CastAR
| Developer | Technical Illusions |
| Display | 2 Micro-Projectors on top |
| Resolution | 1280 x 720 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 65° (horizontal) |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | 6DOF |
| Rotational Tracking | Gyroscope, Magnetometer |
| Positional Tracking | Tracking Camera |
| Update Rate | Rotational: 1000 Hz Positional: 120 Hz |
| Latency | Tracking: 8.3ms |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB |
| Input | Wand Controller, RFID tags |
CastAR is an Augmented Reality head-mounted display developed by Technical Illusions. Similar to other AR Devices, castAR projects 3D renderings onto physical surfaces. To create 3D imageries on top of physical objects, the glasses-like device uses 2 micro-projectors to cast stereoscopic images onto a retro-reflective surface. The images bounce from the retro-reflective surface back onto the user's eyes, creating 3D, holographic-like images floating on the surface. A built-in camera, along with sensors, tracks the movements and the positions of your head. Additionally, an AR/VR clip-on can be placed onto the glasses to create an immersive Virtual Reality experience. CastAR's Kickstarter Campaign began on October 14, 2013 and raised 1,052,110 dollars out of its initial goal of 400,000 dollars.
Contents
Hardware
Glasses
The Glasses has two high-res micro projectors on top of its lenses. The projectors cast stereoscopic images onto a retro-reflective surface. Each projector refreshes at 120 Hz with very high fill factor. This means that the users will not experience any "screen door" effect. The glasses fit over most prescription glasses.
In the center of the glasses is a tracking camera. The camera is able to track at 120 Hz with low latency. The camera along with the Gyroscope and Magnetometer within the glasses enable the user to have 6 degrees of freedom.
AR and VR Clip-on
The AR/VR Clip-on allows the user to transform the glasses from a Augmented Reality centric device into a Virtual Reality centric one. When the clip-on is attached to the glasses, the retro-reflective surface is not used. It turns the glasses into a head-mounted display similar to many other VR Devices.
Retro-Reflective Surface
The retro-reflective surface consist of rectangular mats that can be placed on any flat surface such as a table. The surface reflects images generated by the projectors back to the glasses, creating for stereoscopic 3D imageries. It also eliminates cross-talk between projectors so only each wearer of the glasses sees only his or her own images.
Wand Controller
Magic Wand is a controller and 3D input device for castAR. The device tracks its own position in the 3D space and is able to interact with digital objects. It has a analog stick, buttons and a trigger.
RFID Tracking Grid
RFID Tracking Grid can be placed beneath the retro-reflective surface. It allows the user to identify and track Bases and other objects with RFID tags. Objects such as cards, figurines and miniatures can be identified and augmented with various stats and abilities.
Bases
Specifications
| Part | Spec |
|---|---|
| Display | 2 Micro-Projectors on top |
| Resolution | 1280 x 720 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Field of View | 65° (horizontal) |
| Tracking | 6 degrees of freedom |
| Rotational Tracking | Gyroscope, Magnetometer |
| Positional Tracking | Tracking Camera |
| Update Rate | Rotational: 1000 Hz Positional: 120 Hz |
| Latency | Tracking: 8.3ms |
| Connectivity | USB, HDMI |
| Input | Wand Controller, RFID tags |
| Weight | less than 100 grams |
| Retro-Reflective Surface | 1 meter by 1 meter |
