
Continental brings 3D display to a series car
The autostereoscopic display used in the GV-80 depicts instrument scales, pointers and other objects in three dimensions. Warning symbols such as a stop sign can also be highlighted in this way. Special eyeglasses for the driver are not required. Instead, Continental uses so-called parallax barriers – slanted screens that divide the image for the viewer: As when looking at real objects, the right and left eyes each achieve a slightly offset image, resulting in a three-dimensional impression. However, the 3D image quality depends heavily on the driver’s head position. A camera therefore monitors the driver’s line of vision and adjusts the display accordingly.
The 3D cluster is not associated to a dedicated ECU. Instead, in the Hyundai Genesis, a so-called cross-domain hub takes over this task. This high-performance computer is a further step in Hyundai’s strategy – and basically, that of the entire automotive industry – to reduce the complexity of the electronic systems in the car while saving installation space and weight.
Meanwhile, engineers in Continental’s development labs are already working on another 3D display technology that offers an even wider range of functions and additional application options. Using Natural 3D Lightfield technology from cooperation partner Leia Inc., Continental is developing a 3D display that does not require cameras to monitor the driver’s viewing direction and also provides the 3D experience for the front and rear seat passengers. The Natural 3D Display will open up the world of digital services in the networked car for all passengers – from video conferences and online shopping to augmented reality games and 3D films. Instead of the parallax barriers used at Hyundai, the system uses Leia’s Diffractive Lightfield Backlighting (DLB) technology. A light guide with diffraction gratings and nanostructures under the display panel diffracts the light and creates a natural 3D effect. Continental is adapting this technology for use in vehicles. The system should be ready for series production by 2022.
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