Displays for transportation

Providing the best possible access to the presented content

Passenger information systems are still dominated by LCD-TFT displays, which are effectively displacing previously used solutions such as LED displays.

The key from the perspective of the passenger is to reach the desired content, so – in addition to placing the screens in appropriate locations – it is important to ensure optimal readability of the content presented on them. It is advisable to use solutions with high optical parameters, each time adjusted to the conditions in the environment. Here the key will be, among other things, brightness – spaces such as railway stations or airports are intensely lit, so solutions with a brightness of at least 1000 ^cd/m2 are placed there. Full viewing angles (obtained, for example, with IPS matrices) will also be important, allowing content to be read from any plane. Some of these types of media are designed to work around the clock – in continuous mode. In such cases, it is best to use LCD-TFT displays with the longest possible LED lifetime. For some models, this parameter is set at 100,000 hours, which – given the right environmental conditions – can promote trouble-free operation for up to 10 years.

A parameter to pay attention to when implementing LCD-TFT displays in outdoor applications is the operating temperature range. For many models, it is specified in the range of -20 to 70°C, which is already considered “wide” in the industry, which works well in typical applications. However, in extremely low or high temperatures, exceeding the standards indicated by manufacturers, the device should be additionally equipped with heaters or fans to maintain the appropriate temperature. If the LCD-TFT display module is placed in a sunny location, brightness at 1000 ^cd/m2 will be insufficient. Achieving optimal readability of content will be possible at a brightness of at least 1500 ^cd/m2 (and certainly at 2500 ^cd/m2). Moreover, in such places it is advisable to use LCD-TFT displays with implemented highTNI technology, which nullifies the risk of damage to liquid crystals when exposed to sunlight. All electronics intended for use in outdoor applications should be properly protected from potential contaminants such as dust, as well as from flooding such as water. This is achieved by implementing additional barriers – one of the primary ways to protect modules with screens are seals. In addition, all electronics should be housed in an enclosure with the appropriate level of waterproofing.

EPD displays may be an interesting alternative to LCD-TFT displays. For transportation applications, e-paper solutions are increasingly being used as timetables.

E-paper technology will work well where paper has traditionally been used. They share similarities in terms of accessibility to the presented content – the only requirement for e-paper, as with paper, is access to a light source. At the same time, EPD technology, compared to other methods of data visualization, is distinguished by its energy efficiency – electricity is consumed only when images are changed. In the case of implementing e-paper outdoors, such as at bus stops or stations, it becomes possible to make them “eco” by powering them with green energy, such as from solar panels. Still a shortcoming of EPD technology is the limited temperature ranges of operation, most often between 0-50°C. Here, however, it is possible to apply a similar solution as in the case of LCD-TFT displays, that is, to introduce additional elements such as heaters or fans, which will ensure the optimal temperature for trouble-free operation of all the electronics used.

E-paper-based solutions that can be successfully used as timetables, for example, are the USEC and USEM modules designed by Unisystem engineers.

In devices intended for public spaces, capacitive solutions will work best – of the touch technologies available on the market. Their design and method of operation make them relatively resistant to heavy use, without being as susceptible to various types of mechanical damage.

All touch-enabled modules use protective/decorative glass. By changing its thickness, you can create solutions that will reduce the risk of damage to the screen surface not only in case of accidental damage, but also intentional acts of vandalism. Additional protection will be the anti-shatter (AS) coating, which – when, however, the screen surface is breached, will prevent the spread of glass shards.

Solutions for use in vehicles

Screens are also increasingly used in vehicles. An example of a solution for presenting the route – not long ago popular were the so-called. lightboxes, which today are being replaced, for example, by wide-format LCD-TFT displays. When implementing any electronics in vehicles, it is necessary to meet the requirements defined by standards. This is, for example, the EN 50155 standard, customarily referred to in the industry as the “railroad standard” because it provides guidelines for the application of electronics in rolling stock. These address, among other things. immunity of equipment to interference, vibration and oscillation.

LCD-TFT displays are the most common choice for this type of application. In the offers of our suppliers there are models that are created for use in transportation (and their primary advantage is to meet the requirements of the EN 50155 standard). Designers are left only with the selection of other parameters that affect, among other things. On the readability of the content presented on the screen. They should be solutions with the best possible performance – the highest possible resolution, adjusted brightness and contrast, and full viewing angles.

When screens are used in vehicles, a common problem is limited space – this applies, for example, to the aisles between cars, i.e. the small gap between the door and the ceiling. Customized solutions – “tailor-made” to the customer’s requirements – will fit in best. These are obtained by cutting LCD-TFT matrices, i.e. literally cutting out the target sizes and shapes from standard LCD-TFT matrices, usually found in 16:9 format. The cutting area is then sealed to prevent damage to the liquid crystals, as well as to protect against the ingress of contaminants. A noteworthy way of obtaining non-standard LCD-TFT shapes and sizes is the TARTAN technology developed by AUO engineers , which is based on native photomask manufacturing processes.

Displays for cash dispensers

Although the technology that dominates in transportation is LCD-TFT displays, there are still niches where LCM displays, for example, are implemented – they are used, among others. in the cash registers. These are small-sized modules on which content is presented in contrasting ways (e.g., light content on a blue background or dark content on a yellow-green background). They are perfect for presenting short messages. LCM displays are resistant to shock and vibration. They can operate for years without fail. What’s more, they are “cost-effective” solutions – compared to other data visualization technologies, they stand out for their low production costs, as well as for operation in the end device.

However, it can be expected that in the near future, also in the case of ticket punchers, LCM technology will be replaced by LCD-TFT, especially since in public transport vehicles such as streetcars and buses, devices are increasingly being used that, in addition to the ability to punch a ticket, also allow its purchase by selecting the appropriate options on the screen and making payment using a bank card or smartphone.

Displays in the transportation industry – a brief summary of our offerings

Displays in the transportation industry are conducive to improving the quality of service in this particular sector. Displays for transportation offered by our company, such as passenger information screens and touchscreen displays, are an invaluable tool in providing relevant information in real time. Thanks to them, passengers can follow timetables in real time, learn about delays and route changes, which significantly facilitates trip planning and increases the comfort of transport services.

Public transport information boards can be customized according to the requirements of the application. Modern technologies, on which our company relies, ensure high image quality and exemplary readability of the presented content. Resistance of displays for transportation to harsh operating conditions, such as shock, vibration or changing weather conditions, makes them reliable and durable.

Touchscreen displays in transportation allow passengers to interact with the information system, increasing their engagement and satisfaction with the trip. They can be used to display maps, search for connections or purchase tickets, speeding up and simplifying many travel-related processes. In modern public transport vehicles and at stations and stops, it is increasingly common to find these advanced systems, which improve passenger service standards.

Displays in the transportation industry are also important for traffic management. They allow rapid response to current situations, such as traffic changes, breakdowns or other unforeseen events. As a result, displays for transportation contribute to the efficiency of the entire transportation system, improving the smoothness and safety of transportation.