CES 2018 ended recently and this article provides a review of the AR technologies and devices showcased at the event. The article discusses various companies and their products, such as Lumus, Vuzix, WaveOptics, DigiLens, LetinAR, DeepOptics, Raontech, and the "bug-eye" displays.
Lumus showcased a demonstrative head-mounted display with a wide exit pupil distance and a design that allows peripheral vision. Their devices use semi-transparent waveguides, which differ from the diffractive waveguides used by Microsoft Hololens and Magic Leap. Lumus also displayed a lower-cost and lower-resolution "side-shooting" design.
Vuzix exhibited the Blade, which is a stylish and practical waveguide eyewear mainly focused on providing basic information. The Blade has similar waveguide characteristics to Lumus, but it suffers from color variations and a lower image quality due to the inherent issues of diffractive waveguides.
WaveOptics showcased their diffractive waveguides, which are made of glass or lower-cost plastic. They claimed to have made progress in making the waveguides fit around the user's head like normal glasses.
DigiLens, another diffractive waveguide manufacturer, was not seen at CES, but their technology was discussed. Similarly to other diffractive waveguides, DigiLens faces similar image quality issues.
The limitations of diffractive waveguides were also highlighted. The article explains that the image quality is compromised due to the bending of light based on wavelength and multiple reflections on the exit grating, which degrades image quality. Each manufacturer has their own techniques to overcome these issues, but they cannot be completely eliminated.
LetinAR showcased their clear optical components with micro-needles embedded, which provide high-quality images with a high "f-value" that allows for focus alignment regardless of where the user is looking.
DeepOptics displayed their electrically controlled variable-focus lens, which has the potential to adjust focus from the output of the waveguide, but it affects the real-world focus as well.
Raontech exhibited their LCOS microdisplays, which were used by Lumus, Mad Gaze, and ThirdEye. Their design allows for good eye relief, but it also increases the size and weight of the device.
Finally, the article mentions the bug-eye displays, which feature a large, curved, and bulky optical component that blocks most of the real-world light. This design is considered a lower-cost option but sacrifices image quality, brightness, and field of view.
