Continental has developed a new display that it says allows vehicle information to be shown in either a private mode or in a way that everyone can see. This enables front passengers to use multimedia content such as videos or the infotainment system without distracting the driver from road traffic. If necessary, all vehicle occupants can be given access to this content by means of a switchover.
“Modern vehicles are increasingly becoming smartphones on wheels for drivers and passengers. Driver distraction is still one of the main causes of traffic accidents. With our new display solution, we are therefore aiming for a digital experience that minimizes distraction,” said Jens Brandt, regional lead of Continental’s Business Area User Experience. “The user experience is becoming a fundamentally distinguishing feature and game changer in the mobility of tomorrow. The crucial factor here is that we also provide the front passenger with new infotainment options.”
Although privacy functions have been used for some time for laptop displays, Continental notes they were not previously suitable for use in the automotive sector. During the development of the new, automotive specific display technology, Continental succeeded in ensuring that less than 1% of light emission is received by the driver when a screen is in private mode.
“Thanks to our expertise in back-illumination and plastics technology, our privacy display includes a range of key components that we have developed and also manufactured ourselves,” added Brandt. “This enables us to meet the highest quality requirements both from vehicle manufacturers and users in terms of contrast, luminance and image homogeneity. In addition, we will continue to increase energy efficiency until it is launched on the market, thereby making the technology even more sustainable.”
The market launch of the new privacy displays is planned for 2024.
