Apple's Pursuit of Augmented Reality: A Patent for AR Windshield Technology

he mystery surrounding Apple's involvement in the automotive industry continues, with speculation ranging from intense car development to complete project abandonment. What's certain is that Apple has been delving into car tech, from the widely used CarPlay to newer, more innovative concepts. Recently, an intriguing patent related to augmented reality (AR) windshield technology was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

While the patent documents are freshly published this month, they reveal that Apple has been working on this technology for quite some time. References to previous patent applications dating back to 2015 indicate Apple's longstanding interest in applying augmented reality to the automotive sector. This aligns with the company's focus on enhancing the CarPlay ecosystem's value proposition.

Augmented reality, often abbreviated as AR, encompasses various display techniques that overlay digital visuals onto the real world. Unlike a basic heads-up display that merely projects information onto a screen, an augmented reality display can interact with and integrate graphics seamlessly into the environment. For instance, a navigation system could show a virtual arrow guiding the driver down a side street. While some automakers like Mercedes-Benz incorporate AR for infotainment screens during navigation, Apple's patent suggests a broader approach.

The patent outlines Apple's proposed AR system, which would rely on an array of sensors to gather information about the surroundings. These sensors could include visible light cameras, different types of infrared cameras, ultrasonic and light-based scanning devices, and more. By compiling a three-dimensional representation of the vehicle's environment, the AR system could overlay data that appears to coexist within the actual surroundings.

The patent envisions a range of practical applications. For example, the AR system could highlight relevant information on signs or outline obscured navigation destinations behind buildings or vehicles. Beyond the conventional, the patent explores imaginative possibilities. It suggests that the AR system might display virtual speed bumps to encourage slower driving or simulate the sensation of passing over these bumps through active suspension. Another scenario involves identifying the presence of "human child individuals" to indicate potential school zones.

However, the patent doesn't delve into the nitty-gritty of implementation. While projecting a small heads-up display is one thing, transforming an entire windshield into a high-quality AR interface presents a significant technological challenge.

As cars become increasingly intelligent, the race to reshape the user interface is in full swing. Augmented reality is just one of the many features on the automotive industry's wishlist as it envisions a future where innovative technologies redefine the driving experience.