3M was at the Vehicle Displays and Interfaces conference to show off many automotive films for privacy, reflection mitigation, HUDs, and sunroofs.
In this transcript, Chris Chinnock reviews 3M’s latest film technologies for automotive displays and window treatments at the Vehicle Displays and Interface Conference.
Head-Up Display (HUD) Solutions
3M is showcasing prism-based films that optimize HUD imaging across various windshield geometries.
- Angular Uniformity: These films allow for different projection angles to accommodate various dashboard mounting positions.
- Flexible Design: They help account for the “rake angle” of the windshield to ensure a clear, consistent image for the driver.
- Windshield Integration: Windshield Combiner Films improve image quality even when the driver is wearing polarized sunglasses.
Directional & Privacy Films
New films control where light is directed within the cabin to improve privacy and reduce driver distraction.
- Electronic Viewfinder: A directional film focuses light toward the driver rather than filling the entire cabin.
- Side Window Glare: 3M demonstrated a new, non-prism film that eliminates display reflections on side windows.
- Pillar-to-Pillar Privacy: A louvered film makes dashboard content invisible to the driver but clearly visible to the passenger.
Solar Control & Connectivity
3M has developed heat-management films that protect vehicle interiors without blocking critical signals.
- Metal-Free IR Rejection: These non-metallic films reflect infrared heat without interfering with GPS or 5G antennas.
- Sunroof Application: The technology is ideal for panoramic sunroofs, keeping the cabin cool while maintaining connectivity.
- Signal Transparency: Because they don’t use metals, these films prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Dual-Plane Instrument Cluster
The presentation concludes with a unique display configuration for instrument clusters.
- V-Configuration: The system uses two LCDs mounted in a “V” shape with a combiner in between.
- Visual Depth: This setup creates a “fore plane” and “back plane,” providing a dual-layer appearance.
- Faux 3D: While not true 3D, the two-plane look adds depth and interest to the driver information interface.
