In 2012, Pioneer will release the AR Head-Up Display, a next-generation car navigation system.

This display uses a laser projector and a concave half-mirror to superimpose maps and navigation information onto the actual environment, 1.5m to 2m in front of the windscreen.

“An image is created by scanning the laser. Then the image is magnified at a distance, using the principle of a concave half-mirror, called a combiner.”

“Last year, we produced a very large version of this system, just to show it could be done. This year, we’ve made the product compact, so it will fit in a car and we can release it commercially. We’ve also incorporated AR technology, to show routes directly on the scenery the driver sees. So this display can show useful content, such as arrows where the driver needs to turn, and restaurants and parking areas as pop-up information.”

With an ordinary car navigation system, users need to shift their gaze from the road, which can be a safety issue. But with this AR navigation system, information is superposed in the drivers field of view. This gives drivers intuitive access to information, without needing to shift their gaze.

“We’re thinking of also integrating this system with smartphones. As this is an in-car display, its purpose is to show drivers essential information in a way that’s easy to understand. Because we want to make the system widely available, the idea is that people can purchase this AR-HUD and install it in their own car. We aim to release this product commercially in 2012. The price hasn’t been decided yet.”

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