Bosch recently developed a new, technically sophisticated touch-screen head unit measuring 8 inches (20 cm) on the diagonal that will be first introduced onto the market in the new Jaguar XJ. In addition to the operating logic of the human-machine interface, it also includes resource management for the infotainment system, i.e. it controls the information and entertainment media in the vehicle. Another new feature is the Dual View display, which makes it possible to show different information on the same screen for the driver and the front-seat passenger: the driver has the navigation map in full view while driving and at the same time the front-seat passenger can enjoy a video film or scroll through an iPod playlist.
The special thing about the central touch-screen head unit in the Jaguar XJ is the way in which it interoperates with other vehicle systems and functions. As the most usual choice in this class of vehicle, the integration of the systems is based on a central MOST network (Media Oriented System Transport) and the CAN bus (Controller Area Network). Acting as a high-performance workload manager, the resource management feature integrated into the head unit provides for utmost clarity on the screen and makes it possible to prioritize the screen contents according to the current situation. This helps to relieve the strain on the driver and provides for greater safety and enhanced driving convenience. The navigation menu will appear, for example, to accompany the output of driving recommendations. Any other display information will be suppressed during that time, with the exception of incoming phone calls, which are displayed immediately and route guidance for navigation is temporarily shifted into the background.
The head unit recently developed by the Bosch Car Multimedia division is equipped with a high-resolution color touch screen (800×480 pixels), allowing the driver to control the radio and navigation system just as easily as the telephone or air conditioning by simply touching the screen. Thanks to the particularly user-friendly human-machine interface, both the driver and the front-seat passenger will learn how to use the touch screen very quickly and intuitively. The new Jaguar XJ has also been equipped with a so-called media hub, which allows the user to connect an MP3 player, an iPod or a USB stick to the infotainment system. All these devices can be controlled by the central head unit from Bosch, just like the separate hard disk, which has plenty of room to hold all the user’s favorite music files.
One screen for two programs
The Bosch Dual View display is an option that brings added functionality into the new Jaguar XJ. It can show two different programs where there used to be only one, on a single monitor. This means that the front-seat passenger doesn’t necessarily have to follow along with the navigation recommendations; he or she can choose a different entertainment program – i.e. watch video films, look at the playlist for the iPod or at the radio menu. If desired, a cordless headset delivers the sound.