Microsoft’s latest innovative solution is AR glasses for drivers that can see through fog and dust, greatly enhancing visibility.
Microsoft has been trying to get into the smart vehicle space lately, particularly the EV and autonomous segment, alongside tech giants like Amazon and Uber. While autonomous driving is one part of the story, Microsoft also experiments with augmented reality to make the driving experience safer. Namely, the company submitted a patent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in December 2020 for AR glasses that can see through the fog and serve as a night vision enhancer.
Using augmented reality, the glasses can enhance poor visibility in fog, when driving on misty roads, or any other dimly lit area. Microsoft utilizes digital visual elements and sensory stimuli technology to provide vital information about the area in focus. The patent specifies an interactive head-mounted eyepiece with optical assembly, through which the user can view the surrounding environment. No matter how bad the visibility is, the correct elements provide an enhanced view through total internal reflections using an optical waveguide.
While AR glasses have been present for the last few years, Microsoft’s unit takes visibility obstructions into consideration, especially those caused due to foggy weather conditions, often leading to accidents and fatalities. Automakers like BMW, Toyota, and Cadillac, already experimented with AR-based Head-Up displays (HUD). However, it remains to be seen if consumers see the benefit.
An AR-powered gadget that enhances fog visibility is welcome and will serve especially well during long highway rides. However, Microsoft’s solution already faces stiff competition from night vision cameras by Lanmodo, Gopro, Sionyx, and more. While the patent only mentions AR-powered glasses, the application can vary through innovative utilization when it arrives in the market.
More details to come.
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