Karlheinz Blankenbach graduated in physics at Ulm University, Germany, where he also received his PhD in 1988. From 1988 until 1995 he was with AEG-MIS (a subsidiary of DAIMLER that time), Germany, developing display electronics, LCDs and software. A highlight was the 3D helmet mounted monitor for stereo-endoscopy (BMBF grant). Karlheinz was appointed 1995 as full professor at Pforzheim University, Germany and founded the University's Display Lab. His main R&D activities are (automotive) display topics such as optical measurements, display systems, evaluations, HMI and LEDs as well as display hard- and software. He and his team have successfully completed many R&D projects (governmental and industrial granted). Karlheinz achieved more than 250 publications incl. chapters in books and holds several patents. He has presented on numerous international conferences incl. invited and keynote contributions.
Karlheinz is member of the Society for Information Display’s (SID) subcommittee “Automotive/vehicular Displays and HMI Technologies” and member of SID’s “International Committee for Display Metrology”. He serves as a member of the board of the Displayforum (DFF) since 2000 and after 9 years as chairman he was appointed in 2020 as honorary chairman. Karlheinz is member of the ISELED alliance for automotive interior lighting. He is as well chairman of the “electronic displays Conference”, the largest event for professional displays in Europe.
Case Study
Tuesday, June 17
04:40 pm - 05:05 pm
Live in Berlin
Less Details
Modern vehicles, especially luxury models, are increasingly equipped with pillar-to-pillar (P2P) displays to enhance infotainment and provide co-driver displays (CDDs) for on-demand content. While this setup improves user experience, it introduces potential driver distraction risks. Traditional fixed privacy foils, like those used in laptops, are often too rigid and unpopular with car owners. The introduction of electronically switchable privacy displays (SPDs) offers a more flexible solution by allowing dynamic content visibility control. SPDs can operate in two modes: public (wide-view) mode, where both the driver and co-driver can see the display, and private (narrow-view) mode, which limits content visibility to the co-driver only. Optical measurements are essential to ensure the safety and quality of these displays, ensuring they reduce driver distraction while maintaining high image quality for the co-driver. This presentation will explore SPD technology, optical testing methodologies, and the potential challenges in achieving optimal performance.
Key topics you will hear about include: