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Automotive User Interfaces

* Exchange students do not have to consider this information when selecting suitable courses for an exchange stay.

Course Unit Code460-2048/01
Number of ECTS Credits Allocated6 ECTS credits
Type of Course Unit *Compulsory
Level of Course Unit *First Cycle
Year of Study *Third Year
Semester when the Course Unit is deliveredSummer Semester
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
Language of InstructionCzech
Prerequisites and Co-Requisites Course succeeds to compulsory courses of previous semester
Name of Lecturer(s)Personal IDName
FAB038Ing. Tomáš Fabián, Ph.D.
Summary
The course deals with human-computer interaction in the context of automobiles. The course focuses on the theoretical basis of design and technology for the implementation of graphical user interfaces inside the car. Developments in the field of embedded systems based on GPU platforms with high performance speeds up the development of traditional control, communication and introduces completely new elements in the digital cockpit of vehicles. These technologies are used by both the driver himself and other passengers and include all sorts of alarms, advanced driver assistance systems, navigation and audio-visual systems. An ongoing stream of stimuli generated by these appliances can impair the driver's main role, driving a vehicle. Proper design of communication interfaces can greatly assist in the effort to reduce the workload and contribute to road safety.
Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
The aim of this course is to describe the in-car user interface design in a manner that minimizes the amount of distraction while maintaining easy access to on-board systems and multimedia services. Students will gain orientation and basic knowledge in the field of interactive technologies connecting the interior of the car with the outside world.

After completing the course, students will be able to:
- Enumerate and characterize ways and means for the interaction of man and the car through the means of a graphical user interface.
- Find a sensible way of presenting information to the vehicle crew and suggest ways of its realization.
- Identify and assess potentially dangerous ways of notification of the driver while driving the vehicle.
- Define the necessary hardware and software resources for the implementation of the designed interface.
Course Contents
Lectures:

Theory and Principles of the design of the interface between man and machine (HMI)
The types of computer systems inside a car
Digital cockpit - user interface (HCI), information and control systems
Text input and output during driving, usage scenarios
Interface for navigation (3D navigation, visualization of the vehicle's surroundings) and cooperative driving
Biometric sensors as components of the user interface of the automobile
3D graphics and augmented reality (head-up display)
Infotainment interfaces in the vehicle
Software tools for the design and implementation of graphical user interfaces for embedded devices
Embedded platforms with graphical output (eg. Nvidia Drive CX/PX, Tegra X1, Jetson TX1) and runtime environments


Projects:

The project is aimed at verifying the acquired knowledge and skills and is focused on the design and implementation of custom graphical user interface inside the car. The project includes the presentation of a chosen topic or a specific element of a given area (eg. an unusual widget) with a demonstration of its integration into the project.


Computer exercises:

In the exercises, students will have the possibility to verify the practical knowledge from the lectures through the implementation of user interface, both in a simulated environment and real embedded devices.
Recommended or Required Reading
Required Reading:
Norman, D. A.: The Design of Future Things. Basic Books. 240 p., 2009. ISBN 978-0465002283.
Norman, D. A.: The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books. 368 p., 2013. ISBN 978-0465050659.
Norman, D. A.: The Design of Future Things. Basic Books. 240 s., 2009. ISBN 978-0465002283.
Norman, D. A.: The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books. 368 s., 2013. ISBN 978-0465050659.
Recommended Reading:
Visocky, J., Visocky, K.: The Information Design Handbook. HOW Books. 224 p., 2008. ISBN 978-1600610486.
Visocky, J., Visocky, K.: The Information Design Handbook. HOW Books. 224 s., 2008. ISBN 978-1600610486.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures, Tutorials, Project work
Assesment methods and criteria
Task TitleTask TypeMaximum Number of Points
(Act. for Subtasks)
Minimum Number of Points for Task Passing
Credit and ExaminationCredit and Examination100 (100)51
        CreditCredit45 20
        ExaminationExamination55 6