Summary

BMW anticipates a need for agility in automotive environments to keep up with the rapid evolution of consumer smartphone features. To meet this need, MindTribe and BMW worked together to architect a new head unit software platform that rapidly integrates smartphone innovations into the automotive user experience. Focusing on Apple’s iOS first, we helped develop a distributed architecture that decouples BMW’s dependencies upon vendor components, allowing BMW to accommodate rapid change.

Summary

BMW developed the Visual Messaging System (VMS) to increase communications effectiveness and safety with Formula 1 drivers. Using the VMS, the pit crew can display one of 20 pre-defined icons to the driver. Guided by a functional specification provided by the Technology Office, MindTribe developed a VMS controller consisting of hardware to communicate with the car’s telematics system, and a PC-based application to send images to the helmet from the pit area.

Summary

The Park Distance Control (PDC) system available on current BMWs helps drivers judge the distance to hard-to-see obstacles. During parking maneuvers, an audible beep sounds. Based on a specification and direction from BMW, MindTribe developed a prototype visual PDC controller—feedback was provided visually with a row of LEDs inside the car between the rear window and door, instead of audibly. The system was well received in Munich at BMW headquarters as a viable embodiment of park distance control systems of the future.