Audi 2015 Annual Report Download - page 154

ECONOMIC REPORT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
154 >>
// OPERATION AND DISPLAYS
Since its appearance in the new Audi TT generation in 2014,
the Audi virtual cockpit has also become optionally available in
the new Audi R8, the new Audi Q7 and the new Audi A4 model
line. The fully digital instrument cluster presents the most
important information on its high-resolution 12.3-inch monitor
using brilliant graphics and a high level of detail.
The latest generation of the MMI operating concept makes it
very easy for users to control the many different functions in
the new Audi models. The operating procedure keeps to a flat
hierarchy, to minimize the number of operating steps. In the
new Audi Q7 and A4 models, the Audi virtual cockpit is sup-
plemented by MMI displays on the central screen.
In the Audi Q7, the newly developed, optionally available
MMI all-in-touch on the center tunnel console is the focus of
user operation. The driver can enter characters on the large
touchpad or use multi-finger gestures to zoom on the map, for
example. Each input is followed by acoustic and haptic feed-
back – a click that is also felt on the finger. This helps the driver
stay focused on the road. In Asian markets, the system also
recognizes the characters of individual national languages.
The innovative MMI search is the main starting point in the
new operating concept for all new Audi models. The search
function makes it easier to find music tracks as well as to input
phone contacts and navigation destinations.
Another highlight is the user-friendly voice control system. The
driver is no longer constrained to the use of rigidly defined
voice commands – in many languages the system understands
formulations from everyday speech, which means that hun-
dreds of command variants are possible for each function.
Drivers can navigate by using simple questions or sentences
such as “Where can I get gas?” or “I’m hungry.” This user-
friendly voice control is also integrated into the Radio and
Media menu items.
As shown at the IAA 2015 in Frankfurt and the CES 2016 in Las
Vegas, we are continuing to develop our successful Audi virtual
cockpit into the Audi virtual dashboard. In the future, all dis-
plays in the cockpit will be designed in OLED technology, and
they will blend harmoniously into the interior. Positioned in
the driver’s direct field of vision is the new Audi virtual cockpit
curved OLED with a 14.1-inch screen diagonal. The AMOLED
(Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diodes) technology that
is used offers freedom in shaping the display. The Audi MMI in
the center console – providing a glimpse into the digital future
in the automobile – is another component of the new Audi
virtual dashboard. The upper display is used to control mainly
classic infotainment content such as navigation and media.
The lower ergonomically positioned display is for written text
input and for operating the automatic air conditioning.
Audi virtual dashboard in the Audi e-tron quattro concept
Both displays draw on the advantages of a new form of touch
recognition known as Audi MMI touch response technology.
Touch gestures familiar from consumer electronics are includ-
ed and adapted to suit in-car operation. The system gives the
driver feedback that can be clearly felt on the finger when
scrolling through lists, for example. Specific topics are activated
by a gentle but very deliberate press of the display. As a result,
the system can also be operated safely and with minimal dis-
traction while on the move.
Our innovative operating and display concepts were recognized
with the following award in the past fiscal year:
>Car Connectivity Award 2015:
In the survey conducted by the magazines auto motor und
sport and CHIP, the brand with the Four Rings topped the
relevant categories with its Audi virtual cockpit, MMI touch,
traffic jam assist and Audi phone box (www.hubert-burda-
media.de/newsroom/mitteilungen/-car-connectivity-award-
2015-vergeben_aid_73035.html – link only available in
German).
/INNOVATIONS FOR SAFETY AND COMFORT
// DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
A large number of Audi models already feature safety-
enhancing assistance systems as standard. These intelligent
assistance systems increase both safety and ride comfort. The
optional traffic jam assist, for example, makes stop-and-go
driving in congestion easier for the driver. In the future, the
piloted driving function will take charge of this entire task
while stuck in a traffic jam, reducing the driver’s workload even
further. By using route data predictively and thus being able to
anticipate driving maneuvers, assistance systems also help
reduce fuel consumption.