Epson Moverio BT-200

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Epson Moverio BT-200 smart glasses are a truly augmented reality device, in that they integrate the digital projection into wearer’s immediate surrounding, which is enabled by the semi-transparency of projected image floating in space. In that sense, they conceptually fall in between smart glasses with display hovering in the corner of an eye (e.g. Google Glass) and the immersive experience of VR, which fully blocks out the real world (e.g. Oculus Rift). [1] [2] The previous version was the Epson Moverio BT-100 (announced in November 2011 and released in March 2012).

Main characteristics

The device runs on Android platform [OS 4.0.4]. It consists of two parts: headset and control unit (connected by cable). The glasses are binocular, with two LCD displays (16:9) and two micro projectors embedded into both sides, projecting the image on the miniature screens. The image appears in the centre of the field of view and the screen gets bigger with the increase of projected distance: 80 inch at 5 m - 320 inch at 20 m. [3] A VGA camera is embedded on one side, and serves more for augmented reality apps and object recognition than as a photography tool. [1] They weigh 88g and the adjustable rubber nose-piece make them sit comfortably on the face. The microphone is embedded in the headset.

The controller is connected to the headset by a cable. It is a smartphone-shaped device with a textured touchpad supporting multi-touch gestures, and it has Menu, Home, and Back buttons specific for Android. Volume, brightness, and power controls are on the side. It contains TI OMAP 4460 1.2Ghz Dual Core CPU with 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal memory, and additional 32 GB with a MicroSD card.

Both headset and controller have a compass, gyroscope, and accelerometer, while the GPS is in the controller. It also houses a battery which lasts for about 6 hours. Dolby Digital Plus surround sound increases the immersive experience. Connectivity includes WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, and a microUSB port. AS for Moverio BT-200 applications, Epson hosts both the Developers Site and Moverio App Store.

Purpose

The product is primarily oriented towards enterprise use in industry, retail, and medicine, but it also expands to entertainment in order to target wider consumer population.

Company & People

Seiko Epson Corporation was founded in 1942, Suwa, Nagano, Japan. It’s production is mainly focused on information-related equipments, electronic devices, and precision products. [4]

  • Epson Board of Directors: Minoru Usui, President; Noriyuki Hama, Senior Managing Director; Shigeki Inoue, Managing Director; Yoneharu Fukushima, Director; Koichi Kubota, Director; Motonori Okumura, Director; Junichi Watanabe, Director; Masayuki Kawana, Director; Toshiharu Aoki, Director (outside director); Hideaki Omiya, Director (outside director).
  • Epson Moverio Partners: Metaio, APX LAbs, Scope AR, Evena Medical, Qualcomm Vuforia, DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, Rochester Optical, Aero Glass.

Important Dates

Announced at CES, January 2014 Available and shipping since March 2014.

Ethical Issues

Health Risks

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

Public Policy

Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research

References