DigiLens Crystal 50
The Crystal 50 is a tethered device for apps and businesses to develop and experiment with AR. For my client DigiLens Inc., the C50, as it is known internally, is the culmination of breakthroughs in their waveguide optical design. It was made to demonstrate not only DigiLens’ waveguide capabilities, but to also begin to work on applications through partnerships. It is now shipping in sample form.
Client
DigiLens Inc.
Engineering Consultants
Renfrew Design Group
Service
Industrial Design, 3D Vis.
I started designing the headset by first conducting design audits on a variety of leading products such as HoloLens and Magic Leap. With the client, I prioritized a variety of features and human factors concerns. There were many evolved features and solutions to use in my library. For example; pushing the weight toward the back of the headset was critical to reduce neck strain.
The simple one step donning of the display was achieved by elasticizing the head adjustment, and thereafter firmly holding the headset in place by curving the rear cranium and front forehead foam cushions to grip the head firmly but without too much pressure. A front visor acts to reduce ambient glare and is also a protective barrier for the glass waveguides.
One of the key outstanding feature is the upward pivoting arm. It acts by an “out and up” cantilever style mechanism with a smooth upward lift mechanism and totally clear view. Unlike competitors like HoloLens, the Crystal 50 is 90% transparent and has a 3500nit daylight bright display, so there was little for a smoked black treatment on the front visor.
