An All New Level of Innovation for Automotive Head-up Display

Panasonic’s new head-up display system

In this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2017 – Las Vegas), Panasonic debuted with a next-gen head-up display. The ‘next-gen’ here highlights the augmented reality (AR) technology that enhances an already desirable automotive head-up display technology. While Panasonic is recognized as one of the top HUD systems manufacturer offering highly sophisticated systems, the newly presented version is capable of projecting larger virtual images through AR.

The augmented reality, with the help of HUD-generated imagery, enhances the real world image in the driver’s eye line. It would inform the driver of the potential dangers that might be encountered while driving. The conventional instrument cluster and some of the physical controls have been redefined and replaced.

Panasonic’s next-gen HUD system features

The system utilizes eight cameras, each for an individual function – rear, front, down side view camera, night vision, two cameras for tracking driver’s eyes and head, and other two additional side-view cameras. In addition to detection of the sides of roads, this system would help in placement of the appropriate AR imagery for the driver with the help of the reference points. The AR imagery provided by the system would be updated depending on the driver’s head and eye movements.

The ultimate aim remains to maximize the convenience, safety, comfort, and enjoyment for drivers despite a host of distraction on roads. Equipped with multiple cameras and armed with AR, the capability of Panasonic’s next-gen HUD system is enormous. It has been specifically designed to craft an entirely enjoyable behind-the-wheel experience. Though currently being demonstrated only on a specially designed electrics vehicle, Panasonic aspires to take it further to a broader range of vehicles in near future.

BAE Systems’ selected for Scorpion fast jet

BAE Systems, another HUD leader pioneering the production and development of innovative head-up display systems since more than five decades, continues to invest the efforts in extending a line of over 15,000 HUD systems serving in 50+ aircraft types across more than 50 countries across the globe.

Boasting to be an eternal part of some of the most demanding and high-tech military aircrafts, BAE Systems’ head-up display systems portfolio will now include the one for the Scorpion fast jet. Recently, BAE Systems’ LiteHUD has been selected for Textron AirLand’s multi-mission Scorpion Jet.

BAE’s LiteHUD’s top features

The initial version of the system would support the robust flight test program of Scorpion. This system would, according to experts, lay a foundation for the future of head-up display technology, as it has a high resolution display and revolutionary optics that would enable pilots of Scorpion to perform exceptionally, irrespective of the mission.

The top benefit of this innovation is that this system owns a patented optical waveguide technology, is smaller in terms of volume, and lighter in terms of weight, compared to conventional systems. It enhances the situational awareness and improves overall flight safety, offering the maximum comfort to the pilot. In addition to delivering high-resolution navigation and sensor imagery under all types of flight conditions, this system offers a significantly large eye-motion-box. The design is modular and includes seamless integration of existing and future cockpits.

Widely used premium, luxury, and sports cars, automotive head-up display systems represent a dynamically growing, multibillion dollar market. With growing navigational, security, infotainment, safety, and comfort needs, the automotive industry is consistently welcoming advancements in HUD systems. Adoption by mid-sized cars and SUVs is also evidently increasing since the past few years.

A recent market research study based on the sales of head-up display systems worldwide, is available at http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-784

Author: Abhishek Budholiya is a tech blogger, digital marketing pro, and has contributed to numerous tech magazines. Currently, as a technology and digital branding consultant with Future Market Insights, he offers his analysis on the tech market research landscape. His forte is analysing the commercial viability of a new breakthrough, a trait you can see in his writing. When he is not ruminating about the tech world, he can be found playing table tennis or hanging out with his friends.