Siemens VDO's innovative controls.The "EasyControl" controller prototype from Siemens VDO VDO (Vereinigte DEUTA (Deutsche Tachometerwerke GmbH) OTA (OTA Apparate GmbH)) is a manufacturer of information and cockpit systems, navigation, telematics, communication and audio systems and control and fuel systems. Automotive Corp. (Auburn Hills, MI; http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com) is just that when it comes to providing input for such things as entering phone numbers or addresses into a telematics system. It places a laptop-style touchpad A stationary pointing device that provides a small, flat surface that you slide your finger over using the same movements as you would a mouse. You can tap on the pad's surface as an alternate to pressing one of the touchpad keys. See mouse, trackball and pointing stick. on the top surface of a tactile feedback control knob similar to the one used for BMW's iDrive system. The pad allows users to quickly enter letters or numbers by simply tracing them out with a finger rather than having to select them from a list on a screen. Once a character is entered, the system reads it back to confirm the selection. Operators can also invent custom characters and use them as shortcut (1) In Windows, a shortcut is an icon that points to a program or data file. Shortcuts can be placed on the desktop or stored in other folders, and double clicking a shortcut is the same as double clicking the original file. commands. The main advantage of EasyControl is that it keeps drivers' eyes on the road, but with voice recognition systems steadily improving it may turn out to be a clever technology in search of a purpose. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Another idea from Siemens VDO is a dual-zone HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) In the home or small office with a handful of computers, HVAC is more for human comfort than the machines. In large datacenters, a humidity-free room with a steady, cool temperature is essential for the trouble-free system that knows whether the driver or front passenger is operating the controls. Here's how it works: whenever the driver or passenger touches the HVAC control knob to make an adjustment, the person's body makes a weak electrical connection An electrical connection between discrete points allows the flow of electrons, (current). A pair of connections is needed for a circuit. Between points with a low voltage difference between them, direct current flow can be controlled by a switch. between the metal knob and the sensor net in the seat. While the electrical current transmitted is not enough to be noticeable, it is enough to tell the system who the operator is so it can make adjustments accordingly. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Winfried Moll, director, electronics engineering, using this method would allow automakers to get a dual-zone HVAC system for about the price of a standard single-zone since only one control unit is needed. Another benefit is that the single control reduces clutter and frees up highly coveted cov·et v. cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets v.tr. 1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's). See Synonyms at envy. 2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire. real estate in the middle of the instrument panel. And since it utilizes the existing seat sensor array already fitted for use with smart airbags, there is no additional cost at that end. One downside for potential customers who are women or female impersonators: it doesn't work through artificial fingernails.--KEW |
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