Heads-Up Display Allows You to Race Yourself
If you’re a fan of racing games like Gran Turismo or Need for Speed, you’re probably familiar with the “ghost car,’’ a holographic duplicate of a race car that allows gamers to see how they’re performing compared to their best race time.
Now, a new heads-up display called GhostDash is taking the “ghost car’’ out of gaming and into real-life. Once installed on a vehicle’s dashboard, the display projects a hologram that allows racing buffs the chance to compete against themselves and improve their time.
The device can be used on any type of vehicle from a Ford Mustang to a Toyota Prius. However, it is only intended for use on a sanctioned racecourse, says GhostDash creator Justin Hayes.
“Our passion is driver education,’’ said Hayes in a phone interview. “[GhostDash] allows you to see what you’re doing to go fast what you’re doing to not go fast.’’
The GhostDash device is made of a thinplastic called Lexan that won’t degrade from exposure to sunlight and can be mounted as easy as plexiglass. This allows GhostDash to be positioned at eye level, providing drivers the ability to keep an eye on the road while noting race time.
“I personally view this as a safety improvement,’’ said Hayes. “A lot of drivers use smaller screens or cell phone apps to record their lap times. We’re putting this information in a safer location and also using a safer method. You can see both the information and see through it.’’
The device not only displays a ghost image onto a racetrack, but records and displays a driver’s best lap time, current speed, and the gap between the two measurements. Race enthusiasts can see how their driving has improved or waned from lap-to-lap.
A GPS device collects car data, including position, braking, and speed, delivering the information to a Windows device that converts it into a real-time projection on the screen. The device also has an option to display relevant information sans ghost car.
Hayes launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking to raise $43,500 to develop the user interface and build an infrastructure that allows drivers to easily share their racing data. A full GhostDash kit will cost $3,699 and will include a Windows tablet, projector, screen, and GPS. Software is priced at $45. A starter kit that does not include a GPS or a Windows device will be available for $1,999.
But before you decide to order a device and test your own best speed, remember that in Massachusetts GhostDash is only to be used on private property or on a closed race course. According to MassDOT, the device would be consider a driver distraction if it were to be used on a public street.
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