Connected Devices for an Automotive OEM's Infotainment System

Background

The client wanted to enhance the experience of using its infotainment system all while making it more practical and safe for driving. To achieve this, the client decided to implement new applications for the devices connected to the infotainment system.

Challenges

Implementing these applications was a challenge since the client wanted the gain an even bigger competitive edge by reducing hardware costs, so the software had to run on limited resources. In addition, the client wanted to create a common platform for multiple car brands.

Due to the hardware resource limitations, the client was using an operating system that didn’t have memory protection. The system also had very complex multitasking architecture to handle all activities, resulting in an environment that was very difficult to debug.

Solution

At the time of partnering with our team members, the client’s in-house software development team had already implemented some applications; however, others required bug fixing and some were still awaiting implementation.

We assisted the client with the development and bug fix of the following applications:

  • Phone Manager application that was responsible for connecting and synchronizing with mobile phones. It allowed the user to have easier access to all the phone functions while driving, but in a safer manner.
  • PDC (parking distance control) application.
  • Wiper application used for configuring the wipers.
  • SIA (Service Interval) used to help the driver keep track of things like oil change and service dates.
  • Doors-Windows, used to control the settings of the doors and windows of the car.

For the development of the applications, Embedded C and C++ were used as programming languages, CAN and MOST as protocols for communicating with other devices, Eclipse, Visual Studio, IBM Rational Rhapsody and IBM Rational Synergy as development environments, Doors for requirements management, and Vector CANoe as a simulation and testing tool.

Results

The client successfully created and launched a simple and intuitive infotainment system that didn’t just give him a technological competitive edge, but also a price advantage by reducing hardware costs and creating a common platform for multiple car brands.

Key features:

  • New applications for the devices connected to the infotainment system
  • Highly optimized embedded code
  • Common platform for multiple car brands

Industry: Automotive

Technologies: Embedded C / C++, CAN, MOST, µITRON

Tools: Enterprise Vector CANoe, Eclipse, Visual Studio, IBM Rational Synergy, IBM Rational Rhapsody, Doors

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