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Apple is granted tons of new patents every year, and even if only a few of them are actually implemented in the end, they generally provide a good insight into Apple's world of ideas.
Today we're talking about a particularly interesting idea - a car without blind spots. The patent describes a technology that is probably related to Project Titan - the Apple Car. The so-called blind spot could be a thing of the past. Blind spots are areas that the driver cannot see, even with side and rearview mirrors. This often leads to devastating accidents - especially with trucks. But Apple believes it has a solution. With the patent called "Systems for enhancing the side mirror functionality of a vehicle", which was discovered by Patently Apple, Apple describes a technology that prevents blind spots. The method could work in both autonomous and normal driving modes and includes folding side mirrors that react to the driver.
A sensor is coupled to the vehicle and oriented to detect a facial feature of the driver. A controller is in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The mirror is configured to be in the retracted position when the facial feature is not aligned with the mirror. The actuator is configured to move the mirror to the extended position when the sensor detects the facial feature aligned with the mirror during operation of the vehicle.
Folding side mirrors are not really a new invention, but Apple's version would use the familiar mechanism and expand on it to prevent blind spots while driving. There would also be room for a display in the windshield, as can be seen later in the patent. It remains to be seen whether the system can be implemented in practice - if the iCar does actually appear at some point, it could be a fascinating feature and ensure greater safety on the road. Alternatively, the idea could end up remaining just an idea. (Photo by Karneg / Bigstockphoto)
