Laser projector adds another layer to the wonder of Google Glass
So why on earth would you want a laser projector mounted on your new Google Glass eyewear? All will no doubt become clear if you are one of the lucky 8000 selected to be allowed to buy, at $1500 a pop, the new Google gadget of the century.
How the projector will work
The projector appears in a new patent application from Google lodged at the US Patent office. NBC News reports that the laser projector can be used to project an interface on any nearby surface, including the user's own hand.
The patent application describes a fairly simple addition to the Glass system. A lightweight, monochrome laser projector mounted on one side of the glasses, and a camera on the other side .
An interface can be projected directly in front of the user, say on his or her hand.
It can be simple like a numerical keypad or "OK/Cancel" dialogue box or something more complex, a full keyboard or game, says NBC.
The user sees it in front of them and can interact with it just like any other button or menu.
Microsoft showed off something similar using a Kinect over a year ago, and a SixthSense device in 2009, had some similarities, said NBC.
What's new is mounting the system on a pair of glasses. The projector and camera will work together to track your hand and head movements and keep the interface centred. You can use it, or example, when walking.