Dimensions of virtual glasses made of cardboard. Instructions for virtual glasses made from Google Cardboard
Good afternoon (evening/night optional).
Today I will tell you how to make glasses virtual reality with your own hands, no phones(Traffic!):
PREFACE
On at the moment 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 range of 1920x1440.
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 completely changed 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 a standard body, I decided to try the matrix on it and was very disappointed, the matrix turned out to be too large for the focal length, I saw everything but did not see the whole picture, it did not 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.
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. 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 us now analyze 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. Phone sizes suitable for these 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 experimentally, 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 Cardboard lenses with focal length 45 mm, respectively, the dimensions of the virtual reality glasses themselves on the site are designed only for lenses with this focus. 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 in 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 when cutting out holes for lenses, so that subsequently the lenses 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, in order to restore the Cardboard with your own hands, you can also 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.
I'll tell you right away. I don’t understand anything about this yet, and my grandchildren haven’t taught me yet. But the fact that virtual reality glasses can be made from old glasses and a shoe box was immediately captivating. He dragged me to his place for further investigation.
This project will show you how to make a VR viewer like Google Cardboard, but optimized for tablets. Apart from the tablet, the cost is very low. He uses two pairs of reading glasses from the dollar store (Dollar Tree), a plastic shoe box, and a pair of inexpensive prism lenses costing about $7. The result is a very efficient device thanks to high resolution display and a larger field of view of the smartphone.
Step 1: Some Background Information
I created this device in order to engage students in the classroom using VR technology for their education. Since I am an educator in Salinas, California, I am naming this Salinas VR viewer.
Google's Cardboard was inspired by this viewer, but it was made to address several major shortcomings of trying to force the viewer to a larger screen than a smartphone. It would seem that all that is needed is to scale to the view size, but there are several problems with this approach.
One of the main problems is that, like cardboard, such a viewer will only use a simple pair of convex lenses to view the display. However, this may not be effective because large size display means that images cannot be placed (optically) directly in front of each eye. If these have not been corrected, then the person should be able to move each eye towards the direction of the ears. My viewer solves this problem by using an inexpensive prism lens, shifting the image so that it is optically directly in front of the viewer's eyes.
Another problem with using simple round convex lenses is that they are simply too primitive to allow for a VR experience. Such lenses have very limited area to widen the viewing area is that the eyes must be placed very close to the lens and thereby limit any eye movements. This kind of restriction on how we move our eyes is not natural. It's hard to see how much fidelity a VR system can have if it forces a person to hold themselves rigidly, looking straight ahead in an effort to keep the image in focus. People should be allowed to move their eye and still see VR images. Fortunately, some lenses have evolved to be as optimal as possible for people to use, i.e. reading glasses. These glasses allow for a wide field of view (fov), and a very large viewing area. These glasses are also extremely inexpensive.
Step 2: Equipment:
1 scribe [I thought for a long time what this means, probably in Russian - scribe:) ]: made by you.
Made with #90 wire nails, and some plastic folded and stitched. This allows the scribe to mark and cut very beautifully with either a utility knife or sharp scissors.
2 Pairs 3.25 Magnification Wide Frame Reading Glasses: Dollar Tree
Price: 2.00 Dollars. This is quite profitable. Other stores like pharmacies have them hard to find and sell a lot more (+10.00 per pair).
1 pair 1.5 Prism Wedge lens pair: Berezin stereo photography products http://www.berezin.com/3d
Price $7.95 per pair.
1 Plastic Box: Amazon: Whitmor 6362-2691-4 clear vu collection of women's shoe box by Whitmor
Price: $11.99 You need 1 window, but you get a set of 4. You can make at least 6 viewers through 3 boxes, and use another box for other plastic parts other than the body (plastic body)
1 roll of glue dots (high strength):
Price: about 5 dollars. Without this amazing glue, it would be impossible for the viewer. Please note that you are not using it from the video. You use the scribe (see above) to pick up the point and place it where needed.
3 templates: PDF files that need to be printed.
Cut it out and stick it on the plastic, then you can scribe the spare part you need. They are in color, but you can use the color code on the screen and still have them printed in black and white.
Step 3: Cut and connect the reading glasses.
Using a Dremel with a cutting blade (diamond works great), cut off the handles and nose of both pairs of glasses. Then apply glue in dots along the edge of the glass and on the bridge of the nose and stick together. Ready!
Step 4: Scribe, cut, then staple the side supports.
Tape plastic through the template supports, and scribe using a ruler. Then we cut out the supports and fasten them along the marked line, then fold them as shown in the picture. Repeat for the second support.
Step 5: Cut out the prism supports, place in the sliding metal, attach the side supports.
Cut out the prism supports, staple them along the marked line, then slide two of them onto the metal strip, and fold the sides down on both ends so that it fits into the glasses support. Metal strips from sliding onto a file folder.
Step 6: Pour hot glue into the side supports to make them rigid.
Apply glue in dots on the corners of the glass on both sides and place the glass in the side supports. Then fill the side supports with hot glue to make them rigid.
Step 7: making the body. Cut and scribe a plastic shoe box.
Cut into a shoebox using a template. In a shoebox it's long enough to cut out each end to get two sleeves.
Step 8: Cut and bend the metal strip, place it in the casing and seal the sides.
Again using the file folder metal strips, cut them to size using the templates, bend them, and place them inside the bottom of the casing. Fold back the casing and secure the metal strips in place.
Step 9: Put the latches on the top of the case.
You can use any kind of schnapps or even staples to finish the frame. The ones I used are plastic latches that cost about $4 for 60 will fit, but you need special pliers that sell for about $20.00 (Walmart). Metal latches work well and you don't need an expensive tool to use them.
Step 10: Attaching the prism lens to the prism supports.
Remove the metal strip of glass and apply glue in dots on the prismatic supports. Make sure the prism lens position is from the thin side towards the nose, hold the two prism lenses together and push them onto the supports. Place the metal strip on the glasses there.
Step 11: Make a back support, and staple and glue to the body.
Cardboard virtual reality glasses immerse a person in completely new sensations. With them you can ride a roller coaster or feel like the main character in your favorite horror movie without leaving the couch. To do this, you just need to figure out how they are designed and how to use them.
To preserve the cardboard case, Google Cardboard is shipped folded only. Therefore, if virtual reality glasses were bought as a gift, then the birthday person will be pleased if his gift is collected in advance. This is done simply and excitingly, reminiscent of a construction set or a puzzle. The main thing is to comply step by step instructions and everything will work out. For complete convenience, we recommend that you lay out the body and additional parts as shown in the diagram below.
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Step 1.
Insert the eyepiece with lenses (part 2) into section 1.1. as shown in the picture. In this case, the front side of the eyepiece should be directed towards you.
Step 2.
Carefully fold the body (part 1), alternately bending it along the lines from right to left, i.e. from paragraph 1.4. to 1.5. As a result, the eyepiece will be closed on 4 sides. In this case, it will be possible to align its holes with the protruding parts of the eyepiece.
Step 3.
To fix the resulting structure, we need to secure two sections. To do this, it is necessary to remove the protective layer from the self-adhesive strip 1.6. and fasten sections 1.4 with it. and 1.5. For strength, all protruding parts should be fitted to the corresponding holes. If it seemed to you that the band is 1.6. If it doesn't hold everything as securely as we would like, you can use tape.
Step 4.
Install the partition (part 3) into the holes of the eyepiece and section 1.1. After this, insert the magnetic ring (part 5) into the oval hole located in section 1.5. Place your smartphone on the border between section 1.1. and 1.7. to assess the suitability of its size with the glasses. If the smartphone turns out to be smaller, then for comfortable use of the gadget, install an additional step (detail 4.). Now all that remains is to drag assembled body with a harness (part 6) to completely secure the structure.
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Step 5.
Attach a special elastic band to hold the glasses if you purchased them in one set with Google Cardboard.
Step 6.
Smartphone with operating system Android or iOS is the "heart" of Google Cardboard. Paste it into section 1.7. Launch the desired application and secure the cover with the Velcro fasteners. Now you can ride a roller coaster;)
Search for applications.
There are more and more interesting applications - games, virtual excursions, video, etc. To find applications compatible with your smartphone, use the following keywords:
- cardboard;
- google cardboard;
- stereo pair
To search for videos on YouTube, use two tags - “stereo pair” or “sbs”.
A few tips.
- Google glasses apps drain your phone's battery significantly. We recommend turning on airplane mode or at least not moving far from the outlet;
- Some apps can put you into a state of active gesticulation. Therefore, try to stand or sit further away from objects that can be accidentally broken;
- using headphones, you can immerse yourself even deeper into the virtual world;
- It’s better to buy glasses along with an elastic band holder so that your hands don’t accidentally drop the gadget at some unexpected moment.
But just recently people paid a lot of money for it! In those days when virtual reality glasses were on movie screens, only wealthy enthusiasts could afford them. You had to shell out several thousand dollars for a window into the virtual world - after all, the treasured device used miniature color displays with a resolution of at least 640 x 480 (and the corresponding pixel size) and amazing “gyroscopic” sensors.
Fashion is a capricious lady: virtual reality devices came off movie screens much faster than they managed to fall in price and become widespread. They were forgotten for a long time, and when they remembered again, it turned out that a good half of citizens carry both the display with dots that are indistinguishable even under a magnifying glass, and accelerometers with angular sensors every day. Just attach a case and a pair of lenses to any modern smartphone, and you’ll get VR glasses no worse than those worn by Johnny Mnemonic.
Reliable mounting of the Galaxy Note phablet, comfortable fit on the head, specially selected optics with a precisely adjusted field of view and minimal distortion - a serious purchase for true lovers of 3D entertainment.
There are several ways to get your hands on the coveted case with lenses. You can buy a serious (and expensive) device with a lot of adjustments, such as the Samsung Gear VR. You can order one of the cardboard kits for twenty bucks, the most famous of which is Google Cardboard. Or you can not wait for delivery, but make VR glasses with your own hands from available materials.
The sleek, Google-recommended design is cut and folded from a single, flat piece of cardboard. The only negative is that you will have to obtain lenses with a strictly defined focal length and diameter.
Size matters
The design of the glasses, which we came up with ourselves, has an advantage over Google Cardboard: the lenses in it can move relative to the screen, so you can adjust the glasses to the particular vision of a particular person.
We drew the details of our glasses directly on cardboard, in free creativity mode, by eye, which is what we wish for you: we really liked the result. In case you want to repeat our experience exactly, we took the dimensions of the resulting parts and drew a drawing. Parts suitable for smartphone Samsung Galaxy S4 and lenses with a diameter of 3.5 cm with a focal length of 3.5 cm. Marking bottom wall body according to its size, do not forget to leave room for the nose. Be sure to provide a mechanism for attaching the smartphone (in our case, these are hooks and elastic bands).
The length of the body is determined by the characteristics of the glass: with an equal lens diameter, the longer the focal length, the longer the body will be, and vice versa. We came across two magnifying glasses in the store with a focal length of 3.5 cm and a diameter of 3.5 cm. If you find the same glasses, feel free to copy our scans.
If the lenses turn out to be different, adjust the length of the body to their characteristics. This is easy to do by eye: place your smartphone on the table, turn on the VR application and look at the screen through the lenses. You will see that the concept works great even without the case. After enjoying the spectacle, you will also get an idea of the size of the future device.
The width and height of the case are determined by the smartphone model. The distance between the side walls is equal to the width of the screen, and the distance between the top and bottom plates corresponds to the width of the phone body. Our scans are designed with the Samsung Galaxy S4 in mind.
A piece of thick tape in the corner of the case does important function: Protects the smartphone's power button from accidental pressing. The adjustment mechanism allows you to move the lenses between the screen and the eyes, adapting to the player’s vision.
To make the case, we chose thick millimeter cardboard. The design must be rigid enough to support the weight of the smartphone and maintain a specified distance between the screen and the lenses. The partition separating the images for the right and left eyes is made of thick paper. Lens brackets are also made of paper. Both cardboard and paper can be easily cut with a stationery knife along a ruler.
Welcome to the matrix
There are not many applications for “mobile virtual reality”, but a lot. You can find them by keyword Cardboard (cardboard) or by the abbreviation VR. Among them are attractions and games, concerts and films, 3D tours of cities around the world and educational journeys into the depths of the Universe. We have selected the most worthwhile apps with which to start getting acquainted with the world of virtual reality.
Roller Coaster Vr. There are dozens of applications with this name, because a “roller coaster” is a classic virtual reality attraction, a kind of “Tetris” of VR applications. You will find the most spectacular “slides” by the name of the developer FIBRUM. Rotate your head and direct your eyes as you wish, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling jungle, breathtaking flights and speed against a lovingly rendered background. By the way, Russian company FIBRUM not only develops excellent software, but also produces a very advanced virtual reality headset for smartphones with 4.5-5.5-inch screens.
Zombie Shooter Vr. If you want to see your friend spinning wildly in the middle of the room shouting inarticulate curses, invite him to play this game. The undoubted advantage of the application (again from FIBRUM) is that it is a real 3D shooter, without requiring additional controllers (joysticks, gamepads or keyboards). The player moves the crosshair by rotating his head. When accurately aimed at an enemy, the shot occurs automatically. Thus, the game implements the principle “where I look, I shoot.” I would like to say a special thank you to the developers for not letting enemies get closer than a couple of meters to the player, otherwise you could end up with a heart attack: a virtual zombie in 3D looks much scarier than in the most advanced 2D toy.
Paul McCartney. An application from Jaunt Inc. is named after the great Sir Paul, which offers to be on the same stage with a member of The Beatles and see him literally at arm's length. Full immersion Not only the three-dimensional image and excellent camera work, but also surround sound contributes to the atmosphere of the concert. Unfortunately, the app is only available for devices with a screen size larger than five inches.
Orbulus. The most obvious advantage of virtual reality is the opportunity to visit the most interesting corners world without getting up from your chair. The Orbulus application serves precisely this purpose, designed to transport the viewer to the most worthwhile places on our planet and even beyond. Walk on Mars, visit the Oxford Natural History Museum, enjoy the Northern Lights and enjoy Hong Kong's New Year's fireworks. The application implements an interesting mechanics of control using your gaze: to go to the desired place, you just need to look at it.
Pitfalls
Building a cardboard box with lenses is not easy, but very simple. But still, there are some subtleties here too. The bottom of the body should be shorter than its top plate to allow room for the viewer's nose. The bevel cuts on lens mounts serve the same purpose.
Inner surface It is highly recommended to paint the case black to avoid unrealistic screen reflections. On the outside, we left the glasses in their original cardboard form: we like their brutal, artisanal appearance.
At the front of the case, the top and bottom plates protrude slightly beyond the side walls. This is done so that the smartphone rests on the resulting protrusions. The plates have hooks: rubber bands are put on them to secure the phone. Securely mounting the device is very important, since most VR applications require active head rotation.
The buttons on the side edges of the smartphone, being sandwiched between the panels of the VR glasses body, can present a surprise. To prevent them from being pressed spontaneously, it is worth providing cutouts for them or, conversely, supports.
The inner surface of the glasses case should be painted black. A little more than half of the screen falls into the field of view of each eye. It creates the feeling of watching in a movie theater, when in addition to the screen you can see side walls, floor and ceiling. Black ink prevents unnecessary reflections and glare, helping you focus on the screen.
One last piece of advice: when inviting someone to try out your new VR glasses, have a second smartphone or camera ready in advance. You'll probably want to videotape the tester. The deliberately “cardboard” design of VR glasses is deceptive: homemade device creates unexpectedly strong effect immersion in the virtual world, causing a storm of emotions among viewers.
