Virtual instrumentation and glass cockpits continue their migration from the world of aircraft to that of the automobile. Mercedes-Benz gave the process a boost last year with the 8inch LCD dashboard on their 2007 S-Class, and now Sharp has announced a bright and contrasty LCD instrument cluster also intended for autombiles. Sharp says this new panel has a contrast ratio of 1500:1, thus making it 3x better than anything else on the market. When combined with a high brightness of 400cd/m2, the 800×480 pixel screen should be eminently readable in bright daylight.
For a glimpse at the future of driving, look to the present and near-future of aviation — in addition to full-glass instruments, expect tighter integration of radar-based collision avoidance and lane departure warning systems, the introduction of ground-traffic controllers, culminating in the driverless car along the lines of Stanley, the DARPA Grand Challenge Winner of 2005.
Sharp, contrast 1,500 LCD – Watch Impress, October 12, 2006
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I’m intrigued by the idea of ground traffic controllers for private vehicles. Will I have to get clearance to leave my driveway?
Given the way people drive around here, I for one won’t miss driving at all.