Abstract: A windshield display system and method of operating the same configured to detect an obstruction of light projected by the system. A light source emits a light beam that reflects off a scanning mirror to direct the light beam to a desired on a windshield. The system includes a light detector configured to detect emitted light generated in response to the light beam illuminating the desired location. The system is arranged so the light beam and the emitted light that is detected travel essentially the same light path between the scanning mirror and the windshield. As such, an obstruction of the light path is readily detected based only on the intensity of the emitted light detected by the light detector.

Abstract: A vehicle windshield display system for detecting obstruction of a vehicle operator's field of view by a windshield display. The system provides closed-loop feedback to perform a visual check of what is actually being displayed on a windshield display in order to avoid obstructing an operator's field of view. The system includes a windshield display configured to be installed into a vehicle and configured to display a graphic in a field of view of an operator of the vehicle, a camera configured to determine an image of the graphic displayed by the windshield display, and a controller configured to determine if the image indicates that field of view is obstructed. The camera is used to monitor the windshield display and provide feedback to the controller so that appropriate adjustments to the graphic being displayed can be made.