Stereoscopic Image Generation with Multifocal Augmentation (SIGMA)

Laser Power Corporation has developed red, green, and blue solid-state microlasers that can be operated in a direct-write parallel-scanning mode to generate full-color images with extremely high resolution. Relative to HMDs, these devices presently combine a 1000-ft L brightness with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 60-Hz non-interlaced frame rate. Meanwhile, a 4600 x 2600 version is on the drawing board. In response to solicitation N97-036, we have devised a novel system architecture whereby the focal depth of an HMD image can be varied on a pixel-by-pixel basis; i.e. in a manner which simultaneously preserves the depth fidelity of every object within that image. Referred to as Stereoscopic Image Generation with Multifocal Augmentation (SIGMA), this innovative display architecture can provide five or more simultaneous focal depths ranging from 1 meter to infinity. Furthermore, it is compatible with full-color HMD designs either with or without see-through. Our overall Phase I/Phase II program encompasses the development of a high-resolution SIGMA-based HMD and an assessment of the psychovisual advantages derived from focal depth cuing. Phase I activities include a detailed design study, together with the experimental validation of key system components.