Google patented design of Google Cardboard, the low-cost head mount for a mobile phone developed by Google to provide virtual reality experience to users.
The device is intended to encourage interest and development in VR and AR applications.
Google has released details of the designs.
Users that users can build their own viewer from simple, low-cost components.
Further, third-party manufaturers are also selling the device. The product has been a hit. Till January 2016, over 5 million Cardboard viewers had shipped and over 1,000 compatible applications had been published.
The company is reportedly creating a plastic viewer that includes electronics but still requires a smartphone, as well as a standalone viewer that requires no extra console, computer, or smartphone.
Since they have patented the design, Google might be planning to sell the device directly to consumers.
Publication number: USD750,074
Patent Title: Virtual reality headset
Publication date: 23 Feb 2016
Filing date: 9 Feb 2015
Inventors: David Coz; Damien Henry; Christian Plagemann; Boris Smus;
Original Assignee: Google Inc.