heads up display

**carpcnoobie** · 10-04-2004, 07:41 PM

I found a link on this site to one that was being marketed as a basic speedo. It was not much more then an LED that was backwards.

Oddly enough, the company was selling them and then stopped marketing them (took them off the shelves) completely. I get the feeling that they couldn't get DOT approval and could no longer legally sell their product. Just my guess.

One of these days I'm gonna get bored enough to come up with something that actually works. Not today though. Too busy writing posts.

**sdashiki** · 10-04-2004, 07:41 PM

Seems that the windshield would only be the projection surface and all that "careful alignment" is really nonsensical in any logistical sense, like making not only the HUD unit cost $$$ but also the windshield, but cuz this is a prototype of sorts, its a $100k cuz they dont make too many and once they actually produce 1000s upon 1000s the cost is just another option in any new car from a dealer. But a truly useful HUD for a carputer would simply be some sort of VGA device or whatnot that projects translucent images onto the windshield. Its not difficult im told,

it and im sure youll find alot on luxury cars having HUDs.

I dont know the tech behind projecting onto clear glass a translucent image but in todays marketplace its either not far off, or already done.

**lawrence** · 10-04-2004, 08:19 PM

i have seen them on nissans,pontiacs ect. it uses a film of anti glare where you view the image. wouldnt seem too hard, just no bubbles.

**ptk** · 10-04-2004, 10:06 PM

Just my 2 cents' worth, based on my research onto similar topic

There are 2 commercial system currently sell direct for this purpose

1. the one used in Hummer...., can't remember the name. they ship it together with their thermal imaging system. based on LED projection.

2. MicroHUD. based on laser projection system. only suitable for data projection.

NEITHER systems are within affortable range.

one pseudo HUD system is use by the intrument gauge company. It's not a true projection per se. THey use bright VFD with reverse display. However, it's a custom device that require their main unit to function.

I contacted both Matrix Ortibal and Crystalfontz regarding customised "flipped" VFD. both said no plan for production.

so... short of doing something drastic to my MO, i am stuck

**Change** · 10-04-2004, 11:34 PM

What about an arrangement that has the VFD reflected off a mirror, so the image is reversed and then reversed again on the windshield? Something with a lens in there somewhere to change the focal distance would be good too, so your eyes don't have to re-focus on the HUD, the image appears to be "floating" out in your normal field of view.

**lawrence** · 10-05-2004, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by Change

What about an arrangement that has the VFD reflected off a mirror, so the image is reversed and then reversed again on the windshield? Something with a lens in there somewhere to change the focal distance would be good too, so your eyes don't have to re-focus on the HUD, the image appears to be "floating" out in your normal field of view.

this would be very hard to do as you are not always looking at the same distance. ie look at a point on the wall, focus at that point. now bring up two fingers one from each side. well still focusing at the wall, notice the point of convergance of your fingers. now do the same with a wall that is further away.
wall = road
fingers= windshield
you = you

keep your fingers off my windshield == i hate finger prints on the inside of the glass

**Ricky327** · 10-05-2004, 12:13 AM

Some of the UK members may have seen this program on TV some months ago :

http://www.jasonbradbury.com/jason_b...d_video_1.html

Havent tried but it look like it can work quite well

**mushin** · 10-05-2004, 12:20 AM

That's cool, but looks way too obstructive!

**Ricky327** · 10-05-2004, 12:23 AM

The video clip :

http://www.jasonbradbury.com/jason_b...d_film_med.WMV

Oh and the reflector is made from CD case

I guess some other transparent reflecting sheet can be used.

**AAVfReaK** · 10-06-2004, 09:21 AM

My '97 Pontiac Grand Prix had the HUD option. After getting used to having all of that information on the windshield (speed, turn signal indicators, radio station, low fuel warning, etc...), I couldn't go back, so I bought another pontiac in '03. I don't know why more car makers don't go with HUD. It seems like a great idea to me.
It does require a specific windshield, at a cost of more than $900, so that you don't get ripples and ghosts in the image from the safety film in the glass.
Just my 2 cents