Multifocus displays and eye tracking technology has become the next two major innovations of future. These technologies significantly improve and make credible experiences in the virtual reality. This also applies to Sony’s PlayStation VR.
The largest construction sites are working on the displays for virtual reality. Currently, PSVR uses two OLED screens – one for each eye. The double display allows the spatial image impression but has a serious disadvantage: this view is always on the display close to the eye, even if you look in the virtual reality with the spatial distance.
This prevents the natural focus reflex of the eye and irritates our perception. The consequences may be twitching of the lid, nausea or headaches.
“In the future we want to develop a display that offers both: a spatial image impression and the natural focus,” says Mallinson. “This will be the ultimate visual experience.” Mallinson does not point out when this technology will come to the market.
Recently, Oculus scientists described a complex design that would allow such a multifocus display to be built. However, the technical limitations are still large and the process far from the market maturity.
View contact with virtual people
Mallinson describes the viewing experience as a second important breakthrough for VR spectacles. That is, in particular, be able to capture eye contact with other avatars or computer-controlled characters.
In contrast to the multifocus display, the required eye tracking technologies are market-ready and ready to integrate into the next generation of virtual reality glasses as standard. HTC recently announced a craft upgrade for HTC Vive. With which the Vive glasses comes with eye-catching cameras.
The new technology will have a new interface and performance boost at the same time. If developers know what position users look at VR-eyeglasses, they can redirect the computing power to this one point.
In conclusion, Mallinson takes a look into the future: A brainwave interface is designed to enable people to interact with the real environment or with digital content by means of thought. “You measure the brain waves and get a simple idea of what people think,” explains Mallinson.
VR 1.0?
The fact that Playstation VR has a lot to do for the next generation, confirmed Playhouse boss Andrew House in an interview . The technology is at a “very, very early stage” and is growing slowly and organically over time. House designates the current design as “VR 1.0” and announces: “It will be a long way.”