BMW is showcasing MINI Augmented Vision augmented reality (AR) eyewear at the Auto Shanghai 2015 show.
Being developed by BMW’s Mini unit, the eyewear is designed to provide information to motorists regarding the surroundings while their eyes remain fixed on the road.
It provides an all-round view of the happenings outside their car through the cameras fixed on the exterior.
The device can be controlled using buttons on the steering wheel, and drivers will be able to see display of blind spots usually blocked due to the car’s body.
MINI Augmented Vision uses augmented reality technology to project speeds, warnings and directions onto the lens.
AR technologies combine digital information generated through computer graphics, with real visuals. BMW envisions the real and virtual worlds to merge more and more in the future while driving.
The German carmaker teamed up with San Francisco startup Osterhout Design and mobile-phone chipmaker Qualcomm in order to integrate the eyewear with in-vehicle technology.
MINI Augmented Vision users can get directions to the car using the eyewear using a link between the vehicle and the eyewear.
According to BMW, the system is designed to reduce distractions and help a driver stay focused on the road.
BMW said: "The MINI Augmented Vision project thereby embraces one of the major trends of the future: AR technologies enhance reality by overlaying the field of vision with supplementary digital information, usually by means of computer generated graphics.
"And the real and virtual worlds are set to merge more and more in the future while driving as well."
