computer science

Multi Media Interface

Multi Media Interface is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Multi Media Interface rather than just read about it. In short: The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show on the Audi-Avantissimo concept car. Production MMI was introduced in the second generation Audi A8 D3 in late 2002 and implemented in majority of its latest series of automobiles.

Key takeaways

Multi Media Interface belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Multi Media Interface to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Multi Media Interface from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show on the Audi-Avantissimo concept car. Production MMI was introduced in the second generation Audi A8 D3 in late 2002 and implemented in majority of its latest series of automobiles.

Concept MMI consists of a single integrated interface, which controls a variety of devices and functions of the car. The system consists of the MMI terminal and the MMI display screen. The central element of the MMI terminal is the control dial. This dial can be rotated to navigate up and down through menus, and pressed to activate a selected function. Starting with the MMI 3G system, an integrated joystick in the main control dial can be used to (for example) navigate the map. Depending on the MMI generation and configuration, four to eight function buttons surround the control dial, which launch the various features. The MMI screen is a five-inch monochrome black-and-red or seven-inch 16:9 full-color display, depending on the variation of MMI fitted in the car. MMI uses Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology to interconnect the various systems. Harman Becker Automotive Systems manufactures the MMI system, utilizing QNX Neutrino's Real Time Operating System (RTOS) software.

Functions MMI operates in car entertainment components, car electronics, and other functions. Depending on the actual car model, along with which version was specified (MMI Basic, MMI High, etc.), only some, and not all functions will be applicable or available.

Satellite navigation, including traffic management (TMC) Radio tuner Media sources (CD changer, Audi Music Interface, aux audio port, TV tuner, two external AV sources) Telephone and directory Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control, and seat heating Car setup (e.g. central locking and convenience function (coming home/leaving home, power sunroof and windows) options, global audio settings, suspension settings, interior lighting, Audi Side Assist settings etc.) Rear view camera and parking sensors Driver information (e.g. fuel economy statistics (often encompassed by "trip computer" functions), battery level, oil level, tire-pressure monitoring, etc.) User manual (full on-board car user manual, displayed on screen) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2014 and later model.

Cars Audi models for which MMI is available:

MMI Generation RNS-E

Certain cars have a "pseudo" type of MMI. These are the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B6 and B7), A6 (C5), TT (8J), the R8, SEAT Exeo, and Lamborghini Gallardo - when fitted with the RNS-E DVD-based "Audi Navigation Plus" system. While appearing to be a similar layout, and operating similarly, these two systems are very different, are unable to share mapping disks or software, and are not able to control non-ICE functions (such as climate, convenience or suspension settings). On members of the B8 family of vehicles (the A4 (TYP 8K), A5 (TYP 8T), and Q5 (TYP 8R)) without full navigation capability, Audi does not describe this infotainment system as MMI. However, an MMI-esque control dial and function keys is provided on the radio/CD head unit.

MMI Generations 2G through 3G+ The MMI system has been improved over the years and now features internet connectivity through MMI Connect introduced in recent models.

Issues While seemingly intuitive and user-friendly, MMI can be difficult to operate when driving. Attempts have been made to improve access: the MMI 3G features a new Joystick on the central knob to make it easier to, for example, input a destination using the navigation map. However, the issues remain. The Audi Q5's MMI infotainment control system is difficult to navigate, partly due to the location of its controls low down on the center console.

Software updates MMI 3G and 3G+ systems have to be updated by an Audi dealer. The MMI 2G firmware can be updated by car owners.

MMI 2G systems can be updated via a CD containing the firmware update. Navigation maps are read in real time from DVD drive located in the trunk. MMI 3G and 3G+ systems can be updated by using a SD Card/USB/CD/DVD containing the software. The total update process can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Once the updated software is applied it requires a PIN to re-activate the navigation system. To enter the MMI software update menu, the [Setup] and [Return] buttons have to be pressed simultaneously for 5 seconds. This menu also enables import/export settings to USB or SD Card, the settings are saved as an AES encrypted zip file. Software version format varies by MMI system type: MMI 2G: SW: XX-XX XX.X.X XXXX MMI 3G Basic: BNAV_XX_XXXXX MMI 3G High: HNAV_XX_XXXXX MMI 3G+: HN+_XX_XXXXX [A1 A4 A5 Q5 Q7] HN+R_XX_XXXXX [A6 A7 A8 Q3] MMI RMC: RMC_XX_XXXXX MMI MIB1: MHIG_XX_XXXX MMI MIB2: MHI2_XX_XXXX MMI MSTD: MSTD_XX_XXXX MMI MIB3: MHI3_XX_XXX MMI 2G software version history

MMI 3G and 3G+ MMI software version history All 3G systems are on HDD; P=Shipped with car; K=Installed by Update BBT seems to be for Basic without Navigation, BNAV for 3G Basic, HNAV for 3G High, HN+/HN+R for 3GPlus

MMI 3G and 3G+ navigation database versions

Partial list of MMI firmware updates [by Part Number] for 3G Basic, 3G High and 3G Plus:

Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB)

… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Multi Media Interface

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Multi Media Interface claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Multi Media Interface before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Multi Media Interface ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Multi Media Interface

In research: Multi Media Interface appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Multi Media Interface in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Multi Media Interface is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Advanced driver assistance systems, Audi, Automotive technology tradenames, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Multi Media Interface outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Multi Media Interface in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Multi Media Interface means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Multi Media Interface out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Multi Media Interface in simple terms?

Why does Multi Media Interface matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Multi Media Interface?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Multi Media Interface.