Head Up Display - How Does It Work?

Cars, as we know them, have gone through many evolutions. The genius and creativity of engineers and designers have given us features that we could only distinctly dream of. HUDs are such projections/displays which modernize the way we perceive information. These allow for an overall safe drive as you do not have to shift your gaze and can focus on driving while taking in information about your surroundings.

Photo Credit: cdn.pixabay.com

What is a HUD?

HUD is a display or projection on your dashboard which allows for extra information to be processed by the driver. It gets its name from the fact that you do not have to look away from your natural position to see this. This display allows you to scan information like car speed and temperature, which are crucial for you!

Setup

A HUD consists of a convex lens, a cathode ray tube with the lens, LED display at the focal point of the lens. This setup produces parallel rays, which can produce an image with the necessary information for the user. A combiner (special mirror) is also used so that the image is directly visible to the eye, and you do not have to shift your gaze.

What can HUD display do?

A HUD can display all sorts of information. It can be customized to show:

• Speed
• Distance covered
• Information from the infotainment system
• Temperature
• Navigation routes
• Any dangers or obstructions ahead
• Steep turns or bendy roads

The font and color can also be changed for an HUD to suit a driver's need.

Advantages of HUD

There are various advantages that come along with the usage of technology like HUD:

• It helps you attain tons of information without turning your head in any direction.
• It helps you focus better on the road ahead while you're driving.
• You don't need separate screens for the projections like you would need if you were using tablets or mobile phones.
• The driver's energy is conserved as they don't need to constantly turn heads to access information.

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Disadvantages of HUD

Any system or new technology has its pros and cons. People perceive new technology in a different way, and not everything can be of optimum benefit for the user. There are a few disadvantages with the usage of HUDs:

• Technology requires more development. Not every car is well suited or compatible with the HUD system. Modifications need to be made in order to make this a more inclusive technology.
• HUDs are optional for now. But, if brands and companies decide to make them a staple, there may be increased costs.
• Even though the system has been designed for easy usage, it is still distracting for viewers. It will take a lot of time and effort to successfully read HUDs and not get distracted.