Johnson Controls Focuses on Creating Technology that Touches People
16 October 2000
Johnson Controls Focuses on Creating Electronics Technology that Touches PeopleInterior Integration, Human Integration and Peer Partnering(TM) Provides Expertise for Supplying Integrated Electronic Products PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 13 Johnson Controls has done a lot of searching in its pursuit to supply customers with integrated auto interior electronic products that fulfill the wants and needs of consumers. During the journey, Johnson Controls discovered that by following three principles it is able to continue to design and develop products that provide vehicle occupants with a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ride. At 4,000-square-feet, Johnson Controls' booth (#449) is one of the largest exhibits at Convergence 2000 International Congress on Transportation Electronics -- at Detroit's Cobo Center from October 16 through October 18 -- and demonstrates the company's ability to provide unmatched capabilities through human integration, peer partnering and interior integration. "Interior integration, human integration and Peer Partnering(TM) are the principles by which the company develops and designs products," said Jim Geschke, vice president and general manager, Electronics Integration. "Our exhibit at Convergence reflects the company's ability to understand consumers and to integrate a wide-range of electronics products into vehicle interiors that will benefit both consumers and automakers." The automotive interior supplier will display several of its electronics products inside Cobo Center, including: * Plug 'n Play Infotainment -- With its "master planned flex build" strategy, Johnson Controls' goal is to enable simple electronics plug-in upgrades for software or hardware at four points in a vehicle's life cycle. Infotainment systems on display include Harmony Generation I and Harmony Generation III; * TravelNote(R) with Memory Stick -- Through a relationship with Sony Corp. of America, Johnson Controls added advanced capabilities to its TravelNote digital voice recorder. Memory capacity and portability are accomplished with a memory stick capable of storing up to 120 minutes of talk time; * 42-Volt Vehicle Architecture -- Johnson Controls and its Peer Partner Yazaki North America designed a system that will enable automakers to add content without jeopardizing existing vehicle components and systems that require battery power. This approach integrates underhood components and also can help improve fuel economy and emissions; * Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting -- Together with its Peer Partner Gentex Corp., Johnson Controls discovered numerous benefits of white LED lighting technology, including durability, packaging flexibility, optical improvements and color enhancements; and * i-Seating(TM) -- Johnson Controls and Peer Partner Tokai Rika have optimized the integration of vehicle electronics into automotive seating. This flexible architecture also reduces the number of wires by 50 percent, reduces connections by a third and dramatically reduces the weight and volume of the seat. "Johnson Controls continues to look for ways to enhance product features to add convenience, safety and comfort," added Geschke. "The needs of consumers are always changing and it's our job to make sure their needs are met, either through developing new products or enhancing existing ones."