Eye-worn electronics: Smart eyewear, near and oneye wearable computing

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1 Eye-worn electronics: Smart eyewear, near and oneye wearable computing Devices and forecasts for the next decade Dr Harry Zervos, Principal Analyst, IDTechEx Inc.

2 Technology landscape Company profiles Market forecasts Custom research Analyst access Advisory service Conferences Exhibition Masterclasses

3 Helping you profit from Emerging Technologies New IDTechEx Report Smart Glasses and Contact Lenses Smart Eyewear - From AR and VR headsets to functional contacts: Technologies, Players, Forecasts & Opportunities For more information visit

4 So much to do, in such limited space Antenna at the periphery collects incoming RF energy from a separate portable transmitter. Power-conversion circuitry provides DC power to other components, including the display drive circuit The display, at the center, might consist of LEDs, which would turn on and off, or LCD-like elements, whose transparency would be modulated by the control circuit. An energy-storage module, perhaps a large capacitor, is connected to a solar cell, which could provide a boost to the lens. A biosensor samples the surface of the cornea, performs an analysis, and provides data to the telecommunication module to transmit to an external computer. Lens concept: U Washington Illustration: Emily Clarke, IEEE Spectrum

5 Smart eyewear: on-eye

6 Sensimed Only commercialized functional contact lens to date No on-board powering scheme FDA approved as of March 2016 Not to be worn on a daily basis but part of a treatment/measurement during a hospital visit

7 The Google Novartis collaboration Given budget with the possibility of failure Bandage-like sensor for diabetes measurement in development with DexCom Both, only prescribed as supporting methods to direct measurement According to Brian Otis, disposable lenses are the first aim Expensive!!??!

8 Medella Health Canadian start up Claiming the ability to produce at an order of magnitude less than google

9 Smart eyewear: near-eye

10 Augmented reality (AR) smartglasses Consumer apps too challenging, starting with enterprise applications and niche consumer markets When costs come down to that of a high end smart phone, the consumer market opens up Image sources: Microsoft, Magic Leap, Vuzix

11 Augmented reality (AR) smartglasses Sleek design vs. functionalities vs. battery life Image sources: Recon, Cool Creative Dude found on a google search online

12 Virtual reality (VR) smartglasses Very different requirements to AR smartglasses. AR headsets should not obstruct the user s perception of reality, VR headsets should make the user forget reality exists. Mostly lower cost than AR as most devices utilize the optics/sensors within smart phones. The ones that integrate their own sensing/optics are more expensive

13 Virtual reality (VR) smartglasses Samsung s Gear VR headset is already on the market for developers and early adopters for $200 Occulus Rift creating the most buzz, with a $2 Billion dollar acquisition from Facebook, expected to be priced at $400 Avegant s Glyph comes with the sleekest design at $500

14 Components for eye-worn devices

15 Components: User Interface Interfacing with computers undergoes a constant evolution, allowing for wider adoption as interaction becomes more natural. From keyboards to touchscreens to cameras & positioning/location/infrared sensors, a new wave of innovation is making interfacing with computers gesture-based. Google s project Soli, Microsoft 10 incorporating holographic interaction software, Augmented Reality (AR) eye-worn computers from Vuzix and Atheer Labs and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets like the Fove are integrating gesture recognition, eye-tracking etc. in order to control/interact with new computer devices Significant IP is currently being generated in this space that will prove crucial in further commercialization of devices, that will move from enterprise-oriented initial offerings towards the larger volumes associated with consumer products Pole position players: Google, Vuzix, Microsoft, Fove Images: Microsoft, Google ATAP

16 Limitations Advantages Components: Near Eye Displays (NEDs) LCD LCoS μ-led µ-oled Most mature technology. Widely used in projector technology External light source required Color filter utilization can reduce brightness Mature technology when compared to µ-led & µ- OLED Fast switching ferroelectric liquid crystals can offer improved performance External light source required in the device architecture Increased power consumption Excellent optical properties (brightness & contrast) High efficiency leading to longer battery life Device complexity means this is likely to be the most expensive solution Challenging to scale up in cost-effective, reliable way Much higher contrast Faster response time Wider operating temperature range No external illumination Currently low brightness: 300 nits in viewfinder applications (Targeting 10,000 nits in future generations) Lifetime issues with higher drive currents Source: IDTechEx report: AR & VR Smartglasses and Functional Contact Lenses

17 Companies Conclusion Components: Near Eye Displays (NEDs) LCD LCoS μ-led µ-oled Integrated in products already and having achieved volume production, there s a requirement for improvements in power consumption and brightness in order to remain competitive in the long term Epson An interest towards other technologies in order to improve power consumption will lead to requirements for improved performance in order to remain competitive Himax Excellent performance but inherently complicated and expensive Moving to scale up will determine long-term feasibility, recent developments in conversion technology paramount. LuxVue, infiniled Direct colour emission (no RGB arrays) will enable improved brightness and lifetime. Early prototypes have shown this. Can offer superior performance in med-long term emagin Kopin ForthDD Holoeye Lumiode, mled verlase, Ostendo microoled Dresden Microdisplay Source: IDTechEx report: AR & VR Smartglasses and Functional Contact Lenses

18 Other components Optics architectures Sensors Energy harvesting and energy storage Voice recognition Image source: Kopin

19 Forecasts

20 Smart contact lenses forecasts Current market is for niche medical applications (Sensimed glaucoma lens) Growth highly dependent on proliferation in other parts of the globe and FDA approval of lenses with other functionalities (e.g. diabetes measurement), as well as insurance coverage of a significant part of the cost Total revenues, functional lenses, ($ Thousands) Source: IDTechEx Report Smart Glasses and Contact Lenses Smart Eyewear - From AR and VR headsets to functional contacts: Technologies, Players, Forecasts & Opportunities

21 AR and VR smart glasses forecasts Significant growth for AR & VR Smartglasses which will reach over 100, 000, 000 units by Enterprise applications the current focus in AR, gaming in VR. 8E+09 AR and VR Smartglasses revenue ($) 7E+09 6E+09 5E+09 4E+09 3E+09 2E+09 1E VR Total Revenue AR Total revenue ($) Source: IDTechEx Report Smart Glasses and Contact Lenses Smart Eyewear - From AR and VR headsets to functional contacts: Technologies, Players, Forecasts & Opportunities

22 Supporting your strategic business decisions on emerging technologies Dr Harry Zervos, Principal Analyst Research IDTechEx conducts detailed examinations of emerging technologies, which are delivered through our Market Research Reports and Subscription services. Consulting Our expert analysts deliver custom projects which identify markets, appraise technologies, define growth opportunities and perform due diligence. Events IDTechEx conferences and tradeshows match end users with the latest innovations, providing networking, sales and knowledge sharing. Offices: USA: Germany: UK: Japan: