August 27, 2014 at 12:46Review of augmented reality glasses Epson Moverio BT-200
The explosion of the popularity of augmented reality devices is yet to come, and the few available gadgets are of great interest. Especially those that have an unusual approach or implementation. In particular, the Epson Moverio BT-200, the second model of augmented reality glasses from the Japanese manufacturer. And today we bring to your attention an overview of this curious device.
It was not for nothing that we started talking about the non-standard approach: the glasses are connected to an external system unit running Android 4.0.4 and having a touchpad. They have built-in two translucent mini-displays with a total resolution of 960x540, as well as a camera that allows you to use augmented reality scenarios. In addition, the manufacturer launched the eyewear store, Moverio Apps Market.
The device turned out to be universal. In addition to the augmented reality mentioned, glasses are well suited for playing games and watching videos. For example, the BT-200 is already used in medicine by applying a blood vessel pattern to the human body, which makes it easier for nurses to take blood from veins and arteries.
Main characteristics
| Display | 2 translucent LCDs (polysilicon active matrix) with a diagonal of 0.42 inches, format 16: 9, total resolution 960x540 |
| Subjective size of the perceived image | 40 inches from a distance of 2.5 m, 320 inches from 20 m |
| Update frequency | 60 Hz |
| operating system | Android 4.0.4 |
| Preinstalled applications | Moverio Air, Moverio Apps Market, Moverio Mirror, SEViewer |
| Camera resolution | Vga |
| Wireless connection | Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b / g / n, Bluetooth 3.0 |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 (microUSB) |
| CPU | TI OMAP 4460, 1.2 GHz frequency, 2 cores |
| RAM size | 1 GB |
| The amount of internal memory | 8 GB |
| Memory card support | MicroSD, MicroSDHC up to 32 GB |
| Supported Video Formats | MP4 (MPEG4 + AAC / Dolby Digital Plus), MPEG2 (H.264 + AAC / Dolby Digital Plus); 3D video playback (horizontal stereo pair) |
| Supported Audio Formats | AAC, Dolby Digital Plus, MP3, WAV; Dolby Digital Plus Technology |
| Recommended price | 35 000 rubles |
Design and construction
Externally, the system unit looks like a hybrid of a small smartphone and a solar battery. It contains a processor, memory, connectors, wireless modules. Sistemnik wire connects to glasses, which still look more like a specialized tool than a fashion accessory.
When folded, the dimensions of the glasses are 170x185x32 mm, weight - 88 grams. Quite weighty, but ergonomics at altitude, so they can be worn for a long time without fatigue. The BT-200 is designed to be worn over regular glasses, so you don’t have to make a choice. Removable rubber nozzles on the arms allow you to adjust the fit of the glasses depending on the hairstyle and structural features of the user's head. If necessary, a dimming nozzle can be attached externally.
Points are delivered in a voluminous case, so you can not be afraid for their safety when transporting in baggage or hand luggage. The assembly of glasses is high-quality, without cracks, backlashes and creaks.
On the right is the built-in camera lens. The wire is connected next to the hinge of the left arm. There is an intermediate block with a clothespin on the wire, equipped with a headphone jack (also included). The main problem is the permanent connection of the wire with the glasses. Inaccurate or very active wearing, there is a risk of fraying or kinking.
Let's take a closer look at the system unit. Under the large “screen” -touchpad there are three buttons responsible for calling the context menu, going to the main screen and returning back. At the top, above the logo, is a status LED.
Dimensions of the system unit - 120x55x19 mm, weight - 124 grams. Pretty thick and not very comfortable in the hand.
On the upper end of the system unit is a slider on / off device, also responsible for locking the buttons. If you move it and release it, then it returns to the central position. At the bottom there is a proprietary connector for connecting with glasses. On the right side are a microUSB connector and a volume rocker. On the left side there is a microSD card compartment, a reset button (recessed into the case) and a functional button, a kind of Ctrl, which allows simultaneously with the volume buttons to change the screen brightness and change the display mode - 2D or 3D. It is convenient to work with buttons; they are moderately large and embossed.
Interface and Management
As you can see, Epson did not bother creating a proprietary graphical shell for Android. Management is the same as in the case of a smartphone, only "blindly" to do it a little unusual. It supports multi-touch, the touchpad sensitivity is at a good level, there is no desire to rub and put pressure on it with force. The developers have also implemented support for some of the "corporate" gestures, but in some cases they are too smart.
The glasses themselves are equipped with a gyroscope and an accelerometer, so it is possible to use scenarios in which the turns and tilts of the user's head are important. Primarily for realistic augmented reality effects.
Picture
Two built-in displays create the effect of a single image, both two and three-dimensional. A rather specific sensation that does not look like watching a “whole” screen. In terms of viewing angle, the image is comparable to a 40-inch display from a distance of 2.5 meters.
Translucency in no way impairs the quality of the image; it is generally invisible in the case of a “full-fledged” picture, and not augmented reality. An important feature of glasses is the need to accurately position them so that the displays are strictly parallel to the imaginary plane in which the user's eyes lie. Otherwise, it will not be possible to focus on the image. The correct fit of the BT-200 is the adjustable bridge on the bridge of the nose and the aforementioned nozzles on the arms.
The image is bright and quite detailed, enough for a comfortable movie viewing. But the 3D effect turned out to be extremely good, but only the display of a horizontal stereo pair is supported.
If you have never used video glasses, then keep in mind that you need to get used to them. Some users who first tried them have a little dizziness, regardless of the content they’ve watched. The addictive effect arises quickly enough, after just a few hours.
Functionality
Iron performance is enough for the vast majority of tasks, including video viewing, and augmented reality. However, some "heavy" games may not be able to score points. By default, a very small number of video formats and codecs are supported, although this can be solved with some manual intervention. It also helps to connect Google Play or directly upload apk files to the system.
The reset button mentioned above had to be used a couple of times during the week. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find out the patterns, so we considered this to be the dampness of one of the first specimens.
The built-in camera is designed to provide the effect of augmented reality and read QR codes. High-quality photo and video shooting with its resolution and color reproduction is impossible.
Sound quality we really liked.
The built-in Moverio Mirror program allows you to broadcast an image between glasses and a smartphone in both directions via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In this mode, the BT-200 can be used as an external display.
Of course, this is not the most important way to use these glasses. Their hobby is augmented reality, and here the capabilities of the device are revealed as fully as possible. In addition to games, glasses can be used for all kinds of applied, entertaining, industrial and scientific tasks.
The non-removable 2720 mAh battery provides 5-6 hours of active use of glasses. On the one hand, not so much, when compared with other augmented reality glasses, the result is quite satisfactory. An important consequence of using an external system unit with a battery is the lack of overheating of the glasses themselves.