ZEISS presented its disruptive "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology at CES, the world's largest electronics trade fair, which took place in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12, 2024.
It enables the optical activation of transparent media and combines four basic functions - projection, detection, illumination and filtering. This opens up completely new holographic applications: from smart home solutions to augmented reality head-up displays in the smallest of spaces. ZEISS' pioneering technology has been used for many years in ESA and NASA space missions, as well as in the semiconductor industry and medical technology. At CES, ZEISS presented its industrial solutions with systems and processes for mass production, thanks to which high-quality micro-optical and holographic surfaces can be used in everyday life: for more safety, interaction, efficiency and comfort, efficiency and comfort.
BUSSE Design was also able to support the conception, design and realization of the trade fair models and innovative technology demonstrators!
In a total of 9 technology demonstrators at the CES, ZEISS presented the various application areas for holographic display and interaction possibilities.
**Replication technology enables hologram production on an industrial scale for the first time
**At the heart of the technology from ZEISS is a wafer-thin, transparent film on which ultra-high precision optics are mounted in the smallest of spaces. The film is characterized by a high transparency of over 92 percent combined with maximum clarity. It enables the use of holographic technology where installation space, weight and costs previously did not allow it. The holographic functionality means that any glass surface (windows, transparent screens, side windows of vehicles) into an on-demand screen for communication.
Until now, holograms could only be produced in limited quantities. Thanks to the replication technology developed in the ZEISS laboratories, it is now possible for the first time to reproduce a master hologram fully automatically in large quantities. Roman Kleindienst, Head of ZEISS Microoptics: "This technological milestone for holography is comparable to what the invention of letterpress printing meant for writing. This is why we speak therefore also refer to it as the 'Gutenberg moment' for holography."
Holography in the car: a clear advantage for safety and comfort
Holographic solutions in cars, such as head-up displays, have numerous advantages: Drivers receive the information they need without having to take their eyes off the road. Information is selectively displayed in their field of vision when it is relevant or desired. Additional benefits are the simple function and added convenience: holographic 3D content enables more design, branding, guidance or information functions. This enables concise and easily recognizable car-to-x communication on side or rear windows. Windows can also be darkened and projected content can only be visible from the outside or inside. It is even possible to play videos. As a holographic lighting system - for rear lights on cars or two-wheelers - the ZEISS "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology with its three-dimensional display opens up completely new possibilities for light signatures.
Floating switches in the car or smart home
Floating switches are a striking example of the new design possibilities offered by the ZEISS "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology. These are holographic 3D human-machine interfaces that also use the unique transparent film from ZEISS. This allows 3D operating elements to be displayed holographically as switches or controls on clean black panel surfaces, i.e. purely by means of light projections. Holographic 3D control elements that can be called up by voice command or gesture control ensure a modern, clear design in the car or when controlling smart household appliances.
Transparent camera
The ZEISS "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology allows the integration of a transparent camera, a "holocam", which uses holographic coupling, light guiding and decoupling elements to redirect the incident light to a hidden image sensor. This means that, unlike in the past, it is no longer necessary to provide cut-outs or installation spaces for cameras or sensors in the visible field when placing cameras or sensors - for example, in the exterior for adaptive cruise control or parking pilots, or in the interior for drowsiness assistants.
The technology from ZEISS also provides significant added value for consumer electronics products, such as screens and displays with integrated cameras. Thanks to the placement of the Holocam in a central position on the screen, conversation partners in video conferences, for example, will be able to look each other directly in the eye in future. The transparency of the holographic film hardly limits the brilliance of the image.
It is also possible to detect spectral components as additional information to the image. The resulting data provides information on environmental pollution, such as air pollution and UV radiation.
Living room lighting plus energy generation
Other areas of application for ZEISS "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology are primarily in the smart home. For example, special holographic coupling elements in the window front make it possible to create a completely new type of living room lighting that comes close to daylight in terms of perception. Window surfaces can be illuminated homogeneously and over a large area - with adjustable lighting scenes as an additional component to existing smart home solutions.
Glass surfaces can also generate energy. Their micro-optically structured layer absorbs the incident sunlight for transmission in the glass pane and concentrates it towards a solar cell. This combines the advantages of conventional windows - natural light and an unrestricted view to the outside - with the additional and efficient generation of electricity.
With the innovative technology from ZEISS, areas that were previously unusable will be available for power generation in the future: The fronts of office buildings, windows of high-rise buildings, apartment blocks or single-family homes. Wherever glass surfaces are used, there are new possibilities for generating energy.
Supplier of system technology instead of hardware producer
he innovative ZEISS "Multifunctional Smart Glass" technology makes it possible to completely rethink the design and function of parts and components for many areas of application. As a system supplier, ZEISS does not want to produce the components itself, but rather provide the unique replication of holograms in industrial format as a transparent film to manufacturers or suppliers. to manufacturers or suppliers who want to upgrade their products and equip them with new functions. To this end, ZEISS is setting up a complete ecosystem: from the first cut to finished hardware with unique consulting and conception services.
The BUSSE Design & Engineering team was able to support ZEISS in presenting its unique high-end holographic solutions in the form of trade fair models and technology demonstrators at the CES in Las Vegas after the IAA in Munich. In the usual constantly agile concept phase, ideas for the respective trade fair models and their design and presentation were developed in close cooperation with ZEISS, taking into account the optical packages and parameters. trade fair models and their design and technical structures. After the concept and design phase, the work moved seamlessly into detailed design and the creation of production-ready data as well as the subsequent model construction of the exhibits.
We were also able to support our UI/UX department in the design of a smart home control system for the Holo buttons.
Here, BUSSE was able to utilize the entire bandwidth and in-house networking of the Design, UI/UX, Construction and Prototyping departments. We congratulate our customer ZEISS on their successful trade fair appearance at the CES in Las Vegas and look forward to further exciting projects in the future.
Image source: ZEISS auf der CES 2024
