Intelligent interaction innovation: pressure-sensitive solutions pave the way for the evolution of automobiles
Latest update time：2024-03-12
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It's an important era for cars; the convergence of technological innovations has completely changed the face of vehicles on our roads. Over the past 15 years, a series of groundbreaking advancements have reshaped modern cars, pushing them into the realms of convenience, connectivity and safety. Not only have cars introduced many safety features, they have also reduced fatalities – in the United States, fatalities are expected to drop from 1.37 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2021 to 1.35 in 2022 . In addition, the car driving experience becomes more convenient with easy-to-use wireless connectivity and simple touch sensor technology for touch screens, steering wheel sensor buttons and more.
Revolutionizing the in-car experience
Car interiors have undergone tremendous changes since the 1980s and 1990s. There was a time when the only electronic device in a car was the radio. Over time, the introduction of various electronic features - such as electronic door locks, power windows, heated seats, cruise control systems, etc. - marked a major shift. Today, Bluetooth pairing, mapping software, and oversized touchscreen displays with full internet connectivity have surpassed our ability to browse information while focusing on the road. The challenge for the automotive industry is to
rethink the implementation of its user interfaces to meet consumers' evolving demands for content and functionality while achieving the perfect blend of aesthetics and safety
.
The emergence of smart surfaces
The emergence of smart surfaces heralds profound changes in the automotive industry
. In early attempts to modernize car interiors, automakers took inspiration from smartphones, trying to replicate the experience by combining touch displays with proprietary operating systems. However, they encountered many challenges, such as complex navigation operations and display failures under different environmental conditions. Navigating through cumbersome menus proved impractical. Additionally, while existing display technology works well on handheld devices, it falls short in an automotive environment. Drivers are limited when trying to multitask because there are no physical buttons to provide tactile feedback consistent with the intended operation. Resistive touch displays are difficult to read in direct sunlight, while capacitive touch interfaces are difficult to use in cold weather without removing gloves. These challenges highlight the need for further innovation.
In response to these challenges, industrial designers have begun forward-looking explorations. They came up with concepts and renderings that redesigned individual buttons on the dashboard into smart surfaces with hidden functions. These imagined surfaces resemble smooth, seamless panels of solid wood or carbon fiber, and can dynamically display relevant controls based on the driver's needs. These innovative car interiors not only look great, they also offer practical benefits; they do away with traditional buttons and help reduce one of the major costs of modern cars: the cost of repairing mechanical button failures under warranty.
However, turning this vision into reality faces significant challenges. In the prototype vehicle, the strain gauges used to demonstrate the idea of a seamless surface lacked the effectiveness and reliability required for mass production. Therefore, more responsive, consistent and reliable solutions are needed to overcome these obstacles.
Employing human-machine interface (HMI) sensing solutions
Qorvo's patented technology,
MEMS-based sensing solutions,
have excellent sensitivity and can identify operation intentions through any material, and at the same time achieve the robustness required by AEC-Q100 automotive regulations, so they are widely regarded by the industry as a a practical solution. An innovative electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has replaced traditional steering wheel buttons with Qorvo’s solid-state, non-intrusive solution and has achieved volume production. In addition, multiple automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have integrated Qorvo's solutions into a variety of smart surface applications, including steering wheels, 3D touch displays, and door panel controls. Currently, Qorvo is paving the way for widespread application of context-aware technology.
Situation is king
Situation awareness technology plays a crucial role in the process of realizing smart surfaces to completely replace traditional dashboards. Modern cars can use a variety of sensors (such as inertial sensors, microphones, temperature sensors, GPS, infrared sensors, LiDAR systems, pressure sensors, etc.) to detect and monitor driver behavior and predict their intentions to control the results. This situational awareness makes it possible to facilitate a seamless transition in this transformation.
To understand the potential of situational awareness in practical applications, imagine the following scenario: When the car intelligence recognizes that the driver is concentrating on listening to music on the smartphone, it can seamlessly transmit the music to the car audio system and display it on the smart surface. Presents audio control options; on cold mornings, the car anticipates the driver's need for comfort, automatically activates the HVAC system and displays control buttons for the seat heater on the smart surface; when the vehicle is in hazardous road conditions While driving, a dynamic collaboration mode is activated between functions - the music is immediately muted and the map automatically expands to provide the driver with alternative routes. With the support of artificial intelligence and machine learning, cars have transcended the category of mere transportation and become a conscious travel companion; they can continuously learn and adapt, and always put safety first.
2 minutes to learn about the outstanding performance of Qorvo pressure sensor technology in various automotive applications
Voice command challenges
While some advocate replacing traditional controls with voice assistants, language differences and security concerns pose difficulties. It's easy to control devices like the TV or thermostat in your living room with voice commands; however, there are subtle challenges in the cockpit of a vehicle. Linguistic diversity introduces unpredictability, influenced by regional and educational differences. The touch interface is built on the most intuitive human sense - touch, while voice commands are different and require specific conditions to achieve smooth operation. For example, children learn to interact with the world through touch long before they can express their thoughts verbally. For in-vehicle environments, voice commands present potential safety hazards. At home, a voice assistant not understanding your commands might be a minor annoyance; on the road, it can escalate into a real threat. Therefore, to ensure the safety of critical functions, touch surfaces provide a more robust and intent-driven interface that maintains the driver's attention and minimizes distractions.
Semi-autonomous and fully autonomous driving
Changes in vehicle technology are not just about buttons and controls, but also about making cars more capable of autonomous driving.
Semi- and fully autonomous driving technologies will redefine the driving experience
. In this context, sensor-driven situational awareness, as the basis for smart surfaces, becomes even more important.
Sensors used to identify driver intentions can also be repurposed to assess the driver's health, effectively assuming the role of safety guardian. For example, Qorvo's sensing solutions embedded in steering wheels and seats can determine whether a driver is alert and focused on driving, or if something unusual is happening—such as collapsing or even losing the ability to drive. This not only improves driving safety, but also makes the car an active guardian of the driver's life safety.
In the event of driver incapacity being detected, the car can go beyond mere preventive measures with the help of insights provided by sensors. Faced with an imminent accident, the car no longer simply relies on braking to respond, but can automatically take over control, navigate to a safe location, and initiate a call for help. This shift from passive to active safety measures marks a dramatic change in the role of the car. As semi- and fully autonomous driving becomes more common, demand for smart surfaces continues to grow. In addition to providing an intuitive, responsive interface, these surfaces become an integral part of building a comprehensive, adaptive driving environment.
Shaping the future of car interaction
As fully autonomous driving becomes more common, the need for smart surfaces will grow. The car cockpit is evolving into a space that integrates work and entertainment, and the requirements for aesthetics are becoming higher and higher. With more than 20 million pressure-sensitive solutions shipped, Qorvo is at the forefront of this paradigm shift, shaping the future of automotive interaction.
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About the author
#ShauneReynolds
product marketing manager
Shaune is an experienced product marketing manager with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience. As a recognized authority on analog semiconductor products, he is committed to leading innovation and helping customers achieve cutting-edge design goals.
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