Is it possible to DIY a 1024X768 goggle?

[Alex_rcpilot]

Hey guys, this thread is about utilizing LCD's used in projectors. I'd like to consult you guys here to find out whether this scheme is applicable.

 

First let's pick a compact projector which comes with DVI or VGA interface at 1024X768 and even higher resolution.

 

We don't have to buy such an expensive device and tear it apart coz there are a lotta things we don't need. What we can do is find repair part providers and pretend to be a repair guy with a dead machine of such type.

 

Then we can order the LCD panel and the driver PCB, video interfacing PCB. The LCD units from Multi-resolution projectors may come in a combination of 3 LCD's mounted like a box, we may disassemble the box and take the LCD with the resolution we need. I was thinking about building all the circuitry for myself, but later I learned that for LCD's at such resolutions, LVDS interface is needed, and the technology used to interface standard video output with LVDS LCD's is making it way too complicated for a sole person to handle, I'd prefer using the original hardware. Since the original projector comes in compact design, a couple of boards won't add much weight to the LCD.

 

I've never seen such a circuit board for myself, so I'm not sure about the operating voltage. If 12V is used, we may need an external power supply and a long cord. But if it's much lower like 5V or 3.3V, we could think about using a Li-poly battery.

 

The LCD doesn't emit light for itself, a backlight panel will be needed. It's actually the easiest part, coz this kinda panels are really easy to find. Attach it to the back of the LCD, drive it with dedicated white LED driver chips from Linear Technology, and trim the brightness by adjusting PWM duty cycle.

 

Find the right lens for the optical path.

 

A frame is necessary to hold the structure in the right place, video and power cables shall be taken care of so the person wearing this goggle doesn't feel too unconfortable.

 

 

Alright that's my idea, sounds like, and really is a lot of work. But the first thing is, is it theoretically functional?

[G3]

alex, i like your idea and think it has great potential.

 

would be wonderful to have a high res low cost headset.

i hope you find some parts and get things rolling.

definitely you would want the original circuit boards for ease of integration along with a well balanced mount.

the backlit idea sounds right, leds could emit light onto a white or opague surface.

as for the lense, would you actually need anything as i would have though you would be looking at a close up image, or maybe it works like a freznel lense to make everything appear larger.

 

anyway, great idea, good luck with it.

[Alex_rcpilot]

Hi ggg87, thanks for your reply. I'm thinking about getting a freznel lense for this. Some calculation on basic optics would help. I'll start trying it out in a couple of months.