Head-Up Display Simulation

This application note describes a complete workflow for creating a photorealistic Head-Up Display (HUD) simulation using CODE V, LucidShape CAA V5 Based, and CATIA V5. The process covers the entire lifecycle of HUD development, including optical design, mechanical integration, non-sequential simulation, and realistic visualization. The workflow begins with creating and optimizing the HUD mirrors in CODE V. As an imaging optics simulation tool, CODE V supports detailed sequential optical design and analysis of HUD mirror systems. Engineers can evaluate imaging performance using metrics such as Point Spread Function (PSF), Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), and distortion. CODE V also enables optimization of mirror shapes, windshield geometry, and optical materials, including the use of Glass Expert to explore alternative material choices. The optimized mirrors are then exported from CODE V as STEP files for mechanical integration.

In the next stage, the mirrors are imported into CATIA V5, where the HUD housing and other mechanical components have been modeled. CATIA V5 incorporates materials from the SmartStart Material Library, which includes options such as Acktar absorbing coatings for internal surfaces and a wide selection of glass and plastic materials for the windshield. This integration step brings together the optical design from CODE V and the mechanical structure created in CATIA, forming a complete assembly ready for ray-tracing simulation.

Once the optical and mechanical elements are combined, the design is analyzed in LucidShape CAA V5 Based. This software performs full non-sequential optical simulation, allowing engineers to evaluate how light propagates through the entire HUD system. The tool supports homogeneity analysis — both colorimetric and non-colorimetric — to validate display uniformity across the field of view. It also enables ghost image simulation, particularly the secondary image generated by the second surface of the windshield. Another important analysis within LucidShape CAA V5 Based is sun-loading evaluation. By defining a rotating sunlight source, engineers can identify hazardous hotspot conditions on the pProjector Unit (PGU), ensuring the design meets safety and reliability requirements under real-world solar conditions.

The final stage of the workflow focuses on visualization. LucidShape CAA V5 Based includes advanced rendering capabilities for producing photorealistic images of the HUD as if seen by a driver. Using backward simulation and the Human Eye Vision (HEVI) tool, the software models contrast, glare, and other human-vision effects to create highly realistic images. This allows engineers to evaluate display readability and visual comfort early in the design cycle. Panorama rendering further enables observation of the HUD from multiple positions within the eyebox, ensuring that the projected image is stable and legible from all permitted viewing angles.

Together, CODE V and LucidShape CAA V5 Based provide a comprehensive workflow for automotive HUD development. CODE V delivers the sequential optical design and optimization needed for high-quality imaging performance, while LucidShape CAA V5 Based enables accurate non-sequential simulation, ghost and sun-load analysis, and photorealistic visualization. CATIA V5 serves as the mechanical integration environment, enhanced by the SmartStart Material Library. This combined approach allows engineers to explore design options, validate system performance, identify potential issues, and generate realistic visual outputs, ultimately supporting efficient and reliable HUD development.