sony's augmented reality SmartEyeGlasses use holographic lens technology

sony’s augmented reality SmartEyeglasses use holographic lens technology
all images courtesy of sony

after introducing the concept in september 2014, sony has announced the development of ‘SmartEyeGlass’, transparent lens eyewear that connects with smartphones to superimpose information such as text, symbols, and images, onto the user’s field of view. equipped with a diverse range of sensing technologies; including a CMOS image sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, brightness sensor, and microphone, the augmented reality accessory utilizes these features, together with GPS to provide information optimized to the user’s current circumstances.

unlike google glass’ miniature prism screen, sony has leveraged its unique hologram optics technology to develop a lens that achieves high transparency of 85% and thickness of just 3.0 mm, without the use of half mirrors that obstruct the user’s vision. in addition, the monochrome display ensures that while energy consumption is lower than a color display, high luminance (up to 1,000 cd/m2) is achieved, to deliver a screen with clear readability that allows the user to easily read text in a wide range of environments. the ‘SmartEyeGlass developer edition SED-E1 will be available in selected countries from march 2015.

 video courtesy of sony

the device enables a binocular display, where text and information is clearly visible under a wide range of lighting conditions

the transparent lens eyewear connects with compatible smartphones to superimpose information onto the user’s field of view

the unit is equipped with a range of sensing technologies including a CMOS image sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope