Augmented reality arrival to automobile is inevitable, the only question is: when. We know Land Rover Jaguar is doing something that would add information to the windscreen and even experimenting on “transparent” pillar and hood, but those will sometime to materialize and without doubt, a huge investment on the manufacturer’s part. BMW Group’s MINI has a different idea though. It has been working with “several Qualcomm companies” to create an interlinked system and augmented reality eyewear to present relevant information in the driver’s direct field of vision without blocking the wearer’s line of sight. Aesthetically, this Designworks designed eyewear looks much like the aviator goggles worn by pilot of the open cockpit era (sometime between 1920s and 1930s), but only sleeker and of course, lacks the elastic band.
The eyewear comes in pretty thick and sports a trio of function buttons on the underside of the right temple. While it may sound it is an automobile exclusive accessory, the use of the MINI Augmented Vision is not limited to inside the car. BMW Group envisioned the eyewear to be used while you are out and about on foot where it will allow you to select destination points when outside the vehicle and transferring them to the vehicle. In addition, it will display navigation from the current location to the vehicle or from the vehicle to the final destination.
When in the vehicle, it serves as a head-up display, spilling out information on speed, speed limits, points of interest along the route such as open parking spaces. Speaking of parking, it is also conceptualized to aid your parking by projecting the images from a camera housed at the far side of the mirror to the eyewear, so you can be a better judge of the distance to the curb.
Furthermore, it can also notify you of incoming message and the car can read it out if you so choose to. Interestingly, you will also be blessed with X-ray vision with the MINI Augmented Vision, allowing you to see through parts of the vehicle, such as A-pillars and doors, so you will be more aware of the immediate surrounding, thus improving the safety. However, your superman vision is only limited to seeing through, presumably, specially prepared vehicle, and not someone else’s clothing. Just thought we mention that in case some folks are already fantasizing about the new found ‘ability’. Sounds exciting? But don’t hold your breath for it, at least, not in near future cos’ as Jay Wright, VP of Qualcomm Connected Experiences said that the MINI Augmented Vision “is an example what’s possible today, and what we can expect in the future.” and that ‘future’ is still a question mark. We are not even sure if the prototype you see here is a working one, or merely for fashion sake.
