The “Toshiba eyeglasses-type wearable device,” under development by Toshiba Corporation, has attracted interest from various industries since a prototype was showcased at “CEATEC JAPAN 2014” in Tokyo (Oct. 2014) and at “2015 International CES” in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the U.S. (Jan. 2015).
Here, let’s focus on two of the main characteristics of the device that are drawing attention.
What is the “Toshiba eyeglasses-type wearable device”?
The “Toshiba eyeglasses-type wearable device,” unveiled in 2014, is intended for various industrial applications, including maintenance and inspection of infrastructures and logistic operations in warehouses and factories.
Images are projected from a miniature projection module mounted on the side of the eyeglasses frame. With information presented in front of the wearer while keeping his/her hands free, the device is expected to improve operational efficiency and safety for various industrial tasks.
Aiming for evolved glasses that naturally fit the body
One of the issues of today’s wearable digital devices is the tradeoff between mobility (weight and size) and battery life. Many devices tend to sacrifice the latter, usually resulting in a 30 minute to 1 hour battery life.
These solutions, however, do not seem to fulfill the need for enhanced operating efficiency sought for wearable devices. On the other hand, a larger battery translates into heavier and bulkier devices, which in turn become unsuitable for practical use.
To solve this dilemma, Toshiba is proposing to tether the projection module to a mobile device that would also include the power source for the projection module.
With this method, it is expected to provide extended battery life per charge, while keeping the projection module and the eyeglasses device to a minimum in form factor and size.
Toshiba’s development team considers this kind of device as an extension of a conventional pair of glasses. The current prototype weighs less than 50 grams, which is the standard weight for a regular pair of eye correction glasses.
POC Phase and FY2015 Launch
Toshiba’s development team has put its efforts and technology into alleviating the stress that the wearer experiences with such a device as he/she shifts focus between the virtual image and the real world.
The projection module and the specifically designed half mirror lens used in this device are the result of careful research by our optical engineers.
After unveiling the prototype, Toshiba has received many inquiries from various industries from around the world. The team is working closely for a proof-of-concept with the eyeglasses-type wearable device in the upcoming months.
In addition, Toshiba is also planning to provide a software development kit that would allow software developers to design their own solutions using the device.
Toshiba aims to develop innovative products, responding to the new needs of society, by combining accumulated know-how and technologies, and will help realize a rich and sustainable society for generations to come.
