Ford patents pop-up ad tech for its infotainment

Ford has been caught patenting new software for its cars that would repeat or replicate passing billboards within its infotainment system.

Described by the car-maker as a "billboard interface for vehicle displays", the new tech patented by the US car-maker works by using its on-board cameras to read a passing billboards and then create a pop-up that would be replicated within the infotainment system.

As well as displaying the ad, the tech will also enable a hyperlink to be displayed to allow passengers to purchase the product advertised or find out more information.

It could also divert the sat-nav to the shop or restaurant advertised.

The system is expected to provide a lucrative new revenue stream for the Blue Oval brand.

Other car-makers are experimenting by offering options like semi-autonomous cruise control on a subscription basis.

Ford's new tech is yet another new opportunity available due to its cars being always connected to the internet.

To prevent driver distraction, it's likely ads will only be broadcast to the occupant in the driver's seat when either the vehicle is at rest at traffic lights or the car is operating in autonomous mode.

There's no indication when Ford plans to offer the new ad delivery system, but third-party smartphone navigation apps, like Waze, already offer a less sophisticated system of dealing adverts based on your location, but only when it detects the vehicle is at standstill.