Google acquires patent for left-eye version of Project Glass

Google seems to be working hard on its devices for augmented reality. According to Engadget, the company has obtained patents for a left eye version of its augmented reality project – Project Glass. The patent simply switches the Project Glass eyepiece on the other side of the glasses to accommodate those who would prefer their information on the left side, instead of the right. Information on the patent can be seen here.

The patent image for the left-eye version of Project Glass

Google had unveiled its web-based digital project – Project Glass – back in April during the Google I/O event. The experimental 'augmented reality' glasses - from the same team that is developing self-driven cars - can snap photos, initiate video chats, and display directions at the sound of a user's voice. The prototype digital glasses, unveiled on the company's Google+ social network on Wednesday, are still being tweaked and tested, and are not available in stores yet. "We're sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input," Google wrote in a post on a Google+ page devoted to Project Glass.

Google Chief Executive Larry Page has cut down on many of the projects and products underway at the company since taking the reins a year ago. But he has defended Google's commitment to working on "speculative" projects that could one day turn into "billion-dollar businesses," though he has stressed the company isn't "betting the farm" on such efforts.

The glasses could provide a way for Google to more closely entwine its advertising-supported online services, including Web searches, maps and email, into people's daily lives. The glasses also could help Google match some of the buzz that rival Apple Inc has generated with its latest iPhone and the built-in Siri digital assistant, which takes spoken commands to do such tasks as schedule calendar appointments and get weather forecasts.

Earlier this month, Google had attained the patent for a SmartWatch that incorporates augmented reality. Going by the description of the device on the patent filing, it would sport two screens, one at the top, and one that you get when you flip open the top.

According to the patent filing, “A smart-watch can include a wristband, a base, and a flip up portion. The base can be coupled to the wristband and include a housing, a processor, a wireless transceiver, and a tactile user interface. The wireless transceiver can be configured to connect to a wireless network. The tactile user interface can be configured to provide interaction between a user and the smart-watch. The flip up portion can be displaceable between an open position exposing the base and a closed position concealing the base. Further, the flip up portion can include: a top display exposed when the flip up portion is in the closed position, and an inside display opposite the top display. The inside display can be concealed when the flip up portion is in the closed position and be exposed when the flip up portion is in the open position”.