General Motors, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern California have cooked up next-generation windshield technology that will integrate sensors, cameras and images to enhance a driver’s vision.
The so-called “head up” display technology builds on the GM system brought to market in 1988. The general idea is to create a windsheld that leverages night vision, navigation and sensor technology to improve driver visibility. The first generation head up technology is in GM’s Corvette, GMC Acadia, Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac STS, but only uses a small part of the windshield.
According to GM, the next-gen technology will use the entire windshield as a device. GM hasn’t identified any specific models for the technology but expects it to wind up in vehicles in the near future.
The next-gen windshield is coated transparent phosphors that emit light when excited by a compact laser. That laser turns the windshield into a large transparent display. The application could be helpful in fog, night or stormy conditions.
