Hyperchromatic multifocal 3D display for augmented reality applications

We present a new hyperchromatic laser-based multifocal display. In the proposed design multiple full-colour virtual image planes can be displayed simultaneously at different depths in front of the observer through wavelength (de-)multiplexing. Each depth plane is displayed through its own combination of red, green and blue lasers at specific wavelengths. Hyperchromatic displays can be useful for augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR) applications where real and virtual objects are located at different depths in front of the observer because they allow the human eye to focus on virtual objects and reduce the vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC). We present a laboratory demonstrator where the images generated by two red lasers (630 nm and 960 nm) were separated by more than 3 meters. We also discuss the applicability of the technology to the automotive head-up-display (HUD) systems and present an HUD system based on low-cost off-the-shelf components.