Head-up display (HUD) is a latest technology, developed to assist drivers and pilots to view dashboard data in their field of view. This technology enables users to receive important messages or required information while driving or flying, thus ensuring their safety. HUD systems are satisfying the security, safety, comfort and entertainment requirements of its users. HUDs are widely used in commercial and defence airplanes, automobiles and gaming applications. In airplanes, HUDs display the information regarding position, radar information, flight path, acceleration and real-time position, which helps pilots to react in time. This innovation has slowly made its way into the automotive industry and is currently being considered among the most prominent driver assistance systems.
Previously HUDs were developed using cathode ray tube (CRT) technology, but now they are available with liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology. Advancements in personal digital assistant (PDA) devices and smartphones have triggered the development of HUD technology, as these small electronic gadgets or components can be used to complement improved HUD for various other applications. Besides these advancements, new prototypes have been developed for implementing this technology in two-wheeler helmets and on-board diagnostic features, thus opening up new scope for applications. There are various advantages of HUD. It allows drivers and pilots to concentrate on their path and simultaneously read any important operational information on display, minimizes the possibility of accidents and provides easy access to information. A major concern for head-up display is that it may create a distraction while driving, if a text or voice message is flashed incessantly. In the automobile industry, such devices are supported by portable multimedia which can read or display emails, which too can cause distraction.