The smarts behind smart glasses
What practical applications could this new technology have for the Australian IT space?
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Google Glass led to the rest of the world coining a new word – “Glassholes” – to describe its users, but the reality is that it’s simply a device in search of an application.
When Google launched its Glass optical head-mounted display (OHMD) in 2013, the initial reaction was “Isn’t that cool?” followed by “What would you really use it for?”
Designed to be a ubiquitous wearable computer, Google Glass connects to the internet, displays information in a head-up display and can be controlled via a touchpad or using natural-language voice commands.
The display can record or take a photo of what the wearer sees, live stream it using Google Hangouts or upload it to the web. Glass can also give directions or provide an overlay of information when viewing an object such as a work of art or a museum exhibit.
The issue of privacy
Almost immediately, Glass’s ability to record video and take photos surreptitiously attracted the ire of privacy advocates and, although Google says the product is just moving on to the next phase of development, it seems to have been discontinued.
Despite this, other companies have looked at this new technology and seen a practical workplace application for smart glasses and related technology.
Consumer and industrial applications for smart glasses
Toshiba was the first with the launch of Toshiba Glass at CEATEC 2014. Toshiba Glass has a small projection module that is attached to the right side of the frame. When video or a photograph is projected through this module, it appears as if the image is floating about two metres in front of the wearer.
Offloading the heavy-duty processing to a smartphone, Toshiba Glass was intended for various industrial applications right from the start.
With information presented in front of the wearer, allowing for a hands-free environment, the device is expected to improve operational efficiency and safety for various industrial tasks, including building inspections, equipment maintenance, medical care, warehouse staff, first responders and defence personnel.
Toshiba has not neglected consumers, suggesting the new technology could be used in museums, historical sites and sport stadiums, as well as for providing instructions for cooking and many other hobbies. Similarly, health information could be displayed while exercising.
eHat a different approach
An Australian company – eHat – has taken a slightly different approach. The eHat System is a hard (safety) hat incorporating a lightweight HD camera, microphone and headset. Software allows it to communicate over Wi-Fi to the operator’s smartphone and back to base, where a PC or tablet can show what the eHat operator is seeing.
Initially, eHat envisages the device being used as a way to provide training and engineering support to technicians on site, but there’s a lot of scope for other applications.
While smart glasses are cutting edge new technology now, there’s little doubt they’ll become mainstream rapidly – it all depends on the applications available.
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