Some of the predictions have included AR windshields and other futuristic sounding options.
The nature of augmented reality has sparked the imaginations of some very creative individuals around the world, and has already allowed for the development of printed books that come to life through the screen of a tablet, print ads that include videos through smartphones, and video games that appear to play out in the real world.
Now, many are wondering what the technology will be bringing us over the next few years.
One of the most popular predictions has to do with an augmented reality windshield for vehicles that will be able to display driving directions and additional information. This involves overlaying digital images on the view of the real world. It could mean that the driver would be able to see cautions or text messages for impending hazards, or could indicate where the next turn should be made, without ever requiring the driver to look away from the road.
Augmented reality has been available in mobile phones since the iPhone in 2008, but it is not yet in cars.
This type of augmented reality technology would suit the automotive industry’s current path, which includes many high tech options from blind spot obstacle detection to Bluetooth, active cruise control radar, active city safety and collision warnings, as well as pedestrian detection, attention assist (for detecting drowsiness while driving) and active park assist. Adding a windshield that would provide additional visual warnings and information would simply provide the next step in this area.
That industry is already well on its way to creating a driverless car, and is very interested in cutting edge in-vehicle systems that can help to improve the safety of driving and to encourage better efficiency and a more pleasant traveling experience. In this vein, a windshield in which augmented reality adds safety, convenience, and comfort options would be exceptionally well suited.
BMW first created a color Head-Up Display (HUD) in 2004, becoming the first automaker to do so. Its use has shown that providing driving-related information in the line of sight of the driver – as would be the case with a windshield that uses augmented reality – can help to increase safety, as the driver never needs to look away from the road.