Race Porsche

By Mike Trudel

 ”Human-Inter-what?” clipped Simon, peeking over his morning paper with a loud crinkle. A favorite farmer of seventy-eight years at my local coffee shop, Simon never failed to give me the truth precisely as he saw it. I had asked him what he thought of Human Machine Interface Technology. “Sounds like science fiction to me. Don’t we already interact - interface, whatever - with machines? How else are we supposed to run the things?”

I laughed, but in a down-to-earth, back-to-common-sense way, Simon was right on. One encyclopedia explains Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technology, also known as user interface technology as the whole means by which human users interact with a particular system, such as a device, computer program or machine. HMI provides a mechanism by which users can input or manipulate a system, and provides the system a way to output or produce the effects of the users’ manipulation.

It’s not really so complicated. HMI is a broad term describing the “layer” between a person interacting with the machine and the machine itself. Applications are varied - from medical prostheses, such as cochlear implants, to computer-human interactions to the operation of vehicular Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

For example, Web-based user interfaces accept input and provide output by generating Web pages transmitted via the Internet, which are then viewed by users through Web browser programs. Different implementations are utilized to provide real-time control in a separate program, effectively abolishing the need to refresh a traditional HTML-based Web browser.

The more exciting technologies include touch interfaces, which serve as excellent examples of the public’s increasing demand to be in control of their environment and their machines. Touch interfaces are graphical user interfaces using a touch-screen display as a device for both input and output.

This insistence is becoming apparent in the automotive industry, where consumers are demanding to be well-connected and in control. Most vehicular GPS devices, for example, are touch interfaces. Steering wheel controls can also use HMI technology to keep drivers connected through different wireless and electronic apparatuses. Certain corporations are even releasing vehicles in which much of the cockpit is run by HMI technology, such as reconfigurable instrument clusters, reconfigurable head-up displays (HUD), warning systems and multifunctional controls.

The trend seems to be in fewer gauges - reducing six-gauge systems, for example, to fewer with reconfigurable displays. There may be more use of a center cockpit, touch screens and reconfigurable thin film transistor (TFT) displays in the future, as well.

A report about HMI technologies stated the importance for designers to understand that HMI determines an operator’s perception about a machine. Designers are of vital importance, it went on to say, because operators need to be able to trust the apparatus - and trust their interactions with it - in order to make the technology successful. How skillful and mindful HMI designers are in their work will, in large part, determine that. HMI empowerment will come through ease-of-use features, ease of programmability, easy understanding and clear information displays.

According to that study, a portion of the designer population still considers HMI just a tool, but many technologies with vital benefits are poised to make HMI the central command station for monitoring and control operations. This technology has the power to transform equipment into better interactive instruments.

Focus will increasingly be on the integration of hardware and software across horizontal and vertical lines, as well as on security issues associated with HMI software, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Escalating complexity and the high volume of connections requires this to be of current and future concern. Likewise, agility and portability are proving to be important trends in human-machine interaction and user experience research.

Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer.

Delphi Corp. is poised to apply its expertise and know-how to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with in-vehicle connectivity. To learn more about Delphi Corp., please visit www.Delphi.com/4Innovation or www.Delphi.com/4Connected.

Automotive Interior and Exterior Accessories for Motoring Fun
By Mike McCoy

 I don’t know anyone who owns an automobile that hasn’t added an automotive aftermarket accessory to that vehicle. Some of us want to protect our investment so we choose automotive interior accessories to protect the floor, or protect the seats. Or maybe we choose automotive exterior accessories to protect the vehicle finish with an auto sealant or car cover.

Sometimes we choose automotive aftermarket accessories to distinguish our vehicle from the others. It’s a way we give it a personality that identifies with who we are and separating it from the crowd. Maybe we add an automotive trim kit or auto dash mat with a logo, or maybe we upgrade to custom car mats with a monogram or protect those seats with custom car covers. There are a lot of ways to change the look and feel of our auto. And it doesn’t matter if we concentrate on an automotive interior accessory or an automotive exterior accessory.

Some of my favorite automotive interior accessories are dashboard mats, custom seat covers, auto dash trim, and custom car mats. Any of these auto accessories add a nice touch to your investment and give you enjoyment every time you get behind the wheel. Car dashboard mats are a nice touch with or without your favorite team logo. Auto dash trim is available, molded or flat, in wood grain, carbon fiber, various colors, and brushed metal. You can create quite a look with those choices. Custom car mats can be added with personalization or not, a choice of car mat fiber density, and a multitude of color choices. Auto seat covers are available in microsuede, velour, polycotton, tweed, neoprene, sheepskin, camo, and several other fabrics giving you choices to match your personality.

For my automotive exterior accessories I would first choose a car sealant to protect my vehicle investment. Not a wax or polish but a true sealant that would bond with the auto finish and genuinely protect it for future good looks. If the car was out in the elements I would consider a custom car cover. There are so many fabric choices and price ranges that there is a car cover for any budget or environment.

Car accessories are motoring fun. With a little money or a lot you can change the look and feel of your favorite ride to give you years of motoring fun.

Online Automotive Accessories and Parts sales

to enhance and protect the vehicle investment. In business since 1993, have been online since 1998, are online sales only in the US and limited shipment internationally www.MyMotoringAccessories.com

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Expert auto care for the luxury cars
By Mechanic Mechanic

 Where to get the best automobile care

The buyers of passenger and other cars are not as finicky about maintenance as are the owners of the luxury cars. As one can well assume, the elite branded cars cost a lot and their owners do not hesitate to spend in their maintenance and repair. Therefore, they only go for the best car service providers.

No matter how expensive or gorgeous a car is it requires undergoing maintenance and revamping from time to time. However, not every car service and repair company is equipped with enough trained manpower and machinery to deal with the high end cars like jaguar and Mercedes. A car owner who has a luxurious car needs to choose a car Service company that will treat his car with utmost care and professionalism.

Audi is an elite carmaker that is known for its avant-garde and feature loaded cars. The Audi owners should give the cars to a repairing company that has staffs trained by Audi itself. The cars from the stable of Audi come with high end and complex diagnostic systems installed. A mechanic dealing with the Audi cars should have enough knowledge in these systems.

Other high end cars like the Porsche and BMW has many parts of the engine that are controlled by a computer chip. Therefore a car service center needs to have mechanics who are well versed in troubleshooting and servicing these components. For the maintenance of Audi cars, a mechanic having knowledge of the Audi Logbook service is required. This is imperative to ensure that the car performs optimally without any glitch.

As a matter of fact, the prestigious car brands like Volkswagen and Audi are considered by the car owners as much more than a four wheeled machine. For them, these cars are a means to flaunt their status. They can make ones neighbors green with envy and fill the owner with pride. The rich and elite people also opt for cars from leading manufacturers like Lexus and BMW.

The owners of BMW need to give their cars to an automobile maintenance and repair company that has staffs expert enough to deal with these sophisticated machines. An expert mechanic having knowledge in BMW mechanical repairs and BMW Logbook service can keep the cars in proper shape. The company makes various models and each requires different approach for effective preventive maintenance.

Another very expensive car is Jaguar that has a niche buyer segment. This car stands for the perfect blend of craftsmanship and engineering. They are built to stand the test of time, and expert maintenance can lengthen their life. If a person is looking for an ideal car repair and maintenance company for taking care of his luxury car, he can select Eastern Suburbs Automotive without any doubt. It has the certification and infrastructure to cater to the luxury cars.

Peter Rogers is author of this article on Audi service repairs .

Find more information about Car scheduled service here.

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