11:16 am, July 11, 2014
JAGUAR Land Rover is developing cutting-edge technologies to improve drivers’ experiences.
The ‘Jaguar Virtual Windscreen’ displays graphics across the entire screen, including hazard, speed and navigation icons, so the driver’s eyes need never leave the road.
Performance drivers could also use the technology to improve track driving. Racing lines and braking guidance, as well as ghost cars to race against or virtual cones for driver training, can all be projected on the windscreen.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology for Jaguar Land Rover, said: ‘We are working on research projects that will give the driver better information to enhance the driving experience.
‘By presenting the highest quality imagery possible, a driver need only look at a display once. Showing virtual images that allow the driver to accurately judge speed and distance will enable better decision-making and offer real benefits for every-day driving on the road, or the track.’
JLR is developing other driver aids and safety features, including gesture control technology and replacing external mirrors with cameras.
The company hopes that using gestures instead of buttons will reduce distraction whilst driving. JLR has carefully selected what will be controlled by gestures or buttons and the driver’s movements can be easily recognised from 15cm.
Dr Epple explained: ‘Gesture control has already become an accepted form of controlling anything from TV sets to games consoles. The next logical step is to control selected in-car features.
‘We have identified which functions still need to be controlled by physical buttons and which could be controlled by gesture and carefully calibrated motion sensors.
‘The system is currently being tested on a number of features including sunblinds, rear wipers and satellite navigation maps. It has the potential to be on sale within the next few years.’
Cameras would also be used to project a 3D image of outside the car on 3Dinstrument clusters. Eye tracking technology would adjust the 3D effects for the user and allow the driver to judge distance easily.
