The First Head Up Display Introduced by General Motors

The first production configured head up display (HDD) wa8 introduced in the United States in the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Parade Convertibles. The design and performance of this HUD uses a vacuum fluorescent display tube (VFD) and reflective optics, including the standard production windshield as the final element, and produces a virtual image of a digital speedometer and selected telltales just above the hood line in the driver's central vision area at approximately front bumper range. The unit's functional and physical design minimize modification of existing instrument panel structures and interfaces while providing essential features and performance for consumer satisfaction. Human factors engineering contributed to this application; supporting studies and simulation efforts are summarized to substantiate the design decisions.