Smart glasses from Intel project images onto the retina of the eye. Google Glass - your little assistant in everyday activities

Which includes three models: from the simplest smartphone “companion” to a complex device aimed at augmented reality.

When we hear the term “augmented reality,” what associations first come to mind? As a rule, this is either an Iron Man helmet, or augmented or pseudo-augmented reality applications, the most popular of which is the well-known Pokemon game Go. Or it’s Microsoft’s fantastic and futuristic HoloLens AR glasses, which currently cost $3,000, are available only to select developers, and are generally unknown when (or if!) they will appear on the consumer market.

Of course, augmented reality is not limited to such a meager set: there are many technology companies with developments in this area. One of them is the Vuzix company, which introduced new line smart glasses, which includes three devices.

The first, it is the simplest, works on the principle of a smart watch, and, in principle, can easily replace them. Blade 3000 Smart Sunglasses are equipped with a built-in processor, Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth, an HD camera, a sensor for tracking head position, a small touchpad for control, a vibration motor for feedback, microphone for voice control with noise reduction function and built-in battery.

The device operates under Android control. Information is displayed on so-called waveguide displays using Cobra II projectors. These are not augmented reality glasses, but the task is to show notifications without having to take out your smartphone to answer a call or view incoming message. The video posted by Vuzix was filmed using iPhone smartphone and demonstrates the operation of the glasses “as is”.

The second, more advanced model of glasses is the Vuzix Blade 3000, which the company positions as a “binocular waveguide video player.” The manufacturer states that this model“ideal for watching video,” the source of which is connected to the glasses using an HDMI connector.

You will also need a separate battery for these purposes. The smart glasses themselves are equipped with a head tracking system necessary for viewing 360 content, a built-in microphone with noise reduction function and the ability to connect headphones.

The third model, Vuzix AR3000, is positioned as “smart glasses with augmented reality.” Unlike previous models, they are equipped with two HD cameras with support for gesture recognition, with which the user can control virtual 3D objects, the image of which is superimposed on the real world. Vuzix also reports that 3D objects can interact with outside world, but doesn't demonstrate exactly how.

The glasses will connect to a smartphone, tablet or PC via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but they require external device with a battery to which the glasses will be connected with a cable. The AR3000 is intended for corporate, industrial and medical applications.

Smart augmented reality glasses Google Glass were introduced relatively long ago - in 2012. Prototypes of the device were then released to developers, and the long process of testing the product began. Google Glass became available to a wider audience in May 2014. Their price at that time was $1,500.

The device is a headset that is used in conjunction with a smartphone. It is sometimes also called a wearable computer. It operates on the basis of the operating room Android systems. The gadget is very different from other similar models. Its body consists of special lenses and arms to which the display is attached. It is located just above the right eye. Google Glass also has a built-in camera that can record high-quality videos.

Google released true reality glasses with several goals in mind. The concept of this device is based on 3 main functions: creating augmented reality, mobile connection, Internet and the ability to maintain a user video diary. The first version of the device that was released quite fully implemented the functions of a video diary, but the augmented reality and communication part did not live up to the expectations placed on them. It is assumed that in next version These points will be improved.

Despite these shortcomings, many still fell in love with Google Glass, and posted a review of their capabilities and their impressions of the device on the Internet great amount users.

Of particular interest is the process of interaction and control of the gadget. It is carried out through voice commands user. First you need to say the standard phrase “Ok, glass”, after which you can say any command, for example, open an application, start recording a video, or anything else. Interestingly, gestures can also be transmitted through the device. On one of the arms there is a miniature touchpad that is sensitive to such signals. The image transmitted by Google glasses is perceived by the eye using a small screen.

Specifications (system requirements)

Now it’s worth taking a closer look at the main capabilities and features of Google Glass.

Device specifications:

• Built-in camera: 5 MP;
• Screen resolution: 640*360;
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
• Built-in memory: 16 GB (of which 12 MB is available to the user);
• Volume random access memory: 2 GB;
• microUSB connector;
• Operating system: Android;
• Battery capacity 750 mAh.

So, the main functions that Google Glass perform are video, communication and the creation of augmented reality. It is worth turning a little to the last of them. To immerse yourself in the world of augmented reality, the gadget uses a special sound transmission mechanism. It is transmitted to the user in the form of vibrations that affect the bones of the skull.

Cost of virtual glasses in Russia

Many users have been using such a device as Google Glass smart glasses for a long time; their price starts from 90 thousand rubles. Of course, this model cannot be called budget. In many ways, this price is due to the fact that this is the first such gadget with such a set of functions. It is worth noting that this model has won the attention and trust of users all over the world, which rarely happens with virtual and augmented reality devices. There are practically no offers similar to this gadget. The device differs greatly in the technologies used and the tasks assigned to it.

Unlike other similar gadgets, this model looks like regular glasses. A low-power laser is used to direct the projection onto glass, where it is reflected and hits the retina.

Like Google Glass five years ago, Vaunt will first be distributed to developers. Google wanted to use glasses to rethink how people use gadgets. Intel has a different goal - to make a gadget that is maximally adapted for everyday life.

Smart glasses are often characterized by unusual, futuristic designs and lack of commercial success. Magic Leap is similar to the glasses of the main character in the Chronicles of Riddick films. Hololens is less like glasses than a computer with Windows on your head. Google Glass led to the emergence of the word glasshole (glass - “glasses”, asshole - a dirty word). Users of such devices look unusual. Other people may not like having a camera lens pointed at them all the time. In extreme cases, this can lead to a fight.

A journalist from The Verge spoke about his impressions of the new Intel glasses. Subdivision New Devices Group tried to make glasses that wouldn't make a person look like a nerd from the 1970s. Sell Intel device plans, including in optical stores: the developers want to enter the market of glasses for vision correction, since 2.5 billion people in the world wear such glasses. Intel believes people will buy Vaunt the same way they used to buy regular glasses.

In the photo on the left is Steve Mann, who, while still in school, made a backpack computer based on the 6502 processor to control photographic equipment, and mounted a CRT camera viewfinder on his helmet with the ability to display 40 lines of text. On the right in the photo is Thad Starner, future head Google development Glass.

Vaunt smart glasses display simple messages like directions, message notifications, addresses, and information about restaurants and attractions. They work with Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth. The simplicity of this device can be compared to Pebble watch- especially since Itai Vonshak led the development of products and elements user interface at Pebble and is now a product manager for Intel's New Devices Group.

On the right temple of the glasses there is a VCSEL laser - “Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser”. It sends a monochrome image with a resolution of about 400x150 pixels to the holographic reflector of the right lens of the glasses. The image is then reflected onto the user's retina. Thanks to this, the image is always in focus. Glasses need to be adjusted to the user: measure the interpupillary distance and configure the software. You can use both regular glasses and lenses for vision correction. When the user is not looking in the direction of the display, he does not notice it. There is no vibration in the gadget or sound signals- it is enough that peripheral vision quickly reacts to any movement and change in the picture.

When asked about the safety of a laser aimed at the retina, the developers answer that it does not pose any threat. This very low power laser is a Class 1 safety laser.

Other components of Vaunt are the processor, accelerometer and compass. The device recognizes head gestures and knows which way you are looking. The prototypes do not have a microphone, but one may be added in the future to allow communication with voice assistant Alexa. What about the battery - it should last about 18 hours. After this, the smart glasses turn into regular glasses, but you can continue to wear them.

An important goal was to achieve a convenient weight of the gadget - no more than 50 grams. Batteries and electronics were placed in the arms so that the device exerted minimal pressure on the ears or nose. Vaunt should not only look like regular glasses, but also feel like one to the user. The electronics were placed close to the lenses so that the arms could bend slightly, as is the case with regular glasses. In other devices, as the developers note, the battery can occupy the entire temple, so that this part of the glasses does not deform to fit comfortably to the head.

Intel plans to distribute prototype glasses to developers later in 2018. All components of the device are currently made by the division itself or are ordered, o serial production no information. It is also unclear how wide the capabilities of the gadget will be - software still in development for him. Representatives of the division spoke about possible scenarios for using Vaun, such as displaying information about a restaurant based on geolocation data from a smartphone and the direction of the user’s head. Commercial availability dates have not yet been announced.

The term "smart glasses" began to be widely used after the presentation by Google Google devices Glass. The developers called their brainchild an augmented reality display. Electronic gadget made in the form factor of glasses and is not inferior in functionality the latest smartphones. Smart glasses are able to display the most various information, make voice and video calls, controlled using voice commands, virtual keyboard and head movements.

The idea of ​​smart glasses is not new. Augmented reality displays have been developed by many companies over several decades. recent years. In 2008, Apple filed a patent for a laser display that was mounted in front of the eyes. Almost at the same time Microsoft time and Sony have patented their own technologies for miniature monitors worn on the head. Google Glass smart glasses turned out to be a breakthrough not in the field of technology, but in the field of design.

The modern market offers users smart glasses, which can be purchased in a variety of designs, with different set functions. Experts say that in a couple of years, smart glasses will become commonplace and will be used everywhere. Smart glasses belong to the wearable computing segment. By and large, today the term “smart glasses” applies to devices worn on the head in the form of glasses, equipped with computer attributes - processor, memory, input/output devices, communication modules, etc. The main drawback that almost all smart glasses suffer from is the price of the device. There are not many smart glasses manufacturers on the market.

Actually, all smart glasses work on the same principle - the user sees the information displayed by the display on top of real objects. This technology is called augmented reality effect. The display of smart glasses can be monocular, when information is displayed on one display, or binocular, when the image is simultaneously projected onto two eyes. Today, binocular smart glasses are in the development and beta testing stage in the technical laboratories of many companies.

Smart glasses have become widespread in professional and amateur sports. are able to increase the effectiveness of training, improve technique, and analyze mistakes. With the emergence of new manufacturers offering smart glasses on the market, the price of smart devices is falling, and the functionality of gadgets is constantly expanding. designed to provide the maximum in real time useful information– current speed, heart rate, distance traveled, altitude, cadence, calories burned, pace, effort efficiency.

Some models of smart glasses offer a navigator option, displaying an image of a map of the area. Using the GPS module, smart glasses determine the user’s current coordinates and synchronize them with the map. An athlete can build routes, stick to them during training, compete with himself, trying to improve his results every time.

Smart glasses can be universal, like Google Glass or specialized ones, such as smart glasses for cyclists, snowboarders, etc. IN different models implemented various options controls - some can be controlled using buttons in the frame of the glasses, others use a touchpad. Some models of smart glasses support 3D visualization, others are equipped with a projector display. An important condition when choosing smart glasses is multilingual support. It is not always enough to choose smart glasses, buy smart gadget and place it on your head. When choosing smart glasses, you should pay attention to specifications, design, time battery life. Some smart glasses only support English language, and you should pay attention to this before purchasing.

Constantly improving. Already today, many models of smart glasses suggest the possibility of using conventional corrective lenses, technology bone conduction sound, can help people with impaired hearing, extreme athletes, water sports enthusiasts, racers, and will allow you to capture every moment of the journey.

No protruding buttons, no camera, no microphone or speakers - smart glasses from Intel can easily be mistaken for regular prescription glasses. However, instead of diopters, lenses are built into the frame, which transmit the image to the retina. The technology is based on a low-power laser built into the temple of the glasses. For now, Vaunt is just a prototype, but developers will have access to the device in the future. The gadget will also work with smartphones on Android based and iOS.

Information about smart glasses with augmented reality technology from Intel first appeared in early February. Then Bloomberg reported that the American company plans to sell its AR business, which is presumably called Vaunt, for $350 million.

However, less than a week later, the company introduced smart glasses called Vaunt that project images onto the retina of the eye. Dieter Bohn, a Verge correspondent, managed to test the prototype of the device. The first feature Bohn notes is the design of the glasses. The technology is suitable for various frames, and lenses can be selected depending on vision - for example, order lenses for farsightedness or myopia. The main components of the device are hidden in the lenses and arms, and smart glasses can be distinguished from regular glasses only by a barely noticeable red reflection on the right lens.

The prototype glasses do not have a video camera, microphone or speakers, although future Vaunt models will be equipped with additional components. Thanks to this configuration, the device weighs only 50 grams.

A low-power laser built into the right temple is responsible for image transmission in the device - a surface-emitting laser with a vertical resonator, as Bohn notes. The laser broadcasts red monochrome image 400x150 pixels in size onto the holographic reflector in the right lens of the glasses. From there it hits the retina. The laser is low power, so it does not harm vision.

Overlaid images do not always appear in the user's field of view. Glasses can be worn as a regular accessory, but for launch smart functions just look at the bottom of the frame. If you look away, the virtual display will disappear. This interface allows you to use glasses in in public places without attracting undue attention.

The glasses work in conjunction with a smartphone via Bluetooth. The device also has a built-in processor for applications, a compass and an accelerometer. The developers promise to make glasses the same addition to a smartphone as a smartwatch or fitness tracker. The device will be integrated with systems based on iOS and Android, and will also be equipped with support for popular voice assistants, including Alexa.

To control the glasses, they will probably use gestures - slight tilts of the head, recorded by the accelerometer. But the developers argue that any noticeable movements to control the device ruin the concept. “We believe that glasses users should not have to face communication difficulties due to the device. If a gadget looks strange and geeky, if it constantly needs to be controlled and pressed, then it’s a failure,” said head of development Itai Vonshak. Developers will be the first to have access to the device. There is no talk of a custom version of Vaunt yet.