Skip to main content

Imaging technologies to reduce driver distraction ‘expected to gain traction by 2020’

Frost and Sullivan’s latest report indicates that following a series of high-technology head up display (HUD) roll-outs, the automotive industry appears keen to adopt the imaging technology with the widest field of view (FOV) of up to 12 degrees x 5 degrees. Another HUD product feature to improve considerably is the brightness of virtual images, which increased up to 15000cd/m², even with lower power consumption. Digital light processing (DLP) and laser display are emerging as compelling alternatives to the
July 21, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
Frost and Sullivan’s latest report indicates that following a series of high-technology head up display (HUD) roll-outs, the automotive industry appears keen to adopt the imaging technology with the widest field of view (FOV) of up to 12 degrees x 5 degrees. Another HUD product feature to improve considerably is the brightness of virtual images, which increased up to 15000cd/m², even with lower power consumption. Digital light processing (DLP) and laser display are emerging as compelling alternatives to the current light emitting diode (LED)/thin film transistor (TFT) displays, as they can offer bright images and higher performance at lower power.

According to the report, Augmented Reality in Cars, the three most distinct HUD types are pure windshield HUDs, combiner HUD for limited space and lower costs, and augmented reality (AR)-based HUD for exhibiting sensor-fused safety data.

"The need to reduce driver distraction by prioritising the information projected will fuel R&D in the HUD market," said 2097 Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation research analyst Ramnath Eswaravadivoo. "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."

Apart from larger and brighter display, the next generation of HUDs will consume less power, have a smaller footprint and support 3D AR. Due to their outstanding features, these technologies will find eager adopters in European luxury OEMs such as 1731 BMW, 1685 Mercedes Benz and 2125 Audi.

While the benefits of advanced HUDs are evident, many OEMs are reluctant to adopt them due to their high costs. Specially treated windshields used to project driver-related information and the integration of various technologies to present a hassle-free driving experience, represent one of the biggest production expenses for OEMs. In this scenario, combiner HUD is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost, space and integration advantages over conventional HUD.

"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," observed Eswaravadivoo. "It achieves lower production costs by eliminating the specially treated windshields used in conventional HUD."

Overall, the sophistication of such technologies and the willingness of customers to pay a premium for a superior driving experience, are anticipated to accelerate the adoption of next-generation HUDs in the automotive industry.

Related Content

  • April 21, 2017
    Global powertrain market experience immense growth, say researchers
    The latest report from Frost & Sullivan indicates that the global powertrain market is experiencing immense growth as new low-emission technologies such as engine downsizing and rightsizing; direct injection; turbocharging; transmission electrification; and electric vehicle (EV), hybrid and gasoline engines transform the industry. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are embracing platform strategy as a tool to improve the energy efficiency of powertrain systems and to achieve fleet level CO2 compliance
  • February 23, 2015
    In the blink of slowing eye
    The world’s ageing population requires more attention to be paid to the needs of older, and sometimes not that old, drivers – particularly when it comes to lighting. For instance the minimum amount of light a person needs to see doubles every decade after they are 25, so a 75-year old may need 32 times the illumination level as somebody a third of their age. It would seem logical that street lighting and car designers would consider their work from other road users’ point of view but empirical evidence appe
  • December 3, 2013
    Web conference - impact of big data on the automotive industry
    Frost & Sullivan is organising a web conference, entitled Impact of Big Data on the Automotive Industry, on Tuesday, 10 December 2013, at 3.00 pm GMT. Frost & Sullivan program manager, Niranjan Manohar and global practice director Automotive & Transportation, Sarwant Singh, will discuss emerging trends and opportunities for the big data automotive industry. Participants in this web conference will learn about key big data features and services, understand community, technological and other related chal
  • September 5, 2014
    Major growth predicted for OEM embedded telematics
    According to a new research report by Berg Insight, shipments of OEM embedded telematics systems worldwide are forecasted to grow from 8.4 million units in 2013 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6 per cent to reach 54.5 million units in 2020. Moreover, Berg Insight forecasts that the number of cars sold worldwide equipped with head-units featuring handset-based telematics capabilities will grow from 7 million in 2013 to 68.5 million in 2020.