VisorCentral.com - Eyemodule2 Available!

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Eyemodule2 Available! (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=11762)

Posted by PDAENVY on 02-13-2001 03:37 PM:

This page says "the eyemodule2 comes with a cool protective case and a lens cap!" and shows a picture.

I like the lens cap feature! Maybe they'll sell them separately to EM1 users!

__________________
Jeff

Posted by Usonian on 02-13-2001 03:55 PM:

Re: Eyemodule Resolution

quote:
Originally posted by SLCVisor
Do not believe the "higher resolution" claims on the EyeModule...

...If you are thinking that the resolution of the images taken by an EyeModule are anywhere near a digital camera, you are mistaken.

Well, this is an issue of semantics. My Olympus D400 takes pictures at 1280x960, but when I transfer them onto my PC their resolution is still 72 DPI. At 72 DPI, 1280x960 = 17.78" x 3.33", compared to Eyemodule 2's 8.89" x 6.67" at 640x480. More pixels, but the same resolution as
both the Eyemodule and Eyemodule 2.

If I want to print my Olympus D400 image at photo quality, I would need to set the image's resolution to 300 DPI, which works out to 4.27" x 3.2", compared to the Eyemodule 2's 2.13" x 1.6" at 640x480. This doesn't change the actual number of pixels in the image, rather it tells image editing programs and printers the amount of space the image is supposed to occupy; more pixels in a smaller space = higher resolution.

The Eyemodule 2 does capture more pixels than the Eyemodule 1, which translates to larger images at the same resolution of 72 DPI, or higher resolution at the same size as the Eyemodule 1's images:

Eyemodule 1: 320x240 @ 72 DPI = 4.44" x 3.33"
Eyemodule 2: 640x480 @ 144 DPI = 4.44" x 3.33"

__________________
<br>"Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union" -Frank Lloyd Wright

Posted by DBrown on 02-13-2001 04:07 PM:

Re: Eyemodule Resolution

quote:
Originally posted by SLCVisor
Do not believe the "higher resolution" claims on the EyeModule. From what the www.eyemodule.com site is showing on their sample images, the resolution of the images has not changed. The images are still only a 72dpi resolution. The image size has increased, but the resolution is still the same. If you are thinking that the resolution of the images taken by an EyeModule are anywhere near a digital camera, you are mistaken.

It doesn't matter, SLCVisor. 640x480 pictures take up 4 times as much of my monitor's space as 320x240 pictures do. I can enlarge a 320x240 picture so that it appears as large as a 640x480 picture, but it won't have as much information in it, and won't appear as crisp. The "USE" of resolution is primarily in how you print or display the pictures. Printers have far more resolution than most pictures they print, but the images are scaled to print as large as we want them, irregardless of their native pixel dimensions.

What use is it knowing something is 72dpi? Got a scanner? Set it for 72dpi and scan a 8.9"x6.7" picture. It'll appear about the same as eyemodule pictures at 640x480 pixels do and take up the same amount of screen space. Print that same picture at 300dpi, but at it's native pixel resolution (one pixel to one printed dot) and it'll only be 2.13"x1.6" on the page.

Is it comparable to REAL digital cameras? Go to walmart. You'll find several (ok, they're cheap) digital cameras that take 640x480 pictures.

Considering that the EM2 is only $199, I doubt anyone really expected a 2 megapixel or better digital camera. We all WANTED one, of course, but it's not going to happen for that price.

Dave

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There is nothing yet made by man that cannot be improved upon.

Posted by dabirk on 02-13-2001 05:56 PM:

eyemodule2 amazon

What happened to amazon.com offer of the eye2 for $50.00 off
promo?
Does anyone know?
dabirk

__________________
Dave B (Grandpa Geek)"If it ain't broke, don't fix it yet!
BUT IF IT IS PLEEZ FIX"

Posted by canosatien on 02-13-2001 06:07 PM:

Man, this suck!! Ideo hasn't been listening to its users!! Who the hell have 6mb of free memory on their visor, let alone fixed lens!!
I was so hyped and waited patiently about upgrading this but I guess I'll just wait for Kodak. Extremely disappointed.

Posted by Usonian on 02-13-2001 07:31 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by canosatien
Man, this suck!! Ideo hasn't been listening to its user

The two most common complaints about the original Eyemodule that I've seen are

1. Poor picture quality and
2. Small image size.

I think Ideo has been listening, and I'm sure they looked at incorporating many of the other features we've been clamoring for (flash/zoom/swivel lens/manual focus/internal memory). In the interest of time and cost, I expect they chose only to address the two biggest issues that have relegated the first Eyemodule to "expensive toy" status. Can you buy a standalone digicam with flash and larger image size for $199? Sure... but how many people always carry their digital camera with them as opposed to how many people always carry their Visor with them? For those who love their original Eyemodule, the "I always have my Visor with me anyway" convenience factor goes a long way towards offsetting the camera's other shortcomings, including its price compared to low-end stand-alone cams.

Better to improve core functionality than pull an InnoGear: "Our new InnoCam springboard will be a 1.3 megapixel CCD camera with flash, 20x zoom, tilting lens, 64mb MMC card (with a future software update you'll also be able to store MP3s and E-books!), tripod mount, both auto and manual focus and exposure control, and it will all fit in a standard springboard-sized module, for $199! We have a working prototype. InnoCam will be shipping uh, next month, yeah!"

Posted by The Cat on 02-13-2001 08:39 PM:

Required Lighting for E2

Anyone know if the poor exposure issues related to low light conditions have been improved in the E2. If not it doesn't seem worth the cost of buying it to replace my E1.

__________________
The Cat

Everything makes sense when you realize that the world is Perfect, that we move from one perfect moment to the next forever; both forwards and backwards in time.

Posted by lennonhead on 02-13-2001 11:45 PM:

When I saw the specs for the eyemodule2 I was very happy. The reason I never considered buying an eyemodule1 is the limited resolution, the e2 answered that problem and added some other nice stuff. I think they did a great job!

The one thing I am still not clear about (and would impact my purchasing decision) is whether you can transfer the pictures onto a flash or compact flash module. Anyone know?

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Posted by EricG on 02-14-2001 12:28 AM:

I'd consider getting one if it had removable storage (i.e. MMC or SmartMedia), there is already enough junk in my Prism now.. I'd only be able to take a very limited number of images before I filled it up.

Oh well, when is the Eyemodule 3 due out?

Posted by davidi on 02-14-2001 01:13 AM:

Even tough it is nice to see the advances in the camera modules by the developers for Handspring, I am amaze that my wife's Casio E-105 has had a camera attachment since 1999 and is has full 180 lens movement. When I heard the rumors about the Eye Module #2 I tought they would exceed what is out in the market. So for now I will keep waiting.

Posted by eyebrowse on 02-14-2001 03:06 AM:

Who's got theirs?

Has anyone sprung for the eyemodule 2 yet? Be sure to post with "real world" observations. I too hope you can at least move the application data to a CF or basic memory module... although of course you'd have to pull the eyemodule out to do so.

I'd also like to see some E2 images beyond the ones in the official gallery. I've only received one submission so far, but it was from a hardcore user who... well, probably voided his warranty to mess with the focus.

I do agree that E2 pretty much solved the biggest criticisms of the original module (if not from geeks like us, certainly from average users and reviewers). To get printable pictures from something so small is nothing to sneeze at.

But I'll put in my vote for on-board memory next time... please? It doesn't even have to be removable media! I like that a decent PalmOS operation can run with 8MB... I'd hate the memory needs of the device to explode to 32MB like HPCs because of the modules people plug into it.

But I also think if the E3 came out with everything folks have been clamoring for, it's going to be fat and bulging like the MiniJam... or "encase" the poor Visor entirely! At that point, definitely, why not just get a $49 RCA digicam at WalMart?

__________________
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><a href="http://lightfantastic.org/eye/"><img src="http://lightfantastic.org/eye/ryanozawa/w-beach3-sm2.jpg" width="80" height="60" border="1"></a></td>
<td valign="top"><font size="2">Ryan Kawailani Ozawa<hr size="1" color="#ff0000"><b>eye</b>browse > eyemodule gallery & users' group<br><a href="http://lightfantastic.org/eye" target="_blank">http://lightfantastic.org/eye</a></font></td></tr></table>

Posted by mrknowitall on 02-14-2001 04:45 AM:

Re: Who's got theirs?

quote:
Originally posted by eyebrowse
Has anyone sprung for the eyemodule 2 yet? Be sure to post with "real world" observations.

Yes, and ok.

__________________
"The Greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge." -- Daniel Borstin

Posted by drclausen on 02-14-2001 05:46 AM:

Hmmm

lennonhead--

I just bought the Eyemodule I (got it for a great price so I can't complain) and a homemade CF adapter. I have been sucsessful at transfering images to the cf and retreaving them from the cf card. If the Eyemodule 2 is anything like the originol in the way it stores it's pictures, My bet is that it is possible.

drclausen

Posted by Jason4321 on 02-14-2001 07:28 AM:

Small review of eyemodule 2

Everyone,
Just received my Eyemodule2 via Airborne Express. First impression, I like the packaging better on this model (having bought the eyemodule1 earlier). The box ships with everything as advertised. The lens cover comes attached to the module, but since it's rubber it can be removed as well. The tin carrying case is lined internally with a rubbery foam, so at least it's not some cheesy box. The case is hinged as well, pretty nice.

The software as installed has the eyedrop conduit software and a couple other image viewer programs (ACDSee, Club Photo) in addition to the new and improved Eyecontact software. Nice CD installer, too.

The module itself is a bit different. I told ya about the lens cover; the lens is angled about 30 degrees downward, and it really works well! The software installed perfectly on my Prism (a nice change from the eyemodule1), I installed the eyecontact software separately from the CD. The color viewfinder (aka the Visor screen) looks really good. The only issue I noticed was when I was capturing images using standard lamp lighting (you know, lightbulbs..) the image on the screen was kinda ghostly. With more light, it looked much better. When moving around, it has a severe case of "anime-effect". You know when a cartoon wants to simulate speed by having the background whoosh around (like Akira)? Well, if you do, it's like that. The subject will be very blurry if it's moving even slightly. This may be the low light level, however.

The movie mode works great too. Same issue with moving images tho, so I hope this isn't a problem with better light - movies usually require recording movement correctly, right?

Overall, really cool and functional. If the movement issue is light-dependent, I'll still be really happy with it. Having the ability to upload images and capture 640x480 images is great. They save as JPEG on the Visor. Will Eyemail work with these files w/o it's own conversion? Also, there is no zoom function. There is an option in the capture mode for Normal, Lighten, or Darken. Also, the only modes available are (for color devices, anyway) Palm-size or full-size. No B&W options, it only takes color images, you can change the file size and the brightness options as stated above, but that's it.

Lenghy post, sorry about that. I like this module. Very slick, I wish there was an upgrade option for those who bought the eyemodule not too long ago. But I work for a company who funds my testing of this hardware, fortunately. For a great camera for the Visor, get this module!

Posted by eyebrowse on 02-14-2001 07:42 AM:

First on the block...

Thanks, Jason, for that "mini-review"! It's much easier to get a feel for the device reading about how it's used by a fellow geek.

I'm surprised about the lack of a B&W option (at least on the Prism) - a lot of times the black and white images taken by the original eyemodule look better (more artsy!) than the color ones. And then there's the size issue.

How much did you play with the movie option? Does the created file play fairly easy on the average PC? And just how much memory does a five-second clip eat up? Just curious, as even if I'd only be able to get little clips like that (and presumably move it to a backup/CF module as needed to reclaim the space), the eyemodule 2 might make sense for a number of limited applications.

Don't lose that lens cap...

Posted by Jason4321 on 02-14-2001 07:53 AM:

Well, the 5-sec movie takes 1.1 MB. You can turn off the 5 sec time limit in Prefs, so longer movies are possible. The CD installs Quicktime, and the movie was converted to quicktime format during a hotsync.

What I'd like to see now is integration with TealMovie or Fireviewer. Maybe a long shot, but it seems integration is a missing art in Palm applications. Seems most developers don't think about making their product work within other products, like Multimail. Wouldn't a Multimail plugin that could tie into the Eyemodule application be great? You could view JPEG attachments that were e-mailed TO you; thanks to Eyemail you can send them. This shouldn't be too difficult.

Hope this helps, it's actually very slick. These modules are really addictive!

Jason

Posted by Rob on 02-14-2001 03:43 PM:

Jason,

Does the eyemod2 still use a single database for all the photos? If so, it makes it much more complicated to offload them to a memory module so you can free up space on the Visor to take more photos...

Posted by Jason4321 on 02-14-2001 03:51 PM:

eyemodule databases

Everyone,

The eyemodule2 seems to use the same database structure, with the addition of a Movie DB. Currently with a couple palm-sized pictures and (2) 5-sec movies, mine looks like this:

burkeDB 151K
burkeMovieDB 2065K
burkeNoteDB 1K
burkeVGADB 1K

Interesting.... how do we xfr images separately to the 8/16 MB memory modules w/o overwriting the databse file each time?

Anyone?

Jason

Posted by bkbk on 02-14-2001 04:19 PM:

Can't you re-name the db?
Or make sub-dirs?

Sad to hear they don't seem to have worked on the "shutter-speed" issue.
And yeah, for video, motion seems like a must!

Last, I wish they kept the b&w option.
Why, IDEO? For when all you want to do is capture the TEXT from, say, a whiteboard (and you don't care about the color of the text).

Thanks mucho for you quick, real-world, multi-reports!

Posted by Jason4321 on 02-14-2001 04:33 PM:

Update to review

An update to my earlier observation.

Now that I'm at work, with flourescent lighting, I tried recording moving objects again. It looks alot better, it's still pretty sensitive to movement tho. Is this the exposure setting that determines how the camera captures motion, either in the viewfinder or capture? The images are much sharper with this lighting, they looked a little grainy with less light. This may be a common issue with all CCDs.

I suppose if you had a utility for renaming databse files it'd be possible to back up multiple copies. Anyone have such a utility? I've also heard about zip utilities for the PalmOS. Would this be another option for archiving? Granted, these are all workarounds. You CAN beam individual images and movies to another handheld or just e-mail them from Eyemail or the PC. I suppose this is the solution for backing up or adding to the built-in database. Use the conduit to send/receive files from the PC...

Jason

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