Automotive industry dealing with the Linux operating system

A few days ago, the author participated in the "Automotive Linux Summit 2011" event hosted by the Linux Foundation in Yokohama. The Linux Foundation hosts a wide range of events, but the theme is the car for the first time. The reason why this event was held seems to be the result of open source Linux as a candidate for the next-generation in-vehicle informationtainment (IVI).

Linux is used in cars. In the past, there was always a feeling of "impossible". Not so much for technical reasons, it is better to say that the licensing method used by Linux — — General Public License (GPL), and the patent litigation risk of Linux, especially for the automotive industry.

But it is completely different now. In March 2009, the industry group that specializes in IVI using the Linux reference platform was founded by GENIVI. Then, in June 2011, Toyota joined the Linux Foundation, and in November 2011, Denso also announced its participation, and many manufacturers took action on Linux.

The slide show by Graham Smethurst, head of information architecture design at BMW and chairman of GENIVI, is the symbol.

& ldquo; If it was really unimaginable three to four years ago, it is different now (Smethurst).

However, as the basis for moving to IVI, the automotive industry has begun to pay attention to Linux. It does not mean that it has been determined to be adopted on the IVI of the car. At best, it is "to enter the stage of discussing Linux".

“ What is the problem with Linux? We joined the Linux Foundation to investigate this. Now it’s finally the process of learning.” Toyota’s first director of electronic development, Mr. Murata’s words, represents this.

The Automotive Linux Summit finally held a symposium with all the speakers. At the meeting, Smethurst from BMW/GENIVI pointed out the difficulty of the automotive industry directly meeting the Linux community.

 To date, car manufacturers only deal with Tier 1 suppliers. Therefore, car manufacturers are not accustomed to seeking help outside of them. I don't know who to ask. (Our automotive industry) To change this situation as soon as possible, we must meet directly with the open source community.

Moreover, Toyota’s Murata’s speech provides a more in-depth explanation of how to interact with the community.

“The community is not a programming resource for its own company. Can not unilaterally request, look forward to others to develop for themselves. ”

“ Avoid the very specific requirements that are developed solely for your company. Such things have no value for community sharing. ”

This is a situation in which Japanese companies with alienation software can easily fall into. The author bluntly said, "What are the bans of these open source communities?" This is really puzzling, but I understand the experience of Murata. Murata is a former Sony software technician who has served as the project manager of the “Cell OS” project. This may be a sign of a shift in internal talent. Future development is worth looking forward to.