In the constant search to innovate and offer advanced technological solutions, Ford has filed a new patent that could redefine safety and the interactive features in their vehicles.
Read also: Ford Mustang GTD: the beast that transforms motorsport
This time, the oval brand has ventured to explore the use of smart holograms, capable of projecting themselves both inside and outside the carwith a variety of applications that promise to transform not only the driver experience, but also vehicle safety.
You can read: Lotus redefines the future with its 1,000 hp concept car
Imagine you are parked and suddenly, A hologram of a police officer appears next to your car when it detects that someone is trying to force the door.
This is just one of the uses that Ford has proposed in His recent patent published at the end of Augustwith the registration number 0288823The system, as described, would consist of cameras, projectors and specialized software that work together to generate moving, interactive holograms that could be projected both outside and inside the vehicle.
The idea behind this technology is to prevent theft by creating virtual deterrents.like the aforementioned police officer.
Not only would this holographic agent serve to intimidate potential thieves, but it could also alert the car owner if someone tries to breach the vehicle’s security.
Ford has also considered the possibility of projecting a guard dog, offering a modern alternative to the classic warnings of “Beware of the dog”although this time, everything would be digital.
Beyond safety: an interactive driver experience
The potential of this technology goes beyond security. Ford is also exploring how holograms could improve the driver experience. and passengers in everyday situations.
Instead of interacting with a traditional screen, drivers could see a restaurant menu projected onto their windshield when at a drive-in, making selection and ordering easier.
This vehicle-connected functionality would allow drivers to perform tasks more comfortably and efficiently without having to take your eyes off the road.
Ford’s idea is not limited to these examples. It could also be applied to the display of important information about the car, such as parking guidelines, which are currently shown on the multimedia system screen.
Instead of looking at a screen, the guides would appear directly projected onto the rear or front glass.providing a more immersive and direct experience for the driver. Even making video calls could be made more comfortable and efficient by projecting the interlocutor’s image onto the windshield, eliminating the need for traditional screens.
A technology in constant evolution
Holographic technology is not completely new ground for Ford. Already in 2022the brand had explored the use of holograms to locate vehicles in crowded parking lots or streets.
Using this technology, the driver could locate his car more easily, projecting its location in a visible three-dimensional environment. In addition, The idea of projecting figures inside the car to deter thieves is not entirely new.
Ford has previously patented similar systems that project virtual passengers into the car, creating the illusion that the vehicle was not empty and therefore a less attractive target for criminals.
The future of holograms in the automotive world
However, the fact that Ford has registered this patent does not guarantee that the technology will reach the market in the short term.
Major automotive companies often patent innovative ideas and systems to protect their intellectual property.but not all of these ideas materialize into commercial products.
According to statements made by Ford to specialized media, such as Popular Science, patents do not always reflect the brand’s immediate plans for its line of vehicles.
Even so, Ford’s interest in advanced technologies is demonstrated by this recordand the possibility that in the near future we will see cars that use interactive holograms to improve safety and user experience is, to say the least, intriguing.
Also, other companies, such as General Motorsare also exploring similar technologies, such as 3D projection systems to improve visibility on the road.
This indicates that the automotive sector could be entering a new era, where holograms and augmented reality play a fundamental role in the evolution of smart vehicles.
Ford’s new patent, which features an interactive hologram system, has the potential to be a game-changer for the automotive industry. From preventing theft to improving the driving experience, the potential uses for this technology are virtually endless.
While it remains to be seen whether these holograms will materialize in production cars, it’s clear that Ford is leading the way toward a future where advanced technology and safety go hand-in-hand.