MINI introduced its new “Augmented Reality” driving goggles prototype at the Shanghai auto show in China.
The company's Augmented Vision concept goggles use see-through technology to display information right in front of a driver’s eyes without blocking their field of vision, in a manner similar to Google’s Glass, or an in-your-face heads-up display.
The goggles would project info that, when walking, could direct a driver to the car’s location or when driving, could display speed and speed limits in a fixed position above the steering wheel. Working with the car’s GPS, the could also virtually project navigation arrows onto the road.
The goggles, co-developed with tech company Qualcomm, also provide “X-Ray View” capabilities, using cameras around the car to turn parts of it invisible; wearers will be able to see pedestrians or objects through the car’s roof pillars, or see the curb through their lower door while parking.
MINI has not yet announced when or if they’d be bringing the Augmented Vision goggles to market, though Qualcomm vice-president Jay Wright did note they offer “a compelling example of what’s possible today, and what we can expect in the future.”
