Johnson Controls Brings Unique Display Technology to the Small Car Segment

BURSCHEID, Germany, October 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://ots.de/VuuuU

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors and electronics, is showing a unique, cost effective technology called a Combiner Head-Up Display in the ie:3 demonstrator car. This product is fully integrated in the instrument panel and specifically selects and prioritizes key driver information and projects them onto a screen in front of the driver.

"Johnson Controls' expertise in the design and manufacture of automotive interior systems and electronics, combined with insight from market and consumer research, enables the company to offer driver information systems that are customized to the needs of the target group and brand identity of a vehicle," said Andreas Maashoff, director of industrial design for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "Our innovative Combiner Head-Up Display in the ie:3, can be seamlessly integrated into the instrument panel of each vehicle."

This cost-effective technology in full color projects key driver information onto a transparent screen that comes out of the instrument panel and is located in the driver's primary field of vision. The ergonomic positioning of the system enables the driver to perceive and process the relevant information displayed, such as speed, traffic sign recognition or turn-by-turn navigation, much faster than on standard displays positioned outside the primary field of vision. A high-resolution, full-color graphic display delivers impressive 3-D graphics. The projected image appears at a virtual distance of around 1.80 m, which the eye can read without any further accommodation.

System calibration is no longer necessary

With the Johnson Controls Combiner Head-Up Display as a standalone unit, this technology is no longer for the premium vehicle segments only. This display is cost-effective for the volume vehicle segments as well. Conventional systems integrated into the windscreen require the technology to be calibrated separately with the windshield. This is no longer the case with the independent Combiner Head-Up Display. Time-consuming and costly adjustments as well as the need to adhere a film to the windshield also are not required. Additionally, this product eliminates additional costs that are required with a traditional heads up display when a windshield is damaged or needs to be replaced.  

Further information and pictures regarding the ie:3 demonstrator car are available at http://www.johnosncontrols.co.uk/press.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings;
lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to
our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door
and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in
the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 200 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply more than 30 million cars per year.

Contact:

Johnson Controls GmbH        
Automotive Experience        
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany
Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343
Fax: +49-2174-65-3219
E-Mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com