At the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from January 6 - 9, 2016, the BMW Group is presenting the Vision Car, a prototype vehicle with a future-oriented interior and user interface. The rapid advances in networking between driver, vehicle and environment are being accelerated and accompanied by new services. One new connected vehicle technology is AirTouch, which allows intuitive control of entertainment, navigation and communication functions using simple palm gestures. With AirTouch, the vehicle's display can be operated without the user having to touch it. Sensors record hand movements in the area between the centre console and the interior mirror. In this way, drivers or passengers can change the point of focus on the surface of a large panoramic screen. A simple confirmation selects the relevant option in the menu or activates the corresponding icon.
Sensors on the instrument panel allow three-dimensional control.
At last year's show, BMW had introduced the gesture control system, which with simple finger movements allows actions such as adjusting the volume or accepting phone calls. This technology is available under the name BMW Gesture Control in the new BMW 7 Series. AirTouch now takes a new leap forward. Sensors in the dashboard area recognise hand movements and allow three-dimensional control. A hand movement or gesture activates the surfaces of the large panoramic display.
AirTouch offers another option with a hidden button on the steering wheel rim. This is located on the left-hand side in an easy-to-reach position for the driver's thumb and is illuminated when the function is activated from the menu or via an icon. A light touch activates the desired program or changes a selected setting. A similar button for the passenger is located in the sill on the door. A passenger therefore navigates the menu with one hand and confirms commands very quickly with the other.
AirTouch's intelligent menu philosophy reduces the steps in the process of making a selection. So when the phone keypad is activated, the system automatically displays all contacts or call lists at top select level with the option to dial directly without any other action. AirTouch recognizes the required selection and control steps and displays them in advance. This means the driver can remain fully focused on the road and additional control is provided when the vehicle is driven with a high level of automation.
