Ears open: Continental integrates speaker function into vehicle display

Displays in the vehicle Ears open: Continental integrates speaker function into vehicle display

2025-03-28 From Susanne Braun | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

Due to the nature of the display material, the surface is suitable as a resonator for sound output. Automotive supplier Continental uses this circumstance for the integration of speakers. This approach saves installation space and weight in the interior.

Continental's "Ac2ated Sound" system uses actuators that are invisibly located behind the display glass and set it into audible vibration.(Image: Continental) — Continental's "Ac2ated Sound" system uses actuators that are invisibly located behind the display glass and set it into audible vibration.
(Image: Continental)

Space inside a vehicle is limited, and it makes sense to save weight on the installed parts to improve efficiency. With the trend toward flexibly usable displays in the cockpit, the question arises of how to save space and weight elsewhere. The engineers at Continental have identified a suitable component in the form of the speaker.

Previously, displays were not used as speakers because they posed acoustic and technical challenges. The stiff material structure complicates even sound reproduction, especially at low frequencies. Additionally, vibrations could disrupt the image. Conventional speakers can generally be distributed more strategically in the interior for better sound quality. Such hurdles have apparently been overcome by Continental through more precise actuators and optimized materials, allowing the display to be used as a resonance body for sound.

Ac2ated Sound in the display

Continental integrates a speaker function directly into the display unit for the first time with Ac2ated Sound. Actuators behind the display glass serve as vibrators that set the surface into audible vibration. This allows acoustic feedback, speech, or other audio content to be played directly, partially replacing conventional speakers.

One advantage of this Continental technology lies in the intuitive sound localization: users automatically direct their gaze to the noise source, which can focus attention on relevant displays in the vehicle. Additionally, the system offers space and weight savings since no separate speakers are required. The technology can also be integrated into other flat components such as door panels or the headliner, allowing for a reduction of up to 90 percent in the installation space for the audio system and a weight saving of up to 88 pounds. (sb)

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