Head-up displays have for some time enabled drivers to stay focussed on the way ahead. But now Ford engineers are trialling new headlight technology that could help ensure those behind the wheel literally keep their eyes on the road. 1
The new technology can project directions, speed limits or weather information onto the road so the driver’s gaze can remain fixed on the way ahead.
Night-time can be riskier for driving. In the UK, 40 per cent of collisions happen in darkness, even though there are far fewer people driving than in the daytime. 2 This risk is increased whenever a driver takes their eyes off the road. A vehicle travelling at 90 km/h covers 25 metres per second, meaning even a short glance at the navigation on the in-car screen can result in “driving blind” for ten metres or more. On an unlit road, this could potentially mean missing an important sign or a bend in the road.
Projecting information onto the road using high-resolution headlights could benefit other road users too. For example, a crosswalk could be projected onto the road, both for the view of the driver and the pedestrian, in situations where the existing road markings are faded or unclear. Other possibilities include showing a path for the driver to follow to ensure cyclists are passed at a safe distance.
The technology could provide the driver with information about changes in weather, such as snow falling, fog, slippery conditions, or an icy road ahead. Connecting the headlight to the navigation system could display upcoming turns, while the width of the vehicle could be projected onto the road, helping the the driver to judge whether the vehicle will fit through a gap or into a parking space.
Endeavouring to make night-driving more comfortable is part of Ford’s commitment to developing technologies that serve and inspire the way people live and work, to make life easier, now and in the future.
Quotes
“What started as playing around with a projector light and a blank wall could take lighting technologies to a whole new level. There’s the potential now to do so much more than simply illuminate the road ahead, to help reduce the stress involved in driving at night. The driver could get essential information without ever needing to take their eyes off the road.”
Lars Junker, features and software, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Ford of Europe
Notes
1 Projecting images onto the road may be subject to different legal regulations in different markets. This vehicle feature is being developed for trial purposes only and is being tested in controlled environments.
2 Road Safety Factsheet. https://www.rospa.com/media/documents/road-safety/factsheets/driving-at-night-factsheet.pdf
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com
is responsible for producing, selling, and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 41,000 employees at its wholly-owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
For more information on this story please contact:
Monika Wagener
(mwagener@ford.com)
+49 152 5470 7044
