Eliminating Driving Distractions: Human-Computer Interaction with Built-In Applications

This article proposes a novel smart car demonstration platform, with a focus on the intuitive paradigm of human-computer interaction (HCI). The main objective here is to circumvent driver distraction when manipulating built-in car-appropriate applications (apps) for future smart car development. Two major development directions for a smart car's HCI are investigated and discussed in detail: 1) an in-vehicle user interface, which focuses on utilizing the user interface of a transparent windshield display to keep the driver's head up and eyes focused on the roadway, and 2) an in-vehicle interaction design, which emphasizes an intuitive interaction framework to minimize distractions while driving. This article addresses the major difficulties of each direction and discusses related challenges and solutions to achieve safety and comfort during smart car operation.