Head-up display: Info in focus

Mar 13, 2014
A head-up display is a new feature in the C-Class. As in a fighter jet, it projects important information directly into the driver's field of vision on the windscreen, ensuring that there is less distraction from the road ahead. The system informs about vehicle speed, posted speed limits, navigation instructions and DISTRONIC messages.
The technology is based on mirror optics and a full-colour display module with a resolution of 480 x 240 pixels which is driven by high-power LEDs. They project the virtual image, which measures around 21 x 7 centimetres, into the driver's field of vision where it appears to float above the bonnet around two metres away. The resolution of more than 60 pixels per degree of viewing angle ensures a needle-sharp image.
A light sensor located near the top edge of the roof automatically adjusts the brightness of the head-up display to the exterior lighting conditions. Brightnesses of 10,000 cd/m² plus can be achieved on sunny days. Because the contrast ratio is better than 1000:1, the system produces a high-quality display even in the dark.
The driver can adjust the height of the virtual image so that it can be read easily. On vehicles with seat memory function this feature stores the individual settings. A range of display content can also be enabled or disabled, and the brightness of the display adjusted individually.
The special head-up windscreen with its wedge-shaped laminated foil eliminates double images produced by reflections on the outer and inner boundary surfaces of the windscreen. It superimposes the secondary image, which is produced on the outer surface, onto the primary image. This offset depends on the particular angle and has been optimised for a driver in a normal seating position.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan (W205) 2014, Head-up Display