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R&D Focus

Long-Distance Floating Multi-Screen Head-Up Display Technology

Video of Long-Distance Floating Multi-Screen HUD.

Traditional automotive head-up-displays (HUDs) primarily utilize an LCD panel paired with a see-through mirror. Simpler modules use only a LED panel paired with a reflective film attached to the windshield. The method applies the principle of specular reflection, which is quite simple but has drawbacks such as short-distance imaging, small imaging area, and low luminance. ITRI’s long-distance floating multi-screen HUD technology is developed to tackle such issues.

ITRI applies the virtual-optics imaging methodology (VOIM) to project the image at a distance of 2 meters in front of the driver, a location that has been shown most comfortable for human eyes. The projection is also within the safe zone of the driver’s line of sight to avoid fatigue and risks caused by constantly shifting focus between the road and the car gauges, making it a safe way for displaying driving information.

ITRI’s long-distance floating multi-screen head-up display has three individual displays for the side-view monitor, cloud service, and vehicle information.

ITRI’s long-distance floating multi-screen head-up display has three individual displays for the side-view monitor, cloud service, and vehicle information.

A tri-display feature is included in ITRI’s HUD solution. The patented butterfly beamsplitter technology simultaneously produces three separate but adjacent displays using a single projector, satisfying the various information needs for the vehicular network services. Each individual screen has a nearly 2:1 aspect ratio, displaying detailed information in a panoramic layout. The uniqueness of this technology lies in its ability to reflect the upper image of three individual displays onto the right side of the microlens array diffuser (MLAD) and the lower image onto the left side, and project the center image in the middle. These three individual images appear on the MLAD, turn into the objects within the focal length of the combiner, and form a virtual image. As a result, the driver can view the HUD’s virtual image through the combiner, which appears as a 26-inch display.

The newly-developed HUD technology has high contrast, image quality and image resolution. Its 15,000 nit high-luminance display and 10,000:1 contrast ratio overcome the display blur problem due to the sunlight. The high speed distortion compensation technology corrects each individual display, maintaining low distortion rates. Moreover, the projection transformation technology allows a 720p image to be displayed at an impressive 2000x360 pixels.

ITRI’s long-distance floating multi-screen head-up display technology prioritizes driver safety by projecting the driving information directly into the driver’s field of vision.

ITRI’s long-distance floating multi-screen head-up display technology prioritizes driver safety by projecting the driving information directly into the driver’s field of vision.

ITRI’s innovative HUD module, with a volume of only 425 cm3, is very compact and thus easy to install. It is also affordable. A virtual HUD is no longer especially reserved for high-end vehicles. ITRI’s display technology meets the future need for multiple screens and, more importantly, ensures driving safety.