AR Augmented Reality Technology Explains Driving is Like Flying a Fighter Jet

    Augmented Reality technology (hereinafter referred to as AR technology) has gradually entered the field of automotive products from computers and electronic products. The reversing visual function with track lines that we are familiar with is actually a relatively simple application of augmented reality technology. A more advanced augmented reality technology is the HUD (Head Up Display) head-up display technology that we see on some high-end cars. In the next ten years, as AR technology matures, more and more AR technology will be introduced into cars. At present, image projection technology within the driver's field of view is an important development direction. This article will introduce the development status and direction of AR technology in detail.

Experience reading mode

● What is AR augmented reality technology?

　　Augmented reality is the superposition of computer-generated sensory input on a real-world view. The sensory input includes elements such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. This technology can enhance human perception of the current environment. The opposite of augmented reality is virtual reality. Virtual reality uses completely virtual sound, video, graphics and other elements to simulate the real world.

●  AR technology is widely used in aircraft

　　The holographic diffraction technology used in airplanes is an application of the concept of augmented reality. Its principle is similar to the HUD projection technology used in cars. As early as 1988, General Motors introduced HUD technology into cars, but it was not widely adopted due to its high cost. On the contrary, for expensive means of transportation such as airplanes, the cost of HUD is negligible, so HUD technology has been widely adopted by the aviation industry since then.

　　The picture above shows the holographic diffraction HUD module on the US F-22 fighter.

　　When a fighter pilot has a holographic diffraction HUD, his field of vision will become like the picture above.

● Reversing visibility, HUD head-up display, and panoramic imaging are all mature applications of augmented reality

　　The reversing visual function generally superimposes the reversing track line on the reversing camera image. The reversing track line of some high-end models will change in real time according to the different steering wheel angles. This is a typical application of augmented reality technology - superimposing computer-generated sensory input on real images.

　　Panoramic imaging is a practical technology that synthesizes images collected by four cameras located around the vehicle to form an image of the vehicle from the roof, providing convenience for drivers to park. Since drivers generally cannot overlook the vehicle from the roof with their own eyes, this technology can also be considered AR technology.

　　The HUD head-up display can project images such as vehicle speed and navigation information onto the windshield or the projection screen above the center console to assist the driver in driving the vehicle.

● BMW repairmen have already adopted AR technology to repair cars

　　BMW launched a pair of special glasses at the beginning of this year, which can guide maintenance workers to perform vehicle maintenance. Through the fault codes stored in the BMW vehicle smart key, the smart glasses can diagnose vehicle faults and give maintenance suggestions. When the maintenance worker wears the glasses, the glasses will superimpose a colorful three-dimensional image on the maintenance worker's field of vision to indicate the maintenance worker's work area, the tools to be used, and the maintenance operations to be performed. BMW maintenance glasses are an innovative move in the field of automobile maintenance, leading the trend of the automobile maintenance industry.

● Google Glass encounters obstacles in entering the automotive field

　　Speaking of the combination of wearable devices and AR technology, I think some readers who are familiar with electronic products have already thought of Google Glass. Indeed, Google Glass is the most mature product that combines wearable devices and augmented reality technology. Although some states in the United States have issued regulations prohibiting drivers from wearing Google Glass while driving a vehicle. However, under the strong influence of Google, the application of Google Glass will also extend to the automotive field like Apple CarPlay.

● Pioneer augmented reality navigation system

　　The application of AR technology in cars generally adopts image superposition technology in the form of projection, which superimposes information images in the driver's field of view. Since the front windshield directly faces the sunlight, it is difficult to obtain high-brightness superimposed images on the windshield through projection technology. In view of this, Pioneer of Japan adopted a compromise method and set up a large-size translucent projection screen at the position of the car sunshade to project superimposed images in the driver's field of view. This design effectively avoids the influence of light outside the car on the projector, and can superimpose high-brightness and high-contrast images in the driver's field of view. Pioneer's system is named NavGate HUD. With the help of big data and Internet of Things technology, Pioneer's system can realize navigation guidance, point of interest prompts, real-time road conditions and hazard warning lights.

● Universal full front HUD system is under development

　　As mentioned above, since the front windshield directly faces the sunlight, it is difficult to obtain a high-brightness superimposed image on the windshield through projection technology. GM is also developing a full front HUD system and has already produced related test products. The projection system combines a series of sensor systems, including night vision systems, GPS systems, and camera systems, to provide drivers with a new and more convenient driving experience.

● China will become the country with the fastest growth in HUD technology

　　According to a 2013 report by IHS, the number of HUD devices adopted in China will increase by 34% in 2020. This means that HUD configuration will appear more frequently in the configuration table of new models. As the configuration rate increases, more low-end models will have HUD configuration. However, HUD is always a configuration with high hardware cost. The author believes that navigation all-in-one machines with AR augmented reality technology will be more suitable for China's national conditions and easier to promote. After all, software costs are much lower than hardware costs.

　　Summary: In the foreseeable next five years, AR technology will further enter people's lives. Whether it is the mobile phone you use, the electronic games you play, the wearable devices you wear, or even the car you drive, there will be intersections with AR technology. When AR technology becomes popular, you may sigh that the future life presented in the movie is finally here! We are very happy to see that Chinese independent brand cars have the opportunity to surpass foreign car products in the configuration of AR technology, and we also look forward to the convenience that technological progress will bring to car life.