Remote Touch
Encyclopedia
Remote Touch is a vehicle interface system developed by Lexus
for use in conjunction with in-car information, configuration, and entertainment systems. The Remote Touch controller, which is similar to a computer mouse or joystick
, allows the driver to operate an on-screen cursor
on the vehicle's GPS navigation system screen. Remote Touch utilizes haptic feedback, where the controller provides reaction force, and force feedback, where the on-screen cursor can move to nearby buttons automatically. System functions can be configured by the driver. Remote Touch was first introduced on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 450h models, followed by the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.
interfaces. Although this system was regarded by many reviewers as easier to use than conventional rotary knob
controllers, the need to place the touchscreen within easy reach limited design possibilities for the interior (by forcing placement of the screen in the center dash and in close proximity to the steering wheel). The enhanced technology trend in the automotive industry also resulted in a plethora of ever-increasing buttons and switches on many luxury vehicles.
In response, several luxury brands had switched to rotary knob control devices, with the aim to simplify cabin layout and consolidate multiple controls with a single device. The BMW iDrive
, Audi MMI
, and Mercedes-Benz Comand APS
interfaces operated using a circular center knob which can be rotated side to side, and pressed to select items, with the rotary knob scrolling through on-screen menus. Of these systems, some reviewers praised their ability to simplify the dash layout, while others levied criticism for reputed complexity and user difficulty, particularly with iDrive.
In the mid 2000s, Lexus began developing an alternative to the touchscreen interface, in light of the latter's restrictions on interior styling and instrument panel
configuration. Prototype development and consumer testing was conducted to develop a new control device. Consumer research conducted with Lexus supplier Denso
corporation indicated that the prototype control system required no more mental or physical effort than a touchscreen, plus offered interior layouts with more screen visibility, was physically more comfortable to operate, and easier to use while in motion.
s. Introduced on the third generation Lexus RX
, the Remote Touch system differs from previous interfaces in being the first to use a computer mouse (or trackball
)-based concept, instead of the rotary knob model. The system allows the operator to freely move the on-screen cursor across any part of the screen. The cursor replaces the role of the driver's hand on the previous touchscreen interface.
Remote Touch is also the first vehicle interface to incorporate user-adjustable haptic feedback, and utilize movement in two spatial axes. The incorporation of haptic feedback, similar to the Wii Remote
, enables the driver to feel the placement of buttons and icons on the screen by touch. The use of force feedback enables the cursor to 'snap-to' buttons, making it easier to select buttons without precise movement. To ease drivers' transition to Remote Touch, the same on-screen layout and menus as the prior touchscreen-based system are used on models equipped with the new control system.
The Remote Touch controller, which (including the directional input, buttons, and palmrest) measures 88 mm (3.5 in) in width x 20 mm (0.78740157480315 in) in length, and is 95 mm (3.7 in) tall, is placed at the base of the center console. Two large buttons (Enter
) on both sides of the controller at thumb level are used to select icons, along with three secondary buttons (Map
, Scroll
, and Display
). With the replacement of the touchscreen, the navigation screen is now recessed and placed closer to eye level on the dashboard. Remote Touch has two motor
s and an encoder
, with the motors programmed to reset the controller to a neutral position when the navigation system is activated.
The introduction of Remote Touch on the 2010 Lexus RX was generally well-received by reviewers, and the system was described as easier to use than rivals by Autoblog
, Car and Driver
, Cars.com
, CNET
, Consumer Guide
, Edmunds.com
, Motor Trend
, PC Magazine
, Road & Track
, and Winding Road
, with Motor Trend predicting that competitors would adopt its design. However, the system remained a controversial interface for some drivers who found it difficult to use, as compared to the previous, Lexus-standard touchscreen. Remote Touch won Popular Mechanics
Technical Innovation Award, and was named Popular Science
s "Best of What's New" in Auto Tech for 2009.
:
The 2010 RX Remote Touch system operates in conjunction with a 228 mm (9 in) forward dash-mounted display, along with organic light-emitting diode
(OLED) instrument cluster and optional white LED
heads-up display (HUD), while the 2010 HS Remote Touch system uses a 228 mm (9 in) pop-up navigation screen along with the OLED display and optional HUD.
As of 2009, the Lexus LS, GS, IS, ES sedans, SC and IS coupes, and the LX and GX sport utility vehicles use a touchscreen interface system, which in new models includes the same menu interface and layout as the Remote Touch-equipped models.
Lexus
is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. First introduced in 1989 in the United States, Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. The Lexus marque is marketed in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, and has...
for use in conjunction with in-car information, configuration, and entertainment systems. The Remote Touch controller, which is similar to a computer mouse or joystick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
, allows the driver to operate an on-screen cursor
Cursor (computers)
In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...
on the vehicle's GPS navigation system screen. Remote Touch utilizes haptic feedback, where the controller provides reaction force, and force feedback, where the on-screen cursor can move to nearby buttons automatically. System functions can be configured by the driver. Remote Touch was first introduced on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 450h models, followed by the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.
Background
Prior to the advent of Remote Touch, Lexus interiors were typically equipped with touchscreenTouchscreen
A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
interfaces. Although this system was regarded by many reviewers as easier to use than conventional rotary knob
Rotary dial
The rotary dial is a device mounted on or in a telephone or switchboard that is designed to send electrical pulses, known as pulse dialing, corresponding to the number dialed. The early form of the rotary dial used lugs on a finger plate instead of holes. Almon Brown Strowger filed the first patent...
controllers, the need to place the touchscreen within easy reach limited design possibilities for the interior (by forcing placement of the screen in the center dash and in close proximity to the steering wheel). The enhanced technology trend in the automotive industry also resulted in a plethora of ever-increasing buttons and switches on many luxury vehicles.
In response, several luxury brands had switched to rotary knob control devices, with the aim to simplify cabin layout and consolidate multiple controls with a single device. The BMW iDrive
IDrive
iDrive is a computer system which is used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars. iDrive's user interface consists of a LCD panel mounted in the dashboard and a controller knob mounted on the center console....
, Audi MMI
Multi Media Interface
The Audi MMI system, is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and implemented in most of its latest series of cars/automobiles since 2004.-Concept:...
, and Mercedes-Benz Comand APS
Comand APS
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a “command center” for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles...
interfaces operated using a circular center knob which can be rotated side to side, and pressed to select items, with the rotary knob scrolling through on-screen menus. Of these systems, some reviewers praised their ability to simplify the dash layout, while others levied criticism for reputed complexity and user difficulty, particularly with iDrive.
In the mid 2000s, Lexus began developing an alternative to the touchscreen interface, in light of the latter's restrictions on interior styling and instrument panel
Instrument panel
Instrument panel has several uses:*Control panel *Flight instruments *Dashboard...
configuration. Prototype development and consumer testing was conducted to develop a new control device. Consumer research conducted with Lexus supplier Denso
DENSO
is a global automotive components manufacturer headquartered in the city of Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Established December 16, 1949 as , in 1996 the company became DENSO Corporation worldwide...
corporation indicated that the prototype control system required no more mental or physical effort than a touchscreen, plus offered interior layouts with more screen visibility, was physically more comfortable to operate, and easier to use while in motion.
Design
Unveiled by Lexus at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November of that year, Remote Touch became Lexus' entry into the realm of non-touchscreen human-machine interfaceHuman-machine interface
Human-machine interface is the part of the machine that handles the Human-machine interaction- Overview :In complex systems, the human-machine interface is typically computerized. The term Human-computer interface refers to this kind of systems....
s. Introduced on the third generation Lexus RX
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is a crossover sport utility vehicle sold since 1998 by Lexus, the luxury division of the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date, the first being compact in size, and the latter two classified as mid-size...
, the Remote Touch system differs from previous interfaces in being the first to use a computer mouse (or trackball
Trackball
A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes—like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor...
)-based concept, instead of the rotary knob model. The system allows the operator to freely move the on-screen cursor across any part of the screen. The cursor replaces the role of the driver's hand on the previous touchscreen interface.
Remote Touch is also the first vehicle interface to incorporate user-adjustable haptic feedback, and utilize movement in two spatial axes. The incorporation of haptic feedback, similar to the Wii Remote
Wii Remote
The , also known as the Wiimote, is the primary controller for Nintendo's Wii console. A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and...
, enables the driver to feel the placement of buttons and icons on the screen by touch. The use of force feedback enables the cursor to 'snap-to' buttons, making it easier to select buttons without precise movement. To ease drivers' transition to Remote Touch, the same on-screen layout and menus as the prior touchscreen-based system are used on models equipped with the new control system.
The Remote Touch controller, which (including the directional input, buttons, and palmrest) measures 88 mm (3.5 in) in width x 20 mm (0.78740157480315 in) in length, and is 95 mm (3.7 in) tall, is placed at the base of the center console. Two large buttons (Enter
Enter key
In computer keyboards, the enter key in most cases causes a command line, window form, or dialog box to operate its default function...
) on both sides of the controller at thumb level are used to select icons, along with three secondary buttons (Map
Map
A map is a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes....
, Scroll
Scrolling
In computer graphics, filmmaking, television production, and other kinetic displays, scrolling is sliding text, images or video across a monitor or display. "Scrolling", as such, does not change the layout of the text or pictures, or but incrementally moves the user's view across what is...
, and Display
Display device
A display device is an output device for presentation of information in visual or tactile form...
). With the replacement of the touchscreen, the navigation screen is now recessed and placed closer to eye level on the dashboard. Remote Touch has two motor
Electric motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...
s and an encoder
Encoder
An encoder is a device, circuit, transducer, software program, algorithm or person that converts information from one format or code to another, for the purposes of standardization, speed, secrecy, security, or saving space by shrinking size.-Media:...
, with the motors programmed to reset the controller to a neutral position when the navigation system is activated.
The introduction of Remote Touch on the 2010 Lexus RX was generally well-received by reviewers, and the system was described as easier to use than rivals by Autoblog
Autoblog
Autoblog is a neologism and misnomer used to describe a particular type of website which uses software designed to automatically add content in a blog format. The owner of an autoblog is generally referred to as an autoblogger. Engaging in this practice is called autoblogging.Autoblogging does...
, Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
, Cars.com
Cars.com
Cars.com is a website which was launched in June 1998. It is the second largest automotive classified site, second to only Autotrader.com. It is a division of Classified Ventures, which is in turn a joint venture by major media companies including the Gannett Company, the McClatchy Company, the...
, CNET
CNET
CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...
, Consumer Guide
HowStuffWorks
HowStuffWorks is a commercial edutainment website that was founded by Marshall Brain with the goal of giving its target audience an insight into the way in which many things work. The site uses various media in its effort to explain complex concepts, terminology and mechanisms, including...
, Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is a provider of automotive information via Web sites, books, and other media. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and maintains an office outside of Detroit, Michigan...
, Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
, PC Magazine
PC Magazine
PC Magazine is a computer magazine published by Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. A print edition was published from 1982 to January 2009...
, Road & Track
Road & Track
Road & Track is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, and is published monthly. The editorial offices are located in Newport Beach, California.-History:...
, and Winding Road
Winding Road
Winding Road is a digital automotive enthusiast magazine owned by NextScreen LLC, of Austin, Texas, which also publishes various consumer electronics related titles digitally and in print. Winding Roads monthly digital magazine focuses on enthusiast-oriented vehicles, and passionate drivers...
, with Motor Trend predicting that competitors would adopt its design. However, the system remained a controversial interface for some drivers who found it difficult to use, as compared to the previous, Lexus-standard touchscreen. Remote Touch won Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics is an American magazine first published January 11, 1902 by H. H. Windsor, and has been owned since 1958 by the Hearst Corporation...
Technical Innovation Award, and was named Popular Science
Popular Science
Popular Science is an American monthly magazine founded in 1872 carrying articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the ASME awards for its journalistic excellence in both 2003 and 2004...
s "Best of What's New" in Auto Tech for 2009.
Functions
The Remote Touch system can be used to control a host of vehicle functions, as listed below. Multiple functions can also be accessed via voice commands and for basic or commonly used items, such as stereo and climate control, via dedicated buttons.- Audio systemSTEREOSTEREO is a solar observation mission. Two nearly identical spacecraft were launched into orbits that cause them to respectively pull farther ahead of and fall gradually behind the Earth...
(DVD changer, radio) - BluetoothBluetoothBluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
(telephone, phonebook) - Climate controlAir conditioningAn air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
- GPS satellite navigation
- Hard disk drive operation
- HybridHybrid vehicleA hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...
information display - iPodIPodiPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle...
or mp3MP3MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
player interface - Lexus EnformSafety ConnectSafety Connect is a subscription-based telematics system introduced by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2009 for its Toyota-branded and Lexus models. The system provides communications, roadside assistance, car safety, remote diagnostics, and other services...
(news, stocks, telematics; US) - Lexus Insider (owner news and information)
- G-BookG-BookG-Book is a telematics subscription service currently provided by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan for its Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles. G-Book allows users to link with cellphones , personal digital assistants 's, personal computers and G-Book equipped cars across Japan...
(telematics, maps, media; Japan, China) - Personalized vehicle settings (configure locks, lights, etc.)
- Safety ConnectSafety ConnectSafety Connect is a subscription-based telematics system introduced by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2009 for its Toyota-branded and Lexus models. The system provides communications, roadside assistance, car safety, remote diagnostics, and other services...
(emergency services) - Setup for navigation, other systems
- XM NavTraffic or XM NavWeather
- Video entertainment system
- Wide-View Front, Side, Backup cameras
Vehicles
Lexus models that have adopted the Remote Touch interface to date, listed by model yearModel year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
:
- 2010 Lexus RX 350
- 2010 Lexus RX 450h
- 2010 Lexus HS 250h
- 2011 Lexus CT 200h
- 2011 Lexus LFALexus LFAThe Lexus LFA is a 2-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, "halo" vehicle, racing prototype, and production model. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F...
The 2010 RX Remote Touch system operates in conjunction with a 228 mm (9 in) forward dash-mounted display, along with organic light-emitting diode
Organic light-emitting diode
An OLED is a light-emitting diode in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds which emit light in response to an electric current. This layer of organic semiconductor material is situated between two electrodes...
(OLED) instrument cluster and optional white LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
heads-up display (HUD), while the 2010 HS Remote Touch system uses a 228 mm (9 in) pop-up navigation screen along with the OLED display and optional HUD.
As of 2009, the Lexus LS, GS, IS, ES sedans, SC and IS coupes, and the LX and GX sport utility vehicles use a touchscreen interface system, which in new models includes the same menu interface and layout as the Remote Touch-equipped models.
External links
- Lexus.co.uk Remote Touch (in English)
- Lexus.jp Remote Touch (in Japanese)