DIY Google Glasses - How to create the Prism | Optics | Lens

 The most complicated part of the Google Glasses is the lens/prism. 

In this article, I will go through how you can build your own lens/prism for a relatively cheap price. I will also provide you with some 3d printable test rigs so you can get started.

Check out my youtube channel for videos on how to build a complete DIY Google Glass. 

How does the Prism Work?

The way that the prism works is that a projector beams into a prism. This prism has a right-angled surface in it that directs the light into your eyes. 

How can we build a cheaper version?

The prism and projector are expensive components so it would not be easy to create something with those components.

I've been experimenting for a good few years now on this and have come up with a few techniques to achieve something similar. 

In this article I will share two ways you can build a prism, the first is by using mirrors and the second way is by using a beam splitter.

A Prism with Mirrors

This approach uses two mirrors to reflect the screen from the right-hand side to the person's eye. 

Since our eyes cannot easily see things close to the eye we need a magnifier to enlarge the image. We can use a fresnel lens sheet and cut it to size and that should help make the image clearer. 

Below is an image of a rig I put together. It has two corners to place the mirrors, a slot to add a 0.96 inch OLED screen, and a slit for the fresnel lens. 

You can download the 3d file here.

Parts
  1. Fresnel Lens
  2. Decorative self-adhesive mirrors
  3. 0.96 inch OLED screen or an image on a card.
  4. Arduino Nano - buy this if you want to test it with the OLED screen. You will need some cables to connect it. 

This is what you'll see when you look through the lens. I'm using a mini pokemon card to test the prism.



A Prism with a Beam Splitter

Another way you can create a prism is by using a beam splitter. This version is a little more complex but is much closer to Google Glass. 

How it works is that the display reflects off the mirror into a magnifying glass and then the light reflects off the beam splitter into your eye. 


Parts

  1. Magnifying Glass
  2. Decorative self-adhesive mirrors
  3. 0.96 inch OLED screen or an image on a card.
  4. Arduino Nano - buy this if you want to test it with the OLED screen. You will need some cables to connect it. 
  5. Beam Splitter
Closeup of the prism turned on.




More articles to come. 

Fahim Chowdhury


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