Vdo Vdo viewgate User manual

VDO ViewGate – gateway-

instrumentation for commercial

and special-purpose vehicles

• Comprehensive display options

• Ergonomic

• Operating options

• Flexible presentation according to preference

www.vdo.com

Multifunctional display

An information center for drivers:

VDO ViewGate

Showing the full range of vehicle functions that modern

commercial vehicle drivers must “keep an eye on”

presents a challenge, because many drivers doesn’t see

a cockpit cluttered with individual instruments as the

ideal solution. Modern electronic systems, such as

navigation and telematics, for example, or Bluetooth

connections, support the driver, but they must be op-

erated as well – posing new tasks for bus or truck

drivers.

In this respect, special-purpose vehicles are also de-

manding when it comes to instrumentation. Often,

they confront the driver with two tasks simultaneously:

In addition to the fundamental driving job of taking

the vehicle to the site, the driver must also operate the

machine’s hydraulically-controlled equipment either

while driving, upon arrival, or alternate between driving

and working the hydraulics. Depending on the type

of vehicle and its design, that means the driver has

either a combined workplace or two workplaces with-

in the cab.

Clear visuals meet increased

performance presentation

As a result, the situation can raise visual complexity at

the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) in the cab. We

have developed a new solution in order to integrate

various data sources and present them on a Thin-Film-

Transistor (TFT) color display because today’s com-

mercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and tractors have

such a wide range of functions. This gateway family

called VDO ViewGate supports many current develop-

ment goals for commercial and special-purpose ve-

hicles.

As a flexible, modular, scalable system with a gateway

as the central hardware component, VDO ViewGate is

a freely programmable, centralized source of informa-

tion for the driver and offers several decisive advan-

tages: Great deal of freedom to configure individual

display functions visually provides flexible support even

for vehicles with a high degree of specialization. In

addition, the range of possible display functions goes

far beyond conventional multifunction displays.

The display screen can be dynamically configured

with just the right indicators to meet the demands of

specific sites (i.e. according to context). The principle

of multiple, variable configuration facilitates using the

VDO ViewGate even in cabs that are generally crowd-

ed or where there is no room to install larger technical

systems.

Using active alarms

Combined with a logically designed alarm hierarchy,

the VDO ViewGate can alert the driver to situation-

relevant operating conditions: The warning display is

triggered when programmed thresholds are exceeded

or an alarm is activated. This aids the driver, enhancing

driver performance and efficiency and increasing oper-

ational safety as well.

HMI technical basics

Seen from a technical point of view, the VDO ViewGate

is a graphics-capable computer controlling and feed-

ing data through an 800 x 480 pixel resolution TFT dis-

play and a 152.4 x 91.4 mm (7 inch) touchscreen.

For instrumentation of commercial vehicles a refined

mechanical design featuring aluminum housing is a

must. The display is optimally suited to this kind of use

due to its mechanical stability and broad operating

temperature range (–20 °C to 70 °C) together with a

high-contrast feature and a wide viewing angle.

VDO ViewGate is available in two versions because the

HMI requirements differ depending on vehicle type:

the Highline for commercial vehicles and the Multiline

for construction equipment and agricultural machines.

A display backlight with white LEDs ensures good read-

ability even in rapidly changing ambient light. Installa-

tion options are flush with the instrument panel or with

a bezel (polycarbonate or ABS) in various colors and

shapes.

Software solutions provide great freedom of presen-

tation and the high level of information quality of the

display and offer advantages that are already being

used increasingly in other areas of application, such as

passenger cars.

The VDO ViewGate can process input signals from the

vehicle using manufacturer specific protocols or con-

ventional CAN 2.0b protocols as well. This gives driv-

ers an opportunity to use VDO ViewGate to display

more than just the essential, conventional data alone.

Navigation information can also be presented on the

display as well. And above and beyond that, mobile

devices, such as MP3 players can be connected to

the VDO ViewGate to render whatever is on the playlist.

Several USB ports (host and client) plus an SD card

slot are available for this purpose. And the video CVBS

interface makes the attachment of a reversing camera

easy. Digital and analogue inputs are, of course, pre-

sent as well.

Highly ergonomic

Thanks to vast flexibility in presentation forms, the VDO

ViewGate enables drivers to choose visual displays

that are particularly well-suited to the corresponding

reference data. This makes the VDO ViewGate a

suitable monitoring instrument for numerous systems,

which in addition to engine functions, can also include

communication and telematic data.

The graphics capability of the VDO ViewGate also offers

wide-ranging possibilities for integrating the display in

a way that is harmonious and consistent with the ap-

pearance of the cab interior. On the other hand, when

it comes to what makes ergonomic sense, it is also

possible to use manufacturer-specified color schemes

(colorimetry) and designs for the display.

The VDO ViewGate also offers maximum flexibility

when it comes to operation: In addition to the keys, op-

erating the ViewGate is also possible via a sensitive

touchscreen. As a modern operational option, the VDO

ViewGate can also be connected to a rotational

actuator. As a result, the HMI can be optimally tailored

to suit the manufacturer's philosophies of vehicle

operation and indication.

Brilliance behind a screen: VDO’s ViewGate instrumentation

exploits the strengths of TFT-technology.

VDO ViewGate’s graphics capability features the conventional

look of analogue dials as well as graphic display formats.

Examples of changing display options on the same display

screen as situations demand.

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Continental Trading GmbH

Kruppstrasse 105

60388 Frankfurt

Germany

Phone: +49 69 40805-0

Fax: +49 69 40805-210

[email protected]

www.vdo.com

VDO – A Trademark of the Continental Corporation

The information provided in this brochure contains only general descriptions or performance characteristics, which do not always apply as described in case of actual

use or which may change as a result of further development of the products. This information is merely a technical description of the product. This information is not

meant or intended to be a special guarantee for a particular quality or particular durability. An obligation to provide the respective characteristics shall only exist if expressly