Ceres Holographics unveils multi-display HUD windshield

In General XR News

June 26, 2024 – Ceres Holographics, a provider of holographic technology and solutions, in collaboration with Eastman Chemical Group, has recently unveiled its fully integrated windshield featuring multiple holographic optical elements (HOEs) inside a single laminate construct.

According to Ceres, the solution utilizes its ‘HoloFlekt’ technology to produce films with multiple HOEs that are then seamlessly laminated inside windshield glass using Eastman’s proprietary lamination techniques. 

Ceres’ HoloFlekt manufacturing process replicates custom-designed holographic optical elements onto a windshield-sized proprietary photopolymer film. This method offers a more cost-effective and scalable way to produce multi-display HUD areas on any glass surface, according to the company.

Eastman’s proprietary lamination process then allows integration of Ceres’ finished HOE-imprinted film into a windshield. Once the windshield is combined in the car, content can then be projected by a compact LED projector within the vehicle’s instrument panel for each display area.

“We have been working with Ceres for several years to understand the implementation requirements for their HOE films to be integrated in automotive approved windshields in a scalable way,” said Romain Delorme, Global HUD segment market manager at Eastman. “After having produced several proofs of concepts of single HUD display for OEMs, we believe this current implementation of multi-HOE films for transparent displays expands the possibility even further and will be attractive to OEMs who want to differentiate their vehicles, enhance operational safety, and upgrade the overall user experience,” 

Ceres noted that its HoloFlekt film implementation method allows for multiple display areas in a single windshield, each customized to OEM specifications in terms of size, position and viewing angle. Each separate display area then contains a specifically programmed HOE, which enables a larger field of view HUD with greater system geometry flexibility. This unique capability can also “only be achieved through holography,” since the technology delivers precise light manipulation beyond any traditional optics capability, according to Ceres.

“Through deep technical collaboration with global supply chain expert Eastman and our ongoing engagement with top OEMs, we are now ready to bring an automotive-grade holographic transparent display HUD solution to market,” said Andy Travers, CEO of Ceres. “With increasing concerns about safety distractions caused by other types of in-car information displays, such as large pillar-to-pillar touchscreens and other ‘look down’ displays, this HUD technology presents a viable and attractive alternative.” 

Ceres will be showcasing its concept demonstrator kit at Car.HMI Europe in Berlin, Germany this week. The demonstrator kit will provide OEM HMI and UX designers an opportunity to experiment with the capabilities of transparent display HUDs and understand what and where information can be displayed.

For more information on Ceres and its holographic technology and solutions, please visit the company’s website.

Image credit: Ceres Holographics / Eastman Chemical Group

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.