Toyota caught patenting its next-gen windscreen tech

Toyota has been caught patenting its next-generation head-up display technology that actively tailors what information it displays depending on how fast you’re going or even which direction you’re looking, according to new reports.

The idea, according to the single image leaked online by car websites like autoblog.com. is to advance current head-up display technology.

Instead of a traditional speedo, tachometer and sat-nav guidance, the new system the Japanese car-maker is working on uses a front-mounted camera to identify lane markings, while the car’s ECU analyses the speed and steering angle.

Meanwhile, an interior camera scans the driver to work out where the driver is looking.

The system then projects information relevant to the driver’s concentration in that part of the screen.

As the speed increases, any relevant information then moves further up the screen to help the driver look further ahead up the road and not be distracted from looking down.

It’s not known when the Toyota plans to introduce the new tech but its advancement of the new technology coincides with Jaguar Land Rover’s big investment in the same head-up display technology.

JLR has even gone as far as developing a driver’s aid based on the Gran Turismo game. When you’re on your favourite race track the correct racing line and brake points are projected onto the track to help you drive faster.

Even more amusing, once you’ve completed a lap you can race yourself thanks to a virtual ‘ghost’ projected onto the screen.