Project to address display readability

The Endview project, being led by GE Aviation Systems – Newmarket, is looking to develop displays for such applications as radar screens, medical and safety. Other potential applications include displays on ATMs, which are often sited outdoors, and screens relaying entertainment and sports events at outdoor locations. The programme has the target of delivering enhanced image clarity through the application of high performance led arrays and novel optics systems. Most display users currently accept that the viewability is dependent on the environment. On portable equipment the viewability can often be altered by shielding the display or by moving out of a high brightness ambient. However, there are many situations where the equipment position is fixed and the display must still be viewable in variable lighting environments. The research programme will have a multidisciplinary approach, involving human factors studies, metrology and modelling. The human factors studies will be carried out by the University of Abertay Dundee, while metrology will be covered by the National Physical Laboratory. Multiphysics modelling for optical and thermal design of the display will be undertaken by the University of Greenwich. End user target requirements will be expressed through the definition of a common end-user specification and demonstrator test vehicle by GE Aviation Systems – Newmarket, and Raymarine. The tasks of developing coating, LED backlighting and optical guiding solutions will be undertaken by GE Aviation Systems - Newmarket, Thin Film Solutions and Design LED Products. The research will also look to minimise power consumption, seen as particularly important for battery operated displays. The project's knowledge will be disseminated through events organised with the UK Knowledge Transfer Networks and through the NPL.