It has been said that Apple has been working on a car for a long time. Although there is no clear information about the car, there are many rumors. Although Apple has not yet made a definitive statement about the vehicle, Apple has received many patents for this mysterious car.
Here are the patents for Apple’s automobile!
Here we examined the most important of these patents and tried to have an idea about what kind of car the famous technology company is planning. These patents, which shed light on the future of the automotive industry, are quite remarkable. Let’s examine it together.
iPhone-based motion control system
Apple’s patent application titled “Guidance Of Autonomous Vehicles In Destination Vicinities Using Intent Signals” explains how to control Apple’s autonomous vehicle on certain roads. The patent application is based on the user guiding the autonomous vehicle on rough roads via a mobile device.
Apple wants its vehicle to be fully autonomous. For this reason, it is aimed not to include any steering wheel or brake pedal in the vehicle. Users are planned to control the car’s direction and final destination with just a variety of commands.
In addition, it is aimed to control the vehicle in some areas with a digital joystick provided from a mobile device. This patent reveals how Apple is addressing the challenges that fully autonomous vehicles can face. It seems that Apple will include a little bit of human factor in its first tool.
Automatic charging station
Apple has once again demonstrated its seriousness about cars by hiring a former Ford executive. In the current era, Apple’s car will also be powered by electric motors. Considering the charging process, which is the biggest problem of electric cars, in this process, Apple received another patent on this subject.
Apple holds a patent for a “charging station with passive alignment mechanism” that aims to eliminate the need for driver intervention when charging an electric vehicle. According to the patent, the vehicle will enter the charging station without driver intervention and start charging. This patent also coincides with Apple’s goal of a fully autonomous vehicle.
Informational lighting group
Apple has also filed a patent for an advanced lighting system that shares information with other drivers. In addition to the traditional brake light, this system will reflect various information about the car and road condition onto the rear window of the vehicle.
The rear window will act as a kind of light board to give a warning to other drivers when needed. This patent also shows that the Apple-signed car will work fully autonomously. Because this interactive rear window will block the driver’s view to a large extent when it comes into play.
Augmented reality view
Augmented reality is entering our world more and more every day. Apple, which is not indifferent to this situation, is also considering using augmented reality technology in its vehicles. With the patent it has received, the company will reveal a digital view of the path the vehicle is moving along with the information it will receive from various sources.
Thanks to this system, which is of great importance in terms of safety for autonomous vehicles, dangers that may arise on the roads will be prevented. Thanks to the information provided by augmented reality, road conditions can be determined much earlier and measures can be taken accordingly. This patent also gives clues about the exchange of information between vehicles.
Hidden user interfaces
Another interesting Apple Car patent, described as “hidden user interfaces”, sheds light on a system that could form the basis for all future cars. The patent is based on hiding unused touch screens.
The panel, which is hidden when not in use, illuminates when a hand approaches, allowing the user’s input. With this new patent, Apple may not limit touch screens only to the front and center console of the vehicle. It is possible to see this system in Apple’s car in very unexpected places.
All these patents give some insight into Apple’s long-awaited car. Although there is still no clear information about the vehicle, as the patents show, we will be faced with a fully autonomous vehicle. Let’s see when Apple will literally step into the car industry?
So what do you think about Apple’s autonomous car? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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