Fans of racing video games are familiar with seeing a dotted line twisting on the road ahead of them as they race along the track in the game. Usually after you get the hang of the game, you turn the guiding lines off. But what if that same "augmented reality" technology could be used on real life auto glass?
Auto glass and technology experts have been exploring ideas related to augmented reality windshields for several years. Some of the initial ideas for the high-tech windshields include displaying important information such as speed, navigation directions, or information about nearby restaurants or hotels directly on the windshield.
At the moment, these high-tech windshields are more of a concept than a reality, but researchers say that augmented reality windshields could go into production as soon as 2020 with approval from manufacturers.
How do the windshields work?
The information displayed on the windshield would most likely be projected on the glass from a small projector mounted on the dashboard. This design would be the easiest way to project the information, although light-emitting film on the glass itself could be another option. A third augmented reality option is for the driver to wear a visor that displays information in front of them, similar to Google Glass. The augmented reality technology will incorporate eye-tracking technology to make sure that the information is displayed properly within the driver's field of vision.
Driving Distraction
One of the biggest challenges that the designers of augmented reality windshields face is making sure that they project necessary information in a way that is not distracting to the driver. Researchers recognize that putting too much information on the screen could make drivers feel like they are actually in a video game, which would not have good consequences! Researchers hope to strike a balance by providing only necessary information and displaying it in an unobtrusive way.
Driver Training Tool
The possibilities of using augmented reality windshields for driver training are very exciting and promising, both for new drivers and for professionals on a race track. Augmented reality technology could map out a race track or a route to work and show where the best places to brake and accelerate are, just like in a video game! This technology could help drivers make better decisions on the road everyday.
We know that if your augmented reality windshield gets a chip in it, you'll want to contact us to get it repaired right away! For all of your windshield repair and auto glass replacement needs, contact Only 1 Auto Glass, your auto glass experts for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.