Head-Mounted Augmented Reality Displays on the Cheap: A DIY Approach to Sketching and Prototyping Low-Vision Assistive Technologies

Abstract

Several wearable augmented reality devices have emerged in recent years. Although these devices target users with 20/20 vision, they have also been explored as low vision aids. However, such devices are still relatively inaccessible and expensive. This study explores one of the inexpensive commercial head-mounted see-through display, google cardboard, and a simple homemade wearable augmented reality display. The experimentation reveals that, although not perfect, the homemade device built using a smartphone and common household scrap items is the most promising platform for experimenting with visual aids.