AU Optronics (AUO) will debut automotive displays featuring microLED and AmLED for smart cockpit applications at Touch Taiwan 2022. The panel maker said smart cockpit integration services aim to provide drivers and passengers immersive experiences, turning future cars into a premium third living space beyond one’s home and workplace.
MicroLED automotive displays
Having the advantages of high brightness, high contrast, wide color gamut, fast response and high reliability, microLED is the emerging next-generation display technology. This year, AUO is launching microLED with decoration film for immersive automotive display solutions that will complement and blend with car deck panels to go with various patterns and texture, such as wood print, to fit desired cockpit design aesthetics.
MicroLED’s outstanding features of high brightness and high contrast, accompanied by high-transmittance patterned optical coating, prevent data interference on the display screen and satisfy wide-ranging smart automotive and home decoration applications, said AUO. AUO offers a 2K resolution with 202ppi and 40mm radius 14.6-inch rollable microLED display panel, and a smart knob which features 141ppi resolution stretchable touch screen microLED panel.
These Micro LED display technologies largely increase the flexibility of the in-vehicle space by exhibiting that both control knob and high quality display can be immersively hidden into cockpit when not using.
The 17.3-inch transparent microLED display module reaches a resolution of 1280 x 720 with over 60% transparency and peak luminance of 2000 nits. Featuring small illumination areas, high brightness, high color saturation, high transparency, and high LED reliability, the transparent microLED display boasts no information shielding under any circumstance and can be used as a car window display, said AUO.
AUO transparent microLED display module
Photo: Company
MiniLED Ecosystem for large-size AmLED automotive display
As AUO announced its AmLED technology in 2021 and teamed up with global computer brands to launch high-end desktop monitors and notebooks, AUO said now applies its large-size AmLED display technologies to future smart cockpits to satisfy the next-generation automotive entertainment needs.
The large 30-inch front-seat AmLED display, embedded with the large touch display integration (LTDI) panel, realizes low reflectance through self-developed panel lamination technology, said AUO. It has the advantages of a curved design, high resolution, high contrast, and wide color gamut and can be used as a center informative display (CID) or cluster. AUO also achieves the 5.4mm narrow bezel design for its 24-inch AmLED display using non-silicon tracking gate line in pixel (TGP) technologies, while the 22-inch AmLED display independently installed for the front passenger seat comes with integrated switchable privacy technologies to avoid diverting the driver’s attention and ensure safe driving.
AUO said it collaborates with the supply chain ecosystem and leverages group resources to upgrade automotive displays for value transformation. The AmLED technology is developed with the LED ecosystem partners. For instance, Ennostar develops customized automotive miniLED backlights; Darwin assists with the customization of backlight module optical design; Raydium Semiconductor supports customized IC solutions for local dimming, according to AUO
Hardware-software integrated automotive displays
AUO will also showcase its integration services for future smart cockpit systems ranging from in-vehicle panel modules to system integration. For instance, the curved displays embedded with amplifiers on both sides readily transforms the cockpit into a home theater, said the maker. When the driver enters the cockpit, the hidden camera integrated in the display panel will identify the driver and display personalized info on panels. For safety and convenience, the driver can tap on the 12-inch CID to receive feedbacks via the vibration actuators and make adjustments accordingly.
AUO has been investing in the automotive display market for many years. It said it is now among the world’s top-3 automotive display suppliers.
AUO smart cockpit systems combine in-vehicle panel modules with system integration.
Photo: Company
Keyword: AUO eyeing automotive era with microLED, AmLED for smart cockpits