According to Apple’s patent, it creates a 3D model of the world outside using various sensors, such as visible light cameras, infrared cameras and even radar devices.
Think your car dashboard is pretty high-tech because it can connect to your iPhone and play your favorite Spotify playlist? Maybe we’re living in the Stone Age for Apple. The tech giant has filed a patent for an AR windshield. Not only will this make your ride more fun, but it will also change the way you interact with the car during the journey.
According to Apple’s patent, a 3D model of the world outside will be created using various sensors, such as visible light cameras, infrared cameras and even radar devices. This model serves for all kinds of useful or potentially distracting information. Imagine you are driving down the highway and you see arrows floating above the lanes, directing you to your exit. Or imagine a system that highlights road signs or points out potential hazards. According to Apple’s patent, it will be able to show simulated speed bumps if you’re driving too fast. Because making your brain think you’re hitting a bump at 113 km/h is no substitute for saying “slow down”.
This concept sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. But some real-world challenges need to be considered. For starters, it’s not easy to turn an entire windshield into a high-quality AR display. The patent is a bit vague on how this would work, which suggests a bit of a rush job. And let’s not forget security.
Apple’s patent images for AR windshield
The idea of in-car AR is not entirely new. HUD (Head-Up Display) screens have been available in cars for many years. But they are limited to a specific area just in front of the driver. The Shenlan S7 has one of the largest HUDs on the market. Mercedes-Benz already has experience in this area. And BMW wants to push the envelope with its Neue Klasse EV in the near future. So Apple is not reinventing the wheel here. But in true Apple fashion, it is taking it to the next level.
Another thing to think about is the “cool factor”. Apple has a knack for making technology not only functional but also highly attractive. If it can pull this off, it looks set to set a new standard for what consumers expect from their cars. But let’s be realistic, this is still a patent. It has a long way to go before it becomes a product you can actually buy. All in all, the AR windshield is a revolutionary step in automotive technology and an entry in a long list of cool ideas that have yet to reach the market.
