Panasonic has introduced a new augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) which it says utilizes its latest advances in optics, volume optimization and imaging technology, combined with AI technology from its SPYDR cockpit domain controller. This allows they system to render near-field and far-field content for vehicle information (like speed), object and pedestrian detection, and mapping/route guidance.
“The HUD market is one of the fastest growing categories in mobility, but traditional HUDs only cover a small section of the road,” said Scott Kirchner, president, Panasonic Automotive, and executive director, Panasonic Smart Mobility. “Panasonic’s AR HUD solutions cover more of the roadway, with traditional cluster content like speed and fuel in the near-field as well as 3D overlays in the far-field, showing navigation and other critical driver data mapping spatially to the road ahead. And in a future with more self-driving vehicles, our AR HUD could provide an important added level of comfort and assurance for AV passengers as well.”
The system projects 3D, AI-driven key information into the driver’s line of sight to help reduce driver distraction and Panasonic claims the HUD development process utilized what it terms a PRIZM approach to address all aspects of users’ needs. The process is broken down as follows:
Precise placement – Optimal image positioning;
Reflection – AI smart optical graphic road overlays for object/sign detection
Intuitive – Discriminates/prioritizes user focus on what is ahead, e.g. is that a deer or a box in the road?
Zonal – UX optimized field-of-view organizationally displays objects along the road; and
Mission Control – Dynamic imaging that brings visibility and the roadway together.
Panasonic notes that the system also incorporates features such as eye tracking, projecting information at driver’s level of sight based on driver’s eye position, as well as well as an expanded field of view and enhanced low-light detection of hazards such as pedestrians via the use of a 3D imaging radar.
