Researchers are busy trying to solve problems, such as glare and windshield curvature, that affect daylight readability. "Automotive displays need to deliver very bright images in small affordable packages, have a long lifetime and not generate heat," says Tom Sanko, vice president of marketing at Microvision Inc. (Bothell, WA). "Current projection technologies aren’t able to achieve most of these requirements."
Sanko’s company has been working with several major manufacturers, including Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn, MI), on a laser-scanning projection display project that addresses those issues. Prototypes are being tested in cars to determine the best viewing and ergonomics characteristics.