After settling into the driver’s seat and taking control of the wheel, your eyes naturally gravitate towards the dashboard, which has advanced tremendously over the years thanks to breakthrough after breakthrough in the automotive tech space. What started as a simple analog display has now transformed into a sophisticated digital interface capable of delivering a wealth of information related to performance and operation. And with autonomous driving on the horizon, the dashboard’s role is going beyond simply providing information to delivering an array of entertainment options including videos, games, and AR/VR journeys more enjoyable and productive. With new technologies and innovations emerging every day, the dashboard of tomorrow promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before and the innovation of automotive displays is behind this trend. So, come along as we take a trip down dashboard memory lane and look forward to the exciting possibilities of the dashboards yet to come.
The invention that started it all, the analog dashboard
The origins of the automobile dashboard can be traced back to the early 1900s, when German engineer Otto Schulze patented an eddy-current speedometer designed for automobiles. Although groundbreaking, this invention did not begin its journey to becoming a staple of the modern vehicle until Ford made it a standard feature in its cars in 1910. In the early days, drivers did not see the point in visible speedometers as vehicles were so slow. However, as the internal combustion engine advanced, more complex features were added including tachometers, temperature and fuel gauges, and turn signals. This led to the mechanical method of designing dashboards giving way to a more advanced cable-driven system which gave life to the iconic analog dashboard.
Digitalizing automotive dashboards with LCDs
But, since an analog dashboard’s cumulative mileage could be easily manipulated, the 1980s marked a turning point when digital trip computers were integrated into dashboards for the first time – paving the way for digitalization. The first centered LCD displays provided various information including mileage, average fuel consumption, driving range and the outdoor temperature, which was made even clearer when lights were introduced to the dials.
By the 21st century, the full LCD dashboard had taken the automotive industry by storm. This impressive, aesthetically pleasing graphic display could cover the entire dashboard and deliver precise, detailed information to take convenience to a whole new level. And soon after came rear-view monitors, navigation guidance, side mirrors, and 3D representation which made the driving experience feel more immersive and special.
Shaping the future of automotive dashboards with LG Display’s cutting-edge technologies
At CES 2023, LG Display wowed the crowd with a groundbreaking automotive dashboard optimized for the era of electric cars. The 12.3-inch Hole in Display Cluster based on LTPS LCD technology harmonizes seamlessly with the futuristic, sleek style adopted by most electric vehicles. And with the glasses-free 3D technology, drivers can experience analog sensitivity and dynamic real-time information by tracking the eyes of the drivers. The company’s eco-friendly certified Premium LTPS LCD reduces the display’s thickness and power consumption by 7.5 percent and 17 percent compared to existing displays. In addition, the Head-Up Display (HUD) LTPS LCD boasts an impressive brightness of 5,000 nits and can project driving information onto the windshield while simultaneously providing a panoramic view during Level 4 autonomous driving.
As the autonomous driving revolution gains momentum, LG Display is taking the automotive dashboard to new heights with its latest 57-inch Pillar to Pillar display, which acts as a brand-new, all-in-one entertainment hub. Stretching across the entire dashboard, this futuristic display adds a touch of class and sophistication to the interior designs of autonomous cars as the ultimate screen for endless entertainment. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the future of driving with LG Display’s latest innovation in the automotive space.
Gone are the days of the traditional speedometer thanks to displays that provide all the information, entertainment and safety drivers and passengers could possibly need and want. Anticipation for what’s next for the dashboard is at an all-time high, so buckle up and keep an eye out for LG Display, the company leading the dashboard’s transformation in the electric era with its next-gen automotive displays!
