Kyocera shatters physical boundaries with its Aerial Display technology

Improved assistance systems Kyocera shatters physical boundaries with its Aerial Display technology

2025-01-13 From Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

Kyocera's Aerial Displays project high-resolution images into mid-air, providing drivers with critical information directly in their line of sight. This innovative technology reduces distractions and enhances safety by eliminating the need to look away from the road.

Kyocera's Aerial Displays are a combination of miniaturization, high resolution and next-generation image quality and can project extremely realistic, free-floating images with the help of a mirror system.(Image: Kyocera) — Kyocera's Aerial Displays are a combination of miniaturization, high resolution and next-generation image quality and can project extremely realistic, free-floating images with the help of a mirror system.
(Image: Kyocera)

Kyocera's Aerial Displays utilize advanced optical technology to project high-resolution images into mid-air, delivering critical information directly in the driver’s line of sight. This innovative system enhances safety by reducing distractions and eliminating the need to glance away from the road.
At its core, the technology employs an advanced aerial image projection system. Light beams converge at a predefined point in space to create a sharp, floating virtual image. Key components include aspherical lenses that minimize distortion for detailed projections and precision mirrors that accurately direct the light beams, forming a realistic and highly detailed image at the desired spatial location.

High-resolution image sources and contactless control

The high image quality of the aerial displays is achieved using modern microdisplays such as OLEDs or micro-LEDs, which allow brilliant colors and high contrasts to be achieved. This is not only energy-efficient, but also offers a long service life. Another technical milestone of aerial displays is interactive control without physical contact. Various sensor technologies are used here. Infrared sensors detect the position and movement of hands or fingers in space. Capacitive sensors enable precise gesture recognition in real time. Ultrasonic sensors detect movements in a larger radius and supplement the functionality of the other sensors.

Millimeter wave sensors

The camera lidar fusion sensor from Kyocera is the world's first lidar in which the camera and laser are on the same optical axis.(Image: Kyocera) — The camera lidar fusion sensor from Kyocera is the world's first lidar in which the camera and laser are on the same optical axis.
(Image: Kyocera)

In addition to the Aerial Display, Kyocera has developed a non-contact millimeter wave sensor system. It precisely detects even the smallest vibrations. It offers decisive advantages for cars, as the sensors support driver assistance systems with high-precision sensor data. This means that obstacles or road conditions can be detected even in poor weather conditions. The millimeter wave sensor system can perceive very fine details and changes in its surroundings. This shortens the reaction time of the safety functions and at the same time improves the overall performance of the autonomous driving functions.

The sensors can be used to measure vital data, for example. The millimeter wave sensor measures the heart rate and other vital parameters precisely and without contact. In addition to use in vehicles, the sensor is also suitable for use in buildings.

The millimetre wave technology SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) developed by Kyocera replaces mechanical lidar systems with a 4D image processing radar. SLAM combines sensor data to simultaneously determine the vehicle's position and create a map of its surroundings. This enables precise mapping and navigation even in poor weather conditions at a lower cost.

In addition, Kyocera's camera-lidar fusion sensor integrates camera and lidar data on a single optical axis. This real-time overlay improves object detection and, with a MEMS mirror, offers what Kyocera claims to be the world's highest resolution and an improved service life.

Bifocal mirror improves readability

Similar to a head-up display, the bifocal mirror from Kyocera shows a magnified virtual image at a greater distance.(Image: Kyocera) — Similar to a head-up display, the bifocal mirror from Kyocera shows a magnified virtual image at a greater distance.
(Image: Kyocera)

Electronic rear-view mirrors with an integrated display for cars are becoming increasingly popular. However, drivers with age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) often have difficulty reading the display as the eye has to accommodate accordingly. Similar to a head-up display, Kyocera's bifocal mirror displays a magnified virtual image at a greater distance, making it easier for drivers to adjust their focus and see the image clearly immediately. The technology supports safe driving by immediately displaying information recognized by the rear view camera in the mirror.

Use outside of vehicles

The potential applications for aerial displays and millimeter wave sensors go far beyond the automotive industry. Applications are conceivable in medical technology, in salesrooms or even in the aerospace industry. Kyocera's technologies could also be used for interactive presentations or digital information systems that impress with their intuitive operation and realistic presentation. (heh)

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