LG Electronics’ automotive AR technology wins grand patent prize from KIPO

LG Electronics won the King Sejong Award for its patent in automotive AR technology, which enhances accuracy and graphics, optimized for autonomous driving. (LG Electronics)

LG Electronics Inc. was awarded the grand prize at the Korean Intellectual Property Office’s (KIPO) patent technology awards on Wednesday for its automotive augmented reality (AR) patent.

The award-winning technology enables automotive displays to present vehicle information and navigation directions through 3D AR graphics, providing an intuitive representation of various driving scenarios.

A key feature of this system is its ability to separate, transform, and combine AR graphics to convey complex information that is difficult to convey using traditional methods, such as direction, speed, grade, route status, and lane changes.

For example, as a vehicle approaches a highway exit, AR image guidelines appear on the display to guide lane changes and routes, adjusting in real time based on driving conditions.

The system overlays real-time road images from a forward-facing camera on both the head-up display and interior screens, with AR graphics providing guidance similar to colored lane indicators on highways. This feature helps drivers navigate intuitively and safely.

Powered by algorithms that integrate data from core sensors, navigation systems, driver assistance sensors, and external data sources, and leveraging GPS, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, the technology helps identify vehicle position, detect nearby objects, and predict driving scenarios, enabling proactive guidance.

LG Electronics highlighted that its automotive AR technology advances data integration and processing, increasing accuracy over existing solutions. Enhanced graphics and motion effects also make it especially suited for autonomous driving.

Filed both domestically and internationally in 2022, LG’s automotive AR patent is set to be the basis for new products to be supplied to global automakers. LG Electronics plans to monetize this AR solution through royalties and to accelerate its mobility software business by further developing the technology.

The KIPO organizes the annual patent technology awards to recognize patents registered within the past 10 years that have made significant contributions to enhancing the nation’s industrial and technological competitiveness.