One of the big issues currently being experienced by virtual reality headsets is the pixelation of the imagery which is projected onto the lenses of the current headsets. This pixelation can significantly detract from the immersive experience that VR aims to provide, making the virtual world appear less realistic and more like a digital simulation. One company based in Finland is now trying to correct this and is creating a new VR headset codenamed 20/20 which the company says will provide users with ‘human eye resolution’.
The Problem with Current VR Headsets
As you can see from the image above, the Oculus Rift headset offers a very pixelated image. This pixelation is due to the limited resolution of the displays used in these headsets. The Oculus Rift, for example, has a resolution of around 1.2 megapixels per eye. While this may sound like a lot, it is actually quite low when compared to the resolution of the human eye, which is estimated to be around 576 megapixels. This discrepancy results in a noticeable “screen door effect,” where users can see the fine lines between pixels, breaking the illusion of reality.
Varjo’s Solution: Human Eye Resolution
Varjo hopes to provide a far superior resolution to allow VR users to enjoy further immersion in the new technology. Human eye resolution technology within the Varjo will provide a quality of over 70 megapixels versus around 1.2 megapixels per eye for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. This significant increase in resolution aims to eliminate the screen door effect and make virtual environments appear as lifelike as possible.
The technology behind Varjo’s headset involves a combination of advanced optics and display technology. By using a technique called “foveated rendering,” Varjo can focus high-resolution imagery on the part of the display where the user is looking, while rendering the peripheral vision at a lower resolution. This mimics the way the human eye works, providing a more natural and immersive experience.
Varjo is expected to start launching virtual reality hardware and headsets specifically for professional users sometime late in Q4 2017, says the company. These professional users include industries such as architecture, engineering, and medical training, where high-resolution VR can provide significant benefits. For example, architects can use VR to walk through their designs in a lifelike environment, while medical professionals can practice surgeries with unprecedented detail.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always. Given the advanced technology involved, it is likely that Varjo’s headsets will come at a premium price. However, for professional users who require the highest level of detail and immersion, the investment could be well worth it.
In addition to the professional market, Varjo’s technology has the potential to revolutionize consumer VR as well. As the technology matures and becomes more affordable, we could see human eye resolution headsets becoming the standard for all VR applications, from gaming to virtual tourism.
Source: Engadget
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