The Fraunhofer FEP has announced they have successfully integrated their bidirectional OLED microdisplays for the first time into a demonstrator of data glasses for representing augmented and virtual realties (AR and VR) as well as 2D and 3D content.
The Fraunhofer scientists used bidirectional microdisplays with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels for this initial demonstrator, integrating photodiodes on the chip besides the OLED pixels. In this way, the eye of the user can be recorded in addition to information being displayed – potentially making an eye-tracking system feasible.
An existing demonstration sample was modified with the assistance of researchers from TU Dresden in such a way that the data glasses be employed used for both AR and VR applications.
In addition, different image content can be shown on each display - enabling 3D effect for the user. With standardised HDMI and USB interfaces, the data glasses can be used with virtually any video source.
Although the entertainment and gaming sectors are closely associated with virtual and augmented realities (VR and AR) - but they are not the only sectors where these data glasses couldbe used.
Data glasses are being increasingly adopted outside of the entertainment and gaming sectors - for example by:
- designers
- mechanics
- surgeons
- first responders
Who all see VR and AR as offering potential to enhance their daily tasks and routines.
Another use case that holds great potential is in there use of VR and AR in support of teaching.
The Fraunhofer researchers realised early in the development that to achieve high user acceptance it would be necessary to offer excellent imaging quality, and this in turn is where the high-resolution displays developed at Fraunhofer FEP are essential.
The microdisplays have been integrated in various demonstration samples, tested in many different scenarios, and further developed. Now an additional step has been taken to open access to new applications.
"We not only can show the quality and versatility of our microdisplays with this demonstrator, it provides proof of our know-how in the area of electronic design."
Judith Baumgarten, Developer - Fraunhofer FEP
The new data glasses will be debuted during awe europe in the Munich Ordercenter (MOC Veranstaltungscenter München) at the Fraunhofer FEP booth (No. 420) October 19 – 20, 2017.