How Google Glass Works

How Google Glass Works
According to string-theory advocates, our universe has at least 10 dimensions. But we humans can only directly perceive three spatial dimensions. We also experience the passage of time, a fourth dimension. Beyond that, we only know other dimensions are even possible through theoretical mathematics. Our universe may hold secrets that we will never be able to observe directly.

Even if you discount string theory and the idea of dimensions beyond our perception, our world contains a wealth of information that most of us aren't aware of in our daily lives. When visiting a city for the first time, for example, we may only have our senses to rely on when gathering information. A smartphone or computer can help out, pulling in more data about the city's geography, history, economics, cuisine and other cultural features.

The Birth of Google Glass

One of Google's many divisions is called Google X. Descriptions from visitors make it sound like it's equal parts computer lab and mad scientist's lair [source: Miller and Bilton]. Projects at Google X tackle big problems in engineering. Everything from networked homes to space elevators gets a shot within the lab. One of the many projects the division worked on is Project Glass.

Google X team members Mac Smith and Mitch Heinrich -- who both helped develop Project Glass -- present another concept, Project Loon, at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California.

Back in April 2012, a Project Glass account appeared on Google's social networking platform Google Plus. The account's first post revealed the purpose of the project -- to build a wearable computer that helps you "explore and share your world" [source: Google Glass]. The post included a concept video of what the project -- a pair of glasses -- might be able to do in the future.

What Google Glass Does

Upon launch of the Explorers beta program, Google Glass owners could use their specs' specs to:

• Remind the wearer of appointments and calendar events.
• Alert the wearer to social networking activity or text messages.
• Give turn-by-turn directions.
• Alert the wearer to travel options like public transportation.
• Give updates on local weather and traffic.
• Take and share photos and video.
• Send messages or activate apps via voice command.
• Perform Google searches.
• Participate in video chats on Google Plus.

An anesthesiologist, Dr. Patrick Hu, uses Google Glass to share EKG data with other doctors as part of a pilot program at UC Irvine in 2013. Medical professionals from around the world 
may soon use Glass to collaborate on patient care.

What makes Google Glass work?

Google co-founder Sergey Brin uses a button on top of his Glass to take a picture at the Sun Valley Conference in 2012. Though Brin had to layer his Glass with standard sunglasses at the time, Google announced several Glass-compatible frames in early 2014.

If you were to take apart a Glass, two things would likely happen: You'd discover the components that make the glasses work and you'd feel a deep sense of regret for ripping apart a $1,500 gadget. Fortunately, other people have already done this on your behalf.

There are a few different ways to control Google Glass. One is by using the capacitive touch pad along the right side of the glasses. The touchpad responds to changes in capacitance, which is essentially a weak electrostatic field generated across the screen. When your finger makes contact with the panel, a controller chip detects the resulting change in electric capacitance and registers it as a touch. Swiping your finger horizontally allows you to navigate menus on the device. Swiping downward on the touchpad backs you out of a choice or, if you're at a top-level menu, puts the glasses in sleep mode.