VividQ partners with Dispelix ‘to join real and digital worlds’
VividQ, the deep tech software company developing world-leading expertise in computer-generated holography, has achieved what was considered ‘quasi-impossible’ just two years ago – displaying variable-depth 3D content for simultaneous use in a gaming experience.
Working with Dispelix, a specialist in augmented reality (AR) display modules and waveguide based in Espoo, Finland, VividQ has announced the successful development of the world’s first commercially available 3D waveguide combiner, a critical component of an AR optical system, for AR wearables running VividQ’s software.
A waveguide combiner is the industry’s favoured method of displaying AR images in a compact form factor. Early augmented reality experiences seen so far through headsets such as Magic Leap, Microsoft HoloLens, Vuzix, and others produce 2D stereoscopic images at fixed focal distances, or one focal distance at a time. This often leads to eye fatigue and nausea for users and doesn’t offer the necessary immersive three-dimensional experiences – for instance, objects cannot be interacted with naturally at arm’s length, and they are not placed exactly within the real world.
In order to deliver the types of immersive experiences necessary for AR to reach mass-market adoption, consumers need a sufficient field of view and the ability to focus on 3D images at the full range of natural distances – anywhere from 10cm to optical infinity, simultaneously – in the same way they do naturally with physical objects. This next-generation waveguide and accompanying software is optimised for 3D applications like gaming, which means that consumer brands around the world can unlock the market’s full potential.
VividQ’s patent-pending 3D waveguide combiner is designed to work in harmony with the company’s software, both of which can be licensed by wearable manufacturers in order to build out a wearable product roadmap. VividQ’s holographic display software works with standard games engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, making it straightforward for games developers to create new experiences.
The 3D waveguide can be manufactured and supplied at scale with Dispelix’s capabilities. The two companies have also announced the formation of a commercial partnership to develop the new 3D waveguide technology towards mass production readiness, ensuring headset manufacturers have the ability to kick-start their AR product roadmaps now.
Antti Sunnari, CEO and co-founder of Dispelix, said: “Wearable AR devices have huge potential. For applications such as gaming and professional use, where the user needs to be immersed for long periods of time, it is vital that content is true 3D and placed within the user’s environment. This also overcomes the issues of nausea and fatigue. We are very pleased to be working with VividQ as a waveguide design and manufacturing partner on this breakthrough 3D waveguide.”
Darran Milne, VividQ CEO, said: “For the first time ever, users will be able to enjoy immersive AR gaming experiences where digital content can be placed in their physical world and they can interact with it naturally and comfortably.
“To put it simply, while others have been developing a 2D screen to wear on your face, we’ve developed the window through which you’ll experience real and digital worlds in one place.”
