NTT Docomo was showing off its latest development where cameras, computers and know-how combine to give the wearer a whole different view of what they are looking at.
One function of the gizmo overlays the wearer's first language onto unfamiliar text, making signs and menus instantly understandable -- a boon to travellers in Japan, where foreign-language menus are not commonly found off the tourist trail.
"Character recognition technology enables instant language translation for users travelling abroad and reading restaurant menus and other documents," Docomo said in a statement, as it showcased the gadget at CEATEC Japan.
Other uses include facial recognition that is intended to look up someone's identity -- and job title -- from a smartphone's directory.