Future Ford Vehicles Could Get Visibility Obstruction Detection

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a visibility obstruction detection system that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on August 25^th, 2023, published on September 2^nd, 2025, and assigned serial number 12403865.

The Ford Authority Take

Ford has filed a few patents as of late that explore different ways its future models might offer users improved visibility in various ways – oftentimes, in wet or inclement weather. Those filings include ideas for things like an automated windshield wiper system and radar based splash detection technology, in fact. Now, we’re being treated to a new idea via this freshly published patent for a visibility obstruction detection system that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.

As Ford points out in this new patent filing, current vehicle image processing systems do a pretty good job of detecting obstructions, but that isn’t always the case in inclement weather. Thus, it proposes a potential solution in the form of this system, which would use an imaging device that’s placed in its own special compartment. From there, the device would capture data pertaining to possible obstructions around the vehicle, after which it would relay that information to the system itself. Then, the system could take action to avoid that obstruction if needed, which could prove helpful in low-visibility conditions.

“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”