Vuzix Incognito removes eye glow to increase AR glasses privacy
Vuzix Incognito is a new waveguide technology that significantly reduces the visibility of images seen by others, a critical detail in some applications.
The latest display technology for smart glasses and augmented reality devices uses see-through waveguides. This enables thinner and lighter hardware, but has a drawback that can impact privacy and security.
Vuzix is a leading smart glasses and AR headset manufacturer that develops hardware for military and industrial applications, as well as designing an consumer product called the Vuzix Ultralite.
Vuzix Incognito protects privacy
Waveguide displays seem like the most promising solution for thin, light AR glasses. Unfortunately, whatever is visible to the wearer can also be seen shining on the front of the glasses as a small, reversed image.
For the consumer, this gives an eye-glow effect that looks unusual, particularly in a dim room or at night. Some might enjoy the attention, but it's unwelcome if you're trying to blend in. There's also the privacy issue of your personal data being viewed by others.
For military and commercial use, this eye-glow or “forward leakage” can be a serious security breach. If someone takes a photo of the glasses showing a leaked image, it's easy to flip and enlarge it to see the same information the wearer did.
Vuzix Incognito protects privacy
The company says, that without increasing production costs, “Vuzix Incognito technology manages internal light reflection and thus minimizes and manages forward light leakage within a waveguide, enhancing low light optical performance and significantly advancing Vuzix' already industry-leading forward light ratio of 1:8.” The technology also improves contrast, they say.
Vuzix is incorporating this in its waveguide production immediately as it ramps up production in its new high-volume manufacturing facility opening in December.
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