Innovative Concept for Programmable Projection Cluster
BURSCHEID, Germany, September 14 --
- Johnson Controls Develops a New Solution for Flexible and Personalized Instrument Cluster Display
With its new, reconfigurable projection cluster, Johnson Controls , one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries, demonstrates how information can be displayed flexibly and customized in a variety of ways. Instead of a printed dial a high-resolution digital display can be reconfigured when desired. Ergonomics, individuality and flexibility are key elements of this new concept.
Picture is available via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency):
http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=19526&keygroup=bild
Unlike head-up displays, information is not projected onto the windshield, but shown on a display in the instrument cluster. Another new feature allows the driver to choose from a menu of information and arrange it according to his needs on the programmable display. If the driver prefers to use the standard indicators during the day, he can have them displayed across the entire instrument cluster. When driving at night, the standard indicators can be moved to the edges of the instrument cluster to make room for the camera images captured by the night vision system. The camera images can be set to appear either to the right or left of the other indicators. Special technologies built into the new instrument cluster support the rapid recognition of information.
Mirror optics for magnification effect
For example, a special mirror optics system in the instrument display gives an impression of depth. This allows the driver to see the information displayed in magnified form, as if it were two meters away. Moreover, the display appears to be much larger than its actual size, giving the illusion of a screen with three times the diagonal dimension. The high-resolution seven-inch TFT display offers the necessary contrast for this effect, with a complete spectrum of colors.
A special advantage of the display's optical system is that it is structured to ensure readability under any conditions, even in blinding sunlight.
Multiple uses for the display
In addition to the ergonomic advantages, the instrument cluster also offers design benefits. The display can be flexibly adapted to harmonize with the overall design concept of the cockpit and tailored according to the preferences of each automaker. A configuration menu allows the driver to select his own individual design.
Not only does the new instrument cluster flexibly display conventional information such as speed, it also provides for the use of advanced technologies. For instance, camera images of the rear seat can be shown on the screen, allowing the driver to keep an eye on the children while driving. The projection of night vision images is an additional option.
"With the development of this new concept, we have taken a major step forward in terms of comfort," commented Thomas Patzelt.
The projection cluster concept with integrated night vision system is available immediately and could be integrated in vehicles in the executive to luxury segments beginning in model year 2010. Since the system is scaleable, it can also be offered for medium-segment vehicles.
Detailed information and photos are available at www.johnsoncontrols-press.com.
Further information is available from:
Johnson Controls GmbH Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Group Automotive Group
Astrid Schafmeister Ina Longwitz
Industriestr. 20-30 Industriestr. 20-30
51399 Burscheid 51399 Burscheid
Germany Germany
Tel: +49-2174-65-3189 Tel: +49-2174-65-4343
Fax: +49-2174-65-3219 Fax: +49-2174-65-3219
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com
Johnson Controls GmbH, Automotive Group: Astrid Schafmeister (Tel: +49-2174-65-3189, Fax: +49-2174-65-3219, E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com) or Ina Longwitz (Tel: +49-2174-65-4343, Fax: +49-2174-65-3219, E-mail: ina.longwitz@jci.com). Industriestr. 20-30, 51399 Burscheid, Germany