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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Car to car communications a step closer
    December 14, 2012
    Vehicle manufacturers have targeted 2015 for the first cars to roll off European assembly lines fitted with operational V2X technology. They and their partners in the Car 2 Car Communications Consortium are confident of meeting the target, reports Jon Masters. Around three years from now vehicles should be appearing in showrooms boasting the capability of communicating with each other. Manufacturers will have started fitting the first proprietary car-to-car driver-aid safety devices and deployment of ‘vehic
  • European bike sharing market fuelled by innovations and government support
    February 7, 2017
    New research by Frost & Sullivan, European Bike Sharing Market, Forecast to 2025, indicates that the bike sharing fleet will more than double in size from 151,302 units in 2016 to 341,250 units in 2025. Southern and Western Europe have high public bike sharing service (BSS) activity. About 196 cities in Southern Europe have more than 35,000 rental bikes; in Western Europe, 150 cities have nearly 70,000 rental bikes. Spain and France are the strongest markets, but the UK, Germany and Italy are expanding quic
  • Audi traffic light recognition technology
    March 11, 2014
    Audi is ready to add a little oil to the wheels of the daily grind with advanced traffic light recognition technology which could make driving through towns and cities far more fluid. Audi Online traffic light information harnesses the power of in-car internet in a new way via Audi connect to establish a link between the car and the traffic light network via the central traffic computer in each town or city. It quickly assimilates the automated traffic light change sequences in the vicinity, and on the a
  • SafeRide: it’s time to act on cyberattacks
    May 10, 2019
    Cyber threats are increasing rapidly and conventional security measures are unable to keep up. Ben Spencer talks to SafeRide’s Gil Reiter about what OEMs can do now As more vehicles become connected, so the potential threats to their security increase. Gil Reiter, vice president of product management for security firm SafeRide, says the biggest ‘attack surface’ for connected cars is their internet connectivity - and the in-vehicle applications that use the internet connection. “The most vulnerable co