A up to date patent submitting signifies Apple is doubtlessly having a look to amplify past CarPlay with an augmented fact machine that initiatives knowledge onto automotive windshields.

First noticed by way of The Power, the patent utility in query used to be filed with the US Patent and Trademark Place of business on April 28 and printed on Aug. 24. It describes the use of sensors reminiscent of visible-light cameras, infrared cameras, radar, and ultrasonic or lidar devices, to construct a third-dimensional image of our environment across the automobile. Geographical positioning information might be integrated as neatly, the appliance says.

The use of this information, the machine would then overlay knowledge in this kind of means that it might seem to be populating the surroundings itself in true augmented fact taste, reasonably than showing as flat presentations at the windshield. Within the utility, Apple suggests some imaginable makes use of, like highlighting indicators with related knowledge, or outlining a vacation spot that can be obscured by way of constructions.

Apple additionally suggests the use of the machine to persuade drivers into being extra wary. The appliance means that digital velocity bumps might be projected onto the street if the motive force goes too rapid, encouraging them to decelerate. It will even paintings with adaptive suspension to simulate the sensation of passing over velocity bumps, Apple suggests. Or it might venture pictures of “human kid folks” to inspire drivers to decelerate for college zones.

Apple augmented fact windshield patent symbol

Whilst Apple turns out to have some use circumstances idea out, the patent utility does not be offering a lot element at the {hardware} that might make this imaginable. Present augmented fact methods, reminiscent of the only in some contemporary Mercedes-Benz cars that may venture arrows onto a view of the street forward as a part of the navigation machine, depend on head-up presentations. However filling all the windshield with third-dimensional imagery is some other topic.

Apple is not the one corporate pondering of turning windshields into show monitors. Augmented fact tech used to be featured on two thought vehicles—the Mercedes-Benz Idea CLA-Elegance and Volkswagen ID.GTI—that debuted at this week’s 2023 Munich auto display.