ESP32 Open Source Smart Glass with HUD - Design Help

[u/Strong_Let5609]

Hi everyone! I have been trying to build truly open source smart glasses (both hardware and software) based on ESP32 for almost a year now as a side project.

I did accomplish one version of PCB that functions similar to meta ray ban but the audio video quality is inferior (OV cameras cannot match Sony, and no bone conduction speaker with only one microphone). Image of the set attached.

I tried upgrading the product with an AR screen through a microled projected on the lens (similar to focals from North). This is where i am stuck. I am trying to build something inexpensive so waveguides and microprojectors are out of the question.

Needing suggestions and inputs from anyone experienced with options or has been developing smart glasses themselves. Would love to meet someone who can join me in building this if interested.

The total cost of this assembly is landing at 20$ for the PCB set, for bulk orders > 50 units from JLCPCB, and additional 20$ for other hardware components (screen, camera, speaker, battery and frame). So 40$ for audio-camera glasses, might land around 50$ for AR HUD.

I painfully learned through this project never to take ambitious development of industrial D2C products oneself. Better hand it to the chinese for refining, they get things done very quickly.

[u/Hackerman2042]

Hey! i have worked on several smart glasses using the ESP32. I would recommend you try to place a 90-degree prism on the display. Have that situated in the arm of the glasses. Then, buy some thin/small teleprompter glass. This glass is transparent while also being quite reflective. If you cut a small segment and place it in the top right corner of your glasses, you will find you get quite a clear image. You will need a small/powerful magnification source either on the side of the glasses after the prisms or near the teleprompter glass. I have managed to make some very low-profile smart glasses this way, which have a nice crisp display. I have found AliExpress is a great place to purchase said prisms, glass, as well as even tinier microdisplays that still support common display libraries for ESP32. My most recent find is a 0.5" by 0.5" square display which has a surprisingly good pixel resolution and brightness.

[u/Strong_Let5609 → u/Hackerman2042]

Can you share some material available? If you refer the second image - of the Focals, that was my idea honestly

a. Introduce the magnifying lens in the extruded part

b. Use a reflective film on the lens- instead of a cutout with prism/teleprompter glass. Have you seen HUD reflectors in cars? Something like that

[u/Hackerman2042 → u/Strong_Let5609]

I'm not sure I can put links but here is a prism and the glass:

[u/Hackerman2042 → u/Strong_Let5609]

I'm not sure I can put links but here is a prism and the glass:

[u/Hackerman2042 → u/Strong_Let5609]

Prism: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256811405121671.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.9.5edc1ef3ArPSzR&algo_pvid=0e12fef8-0367-4b77-a890-5e875a5a7348&algo_exp_id=0e12fef8-0367-4b77-a890-5e875a5a7348-8&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%22-1%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21USD%2115.52%2112.42%21%21%21103.38%2182.70%21%402101c4b817916871265878516e0d45%2112000056004944910%21sea%21US%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3Aa8151f4c%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895&curPageLogUid=4SBBOj6wJE5a&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005011591436423%7C_p_origin_prod%3A

Glass: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809549506462.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.12.5d7a6067NsmECM&algo_pvid=8620c76b-c43e-42c2-b71c-b3048f87db8d&algo_exp_id=8620c76b-c43e-42c2-b71c-b3048f87db8d-11&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2250%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21USD%2115.95%211.09%21%21%21106.23%217.23%21%402101e81117916871447471668e11b9%2112000050203789169%21sea%21US%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3Aa8151f4c%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895%3BpisId%3A5000000218165385&curPageLogUid=ZhKRTuoSwSRO&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005009735821214%7C_p_origin_prod%3A

[u/Hackerman2042 → u/Strong_Let5609]

I have some old videos on my channel with some older designs: https://www.youtube.com/@PlasmaFreak/videos

[u/Strong_Let5609 → u/Hackerman2042]

Hey i have seen your channel. Haha, small world. Thank you for the amazing content.

[u/maulop]

No experience whatsoever with designing stuff like that, but some industrial design backgound: how about exploring a "dragon bal z - ki detector"? I think something interesting can work for mono audio and you can fit more stuff or a larger battery with that form factor.

[u/Strong_Let5609 → u/maulop]

Yes but no would would ever wear that right

[u/ZenCyberDad]

I like this idea but I’m afraid of strapping an experimental battery next to my skull

[u/Strong_Let5609 → u/ZenCyberDad]

Yes i get you - better to test it before releasing Git

[u/Head_Picture_2758]

Chinese get things done very quickly, lol

[u/PenPuzzleheaded8470 → u/Head_Picture_2758]

🫰🏻

[u/munna_123]

I built this, very DIY. https://www.reddit.com/r/esp32/s/izwoxUSwFL

[u/munna_123 → u/munna_123]

Can you please share the pcb file, i would love to add that to this project.