Automotive systems maker Denso is partnering with chipmaker Qualcomm to develop what they call “next-generation cockpit systems”.
Though they use the word “cockpit”, they probably mean vehicle dashboards rather than aircraft cockpits.
In recent years, the amount of information provided by a vehicle to the driver has increased due to advanced driver assistance functions using cameras and sensors, as well as various entertainment functions.
With these opportunities for vehicle-driver communication, human-machine interfaces play a key role in providing updates to drivers swiftly, effectively and safely, and in a way that does not cause distraction.
In doing so, these interfaces must account for the driving situation around the vehicle and the driver’s status to ensure the most important information is communicated at precisely the right time.
It is a process made possible by multiple HMI products working simultaneously, such as the instrument cluster, in-vehicle multimedia, and head-up display.
To enhance this critical information exchange, Denso aims to develop next-generation integrated cockpit systems harnessing Qualcomm Technologies’ information and communication technologies, including cutting-edge semiconductors and software solutions developed for smartphones and Denso’s expertise in in-vehicle requirements, functional safety, quality, and security technologies for HMI products.
Working with Qualcomm Technologies, Denso aims to develop an architecture for systems based on Denso’s Harmony Core integrated cockpit system that can coordinate with external cloud services and new HMI products, which enables car connectivity and advanced safety features like driver status monitoring, driver and passenger authentication, and improved display operability.
Denso will improve the user-friendliness of integrated cockpit systems and in-vehicle infotainment products and develop in-vehicle solution technologies for these systems by utilizing the technologies and know-how refined in the development of products.
Denso, which is a spin-off from Toyota, last year bought an OLED display developer for $270 million.
