External Holographic Projection! Ford's New Patent

Recently, we learned from relevant channels that Ford Motor Company has applied for a patent with the USPTO for an advanced holographic system that may be used in future Ford models. The patent was filed on February 23, 2023, and published on August 29, 2024.
 

Previously, Ford had applied for two patents related to holographic technology. One of them is for a holographic projection system designed to help locate vehicles in parking lots, especially in dark or low-light conditions (such as fog). The other patent is for a car window projection system that uses a projector to create the illusion of two passengers in the car (even if there are none), which could help deter potential attackers, thieves, and other criminals.
 

This newly published patent continues this trend and proposes an advanced holographic system that may be used in future Ford cars. The patent states that the system will be able to record and project 2D holographic images outside the car, including representations of other vehicles, people, animals, and even cartoon characters.
 

The patent describes a vehicle equipped with a holographic projection system. The vehicle may include multiple integrated holographic camera modules (IHCMs) configured to project a movable hologram. The vehicle may also include a vehicle processor that communicates with the IHCMs. The processor may obtain a record of the movable hologram from one IHCM and determine its movement based on the record. It may also switch the projection of the hologram from one IHCM to another when predefined criteria are met. The specific purpose of this system is not entirely clear at this time, as Ford did not reveal detailed information in the patent application. Overall, this is an intriguing concept that may become a reality in the future.