Last month, European research and development firm Fraunhofer announced it was working on using microdisplays in virtual reality (VR) headsets in a bit to improve image clarity, reduce the weight of the headset and even eliminate simulation sickness. Now the first reports of how its prototype is faring have begun to emerge.
A German VR specialist publication called VRODO managed to get hands-on with the nameless prototype device and reported on its findings.
Apparently the device uses four OLED microdisplays, each offering a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200, which equated to 2,300 pp, or pixels per inch, with a frame rate of up to 120 Hz.
The headset uses two OLED/CMOS WUXGA microdisplayer per eyes, which is capable of offering a potential maximum resolution of 4,800 x 1,920 pixels. VRODO reports that the displays being shown at the AugmentedWorld Expo (AWE) were running at only 60Hz, which may have been to make sure the GPU was able to meet the huge requirements for such high resolution and frame rate.
Project partner Limbak provided the optical system, and the fused optics of the headset are said to present the user with a seamless view, with up to 100 degree horizontal field-of-view, and a 75 degree vertical field of view, which matches up to what the HTC vive and Oculus rift offer horizontally, though it is smaller on the vertical plane. However, the prototype is said be be lighter than either the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, with some reports saying it is only a quarter of the weight.
There VRODO report does mention there are some problems with optical distortion and blurriness, but the device is still an early prototype, make using 3D printing, and reportedly only assembled fully four weeks ago.
Some analysts are predicting that some VR companies may choose to go down the route of VR microdisplays, chasing the promise of lighter, more comfortable head-mounted displays. AS usual, VRFocus will keep you updated on new developments.
