How I Made my own Smart Glass Under $10

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of creating your own smart glasses for under $10. Using simple components like an OLED display, Bluetooth module, and Arduino Pro Mini, you will learn how to display notifications such as caller names, messages, and the current time. This project is not only innovative but also a great way to enhance your tech skills.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Before starting, make sure you have the following components:

• OLED Display (32x128)

  • Purchase options:
    • Amazon India
    • Banggood
    • Amazon.com
    • Aliexpress

• Bluetooth Module

  • Purchase options:
    • Amazon
    • Banggood
    • Amazon.com
    • Aliexpress

• Arduino Pro Mini

  • Purchase options:
    • Amazon
    • Banggood
    • Amazon.com
    • Aliexpress

Step 2: Assemble the Circuit

Follow these steps to set up your circuit:

1. Connect the OLED Display

   • Connect the display to the Arduino using I2C protocol:
     • VCC to 5V
     • GND to GND
     • SDA to A4 (on Arduino)
     • SCL to A5 (on Arduino)

2. Connect the Bluetooth Module

   • Wire the Bluetooth module as follows:
     • VCC to 5V
     • GND to GND
     • TX to RX (on Arduino)
     • RX to TX (on Arduino)

3. Power Supply

   • Ensure your Arduino is powered appropriately. You can use a battery pack or USB connection.

Step 3: Install Required Libraries

To interface with the OLED display, you'll need specific libraries. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Arduino IDE.
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
3. Search for and install the following libraries:
   • Adafruit GFX Library
   • Adafruit SSD1306 Library

Step 4: Upload the Code

Use the following code to display notifications on your smart glasses:

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>

#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128
#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 32
#define OLED_RESET -1

Adafruit_SSD1306 display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, OLED_RESET);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  display.begin(SSD1306_I2C_ADDRESS, OLED_RESET);
  display.clearDisplay();
  display.setTextSize(1);
  display.setTextColor(WHITE);
}

void loop() {
  // Example to display time
  display.setCursor(0, 0);
  display.println("Time: 12:00 PM");
  display.display();
  delay(1000);
}

• Adjust the code to integrate Bluetooth functionalities in the future.

Step 5: Test Your Smart Glasses

1. Power on the device and ensure the OLED display lights up.
2. Check the Bluetooth connection by pairing it with a smartphone.
3. Test the display functionality by modifying the code to show different notifications.

Conclusion

You have now successfully built your own smart glasses for under $10! This project not only showcases your ability to combine hardware and software but also provides a foundation for future enhancements, such as reading WhatsApp messages. Stay tuned for more updates and projects to expand your smart glass capabilities!