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Augmented reality windscreens; science fiction or close to reality?

Australian repairers may still be coming to terms with a windshield being a lot more than a piece of glass, but the change of technology shows no signs of standing still.

US media reports have highlighted a recent patent filing that indicate Apple may be looking to implement an augmented reality system that projects information onto car windshields.

The patent application in question was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in April and published in August. It was first spotted by The Drive website and has since become a hot discussion point among other motoring media magazines.

The application describes using sensors such as visible-light cameras, infrared cameras, radar, and ultrasonic or lidar units, to build a three-dimensional picture of the environment around the vehicle.

It also notes that geographical positioning data could be included in the functions and display.

According to Motor Authority “the system would then overlay information in such a way that it would appear to be populating the environment itself in true augmented reality style, rather than appearing as flat displays on the windshield.”

Advanced Concepts

Possible uses like highlighting signs with relevant information or outlining a destination that may be obscured by buildings were also listed in the application.

“Apple also suggests using the system to cajole drivers into being more cautious. The application suggests that virtual speed bumps could be projected onto the road if the driver is going too fast, encouraging them to slow down. It could even work with adaptive suspension to simulate the feeling of passing over speed bumps, Apple suggests. Or it could project images of ‘human child individuals’ to encourage drivers to slow down for school zones.”

Information on how the system would work is limited  but there is a suggestion this Apple system would go beyond the simple projections of some limited data currently available  and instead create a whole screen of augmented reality with three dimensional images

Learn more

While such technology appears to be some way off in Australia, those willing to discover and learn about the latest trends have an ideal opportunity in November when the Auto Glass Trade Show will bring together a host of experts in the field.

Melbourne on Saturday November 9 will be the place to ask the questions about where auto glass is going at the Auto Glass Association event.

For more information, to register for the Auto Glass event please visit the event site here.

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