Filed by General Motors Patent pending for Augmented Reality (AR) auto-dimming windshield that protects drivers from the glare of oncoming headlights.
First discovered by Motor1, the application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and published on January 17, 2023. AR head-up display, smart glass that can electronically adjust the amount of light that shines on the windshield and the amount of light that passes through the windshield.
When sensors detect that the light shining in the direction of the driver exceeds a certain threshold, certain parts of the windshield are dimmed to prevent dazzling the driver. The system detects the position of the driver’s eyes, the position of the glare-producing vehicle, and darkens a portion of the windshield to protect the driver. It also creates an image of the vehicle with the problem in the proper position of the windshield.
This type of system can be a good defense against other drivers who forget to turn off their high beams, but the prevalence of automatic high beams in newer cars makes that less of an issue over time.
Auto-dimming mirrors are also a common feature on today’s new cars, but the idea presented in this patent application takes that idea a step further. Instead of targeting specific glare areas, current auto-dimming mirrors darken the entire surface.
AR technology means the auto-dimming feature can be integrated with other features, such as the AR navigation system found in some premium Mercedes-Benz vehicles. These systems project arrows onto the heads-up display (and central touchscreen) to point the driver in their direction. Cadillac also has AR, but it appears in the digital instrument cluster rather than the heads-up display.
As with other recent GM patents, such as anti-sickness technology for self-driving cars and dual charging ports for EVs, there is no guarantee that the AR auto-dimming windshield will ever be produced. Automakers often patent ideas without solid plans to commercialize them, so only time will tell if this feature will make it into his future GM vehicles.
High-Resolution Gallery: Patent Images of General Motors’ Augmented Reality Head-Up Display
This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.
