The future of navigation systems?

Agent001 submitted on 1/23/2003 Auto Spies Photos Timestamp: 2:34:39 PM

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The future of navigation systems?

Can you say "Augmented reality"

The Future of Navigation:

Siemens VDO Automotive works on Augmented Reality

Millions of drivers already appreciate the comfort of today’s modern navigation systems. The dynamic navigation from the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) aids drivers on long distance journeys, by helping to avoid traffic jams. It is no longer necessary to follow a route on a map, or to look for directions. The position and the route are constantly shown on the monitor of the navigation system, and a voice punctually announces changes of direction. Above all, Siemens VDO and Siemens Corporate Technology are working on “Augmented Reality” in order to make complicated traffic situations more comfortable.

In Information Technology, “Augmented Reality” represents the possibility to fusion real and virtual, computer-generated pictures at the same time. Siemens Engineers may use this technology in a future navigation systems. On the navigation display, camera-produced pictures of the surrounding area could incorporate instructions on direction – in the form of three dimensional arrows for example. On the monitor, the driver sees the world, and the road ahead, from the same point of view as it is seen from the driver’s seat. The “conversion” of abstract maps is no longer applicable.

The basic idea of “Augmented Reality” was formed quite simply: the actual traffic situation is filmed by a video camera mounted, for example, in the area of the interior rear-view mirror. The images are overlaid with data about the vehicle’s position and the route. This is undertaken by a graphic processor. As this process involves many complex calculations, it will require a few more years of development at Siemens VDO before the system is ready. The developers then hope to integrate the new concept in it a human machine interface.

Siemens VDO Automotive sees the “Augmented Reality” project as proof of its leading role in navigation technology. This position is supported by the close cooperation between the specialists from Siemens VDO and the basic researchers of Siemens Corporate Technology.