In this article you will learn how to use Argus on the RealWear Navigator 500
What is Argus?
Argus is a software program that allows users of smart glasses, such as the RealWear Navigator 500, to make (video) calls, among other things. Argus distinguishes itself from other platforms because of its ability to be used in situations where an internet connection can be unstable and unpredictable.
How to get started with Argus and RealWear Navigator 500
What do I need to get started with Argus?
Before you can get started with Argus it is important to have a license for platform. You can request a free test license via the Argus website. If you cannot resolve this, VR Expert can guide you through this process. VR Expert offers a free and non-obligated trial period of three days for the RealWear.
Installing Argus on the RealWear Navigator 500
Once you have your licenses, the Argus application can be installed on the RealWear Navigator 500. The easiest way to do this is through Foresight, RealWear’s cloud management platform. When purchasing a RealWear you can request the login details for Foresight. If you find this too difficult or if it takes too much time, VR Expert can install the application for you. To pair the RealWear with Foresight, you will need to enter serial number the RealWear (found on the box of your RealWear). The Argus application can then be added to the RealWear. The Argus application will be installed automatically as soon as the RealWear has a working internet connection. A detailed explanation of Foresight can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnL8wO4o0Kk.
Adding a new device
Go to the Argus Remote expert dashboard on your computer (dashboard.argus-remote.com). After you have logged in, click on the page, ‘devices‘. Then select ‘add device‘ on the right side of the screen. A QR code will then appear. Make sure the RealWear Navigator 500 has an internet connection. Then start the Argus application on the RealWear. You can do this by saying the voice command “My Programs” and then saying “Argus”. When the Argus application is opened for the first time, a QR code scanner will appear. If this does not happen, say the voice command “Open Registration”. Then scan the QR code visible on the dashboard. (or enter the code by saying the voice command “letter x”). Once the QR code has been successfully scanned, you can assign the device a name and location. Don’t forget to hit ‘save‘ when you’re done.
Starting a call on Argus
You can start a call from the Argus Dashboard. Make sure the RealWear Navigator 500 is connected to the internet and the Argus application is started. On the Devices page of the Argus dashboard, a green call icon will appear next to the device. As soon as the RealWear Navigator 500 is called, you can answer with the words “accept call”. To end a call, pronounce the voice command “end call”.
How to place and draw an AR marker during a conversation
You can place an AR marker during the conversation by clicking on the ‘marker‘ icon. This icon is located at the bottom left of the screen. After the marker icon has been selected, you can now add an AR marker by clicking on the screen. The user of the RealWear Navigator 500 will then see this AR marker appear on his or her screen. Next to the icon of the marker, there is an icon of a brush. If you click on the latter icon, you can choose between a red, green or blue brush. Choose a brush and start drawing on the screen. These drawings immediately appear on the user’s screen with the RealWear.
How to share PDF’s or send photos to the RealWear
Sending photo’s or a PDF file to the user of the RealWear is also possible with Argus. This can be done by clicking ‘send file‘ on the left side of the screen under ‘files‘. If you click on ‘send file‘ you will see a list of your files. When you have found a file that you want to send, click on ‘open‘. The file is then sent to the user of the RealWear. The user of the RealWear can close the file by saying “Navigate Back”.
Video Quality Setup
A unique feature of Argus is that the video quality can be adjusted anytime during the call. This can be useful if there are bad internet conditions. Argus is programmed so that it automatically searches for the optimum video quality, but as a user you have the option to take matters into your own hands and to choose a certain setting. You can adjust the video quality during a call by clicking on the settings icon on the left side of the screen and choosing a video profile. It uses the following settings per profile: *
High
- Audio: up to 50kbps
- Video: up to 2500kbps
- Resolution: 720p to 1080p
- FPS: up to 60fps
Medium
- Audio: up to 40kbps
- Video: up to 1750kbps
- Resolution: 460p to 720p
- FPS: up to 30fps
Low
- Audio: up to 30kbps
- Video: up to 500kbps
- Resolution: up to 360p
- FPS: up to 30fps
Taking a screenshot
At the bottom of the video screen is a camera icon with which a screenshot can be taken. After pressing the camera icon, a high resolution screenshot will be taken. Please note, this may cause the video to stutter.
How do I find all speech commands within the Argus application?
By saying the voice command ”Open Commands”, a list will appear with all commands that you can use within Argus. Most important commands are:
- Open Commands – Menu with all voice commands
- Close Commands – Close menu with all voice commands
- Open Info – Opens an information screen about the device
- Close Info – Close the information screen about the device
- Open Registration – opens device registration screen
- Close Registration – Close the device registration screen
Exiting the Argus application on the RealWear Navigator 500
By saying the voice command ” Quit Application ”, you can close the Argus app.
Advantages and disadvantages of Argus
A major advantage of Argus is the fact that the software is specifically designed for smart glasses, such as the RealWear Navigator 500. Another advantage is that Argus also works well with limited bandwidth, so bad Internet is not a barrier to using the software. In addition, you can easily add devices with Argus and you can add an unlimited number of users to your calls. Also, Argus offers the possibility of hosting on premise – meaning that the software program can be used in different locations.* One disadvantage of Argus is the fact that new accounts have to be created before anyone can use the software program. With Microsoft Teams this is often not necessary, because many companies already use Microsoft’s services.
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