This device delivers genuine user benefits by being able to visually shut off elements of the central display to enhance driver concentration, lower distraction and ultimately improve safety.
Using similar electronics to the rear center armrest, a “magic skin” – with kinematics hidden under the same material covering the instrument panel giving it a more muscular than mechanical movement – slowly rises from the top of the central instrument panel. It then stretches up to meet the top of the dashboard, covering up the information screens not required at that moment.
For instance, when driving in Sport mode, the driver may only want to concentrate on the central driving related functions – such as the speedometer – so the magic wave covers up the other functions. But in City mode you might also want to know where the next good Italian restaurant is located via the GPS navigation system – so in this instance the cover would stay down and keep all screens visible. In Cruise mode, relevant information such as the titles of your MP3 tracks is displayed at the top of the screen.
Another plus to the technology – aside from the improved perceived quality its unusual movement brings – is a more robust information display. As the screens are fi xed they don't have vibration issues – a common problem with some current pop-up navigation screens for instance. Such “magic wave” technology could be built-into the next generation of vehicles.
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