How to redefine the cockpit under the transformation of intelligent automobiles?

Xiaopeng P7 smart cockpit, Image source: Xiaopeng Motors

Experts from Dongfeng, Xiaopeng, Borgward and other companies have always believed that the smart cockpit should be scenario-oriented. "Take the use of screens as an example. Many car companies now want to display as much information as possible on the screen, but this may be a burden for users because it will cause users to receive information overload and unable to identify the most core information," said Han Yang, director of the Science and Technology Innovation Department of Dongfeng Technology Center.

"Also, many people think that adding a screen to the car is nothing more than adding a larger mobile phone. But in fact, using a screen in a car is different from using a mobile phone. There are limitations on our sitting posture, the reach of our hands, and the time we stare at the screen. In particular, the time we can stare at the screen in a car is much shorter than the time we can stare at a mobile phone in normal circumstances. This leads to the fact that in the design process of the smart cockpit, it is not simply to move the mobile phone screen into the car, but to optimize and improve it in full accordance with environmental demands."

A typical example is AR-HUD. Many people may think that since it is dedicated to the driver, the more information it carries, the better, which will help the driver to have a general overview. But this is not the case. If the information integrated in AR-HUD is too complicated, it will also distract the driver. "So accuracy is good. What does accuracy mean? It pushes information to you when you need it, and only pushes the information you want to you." Deng Sunan, a senior expert in AR at Baidu's Internet of Vehicles Division, said.

In addition, the presentation of information on AR-HUD is also very particular. "For example, in the comfortable area where the driver's eyes move but the head does not move, some core information should be arranged; in the area where the eyes and the head move very comfortably, important information should be displayed. At the same time, the number of information of equal importance should not exceed 3." Huang Chaojun, senior manager of human-machine engineering and general person in charge of vehicle human-machine engineering development of Borgward Automobile, pointed out. "In addition, since AR-HUD provides driving assistance, the information presentation method must avoid using too much text, and should be presented more in graphics and short animated pictures. The color matching should not be too much, and because AR-HUD and the instrument cluster are used in combination, the information display must be differentiated."

AIWAYS U7 ion smart cockpit, Image source: AIWAYS Automotive

Liu Fanfan, vice president of Xiaopeng Automotive Internet (Shanghai), and Li Lian, vice president of AIWAYS Intelligent Connected Vehicles, believe that at this stage, due to the low level of autonomous driving, the driver's attention is mainly focused on driving. At this time, the creation of cockpit functions should consider people's needs when driving more.

"Information such as vehicle speed, fuel level, battery life, mileage, and conditions around the vehicle are what the driver needs to know in real time. It can assist the driver in making decisions and allow the driver to drive safely and with peace of mind. There are also some services, including navigation related to driving behavior, music and radio that are not related to driving. Since these allow the driver and passengers to better enjoy the time and space in the cockpit, they are also what the driver needs in the smart cockpit at this stage." said Li Lian.

In addition, Liu Fanfan pointed out that another high-frequency car use scenario in the L1 and L2 stages is parking. According to their user data, in this scenario, there are more demands for entertainment such as audio and video, games, etc. "When the era of fully autonomous driving arrives, since there may be no steering wheel in the car, the driver does not need to always pay attention to road conditions, navigation, and how to drive the car. At this time, the driver's realization and attention will be completely liberated from the driving task, and he can do many other things unrelated to driving, and the demands will be different."

Ultimately, no matter which angle you start from, the only unchanging principle is: speed is everything. "Because for vehicle manufacturers, both new function development and changes have a certain cycle, companies must deploy as early as possible and closely track the formulation of relevant standards to better meet needs when the standards are issued," said Wang Liwei, senior manager of SAIC Volkswagen Mobile Internet End-to-End System and Development.