Mixed Reality Eyewear II
2014
Team
Corey Mack (Project Lead), Bill Kokonaski (CTO), The Technology Partnership, (Fabrication and Optical Engineering)
Background
Mixed Reality Eyewear II advanced the initial proof of concept by refining the design and demonstrating the potential for a more compact, commercially viable mixed reality solution. This prototype addressed a key industry challenge: minimizing the form factor while preserving visual clarity and functionality. My approach was unconventional—placing the virtual display close to the wearer’s eye but outside the central line of sight. This positioning balanced holographic digital content with real-world visibility, ensuring that the user could access information without distraction, and avoiding the discomfort associated with peripheral displays. It allowed us to sidestep the pitfalls of fully immersive designs and the public perception challenges faced by early products like Google Glass.
Our collaboration with The Technology Partnership (TTP) was instrumental in this phase, as we focused on integrating the display into a lens as thin as 2-3mm. The prototype served as a critical validation point for potential investors and partners, showing that the technology could deliver full-color graphics, legible text, and smooth motion in a compact form factor. This stage wasn’t just about improving the technical specs; it was about proving that our user-centric design could set a new standard in the mixed reality space.
MILESTONES
• First Integration into Prescription Lenses: Achieved seamless optical integration in a 2-3mm lens, providing a clear demonstration of how the technology could be adapted for everyday eyewear.
• Secured Additional $1 Million Investment: The prototype’s success helped attract further funding, proving the viability of our approach and reinforcing investor confidence in our long-term vision.
• Secured Additional $1 Million Investment: The prototype’s success helped attract further funding, proving the viability of our approach and reinforcing investor confidence in our long-term vision.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
• Vuzix Display System and Electronics: Upgraded for higher resolution, enabling vibrant full-color displays and smooth motion graphics.
• Hand-Cut Optics with Hand-Laid Reflector: Custom optics designed for precision, allowing the display to operate effectively within the compact form factor.
• Off-the-Shelf Rimless Prescription Eyewear Frames: Provided a low-profile, real-world testing platform, showcasing the potential for integration into stylish, everyday eyewear.
• Hand-Cut Optics with Hand-Laid Reflector: Custom optics designed for precision, allowing the display to operate effectively within the compact form factor.
• Off-the-Shelf Rimless Prescription Eyewear Frames: Provided a low-profile, real-world testing platform, showcasing the potential for integration into stylish, everyday eyewear.
