Jaguar Land Rover has designed a concept car with augmented reality technology that allows the driver to see a 360-degree view of the outside environment. Dubbed as "360 Virtual Urban Windscreen," the technology works by using transparent roof pillars.
With the new car technology, the pillars become "transparent" by using inputs from exterior cameras that are designed to capture angles that are otherwise considered as blind spots. The captured data are then displayed as screen footages on the pillars. This way, drivers get a better and wider view of the surroundings. It also makes the detection of cyclists, pedestrians and other cars easier, eventually decreasing the risk of meeting an accident.
The innovative concept is aimed at improving the driver's navigation skills. Engineers have also developed the "Follow-Me Ghost Car Navigation," so-called because the driver gets to follow an image of a vehicle in front until it reaches its destination. The technology, which seemed to have borrowed the idea from Gran Turismo, projects a three-dimensional ghost car at the windscreen ahead.
The concept car smartly eliminates the need to read road signs or street names with its enhanced navigation system. The driver gets advised on when to turn left or right when the car encounters more visible landmarks such as shops or pubs.
"Driving on city streets can be a stressful experience," said Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology at Jaguar Land Rover in the U.K. "Imagine being able to drive across town without having to look at road signs, or be distracted trying to locate a parking space as you drive by."
When the virtual windscreen becomes cloud-connected, the driver can start to learn other valuable information such as current gas prices or available parking spaces ahead.
Driving off-road is also made easier as the driver can view the terrain ahead while keeping track of the front wheels' position.
"Our ultimate aim is to reduce road accidents and enhance the urban driving experience," said Epple. "If we can keep the driver's eyes on the road ahead and present information in a non-distracting way, we can help drivers make better decisions in the most demanding and congested driving environments."
Though the concept is still in its early stages of development, Jaguar Land Rover announced that its artificial intelligence and cutting-edge engine tech will be fitted in its vehicles within the next couple of years.
