TOKAI RIKA and Alps Alpine Develop Capacitive Display Panel as 
Next-Generation HMI Product

Accelerating Joint Development for Safer, More Comfortable Mobility.

TOKAI RIKA Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6995; President: Hiroyoshi Ninoyu) and Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6770; President & CEO: Toshihiro Kuriyama) have jointly developed a capacitive display panel as a next-generation human-machine interface (HMI) product assisting safe and comfortable mobility by enabling intuitive control of a variety of information via features such as car navigation systems and heater control switches. The companies will continue to develop the product and present proposals to potential customers with a view to deployment in 2024.

Demand for comfortable, reliable mobility spaces is growing alongside advancement within CASE (connected cars, autonomous driving, sharing and services, and electric vehicles) and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) domains. TOKAI RIKA and Alps Alpine have responded, drawing on their respective technologies and product strengths to engage in joint development with a focus on next-generation HMI-related products, a collaboration that began in October 2020.1

The jointly developed capacitive display panel is a next-generation HMI product for display and control applications. It consists of an input/output display device enabling hovering and gesture operation, as well as touch controls incorporating vibrational feedback technology. Intuitive control is realized through application of technologies, such as capacitive sensing and vibration-based tactile feedback, built up by TOKAI RIKA and Alps Alpine through their touch pad businesses. Secure, dependable and easy to use even while driving, the panel minimizes a driver’s tendency to look at screens, thereby contributing to safe and reliable mobility. A simple yet refined, premium design helps to create a comfortable cabin space.




Product Features
(1) Easy-to-understand icon display (GUI2) applying high-sensitivity capacitive sensing
      – As the user’s finger approaches the icon on the display for the desired control, the icon expands for more reliable operation
(2) Multi-level input corresponding to finger proximity
     – As the user’s finger moves even closer to the icon expanded in operation (1), a sub-menu appears
(3) Shortcuts to go “Back” or return to the Home screen are possible using simple gesture (swiping) rather than having to focus on an icon
(4) Intuitive operability is enhanced with a wide variety of tactile feedback corresponding to each operation

TOKAI RIKA and Alps Alpine will present proposals relating to the product to automakers with a view to deployment in 2024. The companies will continue their joint development focused on next-generation HMI-related products to accelerate further development of ever more comfortable, reliable products. 



www.alpsalpine.com

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