The basic layout of the inside of the car has remained almost the same for several decades now. Though technology such as satellite navigation has found a home on the dashboard, it has changed little of the fundamental layout. That might be about to change, thanks to augmented reality (AR).
Virtual reality (VR) prototyping company OPTIS have partnered with embedded software company Elektrobit to provide AR heads-up-display (HUD) systems for automotive use.
The two companies plan to combine their knowledge of automotive solutions to create a system that can be used by car manufacturers to asses AR content. The AR HUD can be utilised to highlight objects, persons and areas in order to direct the driver’s attention to important road signs, pedestrians or other vehicles. The OPTIS system allows driving scenarios to be tested in real-life driving conditions from the safety of a VR environment.
“By combining our expertise, automakers will be able to assess augmented reality content in a life-like driving experience,” said Ludovic Manillier, HUD Solution Director at OPTIS. “We are very proud to contribute to speeding up AR HUDs’ time-to-market as virtual testing enables a very short iteration loop between embedded software development and test and driver experience.”
The impetus behind the development of AR HUD systems is to improve safety by providing drivers with the right information at the right time and creating a path towards automated vehicles in the future.
“Augmented reality is opening new doors for carmakers and drivers. By augmenting the car’s environment, this solution aims to reassure the driver and give them total confidence in their vehicle,” says Martin Schleicher, EVP, Head of Business Management, Elektrobit. “Carmakers invest a lot of time and energy in selecting the best solution for their vehicles. Thanks to our partnership with OPTIS, they now can offer their customers a safer and more comfortable driving experience without having to procure new hardware.”
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