There are several different types of smart glasses on the market, and they differ in complexity. Google Glass, for example, uses a prism to refocus an image, while Intel’s Vaunt glasses and Bose’s own brand use a projector. All of these types emphasize touch-free control via gestures or voice commands. Read on to learn more about the different types of smart glasses and which one is best suited for you.
Projector
A smart glasses projector has become a reality. The projector consists of a tiny light drive embedded in the glasses’ frame. The Bosch Light Drive uses microelectromechanical systems that reduce the depth of the image by 30%. The projector uses a holographic element embedded in the lenses of the glasses to direct light to the retina. It also has a built-in lens-mounted camera for real-time viewing of content.
In addition to the curved mirror projection technique, the new technology uses a proprietary Light Drive chip to perform gesture recognition and 3D orientation. The resulting image could be controlled with the touch of the frame. Other chips add low-power compass functionality and pressure sensitivity for tracking altitude. These chips work together to create the final product. The technology is not that expensive and consumer smart glasses with light drive technology should be comparable to other smart glasses systems.
Prism
A new set of smart glasses from Mira has been unveiled at VR Con 2018. They will be compatible with Apple iPhones and feature a remote control. The glasses will retail for $149 and will allow users to explore interactive holographic content while remaining fully present in the real world. The glasses feature clear lenses that let the user see things clearly. In addition, they include a camera attached to the device to capture photos and video. They are compatible with the iPhone 7, 8, and SE.
OXSIGHT, a company that designs and develops aids for visually impaired individuals, engaged OPD to design the Prism wearable device. This wearable technology works by capturing live video of the real world and relaying it to two HD displays. The devices then display visual information in the usable area of the user’s vision, such as a face or writing. The glasses also highlight approaching objects. The device also works to solve many other issues associated with vision, including headaches, eye fatigue, neck pain, and motion sickness.
Waveguide
The waveguide for smart glasses is an optical technology that can help users see objects in 3D space. Google and Sony have both registered patents for waveguide designs, and Optivent and Lumus have collaborated on the technology. The company has also teamed up with Luxottica, the world’s largest eye-frame and lens company. Nokia’s patent has been the subject of a number of press reports, but it remains unclear how it will affect the price of the glasses.
The waveguide for smart glasses is a thin optical element that relays a virtual image to the eye. It expands the exit pupil and is available in different field of vision formats. Glass and plastic materials are used to construct waveguides. Waveguides allow light to travel between two surfaces, allowing the image to bounce from one to the other. As a result, the optical image is transparent and is projected into the eye. The Vuzix waveguide is one of the best performing on the market and can be configured with a wide FOV and compact form factor.
Curved mirror
The curved mirror on smart glasses is an excellent example of how technology has evolved. Using a second thin lens, a Fresnel structure reflects the image and projects it onto the retina. The device can be placed anywhere on the lens, and is not limited to just a small section of the lens. Depending on the use of smart glasses, this mirror can also be used to display a computer or smartphone.
There are several types of head-mounted displays. These are akin to see-through smartphones. Information on the display is projected from one lens to the other, just out of line of sight. Most of these devices are useful for mission-critical tasks, such as delivering a video message or giving directions to a customer. Google has focused on enterprises with Google Glass, and the Vuzix M300 and Optivent’s Ora-2 are examples of this technology. However, some manufacturers are using an alternative technology known as waveguide holographic optics.
