Mechdyne partners with Digital Projection for new MultiView Virtual Reality projector

May 21, 2019 – Digital Projection (DP), a manufacturer of high performance laser projection and fine-pitch LED solutions, together with Mechdyne, will be demonstrating DP’s new INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 projector immersive 3D solution at audiovisual conference InfoComm in Orlando, Florida this year. The two companies will showcase a virtual reality experience to conference attendees.

The INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 is a multi-viewer 3D projector that allows users to view native 4K-3D content while interacting and collaborating with one another in a shared virtual environment.  When the projector’s ultra-fast frame rates are matched with headtracking technology, each user sees a unique perspective of the content, and that perspective remains appropriate to their changing position. This allows users to view content while interacting with each other in a shared, collaborative manner.

The INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 projector is able to render 3 independent native 4K-3D viewing perspectives. With the addition of a second unit, the number of unique VR viewers increases to 6.

The HFR 360 MultiView solution has been developed from 3D and head-tracking technology. In order to create stereoscopic 3D images, a projector must present separate images for right eye and left eye perspectives in a rapidly alternating sequence. Operating at 360 frames per second (FPS) – three times the speed of normal 3D displays – the INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 generates native 4K resolution content for 6 different eye-points (left eye and right eye for each of three viewers). Along with Mechdyne’s integration of sensors and software, the solution tracks each user down to 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) and utilizes specialized active 3D glasses that can switch between black and transmissive states in around 200µs – three times faster than other commercially available 3D glasses, according to the companies.

“We congratulate Digital Projection on this technological breakthrough that adds even more value to large scale virtual reality experiences,” said Chad Kickbush, General Manager, Mechdyne Integration Business Unit. “This capability enables a new generation of MultiView CAVE, Powerwall, and other solutions that will allow teams to more effectively collaborate and share data.”

The system allows users to become visually immersed in an environment, and allows every viewer to follow their own unique perspective with every detail displayed from the correct point of view. According to Mechdyne, the system will help provide value for architects, vehicle designers, and complex data analysis. Other use cases include virtual rides in theme parks, virtual tours of ancient buildings.

Mike Levi, President of Digital Projection Inc, said: “The INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 is truly a revolutionary multi-view 3D solution, designed to support the most intensive design, engineering, medical, and entertainment applications.  We are honored to be collaborating with Mechdyne to bring comprehensive multi-viewer, perspective-accurate 3D systems to our customers.”

Video credit: Digital Projection/YouTube

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Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.