Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. introduced its FLEXConnect audio-video bridging system. This next generation in-vehicle infotainment system provides flexibility for multiple displays and multiple content streams.

FLEXConnect features two rear seat screens with cameras that operate as independent units while still being connected through the Ethernet AVB architecture. The system supports Wi-Fi connectivity and can be used with multiple smart phones or tablets, allowing users’ content to be available in the vehicle.

Additional key features of FLEXConnect include:

• An “any media on any screen” feature that allows sharing from one screen to another with a simple tap on the screen;
• Interactivity between the two screens, allowing passengers to play games or send photos back and forth;
• Control of content from the front seat, allowing parents to preview and override rear seat programming;
• Cameras installed above each rear seat screen to allow monitoring of rear seat occupants.

Future concepts of FLEXConnect include:

• Navigation selection, allowing passengers to choose a destination and send it to the vehicle’s navigation system.
• Occupant recognition, enabling personalized layouts, contact lists, device defaults and audio preferences that allow each user to step into their own personal entertainment system.
• The ability to offload alerts, such as traffic and navigation information, from the head unit onto the tablet, allowing the front seat passenger to decide when the driver should be informed. This gives the passenger access to detailed alerts while preventing distracted driving.