GM heads up windshield display

the GM ‘heads-up display’ (‘HUD’)

the ‘heads-up display’ (‘HUD’) by GM uses technology developed for military fighter jets to project important driving information and navigation commands directly onto the windshield of GM cars. the system exceeds current implementations in other cars in the range of information viewable, although GM plans to further increase the advance of the system by integrating laser pointers and enhanced vision systems to offer light visualizations for driving in adverse conditions.

the GM ‘HUD’ uses a series of mirrors and a display screen to showcase speed and tachometer readings, vehicle warnings, turn signal activation, external temperature, and vehicle and radio controls. drivers can adjust the brightness and location of the image, or turn it off.

the base technology is already in production, coming standard on the redesigned 2013 acadia denali unveiled at the chicago auto show this year. GM is currently working to enhance the ‘HUD’ with features designed to facilitate driving in adverse conditions. in a future implementation, small ultraviolet lasers might interface with vehicle sensors and cameras to turn the entire windshield into a display screen, automatically highlighting the road’s edge or signage to assist safe driving in fog or heavy rain.

demo of the display and discussion with one of the engineers behind the technology

engineering concept

while the base ‘HUD’ is available in GM cars, current research and prototyping is underway to assist in safe driving, for example by highlighting road edges and signs in heavy fog