Continental has developed the world’s first automotive touchscreen featuring a 3D surface. At this year’s Consumer Electronic Show (CES), the company earned the Best of Innovation Award in the “In-Vehicle Audio/Video” category, for the breakthrough system.
“Our latest display solution combines three elements: design, safety, and user experience. The 3D surface not only allows for exciting design, but it also ensures that drivers can operate the various functions without having to take their eyes off the road,” says Dr. Frank Rabe, head of the Instrumentation & Driver HMI business unit at Continental.
“The CES Innovation Awards honor technologies for the very highest standards of design and engineering prowess, so we are absolutely delighted to have received this award,” Dr. Rabe adds.
Haptic technology allows users to feel feedback, which enables drivers to navigate the display instinctively without taking their eyes off the road. The haptic feedback is comprised of short and precise mechanical pulses that are sent to the display surface.
Touch-sensitive features on the side of the display offer a quick way to save most frequently used functions. The device measures touch force before an executed command, to avoid accidental activation of the 3D elements. The haptic feedback also alerts the user when their finger has passed over the screen.
Optically bonding, topographical elements measuring up to ten millimeters helped enhanced the 3D touch surface. They are homogenously tinted, and can be changed to fit any display configuration.
To get a closer look, click through the photo gallery below.
