There have been other attempts at a camera-based solution, but the new Cambridge company - InView Systems - says the solution it is developing with Jaguar Cars involves creating a virtual image in front of the driver, like a military "head up display".

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The British system is essentially an overlaid "head-up display", similar to those used in jet fighters.

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The ghostly image that it captures is projected on to a head-up display at the bottom of the windscreen.

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The technology package includes side beams, side view camera and head-up display.

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It was operated by voice commands and projected its data on to the windscreen, using the same sort of head-up display system found in modern fighter jets.

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If it finds a matching reference, it'll bring up contextual information that is displayed on the Brother head-mounted display that accompanies the SMI glasses.

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In terms of actual functionality, the core technology hasn't changed much: this is still a heads-up display that allows you to control things using your voice or by moving your head.

ENGADGET