How to make virtual reality glasses. Instructions for virtual glasses made from Google Cardboard
This drawing cardboard glasses virtual reality based on a sample published in the New York Times in November 2015. Updated version of DIY Cardboard lets you use phones larger size and a button to control the phone, instead of magnets.
You can download the drawing from this link.
You will need:
- Cardboard paper measuring 5cm by 7.5cm, thickness 2mm. I used a shoe box and a pizza wrapper.
- A pair of biconvex lenses with a focal length of 45mm, with a diameter of either 25mm or 37mm. There is not much difference, but 25mm is cheaper and easier to get. For example, you can order if the delivery time does not bother you.
- Copper foil for button.
- A small piece of dense foam/sponge (about 6.3mm by 6.3mm by 2.5mm), like the kind you use to package electronic devices.
- Cutting tools.
- Glue. It is better to use a glue stick.
- Velcro (about 7.5cm, cut into 3 pieces)
- Metal ruler
- Cutting board or other work surface.
Step 1: Glue the template and cut out the outer parts
Cut out and cover the cardboard with paper. You should have two large pieces (1 and 2), two small ones (3 and 4) and a button. Don't cut out the internal parts, such as the holes for the lenses, just yet.
Step 2: Fold
Determine and lightly mark the fold lines with a pencil, and then, holding the edge of the ruler to the line, fold the cardboard towards you, unless instructed to do the opposite, such as a moving flap with a button (see fold directions on the template).
Step 3: Adjust and customize
Adjust the pleats and cuts to make sure everything matches up. Pay special attention to the part where your eyes will be looking and the front of the glasses where the phone will be inserted.
Step 4: Cutting the Inner Holes
I suggest you cut holes in the outer layer first and make sure those holes line up with inner layer when they are folded and assembled into their final position, because depending on the thickness of your cardboard and your cutting skills, the cardboard pieces may be slightly misaligned when the pieces are folded together.
Step 5: Add a Button
The button is a “pyramid” attached to a movable flap that you can press. At the top of the pyramid there will be a sponge (for a soft touch) placed over a conductive copper foil strip to transfer a small current from your finger to the screen. If you want, you can skip this step and operate the phone manually through the nose hole. On the flap, bent inward, we glue the button at a distance of about 5mm from the place where the phone will be located.
Step 6: Color if desired
If you want to color your cardboard VR glasses, now is the best time. It is better not to paint the surfaces that you will glue.
If you don't want to paint your glasses, cover the cutout under your nose with tape, because while watching, the cardboard will become greasy around the nose and then everyone will be sure that your glasses are made from a pizza box.
Step 7: Glue the sponge and copper tape
Cut a piece of copper foil the width of the sponge and glue it as evenly as possible. Then cut a strip 5cm long and wrap it around the bottom of the sponge, over the top of the pyramid to the base. (Tip: It's best to peel off the foil a little at a time as needed as it tends to curl, wrinkle and stick to itself) Then cut another piece about 12cm long and attach it to the base on top of the moving flap.
Step 8: Insert the Lenses
Glue the inner (3) and middle (2A) parts that form the front surface and insert your lenses with the curved side forward (towards the phone screen). Then glue the outer panel (1B), making sure they fit together well when folded.
Step 9: Final Assembly
Glue part 4 inside part 1B, making sure you don't glue the button flap (in the first photo I'm pressing it loosely). If the flap does not snap into place, carefully trim the 3 loose edges as necessary. The final look will be the same as in the second photo, except for the still missing part with the button.
Fold top part section for the phone, aligning it with the outer layer of this section (2A) and gluing it. Next, fold and glue two pairs of small side panels (my finger is holding the right one so you can see it).
The large side panels 2B and the phone cover 1A are not glued together as they will use Velcro to hold them in place.
Step 10: Installing Elastic Bands and Velcro
Velcro holds the front panel and foldable side panels. Basically, if you are not going to lay out the glasses, you can glue the side panels. If you carefully cut out the Velcro and holes for them, they will fit flush.
The rubber band is necessary to prevent your phone from sliding sideways.
Download the virtual reality app and insert your smartphone. If desired, you can use a head strap, but for total immersion It is highly advisable to use headphones.
Having your own virtual reality module has been the dream of many since childhood, and progress is already very close to the creation of such devices. In 2014, Google developers presented the world with a stunning invention that uses the capabilities of regular smartphones on the Android platform. Right at the conference, any participant could assemble a virtual reality helmet from cardboard and a few simple parts and appreciate the delights of three-dimensional graphics and atmospheric video with the ability to view a full 360-degree view.
Virtual reality on the cheap
Google Cardboard was not a technological breakthrough; virtual reality helmets have been around for quite some time; moreover, many are familiar with children's devices for viewing three-dimensional images. Nowadays, few people can be surprised by the ability of smartphones to navigate in space; no, the public was surprised by something else. The simplicity and accessibility of the design is what really deserved attention, and besides, the developers have now released many applications that use this device to immerse themselves in virtual reality.
The developers of Google Cardboard opened up all the technical documentation for the device, refusing to trade their invention, and manufacturers instantly picked up the idea. On at the moment There are many different models made of plastic, cardboard and even leather products. For around $20, you can purchase cardboard kits like those that were first presented at the developer conference in June 2014. Also, instructions and diagrams are available to anyone, and it will not be difficult to assemble Cardboard with your own hands.
Materials
The prices for a cardboard box are, of course, quite significant, but before you make Cardboard yourself, you should know where to find or purchase the rest of the materials. We will need:
Electronic component - a powerful smartphone
Let’s now look at all the components point by point, starting with the models suitable smartphones. Anyone can find the ones invented by the developers for Google builds DIY Cardboard drawings. The sizes of phones suitable for such versions of glasses 2.0 are limited to a width of up to 83 mm and a diagonal of up to 6 inches. For other sizes, you will have to think through your own design, selecting the distances to the lenses empirically, or look for an option from ready-made products in the store. 3D glasses also place additional demands on the device’s screen. Remember, you won't just be looking at your phone screen from very close, but you'll be getting magnification through the lenses. Of course, the better the screen, the less discomfort. At the moment, it is possible to use smartphones based on or higher (from 4 iPhones) or Windows Phone 7.0 and higher, but initially the entire system was designed specifically for Android 4.1. Download any VR application and check your smartphone for compatibility by rotating it and watching the picture.
Housing material
It is not difficult to select cardboard for the base of our glasses; a large pizza box has suitable parameters. You can also purchase cardboard in craft stores or disassemble some ownerless box from household appliances. Cardboard that is too thick will be inconvenient to cut and bend, while thin cardboard will most likely not hold the lenses and smartphone in a rigidly fixed position on the head.
Optics
With lenses, perhaps, it will be the most difficult, but this is the most important material for 3D glasses. Google recommends using lenses for Cardboard with a focal length of 45 mm; accordingly, the sizes of the virtual reality glasses themselves on the site are designed only for lenses with this focal length. Thus, the desire to use different lenses, or perhaps a system of two or more lenses per eyepiece, will inevitably lead to a readjustment of the distance to the eyes and the screen, thus changing the entire design. If you feel confident enough, it's worth experimenting, but it's much easier to order lenses.
Fasteners
As an attachment to the head, you can use a fabric elastic band or a Velcro strap. It’s not difficult to find rubber bands for the case, and even easier to replace. After assembling the entire structure, it is only needed to hold its shape. You can simply glue the 3D glasses at all joints after adjusting the lenses with glue or tape. Two Velcro strips measuring 15x20 mm will be needed to secure the closed cover with the smartphone inserted. In the absence of one, there are many options for fixing the cardboard cover; the main thing is to make sure that the smartphone does not fall out while using 3D glasses.
Additional controls
Magnets are needed to make an optional 3D headset control button on the case, and are only suitable for smartphone models with a built-in magnetometer. When creating a helmet for testing, you should not waste effort and money searching for suitable magnets. Such a button can be attached to virtual reality glasses separately after full testing of the device or not installed at all. For long-lasting 3D glasses, you will need a neodymium magnet ring and a magnetic ceramic disc, both measuring no more than 3x20mm. You can also cut holes and operate your smartphone with your fingers.
An NFC sticker is glued to the inside of the glasses, which allows the smartphone to automatically launch the necessary applications. You can probably find it in communication shops or online stores; it is also not mandatory, and you can install it later.
Tools and safety precautions
The simplest tool you will need is:
- Google Cardboard template. The drawings are in the article.
- A sharp knife, a durable stationery knife will do. The cardboard needs to be cut clearly along the lines of the template, especially the grooves and holes, so scissors won’t do the job.
- Scotch tape or glue.
- Hard line.
Google claims that scissors are enough for the job; don’t delude yourself, thin slits and fixing grooves are much more convenient to cut with a blade.
The design is reinforced with stiffening ribs from the inside, so there is not much difference between cutting out a whole pattern from a long piece of cardboard or assembling it from 2-3 parts, connecting them with tape. When cutting with a knife, be careful not to scratch the surface of the table or floor; take a special board for this purpose, for example, a cutting board from the kitchen. Particular care must be taken in cutting out the holes for the lenses so that the lenses subsequently lie in the same plane, perpendicular to the view.
Assembling the device
Assemble according to the drawings, strengthen the frame with adhesive tape and carefully monitor the location of the lenses. In a fixed position, the cardboard will firmly press the lenses so that they do not move relative to each other. Next you need to glue Velcro as fasteners along the edges of the top side and on inside covers, and also install magnets in place. At this stage, you can already try on the 3D glasses on your head to determine areas of possible skin chafing. When watching a movie for a long time, for example, these points can be very irritating, so you can additionally pad them with thin strips of foam rubber.
Is the game worth the candle?
The 3D glasses are ready, all you have to do is secure them on your head with an elastic band or strap of your choice, insert a smartphone with a 3D application and enjoy virtual reality. As for the cost of the resulting device, there are many offers of ready-made kits priced under $10. You can save money only if all the parts are on hand or within easy reach. If you order spare parts, taking into account various expenses For shipping and order fulfillment time, it turns out to be somewhat more expensive than buying the entire set. Naturally, if your dog bites the 3D glasses because you sat in virtual reality instead of feeding or walking the animal, you can easily assemble new ones using the instructions above and the remaining parts. In the meantime, you are looking for cardboard to replace the damaged one, to restore the Cardboard with your own hands, you can walk the dog and feed it.
Device capabilities
At the moment, there are already a significant number of optimized for Google Cardboard applications and several films. Paired with headphones, virtual reality glasses can easily replace a good 3D cinema, and games, according to users, despite their primitiveness, can add a strong sense of presence and atmosphere. For craftsmen and lovers of various technical tasks, it can be noted that it is possible Cardboard glasses connect to a computer to use the virtual reality module in games. This is where the truly immersive experience comes in.
Find out prices for VR headsets at this link
When we decided to write an article about how to make a virtual reality helmet with our own hands, we started collecting information. The imagination of folk craftsmen is, of course, amazing, but I don’t even really want to insert a phone into such monsters =)
Therefore, we decided to take a more civilized route and offer the option of assembling VR glasses from - accessible to everyone. What do we need?
Necessary:
- A piece of cardboard at least 22" (55.88cm) by 8.75" (22.23cm)
- Two strips of 3/4" (1.91 cm) wide Velcro tape
- Two biconvex lenses (focal length 45mm)
- Stationery knife
Optional:
- One 3/4"(1.91 cm) neodymium ring magnet
- One 3/4" ceramic disc magnet
Instructions
We start by downloading instructions from the official Google website for assembling a DIY helmet - instructions. In it in more detail the assembly plan is written, but... In English. So you can just click on the images below and copy them to your computer, we won't be offended.
We print these 3 images on the printer, which will become stencils for cutting out parts of the helmet. It is important to note here that the third image is a continuation of the second. They show a part that needs to be cut out entirely.
Cutting will take quite a bit of time... Be prepared for this. But what we have ahead of us is immersion in the virtual world? It's worth it! Once everything is cut out, you can start assembling. Here we need not a lot of glue, pre-prepared Velcro, lenses, deft hands and a little luck.
A short digression about magnets. They are needed to make a control button. In some VR games and videos, you can use it for control. If there is a lot of enthusiasm, then you can mess with it. But, as it seems to us, there is no particular meaning in it. There is very little chance that it will work. Not every smartphone model has a magnetic control trailer. It is much more practical to use any of the bluetooth joysticks, for example like .
Actually, assembly.
First, we fold the front part of the helmet 3 times, installing the lenses in a special holder. Then we wrap this structure in a frame cut out according to Figures 2 and 3. Where to glue the Velcro that will secure the front cover with the phone inserted inside can be seen in the screenshots attached to our article.
If desired, you can attach any kind of straps to the helmet to keep the device on your head. But remember - this is cardboard! It will not withstand such loads for long. We would advise holding the helmet with your hands. After an hour or two painstaking work, in some cases seasoned with a pinch of swearing, we get a pretty good-looking device. Much nicer and more functional than those monsters that were shown at the beginning of the article.
Actually, the helmet is ready. Now all that remains is to download the Google Cardboard application, described in detail in the article on our website -. First of all, the program will ask the camera of your smartphone to read the QR code of the helmet in order to configure the phone to work with VR.
Next, you will already have full access to a variety of demos and 360 videos on YouTube, directly through the Cardboard application.
Have a successful and unforgettable immersion in the world of virtual reality, which is just beginning its journey and is aimed at great development. The portal administration is sure of this!
In case you still can’t assemble the helmet yourself or it’s simply not possible to find lenses, don’t be upset. A ready-made Google Cardboard can always be purchased on Yandex.Market for 300 rubles.
Good afternoon (evening/night optional).
Today I’ll tell you about how you can make virtual reality glasses with your own hands, no phones(Traffic!):
PREFACE
For now NO official standard for VR glasses/mask and the like. About Oculus, HTC, Samsung, Sony, etc. there is no point in talking and comparing. These are just devices with different functionality +/-, some gadgets. There is no point in arguing about what VR is, everyone sees it differently.
I've been wanting to play with this kind of thing for a long time, but phone glasses don't appeal to me, it's inconvenient, heavy and there are few applications, poor synchronization with the PC, phone battery, radio delay.
In the process of working on my experiment, 2 nuances that were important to me were highlighted:
1. Head tracking.
2. Display instead of a phone.
Based on these nuances, I started building the unit.
I’ll say right away that the thing is in itself and does not pretend to be of quality; anyone can repeat the production of this helmet based on the instructions received.
COMPONENTS
For the glasses I needed the following components:
MATERIAL PART
The first thing is a warning:
All responsibility, namely independent penetration into the body of the finished product with subsequent violation of its integrity and performance, lies with the person who committed this action.
Frame:
The body will have to be assembled separately for the matrix, due to the fact that the matrix is quite voluminous and a different focusing distance is required. Lens replacement required. The part that will be applied to the head and nose will be taken from this body.
Controller:
The main task is to synchronize the controller with the matrix, I knew that the controller and matrix would work, but whether I would get the required resolution is another question.
I’ll give you an excerpt from the datasheet: 
My display has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a resolution that falls within the 1920x1440 range.
The problem is that the controller has the wrong resolution and needs to be flashed.
Initially, when connecting the display, instead of a picture, I received a set of stripes. (I even thought that the display itself was covered).
But after a while (when connected to a computer) it became clear that the display was displaying something, but it was clear that it had a problem with synchronization and resolution.
When installing the firmware, I went through more than a dozen and settled on this version:
Now, when connected to a computer, the display displays information that an HDMI connector is connected and offers a resolution of 1024x600. In this case, the display actively tries to receive a signal from VGA, and the message “Connect the VGA cable” appears.
I had to scratch my head again. This controller is a direct analogue of boards with a large number connectors, for example:
This means you need to wire up buttons to your controller so that you can customize the display and switch operating modes. I have attached a diagram for the connectors, the buttons hang on the 53rd leg of the chip:
Just in case, I am attaching a diagram of the RTD2660 chip:
After flashing the firmware and switching the controller to HDMI mode. The display began to start under WIndows 7, my surprise was great when, in addition to the native, native resolution of 1024x600, I was able to set the resolution to 720p and 1080p. At 720p it works great without being distorted, but at 1080p the fonts are no longer readable, but it holds it just the same, surprise, running games at 720p is more fun than at 1024x600 (not all games support low resolutions).
Matrix:
I was already playing with glasses on my phone, the resolution was 960X540. I launched Half-life 2, Portal, but I didn’t like the fact that it was a phone and the fact that I couldn’t look around the space with my head, I rotated the mouse + Wi-Fi delays, they just infuriated me and didn’t let me play. In general, the pixels are visible, but I still liked it.
A 7-inch 1024x600 matrix, part number 7300130906 E231732 NETRON-YFP08, was removed from the spare parts box. Based on the available matrix resolution, we can conclude that for each eye the resolution will be 512x600, which is slightly more than the phone screen resolution and, most importantly, there will be no delays.
The matrix connector has 50 pins and is fully compatible with the display controller. 
To achieve maximum contrast and image richness, you will have to remove the matte film from the matrix. Since the product will be closed, there is no risk of any glare.
Finalization of the matrix is carried out in 7 stages:
1. disassemble the matrix along the edge of the frame;
2. place the module on the lining (here you can tape the edges of the module to the lining so that water does not damage the part);
3. Place a damp cloth on top of the display, preferably the size of a matte film;
4. Gently soak the napkin with a small amount of water at about 25 degrees;
5. wait about 2 - 3 hours, it all depends on the quality of the coating. (the glue of matte films is sensitive to water);
6. carefully pry up the edge and slowly, without jerking, remove the matte layer;
7. check.
If you want to collect glasses on a 2K display, then I will give you a link:
For this price on Ali you can buy a ready-made device with FullHD ->
Therefore, I did not spend money on the concept and decided to use what I had for testing.
Arduino and gyroscope:
The most important part Getting the effect of presence in a game, application or video is the ability to control your head, which means we will write head tracking.
Excerpt from the official source for Arduino Leonardo:
Unlike all previous boards, the ATmega32u4 has built-in support for a USB connection, this allows you to set how Leonardo will be visible when connected to a computer, it can be a keyboard, mouse, virtual serial / COM port.
This is exactly what I need.
The simplest and most common gyroscope was chosen - GY521, which has an accelerometer on board:
1. Accelerometer ranges: ±2, ±4, ±8, ±16g
2. Gyroscope ranges: ± 250, 500, 1000, 2000 °/s
3. Voltage range: 3.3V - 5V (the module include a low drop-out voltage regulator)
Gyroscope connection:
#include
Based on the sketch, we can conclude that head tracking is essentially a gyro-mouse.
CONCEPT
It all came down to the division into stages:
1. trying on head tracking;
2. writing tracker firmware;
3. ordering the required controller for the display;
4. setting up and launching the display with the controller;
5. fitting and general assembly.
This is what debugging a head tracker with a gyroscope looked like:
Video of the head tracker in action:
Running the display with a controller:
To run the display, I need the Tridef 3D program, which allows you to run games and applications with Side by Side images, which I used as a test.
The reason for use is quite clear, these glasses will not be recognized as Oculus DK1/DK2 glasses and in order for the device to be recognized as VR glasses of at least the first revisions of the oculus, it must be changed completely software display controller, which I can’t afford yet, it will also require either partial prototyping, or creating again a concept board based on the kind of gyroscopes that are used in oculuses -
But due to the fact that I decided not to spend a lot on this project and I’m not going to make money from it either, we’ll leave that for other people. (I know who makes sets with oculus firmware based on similar glasses for smart phones, but I won’t advertise them, the post is not about them)
Frame
Having played enough with the standard case, I decided to try the matrix on it and was very disappointed, the matrix turned out to be too big for focal length, I saw everything, but I didn’t see the whole picture, it didn’t add up into one.
The assembly of the body began from scratch.
Having broken off all the protruding parts, as well as the fastening of the head strap, I got the following set:
Actually, like many prototypes, I chose corrugated cardboard, as the most flexible, easily accessible material:
Testing
During testing, the glasses performed extremely well; playing at 720p resolution is a pleasure. The gyroscope works great and follows head movements, the mouse does not float along the coordinates, I passed the cable through my head behind me, 3 meters was more than enough.
Nuance:
The glasses stick out quite a lot, although the mass is not very large, you have to get used to turning your head.
Disadvantages of such a system:
1. You need a smaller matrix in order to reduce the length of the body.
2. You need high-quality lenses (for mine, I took them from magnifying glasses at the nearest print shop).
In general, for myself, as an undemanding person, it will do.
Once I’ve played enough with it all, I’ll make an 8D projector from this matrix and controller. (Keep an eye on the reviews)
Thank you for your attention and patience, I will be happy to answer your comments.
Three-dimensional images have always attracted people with their unusualness and closeness to natural perception. When going to the cinema, many people prefer to go to a session with 3D technology, as this allows them to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the film as much as possible.
How to make virtual reality glasses with your own hands
Google Cardboard assembly kit. Everything except lenses can be made by hand
Today there are many technologies for creating three-dimensional perception, but most devices are different high cost. Is it possible to make VR glasses at home, and what is needed for this? In principle, quite a bit: ordinary office supplies that are easy to buy in a nearby store. The situation with lenses is more complicated, but this part can be found if desired - the easiest way is to order it from the Chinese on Aliexpress.
First of all, it is important to understand that virtual reality glasses for phones should be made with the utmost care, in strict accordance with the drawing. If there is the slightest deviation from the diagram or the use of incorrect materials when making virtual reality glasses from cardboard desired effect will not be achieved.
What materials are needed
Many people ask whether it is possible to make full-fledged virtual reality glasses out of paper? In principle, yes, if the paper is very thick. It is better to stock up on normal cardboard for such purposes if you are not making the device for a couple of weeks. To make the device look more or less aesthetically pleasing, use double-sided cardboard - regular matte on one side, glossy white on the other.
It is not difficult to make a virtual reality helmet with your own hands. To do this you will need the following materials:
- thick high quality cardboard
- sharp utility knife
- round lenses for a virtual reality device (it’s better to order on Aliexpress)
- Velcro or other fastenings for cardboard
It is better to cut out the details with a stationery knife, since it is difficult to work with thick cardboard with scissors without creating torn edges.
Virtual glasses made of cardboard will last much longer if the material is dense and uniform. It is not recommended to make a helmet from corrugated cardboard, as over time it will begin to delaminate and quickly become unusable.
Google Cardboard Drawing
To make a fashionable device, you will need an exact drawing of virtual reality glasses, which can be downloaded on the Internet by entering cardboard, VR glasses or something like that into the search bar. In the same way, you can later find the desired smartphone application in the store for your platform.
Schemes for virtual reality glasses made of cardboard, drawings and drawings are presented in convenient form. All you need to do is download them to your computer, print all the details on a printer (on plain paper), and then transfer the resulting patterns onto cardboard. Following the diagram and using the drawing, you will receive a device correct sizes in the right proportions.
Assembling glasses
In order to make a virtual reality helmet, you should carefully cut out all the parts of homemade VR glasses from cardboard, bend them in the designated places and assemble the entire structure together, according to the attached instructions. Pre-prepared lenses should be inserted into special holes and fixed.
As a result, you should get a neat and compact box, similar in shape and size to the original device for viewing 3D media.
Phone setup
In order to enjoy full viewing of media files in the new device, you will need special software for your smartphone - for example, Google Cardboard, which can be downloaded from mobile Internet markets. Once you have installed the application, launch it by selecting necessary materials, secure the phone well in a homemade helmet and start watching.
Things to do with a helmet
After assembling the device, most users have a logical question: how and what to watch, is it possible to turn on games, etc.? Download special application for Android or iOS, you can watch movies with 3D support, as well as play certain games.
In order not to keep homemade helmet in your hands, you can attach a pair of comfortable straps to it for a secure fit on your head. Do not forget about securely fastening the smartphone in the device - the cardboard cover into which it is inserted should be equipped with double-sided Velcro for clothing, buttons or other fasteners.
Conclusion
If you have minimal manufacturing skills homemade devices, the question of how to make virtual reality glasses will not take you by surprise. Having a minimal set of stationery and materials on hand, you can make 3D glasses for your smartphone with your own hands, and this device is not much inferior in functionality to its expensive analogues.
Regarding external characteristics- everything is in your hands. Paste over homemade glasses beautiful paper, color the gadget in bright colors, turn it into a monster of new technologies, and surprise your friends and acquaintances.
