From the first virtual reality headset to the current models on the market, a lot of improvement has occurred in the manufacturing technology. Latest generation VR headsets are lighter and easier to wear for a longer time. Also, they offer an improved free movement range and realistic interactions between the user and holographic items.
However, these devices still cause eye strain and sensations of vertigo to some users. This is exactly the problem that Lemnis Technologies wants to solve with its patented Verifocal™ technology. Recently, this technology has won the company the CES 2019 Innovation Award.
Verifocal™ – the Virtual Reality Headset That Promises Superior Comfort
The company received the announcement of the award at CES Unveiled New York. This is an invite-only technology event for industry leaders, exhibitors and the media. It showcases previews of the most innovative products and technologies which will be featured at CES in January 2019.
The Verifocal™ virtual reality headset received the CES award for the improvements it brings for eye comfort as well as image quality. The proprietary technology developed by Lemnis Technologies has features such as:
- Dynamic refocusing, from as close as 10 inches and up to several feet;
- Vision correction that incorporates user’s eyeglasses prescription into the headset;
- Real-time eye tracking for an optimal, undistorted image on the display.
Aside from reducing eye strain, these features also allow people with significant eye problems (myopia, presbyopia) to enjoy VR experiences. The eye tracking technology monitors the user’s gaze and displays crystal clear, undistorted VR images. At the same time, in combination with an analytics tool, this technology aims to learn user behavior and identify aspects which need improvement.
How It Works
The CES 2019 Innovation Award winner is a virtual reality headset running on Windows Mixed Reality OS. The device has an inside-out 6 DOF positional tracking as well as two 1440×1440-pixel displays. As the user is looking at a holographic object through the display, the eye tracker measures gaze direction. A proprietary algorithm then computes the ideal focus. This information is used to adjust the adaptive optics with maximum speed and accuracy. As a result, you get a sharp and clear image, without eye strain.
Paving the Road to Mass Adoption of VR
Dr. Pierre-Yves Laffont, the CEO of Lemnis Technologies, explained the meaning of the CES award for his organization:
“The CES Innovation Award confirms how important image clarity and visual comfort are to the quality of experience, and this is key to mass adoption. We’re aiming to set a new standard for head-mounted displays, so that VR and AR finally have a real chance to become the next computing platforms.”
The key challenge for industry professionals at this stage is making continuous improvements in hardware and software. As VR and AR have passed the novelty phase, it is time for these technologies to mature and become mainstream. In order to reach this stage, they need to offer users optimal quality, comfort and safety in use.
The Verifocal™ virtual reality headset could be an important stride forward in the right direction. CES 2019 attendees will be able to discover its benefits at the Lemnis Technologies stand in January.
