Augmented Reality technology is invading the automotive world today to increase the factors of safety and comfort while driving, and this reality integrates the virtual and real worlds, to provide important driving data in an environment suitable for the driver of the car and enrich the data displayed on the screen.
But so far this system has not completely dispensed with the basic displays, as all basic information must remain visible at all times and conditions.
And the company "Wayray" (Wayray) announced the enrichment of this technology by using a laser to display holographic images on the windshield of the car, so that the screen is about 10 times larger than it was in previous systems.
In addition to the path of the road, pedestrian or cyclist traffic areas or traffic lights can be displayed graphically and in color.
The company explained that these animations organize their movements in the driver’s line of sight, based on a laser technology built into the floor of the car to provide an augmented reality experience that transmits red, green and blue light beams to the dashboard.
An optical system develops holograms and displays them on a layer of a special photopolymer in the windshield to show objects at a range of almost infinite distances, and the first cars equipped with this technology are expected to be put on the market by 2025.
Not to be distracted
Pedro Ribeiro Monteiro, who is in charge of the multimedia system at Mercedes-Benz, explained that this technology aims primarily to not distract the driver, as the necessary information is displayed in the field of vision such as the current speed or data of the system. Navigation, assistive system information or speed limits, as well as displaying the names of callers, streets or radio stations.
The Mercedes system still requires a lot of space to display, which is more available in the S-Class than, for example, in the A-Class, so future systems will have to be smaller, while at the same time offering a bigger picture and additional functionality. Support the driver in his mission.
Monteiro added that the wide profile would help when cornering.
The developers of "Way Ray" also see the possibility of holographic images of the side window containing information and content, based on the possibility of converting any transparent surface into a display for augmented reality.
Volkswagen has already integrated the AR-HuD system into the compact car segment as part of the equipment for electric models such as the ID.3 and ID.
4" (ID.4).
Increase comfort and safety
In turn, Alexander Koons, a specialist in augmented reality systems at Volkswagen, explained that this technology increases driving comfort and safety by reducing the cognitive effort to interpret the displayed information, given that the important information actually appears in the driver's work environment.
Instructions for navigation, distance or lane-keeping are displayed only when needed, visually at a distance of what appears to be 10 metres, and at the bottom there is a bar display containing static information that appears to be 3 metres.
However, car developers will not be able to do without the support of basic displays, as all essential information, such as warning lights and functional lights, must be available at all times.