Monthly Archives: December 2023

The Story of Evolution of the In-Car Infotainment System (With Special Throwback to the 1990s)

In-car infotainment system is part of a vehicle’s dashboard electronics, and it offers information and entertainment to vehicle occupants. The phrase “infotainment” itself is a combination of the words – “information” and “entertainment”.

Over the past few decades, vehicles have metamorphosed from being primarily driven by mechanical components to software components. Along with this, in-car infotainment systems have undergone a massive transformation.

In this article, we explore the software modules found in most in-car infotainment systems, software design best practices, car infotainment apps, Bluetooth connectivity and upcoming trends.

But first, let’s take a look at how the car infotainment system has transformed over the years.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

1. AM Car Radio

Looking back at the history of car radios, we can see a long-winding road with ample innovations as milestones. The antique automobiles are as fascinating as the stereos that adorned their dashboards.

Although the first mass-market car radio was introduced in 1930, AM car radios gained immense popularity only in the 1950s. It was soon found that AM radios didn’t provide the best experience for music-lovers on the road, as it was plagued by poor sound quality and static interference.

And then, the FM radio arrived in vehicles.

2. AM/FM Car Radio

The first AM/FM head unit was introduced in cars in 1952, but it took a while for it to gain popularity. This era was also marked by the arrival of on-demand music systems and record playing head units in cars.

The lack of shock resilience pointed to the fact that record players in cars were not a sustainable option.

3. Car Stereos and 8-track Cassette Tape Players

In the early 1960s, the newly introduced car stereos were revolutionary. They allowed vehicle occupants to enjoy content from multiple audio channels, unlike the mono channel systems of the past.

The 8-track cassette players also gained immense popularity during this time. However, these cassette players were too large in size, and car manufacturers were subsequently on the lookout for more compact audio options.

4. Compact Cassette Tape Players

The dawn of an eclectic music age started with the popularity of compact cassette tapes in the 1970s. While being affordable, compact and incredibly easy to use, they also made it convenient for fans to take their favourite music with them, on the go.

With the introduction of cassette players in cars, these tapes became loyal companions of motorists at that time. The tapes had the capacity to store a large amount of data; it enabled users to pre-record audio tracks and curate playlists by themselves; and it became a phenomenon in the 1980s and 1990s when the boombox gained popularity.

But it was quickly surpassed by CDs in the 1990s.

5. Compact Disk (CD) Players

In the 1990s, motorists had stepped into an era where they could enjoy in-car navigation and superior sound quality in vehicle audio systems. This was also the time when they started using CDs to play music while driving. CDs were better than cassette tapes as they were more durable and incredibly compact.

But when mp3 playing units were introduced in vehicles, we reached a new frontier in in-car audio technology.

6. Touch-screen Systems with GPS

The early 2000s gave us in-car infotainment systems that resemble the ones in modern vehicles. Such systems had touchscreens, audio playback and GPS features. Gradually, Bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary inputs were introduced in these systems.

The first infotainment system with voice control hit the market in 2007 with the Ford Sync. Motorists experienced capabilities such as hands-free calling and voice-controlled music playback.

In 2010, Android Auto and Apple Car Play were introduced in vehicles. Some premium vehicle models also came equipped with in-car WiFi connection.

Soon after, in-car infotainment systems enabled users to access their favourite apps directly from the infotainment screen. Touchscreen features also became more intuitive and user friendly.

Fuelled by vehicle electrification and the demand for continuous connectivity options, modern-day two-wheelers are being quipped with motorcycle infotainment systems.

In-Car Infotainment Software

The past two decades witnessed a whirlwind of transformation in vehicle functionalities and component development. As vehicles became more software driven, infotainment systems also got upgraded to provide exceptional experiences for drivers and passengers.

Automotive OEMs have been using Android as an operating system for their embedded applications, long before Android Automotive came into the picture. The OEM community has been customizing Android for in-vehicle infotainment system primarily due to the consumer’s familiarity with the OS.

Android Auto has been the most preferred projection technology using which vehicle occupants have been connecting their smartphones with infotainment units.

When Google introduced Android Automotive OS, a dedicated version of Android OS for automotive applications, connectivity options for users changed significantly. Vehicle owners were able to access Google Assistant, Google Maps, and most of their favourite mobile apps directly from the infotainment unit – without having to connect a mobile phone to the system.

Some of the software modules in modern infotainment systems include:

• Media player
• Phone call and address book access
• Display of vehicle operating conditions
• Dash camera for driver monitoring
• Reverse view camera
• FOTA update

When designing infotainment systems, there are various best practices to be adhered to. Some of these include:

• For a highly responsive and light-weight IVI system, developers should focus on designing a framework/library project with common APIs which is called by different IVI applications.
• Since the infotainment system acts as a primary channel for drivers to access critical vehicle data, it is important for developers to create middleware and applications that access vehicle data from the CAN network. This data can then be presented to the driver in the form of graphics or text-based content.
• Drivers should be able to make or attend calls, stream music from their phones, or access phone address book. For this, all the required Bluetooth profiles should be integrated with the IVI system.
• The infotainment system should be enriched with apps that enhance the user experience of the target audience. For this purpose, automotive OEMs can identify and integrate popular third-party apps or specialized apps that they develop in-house.
• The in-car infotainment screens should be customized to minimize driver distraction and display the most important data to the driver at the right time. Integrating voice recognition feature is a great way to improve user experience and driver safety.

Our blog on infotainment system design strategies provides more information on the best practices and various other insights for developers.

In-Car Infotainment Apps

The most popular in-car infotainment apps are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both these apps have similar functionalities. For example, when the Android Auto app on the user’s mobile phone is connected with the Android Auto app on the car, it pairs the phone with the car. The user can then access all other phone apps through the vehicle’s infotainment system.

However, the mobile apps developed for automobiles have some restrictions in safety and driver distraction aspects. For instance, Apple restricts the apps that CarPlay can enable, and these apps are expected to be in the following categories:

• Audio apps for news, music and podcasts
• Navigation apps
• Communication apps for calling and messaging
• Apps to help in parking
• Apps to show status of EV charging
• Ecommerce apps to order food

Driver Safety Always Comes First

In-car infotainment systems are not just about entertainment—they also play a crucial role in enhancing safety on the road. Most of the apps that improve driving experience are designed in a way that distracted driving is prevented. The driver’s focus is always turned away from the phone and onto the road.

For example, consider a navigation app that resides on your phone. If the phone is not connected to the infotainment system, you would have to mount the phone somewhere in your line of vision to see what’s on the screen while driving.

However, when you connect the phone with the infotainment system, the phone screen is replicated on the infotainment HMI. When the screen is large like that, how would you miss a turn? This is a classic example of how phone connectivity with in-car infotainment reduces driver distraction.

What are the Top Android Apps for Automobiles in 2023?

Although there are various Android apps that have been embraced by drivers all around the world, here are our top 5 picks:

• Google Maps is undoubtedly the most popular app for drivers. Its credibility as one of the most trustworthy apps for turn-by-turn directions makes it take the top spot.
• Facebook Messenger is exclusively available on Android Auto, and it is quite popular among automotive users.
• If you are looking for the best music app to be used in automobiles, Spotify takes the lead. It can be easily paired with Google’s voice commands to make it easier for drivers to enjoy their favourite music on long drives.
• Waze Navigation is an app that offers accurate real-time traffic updates based on its crowdsourced information. It also integrates very well with Android Auto.
• Audible enables users to listen to a good audiobook directly from Android Auto’s UI.

Bluetooth Connectivity in In-Car Infotainment

An infotainment system has various connectivity modules such as Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth through which it connects with external networks or devices. Bluetooth Low Energy chipsets and modules are now available at lower costs than before. Hence, the technology is widely used by automotive OEMs to develop cost-effective infotainment systems.

Through Bluetooth Low Energy connection, the infotainment system of a vehicle can be connected to an occupant’s smartphone. This takes in-vehicle user experience to a whole new level.

• Phone Calls and Messaging – When the phone is paired to the IVI system, the user can access various features of the phone through the infotainment screen. For instance, the user can access their phonebook, check their call logs, make or receive calls, read messages, etc.
• Multimedia Access – Audio and video files on the smartphone can be played on the main infotainment screen via Bluetooth connectivity. Personalised content may also be played on the rear seat entertainment system, based on user profiles and preferences.
• Use of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay – In order to link a user’s phone with the car through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, they should establish a Bluetooth connection. The phone’s display is then replicated on the infotainment screen and various phone apps can be accessed. Subsequent to the first-time connection, each time the smartphone is in the vehicle, the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay mode is activated automatically.
• Voice Control – After establishing a Bluetooth connection between the user’s phone and the infotainment system, the voice assistant on the user’s phone can be activated from the steering wheel. Voice commands can then be issued by the driver to control various features.
• Group Calling – In some vehicles the Bluetooth systems enable the user to connect two or more people together on a single call, or even make group calls.

Check out our blog on Bluetooth Low Energy innovations in connected vehicles to get a better understanding of how Bluetooth has evolved to be a gamechanger for in-vehicle connectivity.

Vehicle Infotainment System of the Future

The in-car infotainment system of the future will have a bouquet of features to delight users:

• Voice and gesture controls – The minimalistic touchscreen displays that we are used to today will transform into voice- and gesture-controlled systems. You may be able to enjoy 3D graphics and animation that amplifies the elegance quotient of the system.
• Conversational AI – The advanced AI tech embedded in the system will be able to assist drivers in making urgent purchases or retrieving information about the nearest vehicle charging station.
• Acoustic innovations – Audio tech providers are developing cutting-edge audio systems for vehicles that endow a superior listening experience to passengers. Technology that enables full surround sound options in a car is not too far away!
• Augmented Reality (AR) innovations – Drivers will receive digital information directly in their line of vision on the windshield through AR overlays. Overlaying crucial digital data onto the real-world views enhances the driver’s perception of the surroundings.

Read our blog on the top features of best car infotainment systems to learn more about how this technology is evolving.

With the advent of digital cockpits in vehicles, infotainment and digital instrument cluster screens are getting larger and the HMI is becoming more intuitive. Split screen functionality is also seen in such systems where multiple pieces of data can be displayed at once to the driver.

If you are seeking a technology partner to design a futuristic in-car infotainment system or a complete e-cockpit solution, let’s talk! Send us an email at sales@embitel.com to arrange a free demo of our past work in this domain.

Automotive Cybersecurity: The Foundation of Next-Generation Vehicle Technology

The automotive industry is undergoing a monumental shift, largely driven by the digitalization of its core functions and emerging mobility models.

A PwC report forecasts a unique trend by 2030: a slight decrease in vehicle numbers in Europe and the USA, but a significant rise in global industry profits.

This paradox is primarily due to the emerging concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), which is transforming traditional car ownership into models like car-sharing. In countries like China, individual car ownership is projected to plummet from 90% to 52%.

At the heart of this transformation are two pivotal concepts: ‘connected cars’ and ‘autonomous driving.’ Upstream Security predicts that by 2025, all new cars will be connected, not just in terms of internet access or localization services but embracing the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology.

This encompasses communication and data exchange with other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), and even pedestrians (V2P), paving the way for smart city integration.

A Future Beyond ADAS

Autonomous driving is set to evolve beyond the current Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The segment aims to progress towards complete driverless functionality classified by SAE’s levels of autonomy, ranging from level 0 (no assistance) to level 5 (no driver required).

However, this technological leap brings its own set of challenges, especially related to automotive cybersecurity.

As cars transform into complex software-based IT systems with numerous connected ECUs, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This necessitates a shift in vehicle architecture towards a secure-by-design approach. The integration of cyber and physical related security aspects is crucial, especially as vehicles evolve into cyber-physical systems (CPS). In this article, we will delve into the cyber aspects of these emerging threats and the strategies to mitigate them.

Transitioning from the broader context of automotive cybersecurity, we encounter distinct constraints in car electronics, pivotal in shaping the approach towards secure designs. So, let’s look at the constraints that act as hindrances to automotive cybersecurity implementation.

What are the Current Constraints in Implementing Automotive Cybersecurity

Car electronics, particularly ECUs, are embedded systems characterized by substantial hardware limitations. These constraints hinder the full implementation of certain security solutions, including advanced cryptography.

Let’s understand these constraints further:

• Cost Sensitivity: The sensitivity to component costs limits OEMs’ ability to embrace innovative cybersecurity solutions, as they have to balance between advanced technology and cost-effectiveness.
• Timing and Safety Constraints: Several ECUs must perform tasks within fixed real-time constraints, often related to safety-critical functions. Therefore, any security measures implemented must not negatively impact these essential tasks.
• Vehicle Autonomy and Life-Cycle Considerations: The car’s autonomy is crucial, especially when protection mechanisms are operational, to ensure the driver can focus on driving. Moreover, the lifecycle of a car is significantly longer than typical consumer electronics, necessitating durable hardware and software that can be easily updated, particularly for security features.
• Supplier Integration Challenges: Suppliers often provide software components without source code to protect intellectual property. This practice makes it difficult to modify these components for improved security.
• Network Standards and Protocols: The Controller Area Network (CAN) is the most used protocol in vehicle networks, existing in low-speed and high-speed variants for different vehicle domains. Although current designs are evolving towards Domain Controllers managing different sub-networks, the CAN bus still acts as the network’s backbone. The transition to Automotive Ethernet is significant for next-generation networks due to its high bandwidth.
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Security Implications: The OBD system, a mandatory diagnostic tool in US and European vehicles, can be a security risk as it provides direct access to the CAN bus. The easy availability of OBD dongles allows for simple data extraction, which can be used maliciously.

The constraints in automotive network design, particularly in the CAN backbone, introduce several vulnerabilities:

• Broadcast Transmission: Due to the bus topology of the CAN network, messages between ECUs are broadcast across the entire network. Accessing any part of this network, such as through the OBD port, could allow an entity to send messages network-wide or eavesdrop on communications.
• Lack of Authentication: There is no system to authenticate the source of the CAN frames, making it prone to send fraudulent messages from any part of the network.
• No Encryption: Messages on the CAN network can be easily intercepted and analysed, exposing their functions.
• ID-Based Priority Scheme: Each CAN frame has an identifier and priority field. Frames with higher priority can interrupt lower priority ones, leading to potential Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.

What are Attack Goals and Attack Scenarios in Automotive Cybersecurity

In the landscape of automotive cybersecurity, attackers are driven by various goals, leading to distinct types of attacks:

The attack scenarios typically involve initial access to the vehicle’s network, either physically (through OBD ports) or wirelessly (via Bluetooth). Common attack techniques include:

• Frame Sniffing: Listening in on network frames to understand their function.
• Frame Falsifying: Creating fake messages to mislead ECUs or drivers.
• Frame Injection: Injecting crafted frames into the CAN bus, exploiting the lack of authentication.
• Replay Attack: Replaying valid frame series to replicate actions like starting the engine or unlocking doors.
• Denial of Service Attack: Flooding the network with high-priority frames to disrupt regular ECU communication.

One notable instance was the remote attack on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s infotainment system, which led to a recall of 1.4 million vehicles by FCA. This attack demonstrated the potential for remote control over critical vehicle functions like steering and braking.

How can ISO 21434 Standard help Counter Emerging Automotive Cybersecurity Threats

The rising risk of cybersecurity threats promoted the automotive stakeholders to come up with a standard that could help mitigate these threats.

ISO 21434 standard is like the go-to playbook for keeping cars safe from cyber threats. It’s got all the strategies and guidelines automakers need to shield vehicles from hackers, right from the drawing board to when they hit the road.

ISO 21434 offers a targeted approach to automotive cybersecurity by specifically addressing the unique challenges of this sector. It provides a framework for systematically identifying cybersecurity risks in vehicle systems and outlines best practices for developing, implementing, and managing security measures.

Here’s a snapshot of how ISO 21434 standard is effective:

Risk Assessment: ISO 21434 emphasizes identifying and assessing cybersecurity risks, helping to anticipate and prepare for potential attack scenarios like frame sniffing or injection.

Design & Development Guidelines: The standard provides guidelines for secure design and development of automotive systems, countering vulnerabilities exploited in attacks like the Jeep Cherokee incident.

Security Management: It establishes a framework for managing cybersecurity throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, crucial for responding to evolving threats and tactics like ransomware or DoS attacks.

Incident Response: ISO 21434 outlines strategies for effective incident response, essential in mitigating the impact of attacks and rapidly restoring normal operations.

Conclusion

Automotive industry’s shift towards digitalization, transforming vehicles into “smartphones on wheels,” has brought to light significant cybersecurity challenges. Originally designed without external network interaction, modern hyper-connected vehicles now face heightened cyber threats. This transition demands the development of complex, safety-critical platforms under stringent constraints like limited hardware capabilities and real-time processing needs. Implementation of the new automotive cybersecurity standard, ISO 21434 will be the guiding light for the automotive industry to navigate such cyber-threats.

Rear Seat Entertainment Systems: Modernizing On-Road Passenger Entertainment

How Automotive Lighting Solutions are Impacting Modern Automobiles

The integration of advanced lighting in vehicles marks a revolutionary stride in automotive innovation. Automotive lighting solutions have transcended their traditional role of illumination. Today, automotive lighting is a cornerstone of vehicular safety, aesthetics, and a catalyst for enhancing user interaction.

Imagine adaptive front-lighting systems that intelligently align with road curves, offering drivers visibility and security on the road. These advancements aim at reducing potential hazards associated with challenging driving conditions.

Adaptive Lighting

Beyond safety, the utility of automotive lighting becomes evident in autonomous vehicles, particularly with the integration of interior lighting systems. These systems are designed to respond and adapt to the passengers' needs.

For instance, in an autonomous vehicle, interior lighting can be employed to signal important stages of the journey, such as approaching a destination, or to indicate the necessity for a human driver's intervention. Such interventions ensure that the transition between automated and manual control is smooth and clearly communicated.

Moreover, the application of lighting in vehicles extends to improving driver wellness and comfort. Ambient lighting within the car's cabin can be adjusted to reduce fatigue on long journeys or to create an environment conducive to relaxation or alertness, depending on the driver's needs. This focus on the driver’s psychological and physical well-being is a testament to the holistic approach automakers are adopting.

Recent Applications of Modern Automotive Lighting Solutions in Different Categories

• • Applications in Passenger Cars
  

• - Adaptive Headlights: These automatically adjust the direction and intensity of the headlight beams based on the vehicle's speed, road conditions, and steering angle. For instance, BMW's Adaptive Headlights system illuminates the road according to the car's movements.

• - Ambient Lighting: Many luxury vehicles now feature customizable ambient lighting options, enhancing in-cabin aesthetics. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, offers 64-color ambient lighting in some of its models.






Ambient Lighting

• • Lighting Solutions in Commercial Vehicles

• - LED Bar Lights: Commercial trucks and trailers are now using LED bar lights for better visibility during nighttime, especially when transporting goods over long distances.

• - Emergency Flash Systems: For vehicles like ambulances, modern lighting solutions have introduced more intense and visible emergency flashes, ensuring they're noticed even in heavy traffic.

Development of Control System for Automotive Lighting Solutions

Automotive lighting control systems have evolved significantly with the advancement of electronics and computing power within vehicles. These systems manage everything from simple on/off functions of traditional headlights to the sophisticated adaptive light controls in modern cars. Here's an elaborate breakdown:

1. Application Layer: At the top level, the application layer provides the user interface and decision-making logic.

• - User Interface (UI): This includes dashboard switches, touch screen interfaces, and voice command systems. For instance, a driver can choose different lighting modes (automatic, parking, headlights, high beam) via the UI.

• Decision Logic: Based on inputs from various sensors and the UI, this layer decides how lights should behave. For example, in automatic mode, the algorithm may be configured to switch on headlights based on ambient light conditions.

2. Middleware: It serves as a bridge between the application layer and the lower-level hardware interfaces and device drivers.

• - Communication Protocols: Most cars use protocols like CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) for intra-vehicle communication. This middleware ensures the high-level commands get translated into the appropriate protocol messages.

3. Device Drivers: These are software components that facilitate communication between the operating system and the hardware. In the context of automotive lighting:

• - PWM Drivers: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) drivers control the intensity of lights. For example, controlling the brightness of interior ambient lighting.

• ADC Drivers: Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) drivers may be used to interpret signals from ambient light sensors.

4. Control Hardware: This hardware layer interprets signals from the higher software layers and translates them into electrical controls for the lighting.
   Microcontrollers are the small computers on chips that process inputs and outputs for the lighting system. They interpret the CAN or LIN messages and decide how to drive the lights accordingly.

5. High-Side and Low-Side Drivers:

• - High-Side Drivers: They switch the positive side (usually the battery voltage) to the load (like a bulb or LED). High-side drivers are commonly used when the load (light in this case) needs to be connected to the ground permanently, which is often the case in automotive systems to ensure safety.

• - Low-Side Drivers: They switch the ground side of the load. They're often simpler and cheaper but might not be suitable for all automotive applications.






Automotive Lighting Architecture

6. Actuators & Sensors:

• - Lighting Actuators: These include the actual lights – LEDs, halogen bulbs, HID lamps, etc.

• - Sensors: Various sensors feed data into the control system. Common sensors in lighting systems include:

  • • Ambient Light Sensors: Determine the light levels outside the car.
  • • Rain Sensors: Some systems adjust lighting based on weather conditions.

7. Feedback Mechanism: For advanced systems, feedback is crucial. If a light isn't functioning (e.g., a bulb is out), the system needs to know.

   • - Diagnostics and Monitoring: The system continuously checks the status of each light and can notify the driver if there's a malfunction.

   Now, its time to explore the importance of advanced lighting in the realm of autonomous vehicles.

Ambient Lighting in Autonomous Vehicles: A Decade of Progress

As the automotive world races towards a future punctuated by autonomous vehicles (AVs), an often-overlooked aspect is the role of interior lighting. While it might seem like a mere aesthetic component, the last decade has revealed its significance in ensuring safety, enhancing experience, and managing human-machine interactions.

Lighting Application Inside Autonomous Vehicles:

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) continue to evolve, so does the sophistication and purpose of their interior lighting systems. Here, we dissect various applications of lighting in AVs, demonstrating how they're more than just ambient beautification tools—they're integral for safety, user experience, and human-machine interaction.

The control system for automotive lighting is a sophisticated combination of software and hardware, ensuring that the vehicle's lighting responds appropriately to both the driver's commands and environmental conditions. As vehicles move towards greater autonomy, these systems will likely become even more intricate, enhancing safety, and driving experience.

The Role of Ambient Lighting in Safety

According to the World Health Organization's 2018 road safety report, around 1.35 million individuals tragically lose their lives in road accidents annually. The allure of a fully autonomous vehicle, where every aspect, including the interior environment, works in harmony, promises to reduce these grim statistics.

However, as we navigate the transition phase of mixed driving ranging from manual (Level 0) to fully automated (Level 5) as defined by the Society of Automation and Engineering (SAE)—the responsibilities of drivers in semi-automated vehicles (Levels 2 to 4) remain pivotal. In these vehicles, drivers must constantly monitor the system and be ready to take control.

It's in this scenario that ambient lighting becomes a vital safety feature. For example, during instances when a driver is distracted or engaged in Non-Driving Related Tasks (NDRTs), the vehicle's lighting system can use Take Over Requests (TORs) to redirect the driver's attention. These TORs might use varying modalities—from visual cues to auditory alerts—to ensure immediate human intervention when required.

• A. Take-over Request (TORs) Take-over requests, often termed as TORs, act as modalities to keep the driver engaged, alert, and promptly respond to driving tasks, especially after distractions. For instance, one of the studied modalities involves visual interruption. Here, notifications are sent to the driver's mobile phone or in-vehicle display, serving as a cue for the driver to focus back on driving.

  Though this method has shown some efficacy, mobile-based TORs might not always yield the highest performance. Another innovation entails luminance signals in the peripheral view that immediately alerts the driver during critical situations of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems . This method keeps the driver's eyes glued to the road and mitigates distractions.

• • Multi-modal based TORs: Evidence from various studies suggests that multi-modal TOR interfaces, which combine different alert methods, are often more effective than uni-modal setups. For instance, one such study investigated multiple NDRTs, such as phone conversations, smartphone interaction, and video watching. It was found that multi-modal visual-based interactions outperformed their uni-modal counterparts in terms of reaction time and time to collision. Another area of focus is on tasks like document handling while driving. It's observed that drivers often prioritize higher importance tasks, sidelining less urgent ones.

• B. Perception of Speed Understanding and perceiving speed is crucial for safe driving. Some intriguing innovations revolve around the use of interior light stripes mounted at specific locations, such as the A-pillar of the vehicle. This not only allows the driver to gauge speed through visual cues but also offers insights into safe speed ranges. Another noteworthy development involves the use of an RGB array of LED lights on the dashboard, which provides alerts during emergencies, potentially preventing road mishaps.

• C. Perception of Ambient Lighting Ambient lighting within AVs isn't just about creating a pleasant environment; it's also about perception and safety. Various studies have analyzed different vehicle lighting scenarios, concluding that even peripheral lighting can significantly impact perceptions of safety, space, and attractiveness. Research also delves into the best locations for such lights. Surveys indicate a preference for dashboard lighting, shedding light (pun intended) on optimizing interior design for maximum efficacy and appeal [35].

• D. Lane Change Decisions Lane changes in AVs, especially levels 2 and 3, aren't just about mechanical precision but also about driver awareness. A novel approach involves the use of a peripheral LED strip on vehicle doors, providing constant feedback about road conditions, aiding in determining safe lane changes. Such systems have shown to elicit quick and accurate decisions from drivers, especially when they're contemplating turning off the autopilot for faster lanes. In this context, the side-door lights significantly reduce cognitive load, making lane-changing safer and more efficient.

Conclusion

The journey towards fully autonomous vehicles is a complex one, with myriad components needing to work in perfect synchronization. As we've seen over the last decade, the role of automotive lighting has evolved from being a mere functional feature to a critical component in safety and user experience.

As the development of smart, intelligent, and innovative transportation systems continues, the in-depth understanding and integration of effective in-vehicle lighting systems will undoubtedly steer us towards a brighter, safer future on the roads.