Ceres Holographics today demonstrated what it says is the world’s first in-plane head-up display (HUD) implementation with multiple, separate transparent displays of content on one windshield. The triple configuration transparent display solution is being shown at the Driving Vision News Interior Workshop this week in Köln, Germany.

“This is a major milestone—demonstrating that we can extend our transparent display HUD solution across the windshield to save time, and money, and provide a wider variety of UX options for drivers and passengers,” said Andy Travers, CEO of Holographics. “With our HoloFlekt technology, OEMs can transform any windshield into an ultra-bright, full color, and compact multi-display HUD, where safety, operational, navigation, and infotainment content can all be shown in a clear and non-distractive manner regardless of external light conditions. Because of the off-axis viewing angles required, the only way to achieve this is with holography.”

Headquartered in Livingston, Scotland, Ceres specializes in the design, digital mastering, and replication of next-generation, thin-film holographic optical elements (HOEs) for transparent display and augmented reality (AR) applications. With expertise in photonic, optical systems, and holographic photopolymer films, the company enables customers to create immersive visual experiences for mass-market applications in automotive, transportation, aerospace, and wearable technology.

For the new reveal, each display area, measuring up to 400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in), contains a specifically programmed HOE, resulting in the industry’s largest field-of-view HUD, according to the company. It says this capability can only be achieved using holography and the ability to direct and manipulate light outside the normal confines of traditional reflection and diffractive optics. Each display can be configured at specific (off-axis) viewing angles within the windshield to show information and content for the intended user—without obscuring the view of the road ahead.

Ceres Holographics’ design methodology tailors the solution for the specific geometry and windshield curvature of the intended vehicle as well as defining the projector specification. The software-based mastering approach is said to be a dramatic improvement over traditional hologram recording techniques that require the manufacture and adjustment of large physical optical hardware. Ceres method allows rapid customization and reformatting of TD-HUDs based on customers’ unique specifications.

The triple configuration transparent display is precision engineered and each HOE is digitally mastered before being replicated in volume using Ceres’ HoloFlekt 1400 mm (55 in) wide roll-to-roll manufacturing machinery. Using an advanced photopolymer film in a proprietary stack for automotive manufacture, the machinery produces each of the HOEs in a single piece of windshield-sized film that is laminated inside the windshield ready for inclusion in a car. The windshield is coupled with compact projection units from suppliers to produce a full-color, wide field-of-view transparent display HUD, improving safety, comfort, and UX for its customers.

By enabling up to three display systems in a single sheet of film, the solution saves cost and simplifies the complete manufacturing process required to implement a multi-display transparent HUD. In such a configuration, where information is displayed specifically for the intended viewer, the driver could see essential operational information in a non-distracting way, as well as important safety alerts and situational information from a second display. The third display aimed at the passenger could act as a connected screen for entertainment, work, or destination content.

The multi-HOE solution is available for implementation in proof-of-concept projects with select OEMs and Tier One suppliers.