CES 2021: Panasonic looks ahead with augmented-reality HUD

14 January 2021 Panasonic took to the digital stage at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to reveal its new augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD). The AI-powered display is capable of showing lane edges, objects in the road, and bridge heights, as well as the more standard dashboard information like speed and route guidance. ′The HUD market is one of the fastest-growing categories in mobility, but traditional HUDs only cover a small section of the road,’ said Scott Kirchner, president of Panasonic automotive and executive director, Panasonic smart mobility. ′Panasonic’s AR HUD solutions cover more of the roadway, with traditional cluster content like speed and fuel in the near-field as well as 3D overlays in the far-field, showing navigation and other critical driver data-mapping spatially to the road ahead. And, in a future with more self-driving vehicles, our AR HUD could provide an important added level of comfort and assurance for AV passengers as well.’ Full of features The AR HUD features eye-tracking technology, which projects information at the level of sight, avoiding the potential risk of mismatching the projected image as the driver moves their head. Vibration control, powered by an image stability algorithm, also means that AR icons also lock onto the driving environment, regardless of the road surface. With an advanced optical design, the unit has an expanded field-of-view for a virtual-image distance of 10 metres or more. This means greater accuracy and safety, as pedestrians and objects can also be detected through enhanced low light and night-time view. With real-time situational awareness, ADAS, AI and AR environmental updates come in less than 300 milliseconds. The AI-enabled navigation projects 3D graphics, which adjust to the vehicle’s changing surroundings. So, the HUD provides information like lane markers and GPS arrows where turns occur, as well as sudden changes like collisions or a cyclist on in the road. The display also boasts a 4K resolution using advanced laser and holography technology, as well as static near-field cluster information and far-field image plane for AR graphic overlay.