What is a display? An introduction to visual displays and display systems

Abstract

Display technologies have become an indispensable element of modern life, forming the primary communications and information portal for day to day life as well as for industry, entertainment, commerce, health, and security. As such, we are all familiar with the concept and use of a “display," but the question of what exactly constitutes a display is a question that is not straightforward to address. The Handbook of Visual Display Technology provides a comprehensive reference resource covering all aspects of this technological field, and as an introduction and overview, this chapter presents a summary of the many different aspects of electronic displays: from pixels through device technologies and electronic driving methods to systems engineering. Displays are highly complex systems requiring input from researchers and innovators in material science, manufacturing, electronics, and software as well as optics, vision science, and user interface design. This introduction consequently provides a broad overview of the field for beginners and experienced display professionals and references the other sections of the handbook for those wanting to explore specific topics in more detail.