The objective of the project is to extend Ceres in-house, low-volume replication technology to copy master Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) into the blank film, such that a viable manufacturing technology is available for industrial partners to manufacture higher volumes of HOEs in the large format film sizes required for automotive windshield integration. Furthermore, during the project the first outputs, information, and samples, will be used to assist the industrial partners to develop the windshield integration processes.
Head-up Displays (HUDs) and Transparent Displays represent the next generation of information display in cars. Every major automotive manufacturer (OEM) is seeking low-cost, compact displays that can display driver and passenger information.
However, existing solutions based on conventional technology can generally not meet OEM requirements. Using current technology, a HUD system that would meet the OEMs requirements would be too bulky for all but the largest vehicles and prohibitively expensive.
One viable solution recently re-considered by OEMs, due to the emergence of new material technology, is to create or replace part of the complex HUD optics with a photopolymer Holographic Optical Element (HOE) laminated within a vehicle windshield. This dramatically reduces the size of the HUD unit, allowing high specification HUDs to be fitted to any vehicle. The new material also makes alternative Transparent Display types possible with even smaller projector units. However, for both potential solutions, there has not been the supporting and credible design, mastering and replication technology which the industry needs, and which OEMs require to see before considering a new technology to be application ready.
Ceres, a holographic technology pioneer has developed the core technology elements of this much-needed capability to enable this new industry. With its in-house software and digitally controlled pixel-wise mastering technology, it has brought to market a viable Computer-Aided Design (CAD) approach to HOE design and mastering enabling it to service multiple OEM customers in a repeatable and cost-effective manner. Ceres has also developed the necessary core replication technology such that master HOEs, once designed to an application's requirements, can be reproduced. Ceres primary customers, major European and USA OEMs, have successfully demonstrated the viability of our holographic technology for Transparent Display applications in full-size windscreen laminated prototypes. They are now so excited by the technology’s potential application that they have re-confirmed their aim to begin fitting to production cars from 2025, and to ramp to at least 2 million cars with Transparent Display systems across their vehicle ranges by 2027. These prospective customers have asked for volume manufacture of the finished windshields to be demonstrated before end 2023.
