Nissan Unveils Groundbreaking Invisible Technology at CES
Next week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nissan is set to introduce a groundbreaking concept that aims to help drivers “see the invisible” by blending the real and virtual worlds, creating a seamless connected-car experience.
This innovative technology, known as Invisible-to-Visible (I2V), is part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which seeks to revolutionize how cars are powered, driven, and integrated into society. At CES, I2V will be showcased through an immersive, interactive 3D experience, highlighting the future of driving.
I2V works by combining data from sensors both inside and outside the car with cloud information. This allows the system to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and foresee upcoming conditions, even revealing what’s behind a building or around a corner. Drive guidance is provided in a fun, interactive way, such as through avatars that appear within the car.
The integration with the virtual world means I2V can offer a range of services to make driving more convenient, enjoyable, and stress-free. As Tetsuro Ueda from the Nissan Research Center explains, “I2V boosts your confidence and makes driving more fun by helping you see the invisible. It’s customized to match your interests and driving style.”
Nissan’s omni-sensing technology powers I2V, functioning as a central system that collects and utilizes real-time data from the vehicle’s environment, both externally and internally. Technologies like Sam (seamless autonomous mobility) analyze real-time traffic information, and ProPilot offers semiautonomous driver support by detailing the car’s surroundings.
I2V creates a 360-degree virtual map around the car, providing essential information about road conditions, visibility, signage, and pedestrians. Interior sensors also help monitor passengers, anticipating when they may need a break or assistance.
Additionally, I2V connects drivers and passengers to the Metaverse, allowing family or friends to appear as 3D avatars inside the car for company or help. During autonomous driving, I2V can enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the ride. For instance, it can project sunny weather inside the vehicle when it’s raining outside.
When visiting an unfamiliar place, I2V can search the Metaverse for a local expert who can offer real-time guidance to those in the vehicle. This valuable information is stored in the cloud for future accessibility by others or for the onboard AI to facilitate better navigation through local areas.
For manual driving, I2V overlays omni-sensing data into the driver’s full field of view, helping them navigate poor visibility corners, unpredictable road conditions, or approaching traffic. Drivers can even book a professional from the Metaverse for real-time driving lessons, with the expert appearing as an avatar or virtual car to demonstrate optimal driving techniques.
I2V not only provides updates on traffic and estimated travel times but also continually communicates about the road ahead to reduce stress. It offers suggestions, like which lane to choose in heavy traffic, using real-time local data mapping through omni-sensing.
Upon reaching the destination, I2V can utilize Sam to scan for available parking or other relevant location-based services.
In summary, Nissan’s I2V technology promises to transform the driving experience by merging the real with the virtual, offering enhanced safety, convenience, and enjoyment for drivers and passengers alike.
