Next generation of display integration

Together with the thin-film specialist LEONHARD KURZ and KURZ subsidiary PolyIC, a leading provider of advanced touch sensor technology, we are meeting these challenges with an innovative Hidden Til Lit display solution, which will be presented at embedded world 2025. Using a demonstrator, we will show an optimised form of display integration: a large display that blends completely into the surrounding decor and only becomes visible when activated.

A perfect balance of aesthetics and function
A key unique selling point of the display concept is its ability to fully integrate into the surface design when deactivated and blend in with the surroundings. Whether wood, stone or metal look – the entire structure remains homogeneous throughout, as neither display contours nor technical controls are visible and the surface remains untouched in its original aesthetics. This seamless integration is made possible by KURZ's high-precision thin-film technologies. Various KURZ processes can be used in the production and finishing of the hidden display, depending on individual requirements.

In addition to the visual fusion, the haptics also play a central role: the high-quality decorative layers create an authentic material feel that preserves the tactile quality of the surface while also ensuring that the display blends harmoniously into the surface.

The advanced solution combines the Hidden Til Lit feature with modern touch sensor technology, opening up new possibilities for innovative and aesthetic HMI concepts. The interface only appears when activated and offers a precise, responsive touch experience. The result is an elegant combination of minimalist design and intuitive operability – ideal for applications that focus on aesthetics and user-friendliness. PolyIC contributes its expertise here: The KURZ subsidiary offers versatile sensor solutions that can be flexibly integrated into the system.

The display unit itself benefits from our many years of experience in the field of high-performance display technologies. The high brightness and exceptional contrast of the displays used ensure that content is displayed clearly and crisply, even in strong sunlight or in environments with difficult lighting conditions. The basis for this is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging process of the 17.3-inch TFT display, which impresses with outstanding contrast and brilliant colour reproduction.

New possibilities for design and interaction
Hidden Til Lit technology opens up a wide range of application scenarios, particularly in areas where the combination of elegance and functionality is of central importance. In the automotive industry, new design approaches are emerging for vehicle interiors, as displays are increasingly seen as an integral part of high-quality surfaces. The technology can also be used specifically in the household appliance industry to integrate control panels harmoniously into modern appliance fronts, which only appear as interactive surfaces when they are actually being used.

‘Thanks to the close collaboration with PolyIC and DATA MODUL, we were able to realise a solution that combines design freedom with technical excellence. Our competences complement each other perfectly and help to ensure that all components of the hidden display are perfectly matched,’ explains Gerhard Scheuing, Product Manager Automotive and Senior Expert Touch Sensor Systems at PolyIC.

‘Integration into the surface is successful thanks to full bonding and the high contrast, which is characterised by very low light emission in black image areas and very high emission in bright areas. This results in a brilliant contrast ratio in the active state. When deactivated, the display is almost invisible,’ explains Andreas Huber, Head of Products - Displays at DATA MODUL.

Live experience at embedded world 2025
embedded world 2025 offers visitors of the exhibition the opportunity to experience the new generation of display integration live for the first time. At the exhibition booths of PolyIC (booth 1-270) and our DATA MODUL (booth 1-368), they can see the versatile design options as well as the optical and functional quality for themselves.

Interested?
Don't hesitate to contact your DATA MODUL sales partner for more information!