Ford patent application intelligently conceals lidar in mirrors

Most of the autonomous cars that we see today on the roads are covered with all sorts of devices necessary to allow this autonomy. But a new Ford patent application could make these cars look more like the ones we can buy today.

A Ford patent application for an "autonomous vehicle lidar mirror" has recently been published online. The application is quite simple: instead of mounting lidar transmitters, one of the essential components of many autonomous vehicle platforms, on the vehicle itself, the transmitters are hidden in the mirrors of the car.

The mirror of the patent application includes a conductive mirror base and a metallized lid, while the emitter lives inside the mirror, just behind the usual glass piece. The pieces of metal are there to prevent interference from interfering with the proper functioning of the lidar.

Mounted as is, lidar transmitters can still "see" the world on the sides and in front of the car. Lidar transmitters send light to map a given area, using the back light to measure the distance and shape of various objects, near or on the roadway. Not all manufacturers use lidar in their audio-visual development (Tesla is a notable objector), but most view it as a mandatory part of an AV kit.

We common people no need to wait for autonomy to become ubiquitous to take advantage of lidar. Audi has already put technology in its 2019 A8 sedan production as part of its Level 3 Pilot Pilot System. Nestled in the front bumper, the lidar transmitter helps the A8 to use its driver assistance, which is unfortunately not included in the A8 specification. However, the lidar may end up in your car well before autonomy is complete.