Heads-up displays are undoubtedly novel, and downright useful in the right circumstances. Trouble is, few of these prototypes ever make it beyond the lab, and we're stuck using these same two eyeballs to experience the world around us. General Motors is evidently tired of the almosts, and it's now working in concert with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern California in order to concoct one of the most advanced HUD systems that we've seen -- particularly in the automotive world. Setting out to create "enhanced vision systems," GM's R&D team has created a windshield packed with visible and Infrared cameras along with internal optics that keep a close eye on the driver's retinas. In the images and video below (hit the 'Read More' link for the real action), you'll see a solution that utilizes lasers in order to highlight road edges, speed limit signs and all sorts of other vital bits of data during a fog-filled commute. Best of all? We're told that some of these technologies "could end up in GM vehicles in the near-term future." Granted, the Volt was supposed to set sail already, but we suppose we'll give 'em the benefit of the doubt.
@cholly Nothing; they use phosphors that are only activated by an intensely focused laser beam at a given (UV?) frequency. Oh, you'll still be blinded by the idiot's headlights, though. A system to fix that would be more interesting.
Great. You know how hard this thing will be to ignore!? I have enough going on with trying to do things on my cellphone, drink my venti mochafrap with 3 extra shots and deal with kids in the back seat. Now I have to also mind a dancing lightshow on my windshield when I drive?
I'd want the system to keep an eye out for highway patrol. If one is spotted, it should compare my speed to the known speed limit and automatically alert me. I'd also want the same system on the rear window for the same reason.
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posted March 18th 2010 4:40AM
This makes me sad. I talked about this idea at least 10 years ago. I should have acted on it, eh.
For the record, the Volt is still on track for a 2010 launch. 11/2010 was always the launch date as a 2011 model.
If you want Volt info, may I suggest www.gm-volt.com? I've been following since the concept came out, that site is the best I have found.
So what happens when the moron with his high beams on hits your windshield ?
@cholly Nothing; they use phosphors that are only activated by an intensely focused laser beam at a given (UV?) frequency. Oh, you'll still be blinded by the idiot's headlights, though. A system to fix that would be more interesting.
Great. You know how hard this thing will be to ignore!? I have enough going on with trying to do things on my cellphone, drink my venti mochafrap with 3 extra shots and deal with kids in the back seat. Now I have to also mind a dancing lightshow on my windshield when I drive?
Bah.
How about showing off some prototypes for some engineers that don't blow?
I mean, that's why the American auto industry has increasingly been in more and more trouble over the years. Their engineers just suck.
Why pay 20 grand for a horrible American car, when the Europeans have cars that are 20 grand and match up to 50+ grand American cars?
For example, the Mini. $20k and it's simply a quality car. It's not going to fit your 20 kids, but -most- Americans likely don't need anything bigger.
I'd want the system to keep an eye out for highway patrol. If one is spotted, it should compare my speed to the known speed limit and automatically alert me. I'd also want the same system on the rear window for the same reason.
Hope this technology isn't as racist as the HP webcam. See video on what I mean. Funny as hell.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4DT3tQqgRM
This is hardly new. I remember seeing something like this on Newton's Apple like 15 years ago. This just has a littlle more polish.
They'll need to throw in radar detection.
I think this infomation is good for drivers, not for people that havent got any cars