GM's sci-fi head-up display

By Tom Phillips

17th March 2010

GM is attempting to make science fiction science fact! The firm’s Michigan-based global research and development centre is currently working on a next generation head-up display system which uses the entire windscreen as a transparent display.

The screen has a phosphor coating which reacts when a small laser projects information onto it, creating different colours.

Speaking at the unveil of the technology, GM’s R&D lab manager Thomas Seder highlighted the potential benefits: “Let’s say you’re driving in fog, we could use the vehicle’s infrared cameras to identify where the edge of the road is and the lasers could ‘paint’ the edge of the road onto the windshield so the driver knows where the edge of the road is.”

GM is working with Carnegie Mellon University and The University of Southern California to develop the system ahead of its likely debut in the next Vauxhall Insignia, due in 2016.

Features to expect in the finished version include an evolution of the road sign recognition system that tells you the speed limit in the current Insignia. This would be expanded to alert the driver of speed limit signs, which the laser would draw a ring around – see pictures – while the system would also be linked to the satnav to alert the driver of their desired exit by reading overhead traffic signs.

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