What is IVI (in-vehicle infotainment)?
An advanced system that provides information and entertainment to drivers
This article explains the in-vehicle infotainment "IVI" system that supports comfortable driving while protecting the safety of the driver and passengers. The system automatically adjusts the car seat appropriately, and automatically sets entertainment systems such as music, TV, and radio according to the driver's preference. In addition, while driving, the system also provides information on traffic congestion, navigates the optimal route, and informs the driver of the amount of remaining gasoline and the battery level.
What is IVI?
IVI is an abbreviation for in-vehicle infotainment. Infotainment is a combination of "information" and "entertainment".
IVI is a system that allows drivers and passengers to receive information and entertainment in the car at any time using the in-vehicle network, while protecting their safety. It is also expected that on-board AI will be able to specify destinations, suggest optimal routes, and predict traffic congestion, just like having a conversation.
Furthermore, in the future, improved processing performance and faster networks will enable people to enjoy games, movies, and live performances in their vehicles. In addition, by linking with smartphones, it will be possible to exchange e-mails and manage schedules while driving.
IVI is expected to be applied in all use cases, not only in private cars but also in commercial vehicles, buses, and other public vehicles. It can be said that IVI is a system that will contribute to industrial development in the vehicle industry.
What is the role of IVI in automated driving?
What role does IVI play in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and automated driving systems that assist drivers in safe driving? In Europe, functions such as those that prevent falling asleep at the wheel are being progressively mandated to prevent traffic accidents. All new vehicles released after 2026 will be required to be equipped with these functions. As IVI processing performance improves, integrating these functions into IVI is also being considered.
Advances in automated driving technology have made it possible for drivers to drive hands-free. On the other hand, the safer and more secure the driving situation, the greater the risk that temptations such as drowsiness may occur. ECU integration will enable such situations to be addressed in the IVI.
As a mechanism, on-board cameras and sensors constantly detect the driver's condition and issue warnings to avoid accidents. If the driver is drowsy or dozing off, the IVI will detect unusual eye movements and delays in steering and braking operations, and issue warnings.
In automated driving, there are monitoring functions to ensure that the driver is not distracted. In addition, a system is being considered that prevents the driver from watching a movie during automated driving when a passenger is watching a movie.
A variety of other uses also are expected, such as health management functions that utilize on-board cameras to check for irregular changes in the body temperature and movement of the driver and passengers, functions that notify if items are forgotten in the vehicle, and detection functions to prevent theft while the vehicle is parked.
It can be said that IVI's role is to provide not only entertainment but also convenient, safe and secure functions. As an example of an information function, when a driver wants to refuel with gasoline, an algorithm selects and navigates the optimal route to a nearby gas station, and the system automatically settles payments after refueling.
IVI structure and technology
The semiconductors used in ECUs (Electronic Control Units), which control various functions in the vehicle, are becoming smaller and more advanced. In recent years, SoCs (System on Chips), which perform multifunctional processing on a single chip, have become mainstream. SoCs with high-speed processing make it possible to process large volumes of information, such as IVI.
As ECUs have become smaller and more sophisticated, it has become possible to integrate ECUs that previously were separated for each function of the vehicle, thereby leading to a reduction in the amount of electrical wiring. This also reduces the weight of the vehicle and improves productivity. Furthermore, it contributes to the fuel efficiency of vehicles by reducing power consumption.
With the increase in processing speed, driver assistance functions must also be more intuitive to the driver. Currently, the driver's audio, turn signals, wipers, and other controls are operated by mechanical buttons and levers attached to the steering wheel. However, with the evolution of IVI, the front display is becoming a touch panel type.
In the future, it is also being considered to develop an operation system that responds to gestures and eye movements, in order to ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the surroundings of the car as much as possible.
Software technology is important to reduce these mechanical switches. The next-generation car is said to be like a "driving smartphone", and the introduction of IVI will make software development even more important. Connected cars are constantly connected to the cloud and require system and application updates.
It is also important to have a system that constantly monitors vehicle functions and informs the driver of any malfunctions or predicted malfunctions.
The evolution of IVI in automated driving and its compatibility with AI are considered to be essential. For example, the system may be equipped with a conversation function between AI and the driver to ask what the driver wants at that time. There will be a need for safe and secure driving support that only AI can provide, such as health management and predicting the driver's state of mind, and providing music that helps the driver relax.
What will IVI of the future be like?
With the evolution of IVI, the cars of the future will not only be comfortable living spaces, but the entire vehicle will become a conceptual cockpit, creating an environment where occupants can enjoy all kinds of entertainment to the fullest.
One evolutionary form of IVI is integration. With the aforementioned integration of ECUs, ECUs that were originally separated by function can now be operated by a single ECU, increasing the number of displays and cameras that can be connected, and enabling more timely control and display in an integrated design.
In addition, the evolution of the display itself will provide information that was not available in conventional car navigation systems, such as information about road surface conditions, warnings about the danger of pedestrians crossing the road, and information about intersections with a high probability of accidents. There are endless possibilities that can be communicated to the driver in an easy-to-understand manner, including by voice.
Furthermore, in the not-too-distant future, even the windshield and side windows could become displays, transforming the entire interior of the vehicle into a different space where occupants can enjoy more entertaining movies and live performances. Also, systems could emerge that will provide the occupants with the information they need to work while they are on the move, enabling travel time to be spent more meaningfully.
*Information contained in this article is current at the time of the interview. (Published on March 22, 2023)