We have seen the innovative application of E Ink displays in various scenarios before. BMW took it to another level when it introduced a smart eSUV concept with the entire exterior wrapped with the color changing E Ink Prism 3 panels. Things might not be as outrageous this time though Continental is wooing visitors with its Emotional Cockpit design that sees the implantation of E Ink Prism display along the entire length of the car’s dashboard. Specifically, as revealed in the press release, the concept uses a panel that measures 50.4 inches in length and 1.6 inches in height.
As per the latest trend, manufacturers are using large screen infotainment displays, either separately or in unison with the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. In that case, instead of having two separate displays, you have a single large display that shows various information, map info, sensor details, and so on. However, it still is a conventional display that shows the required information for the driver and passengers.
Continental is hoping to take things to an altogether new level with its Emotional Cockpit concept. While all the relevant information is still shown as you’d expect, the greatest plus with the E Ink panel is the unprecedented levels of customization that users can have with such an implementation. However, the only limitation here is that all of it is going to be limited to shades of white, black, and gray. That said, color e-paper displays for such applications can’t be ruled out in the future.
“Personalization and emotionality are decisive success factors for vehicles of the future,” explains Pavel Prouza, Head of the User Experience (UX) business area at Continental. “Generation Z, for example, represents a new generation of customers who want to express their individuality and showcase their personality, especially through digital media. With our ‘Emotional Cockpit’ and the adaptation of energy-saving e-reader technology, we are offering innovative options to personalize the vehicle cockpit in line with new customer expectations.”
The use of e-paper panels for the purpose of primary in-cabin display also has its own advantages though the primary among those is extreme power efficiency. As it is, e-paper is already known for being extremely frugal when it comes to power requirements. Such displays can be extremely handy for vehicles with electric powertrains that’d like to extract the maximum range out of their batteries.
Apart from this, the reflective nature of e-paper displays makes for a very soothing interface for displaying in-car information. Since e-paper displays consume power only when the text or image changes, the last shown content can remain visible if the user so wants for as long as they want. That can also be some sort of message as well.
“The technology from E Ink offers unique personalization and customization possibilities in the automotive sector, as it is very thin, durable, and consumes minimal power. Together with Continental, we are bringing innovative technology into the car of tomorrow,” explains Dr. F.Y. Gan, President of E Ink.
Apart from the car dashboard, Continental is also showcasing the application of e-paper display in a different manner as well. The ‘Intelligent Vehicle Experience Demo Car’ being shown at the event comes with an e-paper panel integrated within the B pillar on the outside. The display can be used to show various information to the driver. For instance, the same can be used for showing the range that the car’s batteries can sustain, or if there is any other aspect of the car that requires the driver’s immediate attention. It can be like low tire pressure or brake fluid being low and so on. In fact, the possibilities here can be limitless.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I’ll likely make a film sometime in the future.
