Augmented reality to offer drivers new safety features

Augmented reality displays blend onscreen images and data with the real world and the technology has the potential to make driving much safer, with holograms on windscreens that can highlight hazards and additional environmental context for journeys likely in the near future.

Head-up displays, or HUDs, are augmented reality displays that can be fitted to cars and work similarly to virtual reality headsets, except they provide visual feedback for the real world instead.

Two dimensional HUDs are actually established technology that have been commonly used in aerospace and the military since as early as the 1980s. Three dimensional holographic versions however, provide a stronger more visible physical presence, which can integrate with the depth of field view of the driver.

The human brain is not designed for prolonged attention to detail. The mind fatigues, and distractions become more commonplace and intense the longer time passes. When this happens, a driver can lose awareness of the road and react too slowly to upcoming hazards. HUDs can help highlight sudden changes in road conditions or preempt them.

The technology would solve a major issue in road safety psychology called the "look but fail to see phenomenon". This is when a user does not register something right in front of their eyes. Having a secondary display system highlights problems, making them harder to miss. Studies show that visual cues draw human attention to details in situations extremely effectively, saving mental energy on prolonged trips.

Able to assist with navigation, performance, and hazards, the promise of efficient and distraction-free driving is attractive to the consumer car industry, which has been silently developing the technology for many years.

Miniature lasers powered by a graphics card processing chip produce 3D holograms that are powerful enough to create visible images, even when bathed in intense sunlight.

Such advancements may also make driving more accessible to those with poorer vision. Current driving tests universally rely upon strict eyesight requirements. It is hoped that HUDs may increase accessibility for the differently abled or the elderly in the near future.

Naturally, each brand or model of car will vary in the type of displays they choose to utilize and the type of holographic images on show. Sports vehicles could prioritize velocity and physics of the ride, perhaps showing the G force the driver is sustaining under each turn. Urban drivers on the other hand may prefer displays that warn about pedestrians ahead or potholes in the road. Whatever the requirements of the driver, an increased offering of visual information and context could allow them to stay alert.

A key contemporary issue in a future that could include self-driving vehicles will be how best to balance road safety with a driver's desire to relax on a trip, while still remaining fully aware of hazards and taking action when necessary. Here, HUDs could also come into play, popping up with attention-grabbing colors and symbols to warn drivers, even while they are relaxing. Much like the way in which inflight entertainment halts when instructions are given for passengers to fasten their seat belts or prepare for landing, it is hoped HUDs will be able to alert drivers in the future by cutting into their relaxation.

It is important however that they will be designed in a way that notifies people at critical times without causing alarm or confusion.

Augmented reality displays are likely to become a mainstream optional consumer choice in the near future. Customers may opt to have the feature built into new car models, and also purchase HUDs as installable separate add-on extras. This element of choice is equally as important when it comes to customizing HUDs to fit driver requirements. Warning messages are of course a mandatory component of the HUD experience, however extras such as telephone call information and music choices must be carefully managed by drivers and offered with caution by the manufacturer to prevent further distractions.

Barry He is a London-based columnist for China Daily.