Pseudo-Holographic Instrument Cluster
Project developed at: Harman International
This project explores the use of 3D-capable in-cabin displays combined with gesture controls to improve driver awareness and safety. By leveraging the space between the driver and the steering wheel, the system dynamically renders contextual information, such as alerts or navigation directions, in the driver's area of focus.
One key innovation is the use of the Z-dimension to adjust the perceived depth of information: time-sensitive alerts move closer to the driver’s eyes to capture attention, while less critical information remains farther away. For example, navigation prompts can gradually move forward as a turn approaches, providing a clear and intuitive sense of urgency without being distractive.
Initial prototypes were based on auto-stereoscopic displays, followed by refined systems using head-mounted AR devices, including Hololens-based prototypes adapted for moving vehicles. The concept's most practical path to productization would involve lightweight AR glasses, either brought-in as personal devices or tethered to the car for enhanced usability.
This project builds on the bare-hand gesture interactive soundscape developed in related efforts, further enriching the driver’s ability to interact seamlessly with the display.
Head-Tracked Video See-Through System
This video demonstrates a proof-of-concept system combining head tracking with a stereo camera pair mounted on rails. As I move my head, the cameras dynamically adjust their position to synchronize with my perspective, enabling real-time, view-dependent rendering. The system creates a video see-through experience that adapts seamlessly to user movement, showcasing the potential for immersive, perspective-aware interfaces in automotive or AR applications.
This project is describe more in detail here: See Through Dashboard
Company: Harman International
Team: Future Experience Team
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Year: 2013-2017
Volumetric Display in a Car Cabin (2013)
This concept video demonstrates the user experience of a volumetric display integrated into a car cabin, utilizing the space between the steering wheel and the driver’s face to present information dynamically. Multiple granted patents protect the innovative interaction methods showcased in the video.
This video effectively illustrates the potential of volumetric displays for creating safer, more intuitive driver experiences by combining contextual depth and gesture control. Specifically, we showcase how this interaction could help with Alerts, Navigation and Gesture-Based Sound and Call Control.
Stereoscopic 3D Display for In-Cabin Interfaces
This early proof-of-concept explored replacing traditional instrument clusters with stereoscopic 3D displays. The system used view-dependent rendering to adjust the perspective based on the user’s position, creating a realistic depth effect that mimics a pseudo-hologram.
The interface featured two layers: foreground gauges for speed and gear, and a 3D navigation system in the background. While the design might seem cluttered in this flat 2D rendering, it appeared intuitive and clear on the 3D display. This innovative approach earned a granted patent for its data visualization method.
