Leap Motion announced plans to create an augmented reality platform based on its hand tracking system, on April 6, 2018.
The company named its system Project North Star, which includes a new headset design. Leap Motion claims that this new headset would cost less than US$ 100 at large-scale production. The new headset would constitute a Leap Motion sensor, to enable users to precisely manipulate objects with their hands, which has previously been offered through the company’s desktop and VR displays.
The company says “We hope that these designs will inspire a new generation of experimental AR systems that will shift the conversation from what an AR system should look like, to what an AR experience should feel like.”
The headset comprises two fast-refreshing 3.5-inch LCD displays with a high resolution of 1600×1440, each. The headset has a visor in front of the displays and when the displays reflect light onto the visor, a transparent overlay is perceived. This offers a 95 degrees high and 70 degrees wide view, which is larger than most AR systems currently available. Right above the eyes sits the Leap Motion sensor, which tracks hand motion at around 180 degrees horizontal and vertical view.
