Introduction: Raspberry Pi "Google Glass" - Simple and Sleek
At the release of the Raspberry Pi, I immediately thought how amazing this would be as a wearable computer due to its compact size (I'm certainly not the only one). I decided to start designing my own wearable computer (many others of us hackers all started to do this at about the same time). I had heard and been following the very, very early news of Google Glass and though, 'what if instead of this expensive and compact wearable computer, I could make one that is designed to be easily accessible to anyone for as cheap and functional and easy as possible?' And so here I am!
TLDR; I decided to share with the world a cheaper alternative to the Google Glass.
It is different and there are things such as Camera support which I found to costly to implement into the wearable device, but Microphone control is able to be added simply with USB and the installation of a voice commands application.
Anyways, I hope you can take advantage of my tireless hours of research and testing to find the very best combination for price and functionality for the Hacker/Maker community and all of you who want to dabble in the Tech of the future - The Future is Today.
Step 1: Ordering Parts
First off, for this project you will not need and specialty tools. You will need a small phillips-head screwdriver (~2.5mm) and something to cut plastic with, however, that should be the extent of you tooling needs other than tape (electrical tape is preferred).
For parts, I relied primarily on DX.com but there are many other sources online, this just happened to be the cheapest that I found. Some of these parts you may already have.
1, USB Bluetooth dongle
1, Wireless finger mouse
1, Mini Bluetooth keyboard (this one must be rather specific to work)
1, Wireless adapter
1, video glasses - these MUST be AV in or this will not work!! Important reminder - not you normal 3D movie glasses, but a screen that actually plays movies such as this: http://image.dhgate.com/albu_338175982_00-1.0x0/dh...
1, 4-port powered mini USB hub
1, 5V USB power bank (I used a 10Ah one from Dealextreme)
1, USB A - micro USB A cable ( >7")
1, USB A - 3.5mm DC power jack (male) cable (>3")
1, USB A - mini USB A cable (>7")
and of course...
1, Raspberry Pi Model B (the newer the better but any one works fine)
For the case holding the main body of the computer, I used some scrap plastic I got from all the packaging and a bottle of superglue to piece it all together to the size of the parts (plus a lid for accessibility). You can alternatively use prject boxes of the right size and/or other small cases, however these will not give the flexibility and exactness of a personally crafted one.
Step 2: Layout and Setup
With the setup shown in the image, you can see how all of the components fit together in my case which optimizes space to fit in a pocket.
For installing the wireless adapter and the Bluetooth adapter, use the instructions included and transfer the files for installation on the disc (wifi adapter) onto a flash drive and onto your Raspberry Pi to be executed.
Prior to setting up your wearable screen, I would recommend strongly that you test and configure your device using a larger screen so that you can increase font size to be read more easily as well as install the software with greater ease.
Step 3: Preparing the Display
This is by far the most important piece of the whole device other than the RPi due to its function - visual interface. In this step, it is very important that you do not do what I did and pry it open with a hunting knife - I would recommend a screwdriver for sensitivity but you will need a wedge once the screw is removed.
While technically with this, you could simply leave it together and have a dual display, it defeats the purpose of the device being non-intrusive, plus its not all that difficult of a change (once you get it out that is).
First, you want to remove the screw on the back of the video module (the main part with the displays). When you do this, get a small wedge such as a flat-head screwdriver and pry up the casing.
Step 4: Ta-Da!!
Now that you've assembled and installed your software with the Raspberry Pi portable computer, you also have your ready-to-go AV Wearable Screen! Plug the two together and you are sure to have a great time :D
I hope everyone can benefit from this Instructable and challenge their own limits through the many possible improvements available with greater investment.
P.S. Post and send me some pictures of your device! I would love to comment and give help as well as see how well you all do!
-Jon, Maker of Things
UPDATE: In addition to this more basic setup, you can add not only a microphone for voice interfacing, but a camera. I didn't include this as the camera would be much more expensive, however if you are willing to shell out the extra dollars, there are many 'spy glasses' with a camera in the center which could be used as the mount for the screen as well as provide image data in a similar way to Google Glass. Hope you all enjoy!