Automotive

JVC Kenwood shows off prototype heads-up display

JVC Kenwood shows off prototype heads-up display
The HUD prototype at CES
The HUD prototype at CES
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The HUD prototype at CES
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The HUD prototype at CES
The new display, which the company describe as "a laser scanning module heads-up display," is able to project information such as current speed, caller ID and more
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The new display, which the company describe as "a laser scanning module heads-up display," is able to project information such as current speed, caller ID and more

While walking through CES 2013, we happened upon something intriguing from JVC Kenwood. The company had a prototype laser heads-up display (HUD) on the floor that sports some interesting features, and that could soon show up as standard equipment on a variety of automobiles.

The new display, which the company describe as "a laser scanning module heads-up display," is able to project information such as current speed, caller ID and more on the inside surface of the windshield. As with other HUD systems, this means that drivers won't have to look down at all in order to receive a call or speak, using a hands-free device.

The new display, which the company describe as "a laser scanning module heads-up display," is able to project information such as current speed, caller ID and more
The new display, which the company describe as "a laser scanning module heads-up display," is able to project information such as current speed, caller ID and more

The motor that projects the image is a micro electromechanical system that is capable of 512 lines of resolution – it features red, green, and blue lasers. A major difference between JVC Kenwood's HUD and others that are available in many luxury cars is a lack of background light. This creates a tighter image, that should prove less intrusive to drivers.

The device is capable of creating an image that is about 10 inches (25.4 cm) across, which should be large enough for drivers to see without losing focus on the road in front of them. The actual box that projects the image is about 5 x 3 inches (12.7 x 7.62 cm).

JVC Kenwood doesn't have final plans for what exactly it's going to do with this technology. At CES, however, the company was looking for interest from third-party manufacturers, and seemed confident that the technology that would be big in terms of third-party head units. Pricing will depend on which manufacturer licenses the system.

Ultimately, this means that more vehicles could see HUDs installed, and not just the ultra high-end.

Source: JVC Kenwood

4 comments
4 comments
MockingBird TheWizard
I wonder how well this might be used on a desk with a clear looking screen. 512 lines is too low a resolution, but I wonder if this might not be the beginning of something. sure, glasses are the future, but this might be an interesting branch until we have live streaming from one set of glasses to a group, etc. partner this with the leap and a phone without a screen and you have about the most minimal desktop you can ask for. laser kb, leap motion for mouse/touchscreen, raspPi for the core, and this to project on a clear curved screen. :-)
Racqia Dvorak
They've had functional huds in cars since the Eighties. It's ridiculous that it's not a mainstream option by now.
David Fobrogo
The concept of a driver-HUD is certainly not new, but better manufacturing processes and materials is certainly making it more accessible to the masses. With driver safety considerations in mind and intelligent software, this could work in a combined eye-tracking/voice recognition solution.
Tristram Metcalfe
The HUD has the similar problem to the HMD with convergence accommodation disparity that causes eye strain and potential nausea. It is best solved in an HUD by a virtual focus and accommodation as close to infinity, or the closer roadway, as possible, but the HMD [glasses] will forever be an issue with so many augmented reality focal planes from he desk top to the horizon to attempt a coordinate with sans eye strain nausia.