Ford Ponies Up Heated-Graphic Patent

Ford Motor Co. has filed a patent in the U.S. for heat-transmission graphics that would allow logos and other graphics to be temporarily displayed on body panels when contacted by moisture.

An illustration filed with the patent shows how the technology could be used to showcase the Mustang’s iconic pony logo on a car’s hood.

According to the patent, a system of heat-emitting and heat-absorbing thermal structures would be positioned near the inner surface of a body panel. Exterior humidity and temperature sensors would activate the system via a control unit to uncover and highlight otherwise hidden body panel graphics.