Kyocera has developed the Concept Car II “Moeye”, using its unique technologies to optimise the driving experience by integrating the human senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. Concept highlights changing relationship between people and automobiles; features futuristic “aerial” display and next-generation technologies for optical camouflage, audio, lighting, and fragrance.
Anticipating continued advances in autonomous driving and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), Kyocera focused on the importance of the car’s interior space to develop a futuristic cockpit that offers fresh innovations in a completely original vehicle design.
Through a collaboration with Prof. Masahiko Inami from University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Kyocera applied the unique optical camouflage technology to widen the passenger’s field of vision by making part of the cockpit functionally transparent.
In addition, the Moeye concept is equipped with Kyocera’s latest technologies to enhance both safety and comfort, two key automotive design priorities.
A high-performance liquid crystal display projects images clearly. In addition, the original character “Mobisuke” realistically emerges from the space above the dashboard and to explain navigation instructions, etc. to passengers.
The passenger sees a virtual 3D image of the road ahead projected onto the dashboard, rendering it functionally transparent via optical camouflage technology.
Overhead and door lights provide biologically friendly illumination using Kyocera’s original CERAPHIC LED lighting, which allows better spectrum customisation and more subtle color expression than conventional LED technology. CERAPHIC can closely match the spectrum of natural sunlight and freely adjusts light in the morning and evening for a more comfortable mobility experience.To expand the visual environment with beauty and elegance, Kyocera’s proprietary Kyoto Opal is used in the interior door panels and a lab-grown gemstone is used in center console.
The instrument panel and center console are equipped with Kyocera’s patented HAPTIVITY tactile feedback technology. When you touch the panel, your fingertip pressure generates a tiny vibration simulating the tactile feeling of a physical button. HAPTIVITY revolutionises the human-machine interface by allowing passengers to operate touch-panel instruments in a natural and intuitive manner that conventional touch-panel displays cannot emulate.
The car features a vibration speaker using piezo elements which radiates sound throughout the cabin, creating a comfortable listening environment enjoyable to the ears. The headrest is also equipped with a vibration speaker to provide clear sound directly to the passenger.
“Through Moeye, Kyocera has developed a surprising, exciting, and priceless new transportation experience with a futuristic cockpit and original vehicle design,” said Masahiro Inagaki, Kyocera Corporation Senior Executive Officer, General Manager, Corporate R&D Group.
