Image projection

Ostar projection LED modules and IR Dragon infrared emitters from Osram Opto Semiconductors are the LED light sources behind a reconfigurable control and display interface designed by Digital Dash of Canada.

The reconfigurable tactile display prototype model is claimed to be the world’s first multi-touch interface that incorporates physical controls with a curved display surface.

The display is suitable for use in motor vehicles, sound mixing boards and other control- and image-intensive user interface applications.

It comprises a rear projector/camera unit and a display/control surface. The projector displays images such as audio controls, maps or other indicators on the screen, including images that interface with the physical controls (knobs, buttons, faders) on the display surface.

The camera senses the position of the controls or the user’s touch on the screen, eliminating wires and electrical components.

The control surface — which can feature plastic construction and curved/irregularly shaped designs — uses 3M Vikuiti beaded rear-projection film to provide a high-contrast, high-resolution image.

Any given screen area, knob or fader can be customised and configured to perform multiple functions.

The projected image is powered by LED light sources. The modules consist of six RGB LED chips that generate bright colours with pure surface emission and extreme brightness.

The infrared emitter floods the display area with infrared light, allowing the CMOS camera to detect touch contact, knob rotations and button movement at the dashboard or control surface.