With an aim to bring augmented reality to the masses
Leap Motion has this week unveiled a new low-cost augmented reality headset.
Designed to provide a complete AR system with powerful hand tracking technology
for consumers priced at around US$ 100. Unfortunately the Leap Motion AR headset
is currently in its early stages of development but the company is already
saying that the ambitious AR headset can be produced for less than US$ 100 using
large-scale production. The AR headset would come equipped with a Leap Motion
sensor enabling users to manipulate objects with their hands, something the
company has already previously developed and offered for virtual reality
displays and desktop systems.
Although rather than selling the headset directly to
consumers the company is planning to release the necessary hardware
specifications and software under an open source license next week. Explaining
“we hope that these designs will inspire a new generation of experimental AR
systems that will shift the conversation from what an AR system should look
like, to what an AR experience should feel like.” Possible applications for the
open source AR hardware include:
- Inward-facing embedded cameras for automatic and precise alignment of the augmented image with the user’s eyes as well as eye and face tracking.
- Head mounted ambient light sensors for 360 degree lighting estimation.
- Directional speakers near the ears for discrete, localized audio feedback
- Electrochromatic coatings on the reflectors for electrically controllable variable transparency
- Micro-actuators that move the displays by fractions of a millimeter to allow for variable and dynamic depth of field based on eye convergence
The headset design features two 3.5-inch LCD
displays offering users a resolution of 1600 x 1440 pixels per eye and enables
displays to reflect light onto the visor providing a perceived transparent
overlay for AR applications. Leap Motion explains that the field of view is 95
degrees high and 70 degrees wider than most AR systems currently available and
is capable of tracking hand motion across a wide field of view, 180 degrees
both horizontal and vertical. As soon as Leap Motion make available more
details next week to developers, we will keep you up to speed as always.
