Jump to content

Tilt Five: Difference between revisions

Acro (talk | contribs)
Create the page.
 
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
Line 1: Line 1:
Tilt Five is an augmented reality gaming platform developed principally by Jeri Ellsworth. It allows multiple users to don headsets and view a shared game board. The device operates on the principle of retroreflective images: The headsets send out light which bounces off the game board at the same angle that it was received at, which then goes right into the user's eyes. Because each player has a different viewpoint, the light from each headset only bounces into the right person's eyes.
{{Device Infobox
|name = Tilt Five
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Tabletop AR]], [[Gaming AR]]
|Platform = Windows, Android, iOS
|Creator = [[Jeri Ellsworth]]
|Developer = [[Tilt Five]]
|Manufacturer = [[Tilt Five]]
|Announcement Date = September 2019 (Kickstarter)
|Release Date = 2021
|Price = $299-$359 (glasses), $359-$499 (LE kit)
|Website = https://www.tiltfive.com/
|Versions = Tilt Five (standard), Tilt Five LE (Limited Edition kit)
|Requires = Windows PC, Android device, or iOS device with compatible game
|Predecessor = CastAR (cancelled project)
|Successor = None announced
|Operating System = Windows, Android, iOS (host device)
|Chipset = Custom processing
|CPU = Host device dependent
|GPU = Host device dependent
|HPU =
|Storage = Host device dependent
|Memory = Host device dependent
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual pico projectors
|Subpixel Layout = Projected RGB
|Peak Brightness = High (retroreflective projection)
|Resolution = 1280 × 720 per eye (720p)
|Pixel Density = High (projected)
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 110° diagonal
|Horizontal FoV = ~96°
|Vertical FoV = ~55°
|Average Pixel Density = Medium
|Peak Pixel Density = Medium
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Pico projector + retroreflective gameboard
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Adjustable
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses-friendly)
|Passthrough = Yes (optical see-through)
|Tracking = 6DoF (glasses + wand controller)
|Tracking Frequency = High-speed
|Base Stations = None required (gameboard tracking)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No (wand controller)
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 60Hz
|Tracking Volume = Gameboard area
|Play Space = Tabletop (gameboard required)
|Latency = Low latency
|Audio = No (use external)
|Microphone = No
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = Head-tracking camera
|Connectivity = USB (wired to host), Bluetooth (controller)
|Ports = USB connection
|Wired Video = Yes (USB)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = Yes (controller)
|Power = USB powered (glasses), Battery (controller)
|Battery Capacity = Controller: Battery powered
|Battery Life = Controller: Extended
|Charge Time = Controller varies
|Dimensions = Lightweight glasses form
|Weight = 95g (glasses)
|Material = Plastic, lightweight materials
|Headstrap = None (temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = IMU, tracking camera
|Input = Wand controller (6DoF), compatible gamepads
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}


Tilt Five has been marketed as a gaming platform, but it is stunted due to its requirement of a PC or android phone to use.
The '''Tilt Five''' is a tabletop [[augmented reality]] gaming system developed by [[Tilt Five]], founded by [[Jeri Ellsworth]], first announced via Kickstarter in September 2019 and released in 2021. Representing a unique approach to AR gaming, Tilt Five uses lightweight glasses (95 grams) with dual pico projectors that beam images onto a proprietary retroreflective gameboard, creating shared holographic experiences specifically designed for tabletop gaming scenarios. The system delivers an unprecedented 110° diagonal field of view—85% light efficiency through the lenses—with 1280 × 720 resolution per eye, far exceeding the FOV of typical AR headsets and even some VR headsets. Unlike standalone AR glasses, Tilt Five requires connection to a Windows PC, Android device, or iOS device and uses the special gameboard as both a projection surface and tracking reference point. The system includes a 6DoF wand controller for precise interaction with holographic game elements, enabling multiple players with their own glasses to see the same holographic board game from their respective perspectives. Originally evolved from the cancelled CastAR project at Valve, Tilt Five has established a growing library of AR-adapted board games and original titles, targeting the tabletop gaming community with an accessible, social AR experience priced starting at $299 for the glasses alone or $359-$499 for complete kits including the gameboard and controller.


Tilt Five's input is a wand-like device which appears to be magic. However, it is not. The wand device has buttons that can be used like a normal game controller in some games.
== History and Development ==
 
=== CastAR Origins ===
Project background:
* Valve hardware research
* Jeri Ellsworth development
* Technical Labs spin-off
* AR projection concept
 
=== Company Founding ===
Tilt Five establishment:
* Founded by Jeri Ellsworth
* CastAR technology evolution
* Tabletop gaming focus
* Consumer accessibility
 
=== September 2019 Kickstarter ===
Crowdfunding campaign:
* $1.7M+ funding raised
* Community support
* Pre-order campaign
* Development validation
 
=== 2021 Commercial Release ===
Product launch:
* Limited Edition kits shipped
* Consumer availability
* Game library growing
* Platform expansion
 
== Design Philosophy ==
 
=== Tabletop AR ===
Gaming focus:
* Board game enhancement
* Tabletop-specific design
* Shared experiences
* Social gaming
 
=== Retroreflective Projection ===
Unique technology:
* Gameboard required
* Retroreflective surface
* High brightness projection
* Wide field of view
 
=== Social Multiplayer ===
Shared experiences:
* Multiple glasses support
* Same table viewing
* Perspective-correct images
* Group gaming
 
=== Lightweight Design ===
Comfort priority:
* '''Weight''': 95 grams
* One-third typical MR weight
* All-day comfort
* Glasses form factor
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Pico Projectors ===
Projection system:
* '''Type''': Dual pico projectors
* '''Resolution''': 1280 × 720 per eye
* '''Technology''': Projected RGB
* High brightness output
 
=== Retroreflective Gameboard ===
Projection surface:
* Special material coating
* Reflects light to source
* High efficiency return
* Crisp image quality
 
=== Field of View ===
Visual coverage:
* '''FOV''': 110° diagonal
* '''Horizontal''': ~96°
* '''Vertical''': ~55°
* Industry-leading for AR
 
=== Light Efficiency ===
Optical performance:
* 85% lens efficiency
* Transparent viewing
* Bright holograms
* Clear real-world view
 
== Tracking System ==
 
=== 6DoF Glasses Tracking ===
Head tracking:
* '''DoF''': 6 degrees of freedom
* Head position tracking
* Head orientation tracking
* Perspective-correct rendering
 
=== Gameboard Reference ===
Tracking anchor:
* Board as reference point
* Precise localization
* Stable holograms
* Accurate placement
 
=== Wand Controller ===
Input tracking:
* '''DoF''': 6DoF controller
* Position tracking
* Orientation tracking
* Precise interaction
 
=== Camera System ===
Tracking hardware:
* Head-tracking camera
* Gameboard recognition
* Real-time positioning
* Low-latency tracking
 
== Hardware Components ==
 
=== Glasses ===
AR eyewear:
* Lightweight design (95g)
* Dual pico projectors
* Tracking camera
* USB connection
 
=== Gameboard ===
Projection surface:
* Retroreflective material
* Standard game size
* XL size available
* Foldable design
 
=== Wand Controller ===
Input device:
* 6DoF tracking
* Button inputs
* Trigger control
* Bluetooth connection
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Weight ===
Lightweight achievement:
* '''Weight''': 95 grams
* Comfortable for extended use
* One-third of typical MR headsets
* Balanced design
 
=== Form Factor ===
Glasses design:
* Traditional eyewear style
* Over-glasses compatible
* Adjustable fit
* Ergonomic temples
 
=== Materials ===
Construction:
* Lightweight plastics
* Durable build
* Comfortable padding
* Quality finish
 
== Connectivity ==
 
=== USB Connection ===
Glasses link:
* Wired to host device
* Power via USB
* Video via USB
* Low-latency connection
 
=== Host Compatibility ===
Supported platforms:
* Windows PC
* Android devices
* iOS devices
* Cross-platform support
 
=== Bluetooth Controller ===
Wireless input:
* Wand controller
* Bluetooth connection
* Compatible gamepads
* Easy pairing
 
== Gaming Experience ==
 
=== Board Games ===
Traditional adaptations:
* Catan
* Pandemic
* King of Tokyo
* Classic game ports
 
=== Original Titles ===
Tilt Five games:
* HoloLems
* Marble It Up: Mayhem!
* 11 Table Tennis
* Growing library
 
=== Multiplayer Support ===
Social gaming:
* Multiple glasses per table
* Shared holographic view
* Perspective-correct rendering
* Group experiences
 
=== Cross-Platform ===
Device flexibility:
* PC games
* Mobile games
* Unified library
* Platform choice
 
== Product Kits ==
 
=== Glasses Only ===
Basic option:
* '''Price''': $299-$359
* Glasses unit
* USB cable
* Basic package
 
=== Limited Edition Kit ===
Complete package:
* '''Price''': $359-$499
* Glasses
* Gameboard
* Wand controller
* Carrying case
 
=== XL Gameboard ===
Larger option:
* Expanded play area
* More players
* Bigger games
* Separate purchase
 
== Comparison with AR Gaming Solutions ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Tilt Five !! Quest 3 MR !! Magic Leap 2 !! HoloLens 2
|-
| Type || Tabletop AR || Passthrough MR || See-through AR || See-through AR
|-
| FOV || 110° || 110° (MR) || 70° || 52°
|-
| Resolution || 720p/eye || 2064×2208/eye || 1440×1760/eye || 1440×936/eye
|-
| Weight || 95g || 515g || 260g || 566g
|-
| Focus || Tabletop gaming || General VR/MR || Enterprise AR || Enterprise AR
|-
| Price || $299-$499 || $499 || $3,299 || $3,500
|-
| Requires || Gameboard + host || Standalone || Standalone || Standalone
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* 110° unprecedented AR field of view
* Ultra-lightweight (95g glasses)
* 720p per eye resolution
* 6DoF glasses + controller tracking
* Social multiplayer support
* Growing board game library
* Cross-platform (PC/Android/iOS)
* Affordable entry price ($299+)
* Unique retroreflective technology
 
=== Limitations ===
* Requires proprietary gameboard
* Tethered to host device (USB)
* Limited to tabletop applications
* No standalone operation
* Game library still developing
* Gameboard-restricted play area
* No audio built-in
* Single-purpose design
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual pico projectors
|-
| Resolution || 1280 × 720 per eye
|-
| FOV || 110° diagonal
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60Hz
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (glasses + controller)
|-
| Weight || 95g (glasses)
|-
| Connectivity || USB (wired), Bluetooth (controller)
|-
| Platform || Windows, Android, iOS
|-
| Requires || Retroreflective gameboard
|-
| Price || $299-$499
|}
 
== See Also ==
* [[Tilt Five (company)]]
* [[Augmented Reality Gaming]]
* [[Tabletop AR]]
* [[Jeri Ellsworth]]
* [[CastAR]]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
 
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Gaming AR]]
[[Category:Tabletop AR]]
[[Category:Tilt Five]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]