Testing and evaluation of complex image display for AR smart contact lenses
December 12, 2024, Dubai, UAE — XPANCEO, a deep-tech company developing the next generation of computing via smart contact lenses, and Konica Minolta Sensing Europe, a global leader in imaging and optical solutions, have developed the world’s first system for testing augmented reality (AR) smart contact lenses. This bridges critical gaps in the testing and evaluation of complex image display devices — which stifles rapid innovation and adoption — and sets a new industry standard for XR wearables.
As wearable display devices become smaller and seamlessly integrated into everyday life, the XR market is
projected to grow to an impressive $1,913.7 billion by 2032. Yet, despite this growth, the industry faces significant challenges in ensuring both usability and performance. The absence of comprehensive testing systems has hindered innovation, especially in advanced technologies such as AR smart contact lenses and smart glasses.
“Historically, AR display testing systems have primarily focused on devices such as glasses and near-eye displays. Smart contact lenses, however, present a unique scenario—they eliminate concerns like eyebox or eye relief, as the lens sits directly on the eye. Our approach stands out because it is tailored specifically to the unique requirements of smart contact lenses, addressing parameters critical to their functionality. As the first company nearing the commercialization of AR contact lenses, we are pioneering a testing methodology designed to provide unmatched relevance for this groundbreaking technology, ensuring it is applicable to any smart contact lens that enters the market in the future.” says Dr. Valentyn Volkov, co-founder of XPANCEO and who is recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide with an h-index of 42.
Capable of evaluating a comprehensive spectrum of performance parameters critical for AR smart contact lenses, the XPANCEO-Konika Minolta system is the first of its kind, incorporating cutting-edge optics specifically engineered for measuring NEDs, such as those used in virtual, mixed, and augmented reality headsets. The system’s innovative lens geometry simulates the size, position, and binocular field of view of the human eye.
Unlike traditional optical testing, where the aperture is located inside the lens, the AR/VR lens design positions the aperture on the front of the lens. This enables the connected imaging system to replicate the exact location of the human eye in AR/VR devices and capture the entire field of view available to the user. This unique feature ensures unparalleled precision in evaluating how AR visuals are experienced in real-world scenarios.
“In AR/VR product development, precise optical measurements are essential. XPANCEO's immersive AR smart lenses, combined with Konica Minolta's complete optical solution, utilize custom lenses with an external aperture to replicate human vision for objective brightness and color measurements. With high-resolution cameras and powerful software like TrueTest, this setup ensures thorough optical analysis, accurate calibration, and seamless integration of virtual elements with the real world—delivering a strain-free and immersive user experience.” says Dr. Kedar Sathaye, Product Manager Light & Display at Konica Minolta Sensing Europe B.V.
Key parameters measured by the system include:
- Field of View: The XR smart contact lens is designed to allow users to see images from any angle, requiring precise measurements to ensure the gradual improvement of this parameter.
- Brightness of Virtual Images: While traditional light bulbs can be easily quantified, virtual images present a subjective experience that necessitates an objective testing system. This is particularly important given the strict medical guidelines on image brightness, which were established to prevent harm to the human eye.
- Contrast: This measures how distinctly an image stands out from the background, crucial for comfortable and safe viewing. It should remain stable regardless of the surrounding environment's brightness.
- Adaptation to Weather Conditions: The brightness of virtual images needs to adjust to different weather conditions — similar to how phone screens adapt — without causing excessive brightness that could blind the user if they look directly at the sun.
- Gradient of Intensity Across the Field: Virtual images exhibit varying brightness due to optical reasons, particularly at the edges. Accurate measurement of this parameter is essential to correct the image when recorded for projection.
- Line Sharpness: This parameter ensures that thin lines and details in the image are clear and easily visible to the user.
The launch of this testing system represents a paradigm shift for the XR industry, enabling a new level of precision in wearable technology. For XPANCEO, it provides the tools needed to refine and perfect AR smart lenses, addressing both technical and user experience challenges. For the broader XR market, it creates a roadmap for ensuring safety and reliability in increasingly complex screen-based devices.
As AR wearables evolve, this pioneering system underscores XPANCEO’s and Konica Minolta’s shared vision of pushing boundaries to create smarter, safer, and more effective technologies. With AR smart lenses on the horizon, this innovation is set to redefine how we interact with augmented reality, marking the beginning of a new chapter for wearable displays.
About XPANCEO
Founded in 2021, XPANCEO is developing the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens.
The XPANCEO team brings together extraordinary visionaries, world-class scientists, engineers, and accomplished executive leaders to disrupt the conventional reign of silicon and propel humanity toward the next generation of computing.
Their lens reinvents the whole concept of human-technology interaction and redefines the way we experience both real and digital worlds. Merging all your gadgets into one, the lens transforms the everyday into an infinite eXtended Reality experience.
XPANCEO
UAE, Dubai, Internet City, Emmay Tower, Floor G, Showroom 1&2
Email:
hello(at)xpanceo.com
Website:
https://xpanceo.com/
