Project North Star
Project North Star is an AR headset project that is open-source. It was originally started by Leap Motion.
It is named "North Star" because it represents the direction that Leap Motion wanted computer-human interaction to go in.
The project north star is based on a reflector style design. It is an optical-see-through head mounted display (OST-HMD).
Project North Star headsets generally use an Intel T265 and a Leap Motion Controller.
A northstar headset uses a curved reflector. The headsets typically require calibration to correct for geometric distortions introduced by the reflector.
There are multiple different versions, including the original release, and the Deck X.
Headsets can be partially 3D printed.
A northstar headset requires a separate computer to run.
Hardware
The original prototype headsets had a large field of view. The first open-source release shrunk it.[1]
The original reference design specified by Leap Motion uses BOE VS035ZSM-NW0 displays.[2]
Versions
- Release 1 - internal release[3]
- Release 2 - first public open-source release[3]
- Release 3[3]
- Release 3.1[3]
- Release 3.2[3]
- Deck X[3]
- Northstar Next[3]
History
Prototype reflectors were 3D printed using VeroClear resin.[1] A secondary set of reflectors were produced using diamond turning from a block of acrylic material.[1] The secondary set of reflectors were coated with a thin layer of silver.[1]
Software
How to build
A North Star headset can be built by selecting the right displays and driver board.
Calibration is one of the key steps. Calibration can be done with a calibration rig.
Building with support for hand tracking is not recommended.
References
- ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Our Journey to the North Star". 2018-04-09. https://blog.leapmotion.com/our-journey-to-the-north-star/.
- ↑ "North Star Display (3.5 inch, 1440x1600 pixels, 120fps)". 2020-12-10. https://www.smart-prototyping.com/Display-for-Project-North-Star-3_5inch-1440x1600-pixels%20Promotion%20sale.
- ↑ Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Project North Star". 2023-06-17. https://docs.projectnorthstar.org/project-north-star.
- ↑ "Esky". 2021-07-18. https://docs.projectnorthstar.org/project-north-star/software/esky.