Imaging technologies that decrease driver distractions receive automotive OEMs attention

After viewing a variety of high-technology head-up displays (HUDs), the automotive industry has shown interest in adopting new imaging technology that has the widest field of view (FOV): 12 degrees by five degrees.

An additional HUD product that was featured is used to heighten the brightness virtual images even though it uses lower power consumption. The laser display and digital light processing (DLP) component are gaining momentum for being good alternatives to the traditional light-emitting diode (LED) and thin film transistor (TFT) displays. The new technology demonstrates better performance and bright images while using lower power.

"The need to reduce driver distraction by prioritizing the information projected will fuel R&D in the HUD market," Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation Research Analyst Ramnath Eswaravadivoo said. "Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are constantly exploring various imaging technologies that provide a larger field of view. For example, OEMs are interested in displaying these images further down the windshield for the driver's convenience."

Additionally, new HUDs will make small footprints, use less power and support 3D AR. Because of these remarkable features, the new technologies are expected to draw adopters from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, all of which are European luxury OEMs.

"Combiner HUD will experience higher penetration in the medium and small cars segment by 2017 because of its cost effectiveness and ease of integration inside the dash," Eswaravadivoo said. "It achieves lower production costs by eliminating the specially treated windshields used in conventional HUD."