Interior's main project is programming and implementing a graphical user interface for the Jeep's user to interact with while operating the Jeep. The graphical user interface (GUI) will run on a touchscreen mounted to the Jeep's dashboard, and will allow the user to fully interact with the systems of the car. The GUI program itself is built using libraries in python, and has allowed Interior to create the GUI from the ground up. Starting with an empty python sketch, the team has created their GUI window to have buttons, custom images, information display and other features for the user to interact with while driving the car.

 

The GUI program runs on the car's onboard computer, a Raspberry Pi 4 also being programmed by the team. Working on the 'Raspbian' Linux based operating system, the Pi is a compact & efficient solution for the team's goal of having a fully capable user interface running on a touchscreen, with a sensor communication system. The Raspberry Pi is connected to the Jeep's sensors through a special attachment known as a 'CAN HAT' (Controlled Area Network, Hardware Attachment Top). It allows the team's Pi to communicate with the car's sensors via controlled area network, a wired sensor communication system which has been the modern automotive standard for all cars worldwide since the 1990s. Once fully completed, The Pi will be able to process the Jeep's sensor information and display things such as speed, rpms, and battery level on the same GUI being used for the head unit and digital dashboard. The team is currently working on all aspects of the touchscreen & onboard computer, including refining the GUI and configuring the CAN HAT. Interior is excited to continue working on these projects & putting the creativity of Relectric Interior members on full display.