MINI has shown off their new concept in driving assistance, an augmented windscreen which highlights coming up potential incidents, World Car Fans reported on Saturday. The new system isn't actually a smart windscreen but a pair of smart-glasses that when worn by the driver the windscreen comes to life.
Jointly developed with Qualcomm, the smartphone processor manufacturer, the new system aims to reduce the rate of accidents by creating a smart way of driving whilst also offering GPS services.
MINI was not revealing everything on the new specifications but said the glasses can act as a heads up display for many hours of driving. The system also shows message notifications and has an X-Ray mode which allows users to 'see through' the A-pillars and doors.
There's also an augmented parking function which projects images from the passenger side mirror onto the glasses so the distance from the curb can be easily ascertained.
According to Qualcomm Connected Experiences Vice President, Jay Wright, “We are proud to have helped develop a breakthrough augmented reality interface between eyewear and the automobile."
"MINI Augmented Vision offers a compelling example of what’s possible today, and what we can expect in the future," he added.
If successful the device may make it into MINI's parent company BMW's cars. It is likely that this new system is picked up by the group's competitors and augmented driving may become the next new electronic trend after smartwatches.
It is also likely that other chip makers get in on the new system and develop head units which work in conjunction with smart glasses enabling people who own older cars to have the same experience.
