[Mark]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

iDrive Controller with touchscreen control and non-contact gesture recognition

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Highlights

• iDrive screen can be used as a touchscreen or with non-touch gestures done between the screen and the gear lever
• Gestures are detected by a 3D sensor in the roof
• Functions can still be controlled traditionally via iDrive knob

BMW ConnectedDrive offers an exclusive range of functions including driver assistance systems, digital services and apps. BMW’s leading-edge technology is also demonstrated in the iDrive control system, which allows safe control of infotainment systems even while the vehicle is on the move. In Las Vegas, BMW is now displaying a research application that shows how it will be possible in future to control functions not only with the iDrive Controller but also by means of a touchscreen and non-contact gesture recognition.

Perfect complement: touchscreen and iDrive control system
The rapid proliferation of tablet computers and smartphones in recent years has seen a fundamental change in the way digital devices are used. In many areas, touchscreens have already replaced input devices such as the keyboard, mouse or touchpad, offering improved speed and more precise response. Users have now become used to performing intuitive finger movements across screens or using learned gestures to interact with programmes on their devices.

The BMW Group has noted this change in user habits and at CES in Las Vegas is unveiling an infotainment system that can be operated not only by the iDrive Controller/iDrive Touch Controller but also by touchscreen. The touchscreen and iDrive can each be used to control all functions. This is an important difference over existing hybrid systems that comprise a main control unit and a second interface that can only be used to operate certain functions.

To take one example, the research application on show at CES offers users the choice of either scrolling through playlists or navigation addresses using the iDriveController or entering numbers directly on the touchscreen. A virtual keyboard opens up on the touchscreen as soon as the user’s hand approaches. Even while entering letters, it is possible at any time to switch between the iDrive Controller, the iDrive Controller touchpad or the touchscreen. The advantages of intuitive iDrive operation can therefore be supplemented by an additional option, giving the user more choice. Regardless of whether the iDrive Controller or the touchscreen is used, both systems conform to BMW’s strict standards on safe data inputting while on the move. The positioning of the displays, in all vehicles of the BMW Group, and the suitably optimised text size reflect thoughtful ergonomic design and aid optimal data inputting – whether using the iDrive Controller or the touchscreen.

Direct data inputting with non-contact gesture recognition
Advanced sensor technology has already made it possible to perfect the technique of gesture control. This means of control is being showcased at CES in a research application that can be used to control selected infotainment functions. That is to say, a variety of functions can be performed not only using iDrive and the touchscreen, but also through non-contact gesture control. The driver or front passenger simply performs a directed gesture in the area between the gear lever, steering wheel and Control Display.

A 3D sensor in the roof detects whether one or two fingers are being pointed, or whether the thumb and index finger are being moved towards each other. The system decodes different movements – such as tapping, finger rotations or a swiping movement to the right – and performs the desired input. A rotating movement can be used, say, to alter the volume of the radio, a finger raised to accept a phone call or a swiping movement to decline a call. Like touchscreen control and the iDrive Controller, non-contact gesture control can offer even more efficient and convenient operation of new-generation entertainment systems.

iDrive with Touch and Gesture Control

[Vervain]

I like that they give the option of the controller/touch/gesture. But gesture is super cool.

[Bahn360Photo]

this is interesting with hand gestures

[Das Johnson]

It was only a matter of time

[Twitch Massacre]

Gestures are great but touching the screen seems like a step backwards or at the very least redundant.

[spuntyb]

Touchscreen? No. A million times no.

[LAnderson23]

Any word on when this would actually be in cars?

[Manbnda]

Touchscreen is certainly a step backwards. The times I've used the touchscreen on other cars, I almost have an accident.

[RedlinePSI]

Blue gauge cluster?

[E90SLAM]

I wonder how will the car react if I'm pissed and giving it a finger?

[oeron]

Guess we won't be able to upgrade from current NBT System to this one.

[///mawana]

Now my car feels older...

[Thurman Murch]

Probably the same when you say dirty things to siri

And get responses like oh my, blushes, can't wait, you devil you, I've never felt so complete, my breakfast just fell out etc.

[Zeroblade]

Lol imagine someone flailing their arms for whatever reason (roage rage?) and inadvertely calls someone.

+1 on option to use traditional controls. I touchscreens just don't belong in cars IMO. Looking away from road to see what you're pressing is part of reason why we need all those lane departure and early braking systems. I am a tech nerd but I know where the line must be drawn.

All this new tech from CES show makes me wonder when this stuff would show up on 3-series and M cars.

[nachob]

How about they put some feeling back in the steering and some real sound engine sound back in the cars and some firmness back in the suspension... and some Ultimate in the Ultimate driving machine before adding more fluffy things.

[cs4444]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Touchscreen? No. A million times no.

You can still use the I-drive controller or use hand gestures as well, touch is just an option...

[x5love]

They've been working on gesture input for at least a decade.

I remember when BMW used to have an emerging technologies part of their website, and gestures to move forward and back a track etc by waving a hand were being displayed on a 7.

Thought it was extremely cool back then, and still is. Glad to see it finally coming to fruition!

[aksi]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

I wonder how will the car react if I'm pissed and giving it a finger?

Seat eject function will be also added for those drivers.

[SamS]

What car is that displaying the demo tech? Like a mix between the F01 and F12?

[fndrsn]

Just realized that that's the F10/11 interior....looks kinda weird with the freestanding iDrive display and all the bezel around it :/ Really liking this concept though, can't wait to see vids of it in action

[E60MKF]

Originally Posted by SamS

What car is that displaying the demo tech? Like a mix between the F01 and F12?

I think it is an F01 with a new screen.. An in-set screen wouldn't work for a touch screen. I guess the toaster style screens are here to stay

[Majec9-7]

I really want to see a video of this in action. Because the pictures will never do it justice. I just really do hope they will go all the way to change the UI to accomadate touchscreen use.