MUNICH, Germany — Delphi has introduced the prototype of a laser-based automotive head-up display. Unlike conventional head-up displays which use mirrors to project data from a display, Delphi's device generates the virtual image directly on the windscreen.

Conventional head-up displays are based on conventional TFT displays whose images are projected against the windscreen. According to Delphi Deutschland GmbH, this approach requires relatively bulky constructions. Laser-based displays project the data directly to the windscreen without relying on an intermediate display and thus can be implemented in a space-saving way, giving designers a higher degree of freedom. In addition, the laser-based device consumes less power while offering a higher brightness of up to 5000 cd/square meter, Delphi claims.

What's more, the tier one estimates that laser-based head-up displays can be produced cheaper than conventional ones despite the fact that they require specially coated windscreens. For this reason, Delphi believes that head-up displays will not necessarily be an attribute of luxury cars but can also be deployed in volume vehicles.

The prototype was shown at the Geneva Automobile Salon earlier in March, as part of automotive designer Franco Sbarro's 'Orbital Hybrid' concept car. Delphi estimates that laser-based head-up displays can hit the market about the year 2011.