Something as complex as this would need several sensors. BMW notes that the ceiling-mounted display would need to compensate for the car’s inclination relative to the sky, its speed and direction relative to fixed celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars, and any aerial wildlife that the occupant may see through the car’s real windows.
Cameras could capture the exterior of the car and project images to this ceiling-mounted screen. BMW could also use GPS, weather details, and astronomy to project a perfectly accurate image regardless of the weather or lighting. In addition, AI can make the scene on the ceiling more dynamic if you’re looking up at a cloudless sky.
Accelerometer and gyroscope sensors would ensure that the image ‘accelerates’ congruently with the car, and all of these ideas combined are intended to make the occupant feel like they’re sitting in an open-air vehicle. The concept looks promising and easily achievable, but it may only be rolled out when self-driving cars become commonplace, if ever.