Planar to Provide Cutting-Edge Flat Panel Systems to Mack Trucks
17 March 1999
Planar to Provide Cutting-Edge Flat Panel Systems to Mack Trucks
BEAVERTON, Ore.--March 17, 1999--in-dash driver information system using an
electroluminescent graphic display from Planar Systems
At The Maintenance Council Conference (TMC, an American Trucking Association event), Mack Trucks, Inc. (Lehigh Valley, Pa.) will demonstrate the new Vision by Mack(TM) highway tractor which includes an integrated driver information display, designed and manufactured in the U.S. by Planar Systems .
The new Vehicle Information Profiler (V.I.P.(TM)) uses the Planar EL320.240.36-HB (quarter-VGA) display fully integrated into the dashboard and networked into the vehicle's V-MAC(R) electronics. The V.I.P. system allows drivers to monitor driver and vehicle performance which improves efficiency and productivity. "Our goal with the Vision line was a breakthrough in styling, operating cost, serviceability, and use of cutting edge information management," says Guy Rini, chief engineer, electronic controls and management products, Mack Trucks. "The V.I.P. brings together Planar's proven electroluminescent (EL) flat panel display technology, a robust electronics platform, and a well-thought-out user interface for the driver." Wayne Wissinger, Mack's manager of electronic products marketing, added, "We expect the V.I.P. to set the standard for driver ergonomics and functionality in the Class 8 market."
Long-haul trucking is a very challenging operating environment for electronics and the display system is the highest profile portion of the V.I.P. unit, so Mack chose to make no compromises. The V.I.P.'s electroluminescent technology has been proven in many demanding applications over the last 15 years. EL displays are utilized in aerospace, military, industrial, medical, and transportation applications for their superior visual and environmental performance. "With at-a-glance readability at any viewing angle (greater than 160(Degree)) and across a wide range of ambient lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, the Planar EL display offers the best visual performance and will result in higher driver satisfaction," concluded Wissinger.
Reliability and low cost of ownership are important to everyone in the long-haul highway truck market. From the truck maker to the fleet manager and the driver, down-time is simply not acceptable for the truck or the mission-critical systems on it. The Mack V.I.P. was designed with these requirements in mind. Unlike LCDs, Planar's EL display does not have a backlight requiring replacement. These EL displays have been on the battlefield in tanks and other military vehicles providing years of reliable operation. The display and complete driver message system have been designed to meet the demanding operating temperature range, shock, vibration, and EMI/EMC requirements of the SAE J-1455 and J-1311 industry specifications.
The Planar system is networked to the vehicle's electronic platform through the J-1708 databus and allows all electronic systems and sensors to be monitored for optimal performance and any fault conditions that might arise. The graphic "free format" nature of the display allows the panel to be used for multiple functions and even support multiple languages. To prevent unnecessary distraction, drivers have access to only essential V.I.P. screen information while the vehicle is moving. Once stopped, full V.I.P. functional access is available. Over 60 individual information screens allow drivers to reprogram idle speed, reset a trip, identify a new driver, or see when the next oil change is due. Essentially, everything needed to operate the vehicle safely and economically is at the driver's fingertips.
Customization and future enhancements of the system can be achieved through field updates of the operating system and application software. Planar selected Vehicle Monitor Corporation (VMC) of Redmond, Wash., to design the software functionality for the V.I.P. system. "The operating system and application software utilizing VMC's SmartDisplay(TM) technology fully utilize the capabilities of a graphic display and the multiplexed, reconfigurable nature of the message center solution," according to Erick Petersen, Planar's business development manager.
"Planar's engineering staff worked closely with VMC and Mack's electronic engineering team to specify, design and integrate the V.I.P. system. Their collaboration and leadership resulted in significant contributions to the overall design," said John Strug, staff engineer at Mack Trucks. Larry Lewis, engineering director at Planar, added, "Mack approached Planar based on our long history of working side-by-side with our customers to design in the display and optimize the system-level performance. We leveraged our internal engineering capabilities with the expertise of our outside contractors and were able to quickly assemble a project team dedicated to the V.I.P. program. Our ISO-certified product development process provided Mack with the required testing and verification of functionality from first prototypes through production release," concluded Lewis.
"Mack's V.I.P. illustrates Planar's ability to create custom display solutions to exacting customer standards based around best-in-class display technology and value-added engineering expertise," said Jim Hurd, president and chief executive officer at Planar. "The inherent benefits of our solid state EL technology are uncompromised optical performance and reliability, making it an ideal choice for demanding transportation applications like long-haul trucking. Planar and Mack Trucks shared a common vision about the quality and functionality of the next generation driver information center, and the V.I.P. is the result of our collaborative working relationship."
Dedicated to quality, reliability, and total customer satisfaction, Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided innovative, forward-thinking products and services to its customers worldwide for nearly a century. Mack is one of North America's largest producers of heavy-duty trucks, in addition to major product components. The company also markets a line of medium-duty diesel trucks throughout North America. Mack vehicles are sold and serviced in more than 65 countries worldwide.
Planar Systems, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of high-performance flat-panel display components, CRTs, and specialized display systems. Planar Components Group offers a complete range of EL, LCD (TN and STN), and AMLCD (TFT) display components, as well as Systems Enhanced Manufacturing capability. For over fifteen years, equipment manufacturers have depended upon Planar to deliver the depth of experience, innovative technology, and responsive service that support their cutting-edge applications. Planar has operations in both the United States and Europe. The line of differentiated displays for the transportation marketplace represents Planar's commitment to demanding applications. For more information, visit Planar's website at www.planar.com.
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