Category Archives: Ar glasses

High Tech Glasses Are Changing the Way We Look at Eyewear

high tech glasses

High Tech Glasses Are Changing the Way We Look at Eyewear

Eyeglasses are one of the most common items in the world. But now, they’re being re-invented with high tech features. These innovative glasses are changing the way we live.

These sleek frames do just about everything a smart pair should do. They include a camera for taking pictures and recording video, Bluetooth to play music and podcasts, voice control for your assistant, and even notification alerts.

Self-focusing lenses

The days of bifocals or constantly swapping out reading glasses may be numbered. A team led by University of Utah electrical and computer engineering professor Carlos Mastrangelo is working on a pair of smart glasses with liquid lenses that can automatically adjust their focus, depending on whether the wearer is looking at something far away or close up.

The team’s prototype glasses consist of lenses made of glycerin, a thick clear liquid, enclosed in flexible membranes. A distance meter on the glasses’ bridge uses infrared light to detect nearby objects and calculate their distance from the lens. This information is sent to actuators, which can mechanically move back and forth to change the curvature of the glycerin lenses. The entire process takes just 14 milliseconds.

This isn’t the first time such a technology has been developed. It’s similar to ballistic lenses, which are used in military applications to protect eyes from shrapnel and other projectiles. The high tech glasses UA researchers’ goal is to develop a more comfortable and stylish version of their invention, with less bulky lenses that can fit in the frames of regular glasses.

For the project to be successful, the researchers need to reduce the weight and thickness of their lenses, and they also need to improve their eye-tracking and depth camera capabilities so that the lenses can accurately figure out what the wearer is looking at. But if they can do it, Mastrangelo says the smart glasses could be on the market within two or three years.

Augmented reality (AR)

AR overlays computer-generated images onto your view of the real world. These images may be 3D objects, text, video, or simple diagrams. You can control the AR experience through touch, voice, or other gestures. AR applications typically come with thousands of digital assets to choose from, and you can also create your own.

Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses you in a virtual space, AR uses software to interpret your environment and overlay digital content on top of it. For example, a pair of glasses might display a live map of your location, along with arrows and icons that direct you to nearby attractions. It can even give you a virtual walking tour of the place you are visiting.

In healthcare, AR can help doctors practice procedures without risking the lives of patients. A company called AccuVein, for instance, uses AR to project images of veins on a patient’s arm, making it easier to insert IVs. Similarly, neurosurgeons use AR to aid them in surgeries by projecting 3D models of brains.

The AR technology in high tech glasses combines glass lenses that allow natural light to pass through to your eyes with LED or OLED displays that show computer-generated images. It can be used in different ways, including by a mobile app to superimpose digitised objects from store catalogues and see what they would look like in your home. It is also used by athletes to track their performance, such as speed and power.

Voice control

Unlike headsets, which require you to take your hands off your smartphone and can be a major distraction, smart glasses allow you to control your device with voice commands. The technology is still in its early stages, but it can help you perform tasks, play music and even read out text messages. Some models also feature facial recognition, allowing them to recognize your voice and react accordingly.

For example, if you are reading a text message and someone tries to interrupt your focus, the glasses will tell you who is trying to get your attention. Other features, like VIP filtering, let you hear only the most important notifications. You can also set your glasses to automatically turn off the ambient microphone when you aren’t talking.

Another exciting development is that smart glasses are able to capture live video and audio. While this technology is still limited, it has the potential to transform our daily lives. Google Glass has already been adapted for medical use, enabling nurses to record home visits. The glasses then transcribe the recording into text that can be shared with colleagues.

Most models are designed with a camera lens and Bluetooth speakers in the arms of the frame. While the frames may taper near your ears like regular glasses, they can then widen to form small speakers that play into your ears. This design is often more comfortable than headphones, and allows wearers to remain aware of their surroundings.

Bluetooth

Many high tech glasses are fitted with Bluetooth. This enables them to connect to other devices, such as mobile phones and tablets. The wireless connection allows users to control their smart glasses by voice and to high tech glasses hear music and podcasts, while keeping their hands free. This is particularly useful for commuters who do not want to hold a smartphone or tablet in their hand while on the move.

A pair of smart glasses that can take calls and stream music is a must for anyone who wants to stay connected at all times. Moreover, these glasses can also allow you to view augmented reality (AR) experiences and play 3D games on the go. The Nreal Air is a good example of such high-tech glasses. They are splash-resistant and come with tinted lenses and blue-light-filtering options. They can also be used to read notifications from your phone, make and receive calls, and adjust your home’s smart devices.

Another great option is the Amazon Echo Frames, which are essentially glasses that bring Amazon Alexa with you on the go. They can check your calendar, send text messages, call friends and family, adjust all the Alexa-connected smart devices in your house, and play music and podcasts. The frames look very similar to normal sunglasses and are comfortable to wear, with a design that prevents the display from being visible. They are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 chip and come in a range of colors.

What Are Smart Glasses With AR?

smart glasses with ar

What Are Smart Glasses With AR?

There are a lot of different options out there, but most of them fall into one of three categories. Some are designed to support augmented reality, while others focus on more specific functionality.

Ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts such as runners and cyclists. Features a variety of performance trackers, HD camera, and a wide selection of AR applications.

Augmented Reality

Smart glasses and visors with AR provide light displays that augment the wearer’s reality. Software can recognize the environment and object, using GPS or SLAM (algorithm-based simultaneous localization and mapping technology), to determine which real-world scenes to overlay with digital 3D images or holograms. Some models also have a camera or other sensors for additional environmental recognition and object identification.

For example, home decor-focused AR apps can recognize items like windows or the corner where two walls come together and automatically generate virtual curtains and potted plants that appear in the user’s field of view to help them decide which room furniture to buy. Similarly, some kitchen and cooking AR apps can offer step-by-step instructions on how to chop vegetables, carve a roast or make sushi.

Other AR apps can provide shopping lists for a trip to the grocery store. The list can be shared with family members, who can then add or subtract items as needed. This way, shoppers can avoid returning to the store for forgotten items or being distracted by impulse buys.

AR can also improve the quality of field service work, allowing more experienced technicians to essentially “watch” their less-experienced colleagues through the device. These veteran techs can deliver schematics and interject when necessary, which helps to reduce mistakes or inefficiency. This type of remote assistance technology also allows for faster training and customer support.

Location-Based Services

Using GPS or other location-tracking technologies, smart glasses with AR can determine their user’s position in space. They can then overlay digital 3D images or holograms over the user’s environment. For example, a pair of Google Glass can display directions to nearby restaurants and landmarks in augmented reality. They can also help workers find a package on a shelf by providing them with a virtual picking list or showing them the most convenient route to a specific item.

Brands can create immersive AR experiences that immerse users in their narratives. Coca-Cola’s “Magic of Christmas” experience, for instance, transports users to a virtual winter wonderland, while The high tech glasses North Face uses AR to help customers navigate in stores. These experiences can also facilitate networking at events by displaying attendees’ information and interests.

Some brands, such as Snapchat’s Spectacles, enable users to share their experiences with friends and followers in real time. A tap on the device records up to 30 seconds of video and a snap can capture up to 10 seconds of still imagery. Other smart glasses can connect to social media and let users send messages or photos to their friends’ devices through a dedicated app. They can also play music or handle calls through built-in speakers and microphones. Most smart glasses have a battery life of three to four hours, although some can last up to nine. When shopping for a pair, look for a model with a rechargeable power supply or portable chargers to keep them charged on the go.

Voice Control

Smart glasses typically come with voice control capabilities, allowing users to interact with AR apps via a microphone or by directly speaking into the device. This can be a helpful way to navigate menus, enter search terms and access information without needing a smartphone nearby high tech glasses or being distracted by a screen. Some devices use directional speakers built into the frames that point down toward your ears, while others use bone-conduction technology to transmit audio through vibrations to your facial bones.

While it’s possible to buy standalone AR glasses that are completely independent from a mobile phone, most options still have to rely on a mobile platform like iOS or Android for processing and software support. This is because most AR systems require a powerful processor, camera and memory to work effectively. Some of the more advanced models, such as Xiaomi’s MiJia H3 AR Glasses, are tethered to a smartphone but feature a low-latency wireless link for an immersive display and high-speed data transmission.

For example, the H3s allow you to stream live sports games from a phone app and display corresponding video content on the AR display, while also recording up to 30 seconds of video or snapping pictures. Similarly, health-conscious consumers can pull up nutritional data on items while grocery shopping without needing to stop to open their phones.

Ease of Use

The ease of use offered by AR smart glasses is a major motivating factor for businesses to start using them. Employees have no trouble using the technology and quickly learn how to make use of the many functions.

For example, ALEGER’s smart glasses feature a camera that records video of the user’s surroundings. This allows the service employee or expert at the headquarters to take on the perspective of the field worker and directly instruct them hands-free. This saves time, avoids unnecessary costs for site visits and increases the quality of work.

In addition, smart glasses offer features like a barcode scanner, integrated chats with translation and live image editing. They also provide an easy connection to a digital knowledge base and allow for the direct transfer of information between employees.

With the launch of the Lenovo ThinkReality A3 smart glasses, we are seeing more companies enter the consumer market for AR devices. While some have integrated non-optical control components into the headset, others, such as the Google Glasses and the Microsoft HoloLens, rely on a smartphone for processing power.

The lightweight design of the Lenovo headset and its ergonomic features help to ensure the device is comfortable to wear. This is especially important for users who are required to use the glasses during long periods of time, such as warehouse workers and doctors.

How Augmented Reality Can Benefit Manufacturing Companies

augmented reality manufacturing companies

How Augmented Reality Can Benefit Manufacturing Companies

Unlike virtual reality (VR), AR utilizes mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It enables people to see overlaid information on their surroundings and works well in environments where it is difficult to navigate or read printed instructions.

For example, an automotive manufacturer could provide technicians with detailed instructions on disassembling and repairing car engines. This would help them reduce downtime and improve quality.

1. Digital Twin Development

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical product or process. Using data from sensors, it can help you study the real-world behavior of an asset or process. This can lead to operational benefits such as reducing unplanned downtime, improving quality, or optimizing production. It can also drive strategic benefits when machine learning on actual-world data improves products, services, or business processes.

The digital reinvention underway in asset-intensive industries demands an integrated view of products and equipment, facilities, and work processes. A digital twin — a core Industry 4.0 technology — provides one augmented reality manufacturing companies conduit to make this connection and provide new, critical insights for cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and reliable business outcomes.

For example, the Volvo Group, a global manufacturer of trucks, construction equipment, and industrial engines, leveraged a digital twin to create an AR experience that streamlines inspections. Traditionally, their inspections involved paper checklists with 40 tests and about 200 possible QA variants that had to be completed within eight minutes at the QA station. This augmented reality solution was able to save them weeks of training and reduce unplanned downtime.

For manufacturers to benefit from these new immersive technologies, they must also deploy the appropriate IT network infrastructure. This requires a shift to more advanced bandwidth, latency, and performance requirements. It will also require the use of advanced processing, storage, and analytics solutions at the network edge to manage the data deluge from these technologies.

2. Virtual Inspection

Getting products from concept to the assembly line and to customers as quickly as possible is critical for manufacturing companies. This requires that engineers can develop new prototypes in short order while minimizing the number of errors and ensuring high-quality production. This is where AR and VR come in.

Using virtual inspection, workers can see a 3D representation of an element and inspect it inside and out, enabling them to catch errors during the design process and correct mistakes before they become costly issues later in production. The technology also helps with training and educating workers on complex machinery and equipment in a safe, experiential way.

In addition, augmented reality can also help to minimize downtime and eliminate machine breakdowns, which can be costly for businesses. During maintenance, the technology can be used to compare an existing site or asset with the original designs/BIM model, perform quick measurements, and document findings in real-time.

AR technology can even provide a remote support capability. The use of projector-based AR enables technicians to connect in a virtual space and provide live video, on-screen annotations, and artificial intelligence insights to troubleshoot or resolve work orders. This allows highly skilled technicians to focus on high-value customers, complex repairs, and supporting other employees in the field. This is an ideal solution for manufacturers to avoid the cost and disruption of sending field service staff out on site.

3. Automation

For manufacturing companies to be successful, they must have a workflow that minimizes downtime and ensures a consistent product. One of the best ways to do that is by automating routine tasks using AR.

The most advanced AR software solutions can detect the slightest motions in a work environment and track them for patterns that indicate inefficiencies. This information is aggregated to provide insights about how to optimize a process or equipment layout. For example, when a part with intricate designs comes down an assembly line, it’s important for workers to know where to lay the padding, glue, and wire harnesses. With digital work instructions in AR, these placements can be mapped out to match the exact design of the part so that errors are reduced and production efficiency is increased.

Augmented reality can also make it easier for new and existing employees to train on equipment and processes. These specialized apps can display three-dimensional models and holograms of equipment, along with real-time instructions that guide employees through the necessary steps to operate or service it. In this way, manufacturers can ensure a high-quality product without relying on costly onsite training.

Some manufacturers, such as Thyssenkrupp, have even integrated AR into their design processes so that directors can view a project in real-time and offer feedback to teams instantly. This can save significant time in the product design process and create a more collaborative and productive workspace.

4. Remote Maintenance

Aside from reducing downtime and increasing efficiency, industrial AR helps companies to provide better customer service and support. This is done by enabling technicians augmented reality manufacturing companies to connect remotely with an expert for visual assistance in an audiovisual, interactive environment. This can range from providing simple instructions to guiding workers through complex processes such as disassembling an engine.

Manufacturers can also use AR to improve safety in their factories. They can simulate dangerous scenarios to educate employees about safety protocols and display real-time reactions such as visual warnings or audio prompts when an employee is not following protocol. This can help to avoid accidents and reduce the need for costly repairs or downtime.

Another advantage of AR for manufacturing is allowing technicians to work independently with step-by-step digital instructions and guidance. For example, if an assembly worker is trying to install a new piece of equipment and it’s not fitting properly, they can get real-time feedback from an expert to resolve the problem. This can save time and ensure the quality of the product. It also allows manufacturers to save on labor costs by freeing up highly skilled technicians to focus on complex or risky tasks. In addition, they can quickly access operational documentation and resolve issues. This is known as remote maintenance. The technology works on mobile devices or smart glasses, enabling field technicians to self-guide with clear visual instructions for each work order.