows and Linux operating systems, as the software group has yet to finalize their OS choice Determining the optimal size for the in-dash display was challenging due to the dash's non-rectangular shape; thus, we utilized cardboard cutouts for assessment Additionally, we plan to integrate the HUD from a previous project, necessitating an evaluation of its interfaces and capabilities Power consumption remains a concern, and we may need to disable the touch screen at times, but overall, the projected power costs of the onboard computing system will outweigh the displays' energy usage.
Noise-canceling microphones typically have minimal dependencies, as most consumer models utilize either USB or unbalanced microphone signals With both interfaces readily available on computers, a wide range of commercial products can be considered Additionally, the power consumption of microphones is minimal, making it an insignificant concern.
The team has opted to utilize the vehicle's existing speakers, effectively addressing placement challenges linked to external amplifiers and speakers This choice also reduces power consumption since an amplifier is not required However, the specific cassette adapter for this setup has not yet been identified, raising concerns about the potential quality of music playback with this method.
The installation of cameras for blind spot detection is facing challenges regarding their optimal placement on the vehicle, with options including the top, rear, or other locations yet to be determined Additionally, the power consumption of these cameras has not been assessed, but it is anticipated to be relatively low.
The V/A units utilize widely accepted hardware interfaces for all input and output functions, aligning with commercial standards for data communications The accompanying architecture diagram illustrates the hardware system, focusing solely on the display components and their approximate placements within the vehicle.
The laptop is responsible for managing the interface functionalities, including the HUD and touch screen, as well as audio input and output via its integrated sound card Meanwhile, the embedded PC oversees the dashboard display and onboard cameras, utilizing its video card and USB bus Both systems are designed to handle their respective display components with minimal load, and in the event of unexpected issues, the shared interfaces facilitate seamless interchangeability between the two computer systems.
Choosing the right development environment is crucial due to the variety of devices and services that need to be implemented After evaluating MAC OS X, Linux, and Windows, we opted for a small form factor desktop to manage the diverse devices effectively Utilizing both a desktop and a laptop allows us to leverage Linux on the desktop for stability while running Windows on the laptop for compatibility with proprietary software and devices The two systems will communicate via Ethernet, enabling seamless device connectivity across both platforms.
The provided laptop will operate the user interface and manage devices requiring proprietary Windows interfaces, including the touch screen, GPRS interface, and sound card It also utilizes a web browser to display data from the desktop.
For optimal performance, configuring and running background services for Carrie is most effective in a Linux environment Utilizing a DC-DC power supply for an ATX computer enhances efficiency by directly powering the system from the car's battery, eliminating the need to convert battery power to AC and back to DC Various solutions are available to regulate battery power for compatibility with an ATX board, with standalone options detailed in the table below.
Mini-box.com PW-200-M w/ITPS
Powerst ream.com PST-ITX-2
Size 2 small pieces 106 x 57 mm 161 x 45 mm 126x57x26 mm 150x86x142 mm
2 nd HDD Y Maybe 3A limit Maybe Y
An integrated DC-DC power supply within the case streamlines desktop assembly and vehicle setup The case offered by opussolutions.com features a design akin to the initial option, built into a robust structure suitable for environments prone to vibrations.
The web server and database will operate on a Linux-based desktop computer equipped with PCI add-on cards, including a video card for additional displays and an 802.11b/g wireless card The ATX system design guarantees ample USB ports for connecting mobile devices, while the desktop's serial interface will link to the car via the OBDII interface.
OBDII provides a precise diagnosis of car issues by using specific problem codes rather than just illuminating a warning light on the dashboard A daemon on the desktop retrieves these codes from the OBDII interface, queries a database, and presents a detailed description of the problem on a web server.
The 802.11b/g standard facilitates communication with wireless devices like PDAs and enables internet connectivity on campus This technology can effectively demonstrate concepts that may be applied to broader wireless networks in the future.