Cleaning the dash top just now (yes it is a dust collector). And contrary to previous advice here, thought I'd swipe the MID lens with the micro fiber. While doing that, I noticed a depression in the dash immediately in front of the image from the gas gauge to the shift pattern. Hmm. Felt like smooth plastic covering. After turning the accessory & MID on, saw that it is similar to an HUD for the images left of the Hybrid MID panel. The Touch Tracer display is directly from the MID panel, but the fuel <> to the shift pattern are HUD-like displayed. Apparently that is how the engineers got the 3D effect for the Touch Tracer. Cool - and perhaps how they provide the HUD onto the windshield (Europe models) as well. Would take pictures, but not sure if this is old news and been posted before. If so, sorry.
Waiting for my first Prius, so pretty dumb. What's a HUD? I really don't understand the post. Thanks, Rich N.
Rich - not dumb at all. Heads Up Display. Not new technology - typically displays information / image such as speed onto the windshield so the driver can glance down a bit to easily view. This feature will be standard on 2010 Prius in many (or all, don't recall) European countries. http://images.google.com/imgres?img...s?q=heads+up+display&hl=en&safe=off&sa=X&um=1
Raidbuck: Here's a VERY useful tool for using Prius Chat: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/12452-acronyms-abbreviations-glossary.html It's the Acronym and Abbreviation Glossary. You'd think this was a military base with all the acronyms!! Maybe a knowledgeable veteran could update it if need be??
Yes, I noticed that ths first day at the dealership still, but when I brushed it to move some dust that I saw there, I somehow managed to smudge this little screen, causing my 'instantaneous mpg meter' to have a smudge right in the middle of the reflected display. I have not yet been able to remove this, as I am afraid to somehow mess it up, but it drives me crazy to see it smudged.
I found the acronym guide but didn't find OP which I gathered means original poster. Is that right? Thanks,
The Gen II uses the same HUD like mirror system for the speedo display. For the Gen III they put the touch tracer in front of the mirror, which makes it look closer. Tom
Point of reflecting w/ a mirror is not only 3D effect, but to increase the focal length to reduce eye strain. I've noticed the Gen III isn't as "deep" as Gen II though.
Yeah it isn't. I made a comment on that in my L.A. video. In the Gen II, it looked like it was under the front wipers. In the Gen III, it's in front of the wipers (i.e. closer to the driver)
Thanks Ken, Rick, and Tideland. Is there ANYTHING you guys don't know? And, when I open up the hood/bonnet it's like eye candy. Know the basics of engines and drivetrains and have previously done maintenance and repairs. But the technology packed up front must be amazing. Comforting to know the Toyota engineers have been at it for over a decade and it's solid and reliable. Also comforting to know that you guys are available for questions and advice as well.
Note that the Gen III system uses a single mirror as opposed to the two mirrors of the Gen II system. Tom
Actually Toyota put a bunch of empty but shiny metal boxes under the hood, just for effect. The true secret is the alien technology for siphoning gas out of our tanks and transporting it to the mothership for an alien race (the To-y oTah culture) that has long since depleted their fossil fuels. They also invented the NiMH batteries. They only make us *think* that the car is burning gas as well as volts. Really enjoy your posts Dean! Look forward to all your mods.
That visual observation seems to concur with the technical layout of both Gen displays. The Gen-II does have more distance virtual projection than the current one. I found reading Gen-II display much more comfortable.
