DENSO Develops Remote Touch Controller

Kariya, Jan 28, 2009; DENSO Corporation today announced that it has developed a remote touch controller that is mounted in the vehicle's center-console and allows drivers to remotely control cabin equipment such as the car navigation system, audio system, and air conditioning system. This is the world's first such controller for vehicles with a two-dimensional cursor on the display screen. The new controller is installed on the Lexus RX, which Toyota Motor Corporation released in Japan earlier this month.

"Much like a computer mouse, the new controller has a pointing device that moves the cursor on the display screen to select buttons, icons, and other interface elements," said Mitsuhiko Masegi, managing officer responsible for DENSO's Information & Safety Systems Business Group. "This user-friendly human machine interface will allow drivers to easily and accurately operate cabin equipment remotely, helping to ease driver workload."

Another feature which will help drivers easily adapt to the new controller is that through the use of two electric motors, the controller also will simulate a "clicking" feeling as if the cursor is drawn toward the target button when moving the cursor closer to the graphical symbol on the display.