The Future of Augmented Reality: Full Field of Vision and the Road Ahead

Augmented reality (AR) has long been hailed as the next big technology revolution. From gaming to education, and healthcare to industrial applications, AR has the potential to transform various sectors. One of the main goals in the development of AR is to provide a full field of vision (FOV) experience that enhances the user's real-world interactions. However, there are challenges in achieving this goal, primarily due to cost and technological limitations. This article explores the current state of AR technologies, the hurdles faced, and the potential future developments.

Current State of AR

At present, AR glasses mainly offer a limited FOV, often restricted to a small window projecting the virtual content. For instance, the ODG Ousterhout Design Group's 50-degree FOV glasses, which are already a significant technological feat, cost over 10 million USD in production. This is a far cry from what most consumers would be willing to pay, making it impractical for widespread adoption. Companies like ODG have received substantial investments to advance their technology; however, these investments are directed at achieving cutting-edge features rather than mass-market affordability.

Challenges in Full FOV AR

The primary challenge in achieving a full FOV AR experience is the high cost of production. As noted, even a limited FOV AR device like the ODG glasses costs over ten thousand dollars per pair. Companies like Microsoft, through their investment in ODG and development of the HoloLens, are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The HoloLens, while not offering a full FOV, is a significant technological milestone that sets the stage for future developments. The HoloLens relies on a combination of wireless technology and cloud-based computation, allowing it to provide a high level of interactivity without the need for massive local storage and processing power.

Technological Advancements and Future Outlook

As technology continues to evolve, we are likely to see significant advancements in the production of full FOV AR glasses. The manufacturing processes will improve, leading to more affordable and high-performance devices. Advancements in materials science, optics, and computing will contribute to greater resolution, less latency, and improved tracking capabilities. These improvements will likely make it possible to create full FOV AR glasses that are both practical for consumer use and commercially viable.

In the short term, AR manufacturers are focusing on developing minimum viable products (MVPs) that provide a more accessible and affordable entry point to the technology. These MVPs may not offer the full FOV experience but can still provide significant benefits to users in various industries, such as training and simulation. Over time, as the technology progresses and becomes more refined, we can expect to see more devices that approach the goal of a full FOV experience.

Conclusion

The path to achieving a full field of vision AR experience is multifaceted and fraught with challenges. However, with ongoing technological advancements and increased investments, the future looks promising. While it may not be feasible to achieve a full FOV AR experience in the near term, the current focus on MVPs and gradual improvements in technology bodes well for the long-term success of AR technology. As the manufacturing processes evolve, we can expect to see more devices that offer a wider and more immersive AR experience, gradually closing the gap between what is currently available and the full FOV AR glasses envisioned by many in the tech industry.

In summary, the quest for full FOV AR glasses is an exciting journey that combines innovation, affordability, and practicality. By focusing on MVPs and continuously refining the technology, the industry is moving closer to achieving the goal of a seamless and immersive AR experience.