Toyota files patent for augmented reality HUD tech

Toyota has filed a patent for a new head-up display (HUD) system that will incorporate augmented reality technology. Unlike standard HUDs which remain in a fixed position on your windscreen, Toyota’s new system looks like it will continuously adapt its angle and displays to best suit your driving needs.

Details are scarce at the moment, but Autoblog reports that the advanced system will generally offer all the basic requirements of a HUD system. It will have driving data, navigation, various car settings and more, all of which allow you to keep your eyes on the road at all times.

How the Toyota patent appears to present this information, is what makes all the difference here. Armed with data from the ECU, a front-mounted camera and an interior camera, the HUD can adapt its position on the windscreen to suit the position of your body, your driving speed and your vehicle’s position in a lane.

For example, the display can automatically move about on the windshield to where your eyes can best view it. At speed, the display will appear to become smaller and move further ahead to where your eyes focus when driving at high speeds. Adapting to the width of a vehicle, the display also shows an accurate position of your vehicle is relative to the lane markings on the road.

How much do you think such a technology would of use to you on the road? Would you prefer this, or something like BMW’s augmented reality HUD, or the Samsung Smart Windshield concept that was previewed earlier? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.