Virtual dash cluster

[cvollers]

I have seen very little about the dash cluster other than a few glimpses of something behind the wheel. With a standard back up camera and “no screens”, how will the camera present an image to the driver? I’m assuming this will be on some sort of screen that will serve as the virtual dash…presenting the camera image in reverse, but speed, gear selection, and battery status info otherwise. Anyone have the scoop on this?

 

[The Weatherman]

No, but your assumption seems most likely to me.

 

[MavStangVa]

I have seen very little about the dash cluster other than a few glimpses of something behind the wheel. With a standard back up camera and “no screens”, how will the camera present an image to the driver? I’m assuming this will be on some sort of screen that will serve as the virtual dash…presenting the camera image in reverse, but speed, gear selection, and battery status info otherwise. Anyone have the scoop on this?

You use either your smartphone or a tablet that connects via bluetooth. No screen provided, not radio, no speakers. Speakers and the tablet mount cost extra.

 

[cvollers]

You use either your smartphone or a tablet that connects via bluetooth. No screen provided, not radio, no speakers. Speakers and the tablet mount cost extra.

Connect the camera to the phone via BT? I suppose that’s possible but I think unlikely. What if you don’t have your phone with you? That backup camera is a safety requirement. Also, how is the battery and speed status going to be presented? On the phone? This seems extremely unlikely. If you forget your phone how will you know how fast you are going? The NHTSA is never going to approve that approach.

 

[MavStangVa]

Connect the camera to the phone via BT? I suppose that’s possible but I think unlikely. What if you don’t have your phone with you? That backup camera is a safety requirement. Also, how is the battery and speed status going to be presented? On the phone? This seems extremely unlikely. If you forget your phone how will you know how fast you are going? The NHTSA is never going to approve that approach.

The camera is required, the display screen is not. Or it could be in the mirror like my 2014 F150. Ask Slate, oh wait they aren't talking about the questions people have.

 

[cvollers]

The camera is required, the display screen is not. Or it could be in the mirror like my 2014 F150. Ask Slate, oh wait they aren't talking about the questions people have.

It could be in the mirror, but in that case the mirror is a screen. Much easier to do a virtual dash cluster.

 

[MavStangVa]

It could be in the mirror, but in that case the mirror is a screen. Much easier to do a virtual dash cluster.

Would be nice if Slate answered some of these questions instead of just using this as a propaganda website.

 

[cvollers]

Would be nice if Slate answered some of these questions instead of just using this as a propaganda website.

It’s more likely a research gathering website. They are looking for ideas and opinions. It’s cheaper and more effective than doing a bunch of focus groups.

 

[P99Guy]

I have seen very little about the dash cluster other than a few glimpses of something behind the wheel. With a standard back up camera and “no screens”, how will the camera present an image to the driver? I’m assuming this will be on some sort of screen that will serve as the virtual dash…presenting the camera image in reverse, but speed, gear selection, and battery status info otherwise. Anyone have the scoop on this?

There is a small display that will indicate speed, PRND possibly in small letters or only when changing direction or parking. The backup camera will also display on the small screen. Not unlike the microscopic backup screens ford used in the transits and focus/fiesta models.

the display, though small can do many required functions to meet NHTSA minimum requirements.

 

[cvollers]

There is a small display that will indicate speed, PRND possibly in small letters or only when changing direction or parking. The backup camera will also display on the small screen. Not unlike the microscopic backup screens ford used in the transits and focus/fiesta models.

the display, though small can do many required functions to meet NHTSA minimum requirements.

That’s all you need. I have an even smaller camera display in the mirror of my FJ.

 

[gwp]

I have seen very little about the dash cluster other than a few glimpses of something behind the wheel. With a standard back up camera and “no screens”, how will the camera present an image to the driver? I’m assuming this will be on some sort of screen that will serve as the virtual dash…presenting the camera image in reverse, but speed, gear selection, and battery status info otherwise. Anyone have the scoop on this?

The camera display uses in the little dashboard behind the wheel.

 

[Swinefuzz]

When the shifter is placed in R Reverse, the 4" screen behind the steering wheel automatically displays the backup camera's POV and when the shifter returns to D Driving mode, the screen would revert back to speedometer. Simple and automatic. I heard that using a smartphone in the cradle is completely optional, that all the vehicle's info is accessible thru that 4" screen, as it should be.

 

[sodamo]

Would be nice if Slate answered some of these questions instead of just using this as a propaganda website.

I’ve had several questions answered. And posted the replies. So have others.

 

[Swinefuzz]

There is so much confusion over whether or not the Slate Truck has a screen. The fact that the customer can add their own phone or tablet to the dash seems to be making some people assume that the stock truck, therefore, has NO screen. Also, journalists like to say "this RADICAL DISRUPTOR EV has no screens!" By this, what they are referring to is the trend in Big Auto to load a vehicle with infotainment screens that distract the driver and give some customers the false impression of "added value." The Slate Truck has NO INFOTAINMENT SCREEN.

The Slate Truck does have a small screen behind the steering wheel and it serves 2 main purposes. It mainly displays speed, battery level and remaining range and other basic info. Very basic and refreshingly very plain. Secondarily, it serves as the display for the backup camera's POV when the driver puts the shifter in R Reverse. Backup cameras are a federally mandated safety feature required on all US automobiles since 2018.

So, yes, the Slate Truck has a screen.

The Top Gear video that just came out discusses it in fair detail:

 

[Luxrage]

There is so much confusion over whether or not the Slate Truck has a screen. The fact that the customer can add their own phone or tablet to the dash seems to be making some people assume that the stock truck, therefore, has NO screen. Also, journalists like to say "this RADICAL DISRUPTOR EV has no screens!" By this, what they are referring to is the trend in Big Auto to load a vehicle with infotainment screens that distract the driver and give some customers the false impression of "added value." The Slate Truck has NO INFOTAINMENT SCREEN.

^ This. I'm betting 100% that this darker blue portion of the speedometer switches to the backup camera when you put it in reverse.

Other aftermarket gauge makers have done it:, there's a digital gauge for various Hondas called the "ID4Motion"