Having your own virtual reality module has been a dream of many since childhood, and progress has already come close to creating such devices. In 2014, Google developers presented the world with a stunning invention that uses the capabilities of conventional Android smartphones. 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 all 360 degrees.
Virtual reality on the cheap
Google Cardboard did not become a technological breakthrough, virtual reality helmets have existed for quite a long time, moreover, many are familiar with children's devices for viewing three-dimensional images. The ability of smartphones to navigate in space now, too, few people can be surprised, no, the public was surprised by something else. The simplicity and accessibility of the design is what really deserves attention, besides, the developers have managed to release many applications by now that use this device for immersive virtual reality.
Google Cardboard developers opened all technicaldocumentation for the device, refusing to trade their invention, and manufacturers immediately picked up the idea. At the moment, there are many different models made of plastic, cardboard and even leather products. For under $20, you can buy cardboard kits like the ones that were first introduced at the June 2014 Developers Conference. Also, instructions and diagrams are available to anyone, and it will not be difficult to assemble the Cardboard with your own hands.
Materials
Prices for a cardboard box are, of course, quite significant, but before you make a Cardboard with your own hands, you should know where to find or purchase other materials. We will need:
- An Android smartphone with a very high screen resolution.
- Cardboard 1.5-2 mm thick and about a quarter square meter in area.
- Optical lenses.
- Tape to hold the device on the head.
- Stationery gum.
- A piece of textile Velcro.
- Two magnets.
- NFC tag.
Electronic component - powerful smartphone
Now let's analyze all the components point by point, starting with models of suitable smartphones. Anyone can find the drawings invented by the developers for assembling Google Cardboard with their own hands. The sizes of phones suitable for such versions of 2.0 glasses 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, choosing distances tolenses empirically or look for an option from finished products in the store. Additional requirements 3D-glasses impose on the screen of the device. Remember, you will not just look at the phone screen from a very close distance, but you will get a magnification through the lenses. Of course, the better the screen, the less discomfort. At the moment, it is possible to use smartphones based on iOS 6.0 and higher (from 4 iPhones) or Windows Phone 7.0 and higher, but initially the entire system was conceived specifically for Android 4.1. Download any VR application and test your smartphone for compatibility by rotating it and watching the picture.
Body material
Cardboard for the basis of our glasses is easy to choose, a large pizza box has suitable parameters. Also, cardboard can be purchased at needlework stores or disassemble some ownerless box from household appliances. Too thick cardboard will be inconvenient to cut and bend, while thin cardboard will most likely not hold lenses and a smartphone in a rigidly fixed position on the head.
Optics
Lenses are perhaps the most difficult, but they are the most important material for 3D glasses. Google recommends using lenses for Cardboard with a focal length of 45 mm, respectively, the dimensions of the virtual reality glasses themselves on the site are designed only for lenses with such a focal length. Thus, the desire to use other lenses, or perhaps a system of two or more lenses per eyepiece, will inevitably lead to a reconfiguration of the distance to the eyes and screen, thus changing the entiredesigns. If you feel confident enough, it's worth experimenting, but it's much easier to order lenses.
Fasteners
You can use a fabric elastic band or Velcro strap as a fastening to your head. Stationery gum for the case is easy to find, and even easier to replace. After assembling the entire structure, it is only needed to hold the shape. You can simply glue the 3D glasses at all joints after adjusting the lenses with glue or tape. Two Velcro 15x20 mm will be needed to fix the closed cover with the inserted smartphone. In the absence of such, there are many options for fixing the cardboard cover, the main thing is to make sure that the smartphone does not fall out during the use of 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 spend effort and money looking for suitable magnets. Such a button can be attached to virtual reality glasses separately after the device has been fully tested, or not installed at all. For long-term 3D glasses, you will need a neodymium magnet ring and a magnetic ceramic disc, both no larger than 3x20mm. You can also cut holes and operate your smartphone with your fingers.
NFC-sticker is glued to the inside of the glasses, which allows the smartphone to automatically launch the desiredapplications. You can probably find it in communication stores or in online stores, it is also not mandatory, and you can install it somehow later.
Tools and Safety
The tool for work will need the simplest:
- Google Cardboard template. The drawings are in the article.
- Sharp knife, durable stationery will do. The cardboard needs to be cut clearly along the lines of the template, especially the grooves and holes, so the scissors will not do it here.
- Adhesive tape or glue.
- Rigid ruler.
Google claims that scissors are enough for the job, do not flatter yourself, thin slots and fixing grooves are much more convenient to cut with a blade.
The design is reinforced with stiffeners from the inside, so there is not much difference whether to cut a whole pattern from a long piece of cardboard or assemble it from 2-3 parts, connecting them with adhesive 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 holes for lenses, so that later the lenses lie in the same plane perpendicular to the gaze.
Assembling the device
Assemble according to the drawings, reinforce 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 the Velcro as fasteners around the edges.on the top side and on the inside of the lid, and put the magnets back in place. At this stage, you can already try on 3D glasses to your head in order to determine the places of possible rubbing of the skin. When watching a movie for a long time, for example, these points can be very annoying, so you can additionally lay them with thin strips of foam rubber.
Worth the candle?
3D glasses are ready, it remains to fix them on your head with an elastic band or a strap of your choice, insert a smartphone with a 3D application and enjoy virtual reality. In terms of the cost of the received device, there are many offers of ready-made kits priced under $10. You can save only if all the details are at hand or are easily accessible. If you order spare parts, taking into account various shipping costs and lead times, it turns out to be somewhat more expensive than buying a complete set. Naturally, if your dog bites the 3D glasses for sitting in VR instead of feeding or walking the animal, you can easily assemble new ones using the instructions above and the rest of the 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 walk and feed the dog.
Device Features
At the moment, there are already a tangible number of applications optimized for Google Cardboard and several films. Paired with headphones virtual gogglesrealities may well 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 to connect Cardboard glasses to a computer to use the virtual reality module in games. That's where the real immersion is.
