Ford is nothing if not familiar with over-the-top patents, but its latest application takes that more literally than most. By installing controls on the top of the windshield, the automaker suggests that an off-road vehicle could be controlled while the driver is standing.
The invention, called “Redundant Vehicle Controls Based On User Presence And Position” shows a driver standing with his torso above the windshield and outside the vehicle in order to gain a better view of the terrain.
“There exist special use cases in off-road driving where terrain and or maneuvers require a driver to be in a position other than fully-seated,” the automaker writes in the patent application that was first noticed by Carbuzz. “The driver may find this position to be advantageous in order to obtain a better view of certain parts of the vehicle during off-roading.”
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The system would offer redundant controls that the driver could use when the vehicle is in a “selected driving mode.” Using sensors, it would ensure that despite not being seated, the driver is still in the vehicle, and not abusing other driver aids.
Indeed, many modern vehicles keep an eye on the position of their driver to ensure that they are still in control. Ford points out that certain features, such as hill assist, which applies the brakes to prevent a vehicle from backsliding on a hill or trail control, are deactivated if the car believes the driver is out of position, making this sensor important.
It’s interesting to note here that the automaker also points to auto-park and traffic jam assist as two examples in the context of features that require driver monitoring. It’s unclear if that’s simply because the person writing the application was reaching for examples, or if there is more going on here than a simple off-roading aid.
It may be important for the patent to have uses other than trail driving, though. As has been noted elsewhere, off-roaders are some of the most likely drivers to roll over, which would make being outside of the roll cage particularly dangerous.
If nothing else, the feature could also be useful if you have to hook up a trailer by yourself. Whether that’s enough to convince Ford to invest more money in this idea remains to be seen, but I bet it would feel pretty cool to drive a Bronco while standing, even if it’s a little dangerous.
