Olympus announces MEG4.0 wearable display prototype, skips the skydive
While Google may have grabbed headlines for its recent wearable tech stunt, Olympus is doggedly forging ahead with its own similar prototypes, seven years on. Unlike Project Glass, the MEG4.0 isn't a standalone structure and needs a glasses frame to hang on, although the sub-30g unit shouldn't tax it too much. The QVGA (320 x 240) display can connect to devices through Bluetooth 2.1, with Olympus pointing to a smartphone hook-up to provide both the processing power and internet connectivity -- which sounds different to what we're expecting from Google's effort. The current prototype can squeeze out eight hours of intermittent use, or two hours of non-stop projection. While the device is being pitched at everyday users, Olympus isn't offering any suggestions of launch dates or pricing, but you can check on what the company is willing to share in the (Google-translated) press release below.
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Developed a prototype of the wearable display
Cooperation with the smartphone also allows
Olympus Corporation (President: Hiroyuki Sasa) has developed the ※ 1 "(Meg 4.0) MEG4.0" ultra-compact wearable display prototype can be used in everyday life. Equipped with Bluetooth ®, such as smart phones and wireless connection can be. In addition, at the same time to achieve a compact, lightweight, low power consumption, was also enables continuous use for a long time.
The Company has a research and development of wearable display than ever before. "MEG4.0" the newly developed prototype is that brings together the technology developed to date. ※ 2 The adoption of our own pupil division optical system see-through, you can see the display does not obstruct the visibility of the outside world naturally. In addition, the order to increase the utilization efficiency of light of the display panel, that achieves high brightness remains low power consumption, the visibility of the outdoors has been improved.
Consider the use in everyday life, we can combine the design mechanism and not easily detachable to glasses, of excellent wear by optimizing the balance weight, discomfort. Rather than a mere display, also has a built-direction acceleration sensor, interface and its application as a system using these operations, deployment to a wide range of applications in combination with GPS is possible.
※ 1 Code name of the prototype
※ 2 Optical see-through technology is our pupil division optical system has been adopted to wearable display. To display the image in the optical system of the width of the rod about half of pupil diameter, the outside view is almost 100% secure. In addition, since the light of the display panel is used without waste, was a bright screen display can be achieved with low power consumption.
The main features
Assumes a long-term use in daily life, realizing a compact, lightweight, low power consumption
Such as smart phones can be equipped with wireless connections with Bluetooth ®
Proprietary optical technology, ensure the visibility of both the display and the outside world
A built-in acceleration sensor orientation, can be applied to a wide range of applications
