Abstract
On average, Americans spend 11 hours a day looking at a screen and touch their phones over 2,000 times a day. The goal for the IRL Glasses for this project is to allow people to be more present in their day to day lives, and to not be consumed by the technology that is seemingly taking over many aspects of the world.
The glasses are able to block phone screens, however they do not block any of the surrounding area. Therefore, the user is able to go about their day without their phone screens littering their view of the world. This also provides the user with a digital detox and reduces their cognitive load.
Measurement Methods
Using an Ocean Optics spectrometer, we meticulously analyzed the wavelengths of light obstructed and transmitted by our prototype lenses. Employing a white light source, we positioned the prototype perpendicular to both the source and spectrometer fiber to conduct our measurements. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of varying angles of incidence on the prototype’s performance, rotating it in 5˚ intervals and capturing spectrum measurements in a controlled, dark environment to minimize extraneous light interference.
Additionally, we employed the FujiFilm X-T10 and iPhone 14 cameras to capture images and videos through the prototype lens. These visuals, taken both indoors and outdoors, depict the appearance of the iPhone 14 screen under different levels of brightness, providing a comprehensive view of its visibility in various lighting conditions.
Data Collections
Utilizing the Ocean Optics Spectrometer, we obtained the following spectra data. The top plot illustrates the spectra comparison between the 2023 team design (blue), the measured reflectance by Optimax (yellow), and our own measured reflectance (green).
The subsequent images showcase views through the prototype lens, captured indoors under conditions of maximum phone brightness and minimum brightness.
Data Collections
The prototype design was modified by Optimax due to materials constraints that they encountered with the previous team’s design, which utilized SiO2 and Tantala. Optimax adjusted the design to accommodate their manufacturing capabilities.
Following extensive data collection and testing, we made the decision to enhance the coating for superior performance. Here is our improved design:
Conclusion
Through this project we have characterized a coating prototype for eyewear that blocks the emission spectra of an iPhone 14. Our solution maintains enough light, ensuring users can navigate their surroundings comfortably. With insights from our research, we’re confident that our redesign will enhance the prototype’s capability to block screen emissions.
Team Members
- Zachary Sobel-Pressman
- Ben Hardy
- Shaofeng Huang
- Chanseung Lee
Customer
- Ivan Cash
- Scott Blew
Acknowledgements and References
Acknowledgements:
Jennifer Kruschwitz (University of Rochester)
Wayne Knox (University of Rochester)
Jon Watson (Optimax)
References:
IRL glasses – glasses that block screens – kickstarter.com (no date). Available at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ivancash/irl-glasses-glasses-that-block-screens?/
IRL Labs. Available at: https://www.irl-labs.co/