Ford files patent for a car with holographic cops and guard dogs

Ford has a far-off vision of one day using holographic technology popularized in sci-fi to create digital representations of cops and guard dogs to deter would-be criminals. A recently published patent filing from the automaker details how multiple integrated holographic camera modules (IHCMs) could be used to create “moveable and interactive holograms” inside and outside of a vehicle. Though it’s unclear whether or not Ford will ultimately pursue holograms tech in its cars, the filling lays out numerous scenarios where these digital projections could be used to ward off unwanted visitors or simply place a virtual representation of a drive through menu inside a car for easier ordering. The patent also oddly includes the description of a massive hologram polar bear with its head sticking out of a car. 

Ford’s patent explores the use of holograms projected on both the exterior and interiors of a vehicle. For the exterior examples, the flings include illustrations of what looks like digital police officers standing beside a parked vehicle. The filing claims this hypothetical car could have  multiple integrated IHCMs—which include cameras, projectors, and computing components—that would work in tandem to beam out a projection “without any noticeable distortions.” Drivers could initiate the hologram system, the filing notes, by looking at the car and giving a “thumbs up.” The patent was originally filed in February 2023, but was published and made public late last month and first spotted by Ford Authority. 

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