The Lincoln Navigator has been given some pretty interesting tech that will help curb distracted driving as well as make vehicular information more presentable. It has been fitted with advanced head-up-display (HUD) technology that is fully customisable. This is the same digital light processing that is used in movie theaters.
Ford says that the display remains clearly visible on the windshield despite being hit with direct sun light or, when viewed through polarized sunglasses. The system consists of a tiny chip that contains 400,000 sturdy mirrors, each with a pixel refresh rate of up to 5,000 hertz operating in synchronized movement to control the system’s optics.
The picture is then projected in full colour, upwards, providing an illusion that it’s float just above the vehicle’s hood. The emphasis, of a system such as this is, reducing screen clutter and focusing on the timing and size of the information. The chosen info is projected as and when needed. And as its importance increases, its displayed more prominently.
“A typical head-up display duplicates information displayed on the cluster,” said Anthony King, development lead on Lincoln’s all-new head-up display. “But this display makes for a unique and easy-to-use experience for our clients.”
He later added, “This eminently visible head-up display and the instrument cluster serve to complement each other to ensure Lincoln clients look forward to every time behind the wheel.”
Current speed and stipulated speed limits remain visible at all times, but other information, change when the driver receive a call or when a navigation prompt is needed. Due to its relative importance, this information is displayed clearly and brightly with greater prominence.
HUD technology isn’t new, several upmarket cars have utilized it for years to keep drivers’ eyes on the road at all times. But Lincoln’s approach, is just a little bit smarter, its system does the thinking for the driver, negating the need for him/her to faff about with the display settings.
