BMW Unveils Augmented Vision Eyewear Concept

BMW AG's Mini brand will use next week's Shanghai auto show to unveil prototype augmented vision eyeglasses that give the wearer head-up display functions, including X-ray vision.

BMW developed the technology with several units of Qualcomm Inc. The eyewear was designed by the company's Designworks unit.

BMW says the goggles display see-through navigation information, speed limits, vehicle speed and other data that appears in the same place above the steering wheel, apparently regardless of where the driver's head is pointed. Virtual arrows appear on the roadway to point out turns, parking spaces and adjacent points of interest.

An X-ray view, which utilizes the vehicle's exterior cameras, enables the wearer to see through a car's doors and A-pillars to spot pedestrians and other objects otherwise blocked from view. A related "augmented parking" feature projects images into the eyewear so the driver can easily see the distance to the curb.

The special eyeglasses are intended to be worn inside and outside the car. BMW says the goggles can be used to select destination points from outside the car and transfer their location into the car's navigation system.