Mixed Reality Eyewear
2013
Team
Corey Mack (Project Lead), Stephen Hammack (Software), Andrew Kowalczyk (Electronics), Brian Vanger (Project Coordination)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Mixed Reality Eyewear Proof of Concept was a critical early prototype that set the stage for LAFORGE Optical’s journey into augmented reality. In just two weeks, I led a small team to build this initial prototype using off-the-shelf components, testing and validating key assumptions around optics theory, virtual displays, and real-time data integration. This proof of concept demonstrated that messages could be pushed from a third-party application (Twitter) through the cloud and displayed directly in front of the wearer’s eyes via a mobile device—a foundational capability for my vision of mixed reality eyewear.
While the prototype was rough, it was a decisive step in proving that the core technology could work together seamlessly. It served as a risk-mitigation tool, de-risking our technological approach before moving into more advanced development stages. This early success directly contributed to my ability to secure approximately $1 million in investment the following year, providing the resources needed to refine and expand upon the initial concept.
KEY FEATURES & COMPONENTS
• Bluetooth Modem (Sparkfun): Enabled wireless communication between the mobile device and the prototype, facilitating real-time data updates.
• Display Module (Sparkfun): Displayed simple text in front of the wearer, showcasing the potential for virtual displays in a wearable format.
• Beam Splitter: Directed the display’s image into the user’s field of view, forming the basis for future optical integration.
• Custom PCB: Developed to manage data flow and power, ensuring stable operation of the prototype components.
• Twitter API Integration: Pulled real-time data from Twitter to display on the virtual screen, proving the viability of dynamic content delivery.
• Repurposed Sunglasses: Adapted standard sunglasses from Walgreens to create a low-cost, functional prototype, simulating a future production form factor.
• Ruler (Spacer): Precision tool for aligning the beam splitter, ensuring the virtual image appeared clearly in the user’s line of sight.
• Display Module (Sparkfun): Displayed simple text in front of the wearer, showcasing the potential for virtual displays in a wearable format.
• Beam Splitter: Directed the display’s image into the user’s field of view, forming the basis for future optical integration.
• Custom PCB: Developed to manage data flow and power, ensuring stable operation of the prototype components.
• Twitter API Integration: Pulled real-time data from Twitter to display on the virtual screen, proving the viability of dynamic content delivery.
• Repurposed Sunglasses: Adapted standard sunglasses from Walgreens to create a low-cost, functional prototype, simulating a future production form factor.
• Ruler (Spacer): Precision tool for aligning the beam splitter, ensuring the virtual image appeared clearly in the user’s line of sight.
