Toshiba dynaEdge

Introduction

The dynaEdge is an AR "smart glasses" made by Toshiba. It is meant to help large enterprises in improving their efficiency and operation flexibility. The user is required to carry a small device on them. The device has Windows 10 on it and 512mb of storage. There are different ways to mount the device. Such as attach it to a safety helmet or to a normal pair of glasses. Also, there are other companies out there that have created software that uses this hardware to provide support for their clients.

Specifications

dynaEdge AR100 HMD

• Optics: 0.26" Diagonal, Display resolution: 640x360, content resolution: 1280x720
• navigation controls: 3 control buttons, touch-pad
• camera: 5.0 megapixel f/2.8, auto focus, video capture up to 1080p @ 30fps, flash LED
• sensors: proximity, ambient light, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, GPS
• audio: built-in speaker, dual microphones
• connectors: USB type-C
• Weight: 47g

dynaEdge AR100 Mobile Mini PC

• CPU: Intel 6th Generation Core m Processor
• Memory: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB on-board LPDDR3
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
• Storage Device: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB SATA m.2 SSD
• Network: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 and 802.11ac 2x2 + Bluetooth and 3G/LTE
• Security: TPM 2.0, Fingerprint ready, security lock slot
• Bridge media: Micro SD card slot
• Interface: USB 3.0, USP Type-C, Headphone/Microphone combo, DC-in
• Navigation: 5 buttons-UP, Down, Left, Right, Enter
• Dimensions: 6.5" x 3.3" x 0.8"
• Weight: 0.68lbs (310g)

Overview

Toshiba co-developed the dynaEdge AR100 alongside Vuzix with the goal of improving enterprise efficiency. The resulting HMD is small and light, weighing only 47 grams, but it contains several sensors, a speaker, and dual microphones. The glass eyepiece measures 0.26” diagonally and has a display resolution of 640x360. The HMD also features a 5.0MP front-facing camera with f/2.8 aperture and a focus range as close as 10cm. The camera can capture 30 FPS video at 1080p. Finally, the HMD has four navigation buttons and a touchpad to navigate through the OS.

One of the defining features on the dynaEdge HMD is its mounting rail, which allows the eyepiece to be attached to a variety of adjustable mounts. Toshiba currently has four mounts in mind: a lens frame, a pair of safety glasses, a hard hat, and a headband. As AR HMDs are adopted in more work environments, the variety of mounts may grow.

Toshiba predicts several enterprise environments where the dynaEdge would be useful. For example, hands-on training and assistance can be costly in the manufacturing and assembly space. The dynaEdge can record and upload live processes to the attached Mini PC for workers to easily access out in the field.

The computational power behind the dynaEdge lies in its mobile Mini PC, which is essentially a portable PC running Windows 10 Pro. The Mini PC features a 6th generation Intel Core M processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB M.2 storage. It will come with a belt-strapped carrying pouch with openings for the navigation buttons. Toshiba suggests a battery life of around 6 hours, but the battery can be easily swapped out for a freshly charged unit. Finally, the Mini PC connects to the smart glass via USB Type-C; the included cable comes with a clip to attach to the back of your shirt.

The dynaEdge Mini PC comes pre-loaded with Toshiba’s Vision DE Suite, which works in tandem with the AR100 smart glass. This suite allows users to save or open files to view through the AR100. For example, a field worker can record a video of a complicated task in first-person view using the AR100’s camera and microphone. The video is saved and can be played back through Vision DE to train new workers. Vision DE’s file system also supports photos and PDF files.

Vision DE’s video conferencing functionality sits on Skype for Business and allows dynaEdge users to communicate with remote assistance while in the field. Toshiba refers to this as a “See-what-I-see” scenario, and allows enterprises to streamline documentation processes by having only one worker on site. For example, in the construction space, a single worker can provide a first-person view of completed projects while a remote partner signs off and documents their work, rather than having two workers on-site.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy access to work instructions and other visual and audio information anywhere.
• Connect users with remote experts to advise, guide and train. Standardize processes across workforce.
• Communicate alerts and process changes immediately.
• Real time visual data capture helps you assure quality standards and analyse performance.

Cons:

• Expensive, starting at $1,900. Not for the average consumer
• Can take some time getting used to the display
• Can be uncomfortable to wear
• Two separate devices, the HMD and the mini computer
• AR and reality not a very smooth experience

Conclusion

The Toshiba dynaEdge makes a great AR device. It allows users to interact with the real world and augmented reality in real time. The dynaEdge creates an appeal for this type of technology by targeting big enterprises and shows them how it can be used to benefit and save costs for them. Toshiba's idea of creating a product for enterprises is a great idea because it allows them to get a better understanding of what average consumers would like before making more of a consumer product. The dynaEdge already has great specifications. It is fairly light and it is about the size of the larger phones nowadays except for the thickness. The HMD itself is very light and sleek. It is not a bulky contraption that would particularly cause much discomfort for the user. The dynaEdge is a great example of the direction AR technology is headed and is trying to create a norm for AR to be a part of everyone day to day lives.

Resources

• 1