Apple files for augmented reality windshield patent

So, you thought your car's dashboard was high-tech because it can connect to your iPhone and play your favorite Spotify playlist? Well, Apple thinks you're living in the Stone Age. The tech behemoth has filed a patent for an augmented reality (AR) windshield, and it's not just about making your drive more entertaining - it could change the way you interact with the road.

Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world. Think Pokémon Go, but instead of catching virtual critters, you're navigating through traffic. Apple's patent suggests using a variety of sensors like visible light cameras, infrared cameras, and even radar devices to create a 3D model of the world outside your car. This model then serves as the canvas for all sorts of useful (or potentially distracting) information.

Imagine driving down the highway and seeing arrows floating above the lanes, guiding you to your exit. Or what about a system that highlights road signs or points out potential hazards? Apple's patent even suggests the windshield could display simulated speed bumps if you're driving too fast. Yes - simulated speed bumps. Because nothing says "slow down" like tricking your brain into thinking you're about to hit a bump at 70 mph.

While the concept sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, there are some real-world challenges to consider. For starters, turning an entire windshield into a high-quality AR display isn't a walk in the park. The patent is a bit vague on how this would actually work, which makes you wonder if we're getting ahead of ourselves. And let's not forget about safety. The last thing we need is drivers getting so engrossed in their AR windshields that they forget they're, you know, driving a car.

The actual patent images

The idea of AR in cars isn't entirely new. We have had HUD displays in cars for quite a few years - but they are limited to a specific area just ahead of the driver. Shenlan S7 has one of the largest HUDs in the market, Mercedes-Benz has already dabbled in this area, and BMW wants to push the boundaries as well with its upcoming Neue Klasse EV. So, Apple isn't exactly reinventing the wheel here, but Apple being Apple, is simply taking it to the next level.

The actual patent images

Another thing to consider is the "cool factor." Apple has a knack for making technology not just functional but also incredibly desirable. If it can pull this off, it could set a new standard for what consumers expect from their vehicles. But let's be real - this is still a patent. It's a long way from becoming a product you can actually buy. In the end, the AR windshield could be a revolutionary step forward in automotive technology, or it could end up as another entry in the long list of cool ideas that never quite made it to market.

Via