DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAYS
as the next step. Here, the sensors
within the display are mounted directly
on the cell, which already leads to a
thinner construction possibility due
to the integration. This trend towards
thinner displays is reinforced in the
automotive industry today with the
complete integration thanks to the
Incell variant in combination with TDDI
technology (Touch and Display Driver
Integration). This allows sensors and
even controllers to be moved right into
the centre of the display - optimally
protected.
The advantages of this design are
a thinner module and improved optical
quality. The production process itself
is also accelerated by this design,
since fewer production steps and
suppliers are required for an Incell
display.
High requirements for road traffic
However, with the complete Incell
integration of sensor technology and
controller, not all challenges for touch
displays in vehicles have yet been
mastered. This is because many
automobile manufacturers have high
demands and special requirements.
One of the most common
demands is for a water-proof design,
for example, in which touching
by raindrops or condensation is
recognised and then ignored by
an algorithm in the touch system
software. Thanks to this technology,
the system can be operated even
in moist conditions without an
unexpected behaviour.
Another often requested feature
is a display that allows touch
gestures even when passengers are
wearing gloves, the details for such
features vary from manufacturer
to manufacturer and must
therefore be tested and developed
for the respective performance
requirements.
In order to ensure smooth series
production, reliable tests that meet
the standards of objectivity, reliability
and validity are already required during
prototype construction.
To this end, the respective test
procedures should provide the same
conditions for each component.
ARRK Engineering is an automotive
service provider and is able to
provide test services for display
and control systems. All customer
requirements can be checked with
the help of the comprehensive knowhow
of the experts for touch displays
and extensive analysis and test
equipment. For example, automated
endurance and stress tests can be
used to check certain points in rapid
succession in order to detect possible
deviations on the entire touch surface
and eliminate sources of error at an
early stage. In addition, the use of
standardised gloves with different
materials makes it possible to test
functions for different applications.
ARRK can assist with extensive
knowledge in the selection of
suppliers as well as provide technical
and organisational support for the
nomination process.
Conclusion
In order to deliver an acceptable
driving experience, other trends for
touch displays are also finding their
way from household electronics into
the car. For example, OLEDs (organic
light-emitting diodes) are increasingly
being used in vehicles, in which each
individual pixel represents a light
source in its own right.
In conjunction with TDDI technology
it is possible to develop curved yet thin
touch displays - enabling numerous
new designs. Touch and Display Driver
Integration is the integration of the
sensor into the display electrodes on a
single chip. This technology combines
touch functions directly with the
display, resulting in higher production
efficiency and the possibility for
brighter screens. Other advantages of
such a manufacturing method include
a thinner display module, improved
optical performance and a simplified
supply chain.
Developments such as “Quality
of Life” features for haptic feedback
are also being integrated into modern
vehicle displays. Using different
types of actuators, different parts
of the display can be moved in the
micrometer range. This gives the
driver the feeling of actually pushing
or turning a physical button. If this is
supplemented with “force sensing”,
different functions can be activated
depending on the force of the fingers
applied to the display.
As much as the automotive industry
can learn from the use of touch
displays in the entertainment industry -
the reverse would also be possible.
After all, the increased
requirements with regard to heat,
vibration and electromagnetic
compatibility in vehicles also open
up new possibilities for consumer
electronics. A smartphone, for
example, could benefit greatly from
greater resistance despite thin and
flexible components. This means that
consumer electronics can also benefit
from the latest developments in the
field of touch displays in vehicles.
26 9 February 2021 www.newelectronics.co.uk
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