HISTORY
Speaking of AR-HUD, it’s well acclaimed around the 2022 automotive industry. AR, so called Augmented Reality, presents higher visual display technology. And, HUD, Head-Up Display, is a display equipment via high resolution projection and reflection technique.
The first commercial AR applied in 2008 in German. BMW used a designed magazine ad of its model Mini cooper, which when you hold it in front of a computer camera it appeared a 3D car on the screen and users could move, rotate and zoom to check the car outline and details from different angles.
AR
Modern AR is widely used in many consumer markets. Since Apple launch its iOS AR application in 2017, AR usages had been applied to more fields such as interior decoration, fassion design, medical surgery simulation and gaming.
HUD
Originally, HUD application was used in aviation industry or military field at first. To avoid distraction while piloting the airplane, large amount of information would be displayed directly on the windshield instead of on lower dashboard area to avoid danger of distraction or misperception. Later, because of HUD convenience, mature production and lower cost, increasing cars start to install HUD system. Drivers can observe car speed, speed limit and route direction on windshield directly.
Fusing AR with HUD
The concept of AR-HUD comes from racing video game. In the game screen, it normally shows Map navigation, Directional arrows, Speed, and Car condition in some games such as gasoline and electricity. These information would guide players to accomplish their games with clear guidance and instruction.
In comparison to HUD, AR-HUD not only offer drivers car information but it changes the way of drivers reading message as well. Through ADAS, Lane Departure Warning System and auto pilot system, AR-HUD can express more gestures. For example, as long as drivers deviate from suggested route, AR-HUD can mark red line on the edge of lane to warn drivers. Besides, navigation system can also gives drivers more clear guidance like a series of dash line arrows. In other words, AR-HUD can offer more advanced visual information and guidance to satisfy drivers’ observation needs.
Through curved mirror to enlarge projected information, the guidance can fully cover on whole windshield. The best application of AR-HUD is to project 3D message in drivers’ viewing perspective and to integrate traffic guidance in real roads. Compare to traditional GPS navigation, it guides drivers directly on windshield. Drivers no longer need to change vision sight or lower head to find screen information.
Future of AR-HUD
3D figures
Huawei, the main smartphone brand in China, also develops its AR HUD display. Except for 3D navigational arrows, destination mark, active safety symbols, it also shows its abilities to project as large as 70 inch scale wide.
Immersive user experience
Through big data collection and advanced detection, AR HUD has 3D visual effects to allow drivers to see more information. Combined with google map, drivers can catch information around the car. Information of Restaurant, supermarket, parking lot, and gasoline station can be immediately displayed on windshield. More, users can further book a seat or order merchandise.
Gaming Mode
Via instant detection and big data collection, future AR HUD can offer drivers gaming-like environment with fun and joy.
Virtual Space
In 2022 CES, Toyota launched its concept car Moox. Via complete Level 5 automatic pilot, overall car interior space will be changed to multi-function space. The 4 sides of car interior glass window can be projected with different contents based on user needs including Shopping, meeting, dining or gaming room. Allow passengers to accomplish their daily activities while traveling with the vehicle.
Difficulty and Challenge
Detection technology (Weather/environment)
Car detection has many limitations. Weather is one of the most general issues especially in winter or rainy season. Cold, fog and water would block camera lens to affect the sensibility of detector. Crowded environment is another challenge for detection. Combinational image of people, bicycle, pets, cars, scooters, and trucks would cause complex environment for detection.
Data collecting, AI analysis
From collecting data, analyzing it, filtering it to presenting message to drivers, the overall processes require a lot of computing energy. In other words, cars need more computer hardware requirement which consumes more electricity.
All in all, AR-HUD is one of future electric car trends. It offers drivers more safe and intuitive driving environment. Otherwise, drivers can more easily realize their status and next direction, which can guide drivers to their destination with less information and leave them more brain to focus and concentration on making decision.
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