Head-Up Displays: Analysis of automotive use considerations

Abstract

Head-Up Displays (HUDs) were developed to provide primary sensor data during flight at the pilot's customary view. The positioning of flight instrument data in the forward field of vision allows pilots to concurrently view this information and the external scene. The potential benefits of HUDs have also been recognized by the automotive industry with approximately 30 automobile brands offering HUDs as optional equipment in vehicles. By projecting driving information directly into the driver's line of view, the HUD reduces the number and length of the driver's eye movements away from the road, decreasing distraction and improving driver awareness. The purported benefits of automotive HUDs include decreasing cognitive workload, visual scanning, and by providing cues to guide their eyes to hazards or other pertinent information. The aim of this paper is to review how HUDs and their design properties affect pilot performance and attention in order to identify implementation issues relevant to the automotive industry.

Keywords: Human Factors, Head-Up Display (HUD), Intelligent Transportation Systems, Assistive Technology, Automotive

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001642