Sony's Single-Lens Display Module Turns Regular Eyewear Into Google Glass

Sony earlier this year introduced its Project Morpheus VR headset and showed the world that the Japanese firm had no fear in fighting for a pie in virtual reality segment. Earlier this year, the company also announced its interest in the augmented reality with the unveiling of the SmartEyeglass prototype at IFA.

The company has now announced an attachable Single-Lens Display Module that can turn a regular eyewear into smart, augmented reality glasses like Google Glass. Sony announced plans to reveal its new Single-Lens Display Module at CES in January for the first time and will showcase it as a concept device called "SmartEyeglass Attach."

The company aims to start mass production of the Single-Lens Display Module next year and also confirmed that it will provide software development kits (SDK) to partnering organisations (as announced for the SmartEyeglass prototype in September).

Sony stressed that with its display module, "it is looking to provide the product to a wide variety of potential customers."

"This display module possesses the potential to enrich users' lives in a variety of ways. By simply attaching it to a pair of fashionable glasses, goggles, sunglasses, or other type of eyewear, you can instantly gain access to visual information that adds a level of convenience to your everyday life," Sony said in a statement.

The Single-Lens Display Module includes an optical unit along with an OLED micro-display that is powered by a control board comprising a processor, sensor hub, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. The 0.23-inch OLED micro-display on the device offers a resolution of 640x400 pixels and serves as a screen for users.

The new display module can be attached or detached to eyewear. The company said, "Because the module is easily attachable/detachable, you can use it only when you want to, and you have the option to store it away if it does not suit the occasion."

Sony's new display module is powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 processor; includes electronic compass, accelerometer, and touch sensors; Bluetooth 3.0; Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, and a 400mAh battery. It weighs around 40 grams and can be used by wearing the clip around the back of the user's head.