Advancing Automotive Display Technologies and HMI: Insights from the SID Metro-Detroit Symposium
The rapid evolution of vehicles, particularly with the rise of electric (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), places unprecedented demands on in-car displays and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). These critical components are no longer just dashboards displaying speed; they are becoming complex digital cockpits, integrating advanced technologies to enhance safety, performance, and the overall user experience. Understanding and developing cutting-edge Automotive Display Technologies And Hmi is paramount for the future of the automotive industry.
The Metro-Detroit Chapter of the Society for Information Display (SID) plays a vital role in fostering this development through its annual technical symposium. This event serves as a key gathering point for technical and business professionals from both academia and industry working in relevant fields. It brings together expertise from electronic engineering, vehicle system and software, physics, optics, manufacturing, human factors, and HMI development to address the challenges and opportunities in automotive displays. The symposium specifically examines the role of display technology in the transition towards EVs and AVs.
Experts in the field are invited to contribute papers across a range of critical areas shaping the future of in-vehicle interaction. These topics highlight the multifaceted nature of developing advanced Automotive Display Technologies And Hmi. Areas of interest include the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in in-vehicle displays and interfaces, covering generative AI for Digital Customer Experience (CX), vehicle personalization, in-car assistance, machine learning, computer vision, and the connected car ecosystem.
The symposium also delves into crucial market trends impacting display and interface adoption. This includes discussions on the latest trends in automotive displays, interfaces, and applications, understanding customer acceptance and feedback on various technologies, and navigating the regulations and trends related to in-vehicle interactions. Such insights are essential for aligning technological advancements with consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Technical sessions focus on the core of display and lighting systems. Topics here include display system legibility and visual performance, methods for enhancing driver performance and passenger experience, and advancements in touchscreen, haptic, and acoustic technologies. HMI tools and methods for software development, metrology for multi-modal (MM) HMI, and driver-assist features like navigation, ADAS, collision warning, and night vision are also key components, along with techniques for measuring HMI efficacy. Enhancements in optical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal performance, modeling, simulation, metrology, testing, and the evolution of electrical and software interfaces for vehicular display systems are covered under design and metrology.
Further pushing the boundaries are discussions on advanced technologies. This includes sunlight readable technologies crucial for in-car displays, flexible and stretchable substrates for novel form factors, transparent displays, and solutions for low power consumption. The role of nanomaterials, nanotechnology, novel optical films and coatings for projection displays, stray light management, novel input devices, and electronic mirrors are also explored, showcasing the breadth of innovation required in automotive display technologies and HMI. To understand how these technologies integrate, it’s useful to learn more about automotive service technology, as effective HMI is crucial for diagnostics and repair interfaces.
The symposium actively supports future talent through student travel grants awarded to student speakers. A Best Paper award is also presented by the VDI planning committee, recognizing significant contributions to the field. Interested authors typically submit abstracts in the spring for presentations later in the year, followed by the submission of complete papers for inclusion in the conference digest.
Banner highlighting the annual technical symposium focused on automotive displays and interfaces development.
The history of the SID Metro-Detroit Chapter and the Vehicle Displays & Interfaces (VDI) symposium provides valuable context for the evolution of automotive display technologies and HMI. Dating back decades, the event has tracked significant milestones, from early aeronautical display systems adapted for vehicles in the late 1980s to the debut of flexible OLEDs in 2000 and the first “glasses-free” 3D display in 2003.
Over the years, the symposium has consistently featured insights from key industry players and academic researchers, addressing challenges like driver distraction, human factors, and the integration of advanced displays in increasingly complex vehicle cockpits. Panels have debated critical topics such as camera monitor systems versus electronic mirrors and the future of in-vehicle experience, highlighting the dynamic nature of this technology space.
Events like the 30th anniversary celebration in 2023 underscore the longevity and impact of the symposium in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Keynote speakers from major automotive manufacturers and technology companies have provided forward-looking perspectives on topics ranging from the cockpit of the future to augmented reality in vehicles and the vehicle as a canvas.
Exhibition hall at the 2023 Vehicle Displays & Interfaces Symposium showcasing the latest in automotive display and HMI technology.
The exhibition hall has always been a central feature, providing a platform for companies to showcase the latest innovations in automotive display technologies and HMI. These exhibits offer attendees hands-on demos and direct interaction with cutting-edge products. Awards like “Best in Show,” voted on by attendees, recognize excellence in exhibition presence and technological innovation.
Award recipients recognized at the Vehicle Displays & Interfaces Symposium.
The commitment to nurturing future experts is further demonstrated through student awards and grants, acknowledging promising research and contributions from university students. These awards encourage continued academic exploration in the complex fields underpinning automotive display technologies and HMI.
In conclusion, the SID Metro-Detroit Chapter’s annual symposium remains a vital forum for advancing automotive display technologies and HMI. By bringing together experts, fostering discussion on key trends and technical challenges, and supporting emerging talent, the event contributes significantly to shaping the future of in-vehicle interaction and the evolving landscape of automotive cockpits in the age of EVs and autonomous driving.
