Multi-channel head-up display

Head-up displays provide vehicle-related information in the direct field of view of a driver. Usually, free-form mirrors are used to create a virtual image of a display. One major drawback of this design approach is the required installation space of the optics in a vehicle. One solution to this problem is the implementation of an arrayed optics that enables the construction of very low-profile head-up display systems. Moreover, the casing scales only in two dimensions when larger fields of view are required. We developed a prototype that features an optics consisting of 45 plano-convex lenses. Each lens images a distinct section of a high-resolution tablet LCD display. The overall depth of the device amounts to only 71 mm. A Competitive resolution, field of view and a reasonable large head-motion box are feasible. Spherical and chromatic aberrations as well as astigmatism and distortion occur in the imaging. The latter, as well as transversal chromatic aberrations, can be corrected due to pre-distorting the information shown on the display. More sophisticated optics would allow for further correction of astigmatism and chromatic aberrations.