Toronto, Ontario — Ford has once again published an interesting patent—the automaker’s latest technology proposes in-vehicle hologram technology that could display images on the outside of a car.
While the automaker does not outline an exact purpose for the technology, it does suggest users could emit images of police officers or vicious-looking guard dogs to protect their vehicles from potential thieves.
The in-vehicle unit would incorporate various technologies—called IHCMS, which include cameras, projectors and computer components—to beam a projection “without any noticeable distortions,” according to the patent. These systems would be located on the interior and exterior and able to project images both within the vehicle cabin and outside.
Ford hasn’t quite nailed down its plans for the projected plans.
“The projected holograms may be used for security purposes, for example, to guard the vehicle or a user home,” reads the patent, adding that the vehicle may raise an alarm when someone tries to “trespass the holograms.”
“As an example,” reads another outline, “the vehicle processor may form a hologram of a big polar bear (by merging progressions from the interior and exterior IHCMs) that may be projected as driving the vehicle.”
The OEM says IHCMs would incorporate rotating mechanisms, such as actuators or gears, and electromagnetic plates (that allow cameras to adjust focus) that may enable moveable holograms. The proposed patent also says the system could include a holographic projector, a holographic recorder, a video camera, a control unit or a processor and “the like.” Up to three different IHCM systems are outlined in the patent.
