GENEVA, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive today premiered one
of the world's most advanced driver information display systems during the
opening day of the Geneva Motor Show.
Featured in the new Mercedes-Benz E Class (W211 series), the new
electronic instrument cluster features three first-ever instrumentation
technologies. These include a floating speedometer pointer, a light-
generating white foil for improved display illumination and a new LCD display
technology that allows the pixel presentation of any text or icons in
graphically precise detail.
In less than 30 months, Siemens VDO Automotive, in partnership with
DaimlerChyrsler, succeeded in creating a unique display concept that
complemented the cutting edge design of the new Mercedes-Benz E Class.
The new electronic instrument cluster is designed to display a wide array
of information in a user-friendly manner, provide interior designers more
freedom, allow for high-quality material selection to enhance the vehicle's
design cues and requires less space than conventional instrument clusters.
The cluster features three traditional circular gauges, a centrally located
information and communication display and classically styled bar graph
displays for engine temperature and fuel level.
The instrument cluster also introduces a new and innovative method of
presenting and controlling the speedometer pointer. The traditional long
pointer affixed to the center of a speedometer dial has been replaced by a new
design containing a shorter needle that travels along the outer circumference
of a revolving disc. The disc is gear driven by a small stepper motor offset
from the actual dial. An informational LCD is then placed directly in the
center of the dial over the revolving disc assembly, providing a dramatic
styling enhancement in which the speedometer pointer actually travels around
the centered LCD.
Another unique aspect of this display technology is its electro-
luminescent foil used in place of conventional light diodes. The foil shines
in an ergonomically preferred white tone. Due to the thin nature of this
luminous foil, the distance between the dial and the surface of the display is
dramatically reduced. Additionally, the luminous foil provides a more even
speedometer, clock and tachometer dial illumination. The system adjusts for
any changes to interior brightness and is able to maintain a uniform light
intensity over the entire life of the instrument cluster.
The central information display, located within the speedometer dial,
serves as another industry first which combines the characteristics of dot
matrix and segment display through two display cells. The front cell has 64
light segments arranged in a circular manner allowing a graphically perfect
arc for information display, such as adaptive cruise control. Positioned
behind this cell is a second layer featuring a customary dot matrix with 120 x
126 pixels that can display in excess of 240 warnings and a wide array of
messages.
The central information display is capable of presenting driver
information in seven languages including German, French, English, Italian,
Spanish and Japanese. At the heart of the instrument cluster is a 32-bit
microprocessor used to control the bus systems (CAN), gauges and displays.
The E Class model combines the variable dialog window with steering wheel
integrated control of all functions of the radio, telematics services,
communication and navigation. Using industry-recognized icons, it provides
the driver with a wide variety of important display information, such as
navigation, tire pressure warnings and the pneumatic state of the vehicle's
shock absorbers.
In view of Mercedes-Benz's leading market position in the taxi industry,
Siemens VDO Automotive integrated a number of taxi functions into the multi-
purpose display of the new E class vehicle. All communications between taxi
driver and dispatch can be displayed with the central information display.
This eliminates the need for expensive installation of additional aftermarket
displays in the center console.
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in
fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors.
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.siemensauto.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, or david.ladd@at.siemens.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Please see Web Site for high-resolution artwork
(www.usa.siemensvdo.com ).
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