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HUD on the roof

Volvo Car Corporation has taken Head-Up-Display to a whole new level with a patent application in the USA for overhead HUD. As instrument panels and infotainment screens become over-cluttered, the Swedish car maker sees relocation of data to an area above the driver’s head as a possible solution.

The new system operates like most existing HUDs on the windshield, with a series of mirrors and projector. But the screen on this occasion is an “optically-transmissive roof window”. Observers assume that this will be glass modified to allow for optimum projection in all light conditions, possibly through the use of auto-dimming glass. Either way, Volvo says the system will likely be LED based, with options for brightness and position customisation to suit driver preference.

Watch out for this overhead HUD system in a concept car coming soon!