Rain Technology has made significant advancements in its patented optical engine for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets, known as Anamorphic-XR. These developments will be presented by Dr. Michael Robinson, the company’s chief scientist, at Display Week 2024.
Anamorphic-XR is designed to improve the performance of AR and VR headsets by providing high-definition, wide-angle images in a compact and transparent form. The technology combines an anamorphic microdisplay within the frame of an anamorphic waveguide, utilizing a cylindrical mirror to reflect light upwards. This allows both real-world and virtual images to be displayed in the user’s field of vision.
The technology enhances image quality by magnifying images in orthogonal planes independently, optimizing resolution and field-of-view. By using polarization instead of diffraction to extract light from the waveguide, Anamorphic-XR delivers a brighter and crisper image, addressing common challenges faced by AR/VR devices such as size, eye relief, field-of-view, resolution, and brightness.
Rain Technology’s research and development have demonstrated that utilizing a mirror for the lateral optical path and lenses for the transverse path can enhance field-of-view and efficiency compared to traditional AR/VR optics. This innovative approach tackles optical challenges related to wide-field image fidelity, brightness, dynamic range, and eye fatigue.
The technical paper titled “Anamorphic-XR: Imaging Waveguide Technology for Efficient and Wide Field-of-View Near-Eye Display” will be available for download following the presentation at Display Week 2024.