Interaction with the operator no longer takes place with pushbuttons and indicator lights. A modern HMI (Human Machine Interface) outputs information and graphics via a display and accepts input via a touch screen. However, the applications and their requirements are too diverse, and display technologies have specialized for these areas of application:
- Bright surroundings: Readability must be guaranteed in bright surroundings. This is technically described as “contrast”. This can be increased by using a bright backlight or reflective displays.
- Battery operation: A long battery life is important for the operation of mobile devices. For this reason, attempts are made to make the largest power consumer, namely the backlight, very economical or, in the case of some technologies, dispensable.
- Information content: If the amount of information to be displayed is only small, e.g. for a display of 0 bi 100%, a simple display technology that also requires little power is often sufficient.
- Display diagonal: Is the display to be used for personal use (e.g. cell phone) or in the public sector (e.g. timetable display)?
- Installation space: Is the device a compact device that needs to be particularly slim and thin for reasons of mobility or design?