JVC 2013 Annual Report Download - page 24

To provide excitement and peace of mind to the people of the world,
JVC KENWOOD Corporation conducts research and development activities in an
effort to promote innovation and to create new value based on the elemental
audio, video and radio communication technologies cultivated to date.
Head-Up Displays (HUDs)
Smartphone-Compatible Display Audio Systems
The HUD, a display for automobiles, shows various types of information to drivers, such as
route directions through car navigation systems, as well as the car speed and distance
between two cars. This is set by using the windshield and combiner. The device enables the
user to drive without moving his or her line of sight to the car navigation display, thereby
helping to make driving safer.
JVCKENWOOD has focused on the development of an HUD that supports safe driving,
under its corporate vision: To become a manufacturer that creates excitement and peace of
mind. It has developed two types of HUDs: (1) a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) system that
uses a reflective liquid crystal display device and projector optics, and (2) a micro electro
mechanical system (MEMS) that employs a mirror for raster-scanning laser beams
modulated with image signals. We developed an LCOS-based HUD product first as it could
be mass-produced immediately by applying the projector technology that JVCKENWOOD
has cultivated over many years. A prototype was exhibited at the 2012 International CES
held in Las Vegas in the U.S. in January 2012.
JVCKENWOOD began shipping the first-generation LCOS-based HUD to ZMP INC., a
venture firm that promotes car robotics, in October 2012. Additionally, in May 2013, it
launched “MDV-737HUD,” which combines an HUD, together with its proprietary D-ILA
device, and the “MDV-737DT” Saisoku-Navi car navigation system.
By releasing these HUDs, JVCKENWOOD is promoting research and development activities for both an LCOS-based
HUD and an MEMS-based HUD. It is also conduct marketing activities for each on a full-scale basis. Through these efforts,
we will aim to commercialize HUDs that contribute to vehicular safety.
Unlike in the Japanese market where car navigation systems maintain a mainstay role,
audio systems still account for a greater portion of the overseas market for the Car
Electronics Consumer Segment. Under these circumstances, JVCKENWOOD has focused on
expanding the car multimedia products overseas market, launching flash memory-based
AV-integrated car navigation systems developed in collaboration with Garmin Ltd., a market
leader of Portable/Personal Navigation Devices (PND), and display audio systems conforming
to the Garmin navigation application for iPhone.
Users of smartphone-based car navigation systems and Internet radio services are
increasing, reflecting the growing smartphone market. To ensure safety and convenience
while driving, JVCKENWOOD will improve the display and operation functions of in-car
equipment utilizing smartphone functions. As part of this process, JVCKENWOOD has
developed and launched AV receivers with “MirrorLink™” integration. “MirrorLink™” is a
standard that offers seamless connectivity between smartphones and in-car equipment,
and is being promoted as an industry standard by the “Car Connectivity Consortium,” which comprises the worldʼs
automobile and smartphone-related companies. JVCKENWOOD is also a participant.
JVCKENWOOD will create a new market from the existing audio market. To that end, it will continue to enhance
connectivity with smartphones that have gained worldwide popularity, and maximize functions and convenience specific to
display audio systems, including car navigation and the display of rear-view camera images.
1st Generation In-Vehicle Head-Up Display
HUD mounted on a car
22 JVC KENWOOD Corporation
󱛏Research and Development Activities