Patent ID: 6272431
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
An apparatus for displaying a map for use by a driver in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:means for storing and retrieving map information covering the area traveled by the vehicle;means for determining the position and direction of movement of the vehicle; andmeans for displaying a virtual map image in a reflective member substantially in front and above the horizontal line of sight of the driver of the vehicle, said virtual map image being focused substantially at infinity and extending toward infinity in the direction of the horizon and being oriented such that is appears to be substantially parallel to the ground and positioned above the ground in such a way that any feature represented on the map lies in substantially the same azimuth direction from the driver as it does on the ground; and such that for features on the ground that are lying in substantially the same azimuthal direction but at different distances from the vehicle, those features closer to the vehicle are displayed higher on the virtual map image than those features farther from the vehicle; and with the azimuthal direction of the features displayed on the virtual map image being in a generally reflective relationship with the azimuthal direction of those same features on the ground.