Programming Interfaces for Vehicle Computing

In this chapter, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of Vehicle Programming Interfaces (VPIs) within the transformative sphere of vehicle computing. It scrutinizes the eclectic array of Automotive Software Platforms, from the structured approaches of AUTOSAR and SOAFEE to the cutting-edge developments by Baidu Apollo, Autoware, NVIDIA DRIVE, BlackBerry IVY, and the robotics-focused ROS. We present a stratified analysis of VPIs, delineating their critical function in interfacing between the vehicular core and its animating software across multiple vectors: hardware, data, computation, service, and management. Through a detailed Case Study: VPI Implementation, the chapter concretizes the theoretical framework with practical instances. It examines the physical aspects of VPIs and showcases the implementation within a software ecosystem of real-world VPI applications. Addressing the challenges and opportunities that VPIs present, the chapter probes into the dynamic complexities of integrating these interfaces in VC and concludes with a forward-looking synthesis that highlights their pivotal role in driving the automotive industry toward an interconnected, intelligent future.