The MIT spin-off Breylon continues to pioneer Virtual Reality technology via new concepts and strategies. The company’s latest development has got the industry in an uproar as it’s capable of simulating peering at an IMAX screen through a window. Here’s how free-air Virtual Reality works and how it could upend multiple industries in the coming months.
Virtual Reality – Big on the Virtual, Medium of Reality
When you examine the current state of VR systems, it’s easy to see that there’s strong demand. Researchers show that +171 million people use VR globally. The tech has a penetration date of 52% this year, and the majority of those who have tried VR have described the experience as very positive. All of these factors have most analysts predicting further adoption and integration moving forward.
What’s Holding VR Adoption Back?
Research reveals that some roadblocks to VR adoption need to be fixed for the technology to go mainstream. For one, the use of large, uncomfortable headsets is a huge drawback. These devices are awkward to wear and can cause discomfort over an extended time. Additionally, they are very expensive and delicate.
Enter Brelyon Free-Air Virtual Reality
California-based Breylon just introduced a novel solution to many of the roadblocks slowing VR adoption. The innovative startup eliminates the need for headsets and instead can create depth within a screen via the integration of proton-processing layers. This layer can leverage the different properties of light to create an immersive effect similar to peeking out of your office window.
Source – Breylon
MIT engineer and co-founder of Brydon, Barmak Heshmat, came up with the concept after years of working on photon processing from various other projects. In one instance, he created a super fast camera that captured batches of photos by bouncing photons off slightly adjusting mirrors. Speaking of his time during this research, he described the interesting experience of using math and the physics of light and how it eventually led him to the firm’s latest free-air virtual reality system.
Free-Air Virtual Reality
To make a free-air virtual reality go from a concept to a product, Breylon’s engineers began by integrating programming layers via large and small apertures to adjust wavefront. The project integrated a phenomenon known as Light-field expansion which states that light exiting a light-field engine will experience an expanded angular range.
The 120-inch screen is capable of showing depth, making its images as immersive as looking out of your bedroom window. The screen can introduce objects into the field of vision at different depths and angles, making it appear as if you are peeking into a deep space, rather than a flat screen. This capability means that users can peer around locations such as cockpits, control rooms, or buildings, experiencing depth from a limitless screen.
Photon Processors Make Free-Air Virtual Reality Possible
The content-rendering architecture takes every photon and adjusts its angle and presence within the image. The system scans the file and automatically recalculates the video using a stack of shader programming features alongside inference microservices, enabling real-time content generation and modification.
Breyton Products
Unlike the competition, Breyton already has production-ready and publicly available products. The Ultra Reality and Ultra Reality Mini enhance your gaming, simulation, or viewing experience and provide unmatched convenience. Notably, the Ultra Reality display offers a 10-foot-wide viewing surface with a 3840 x 1440 Resolution. Additionally, the photon processing produces a depth simulation of 3 ft. This depth ratio produces a cinematic effect that can make a desktop monitor feel like a window seat on an airplane.
Benefits of Free-Air Virtual Reality Systems
There are some obvious benefits that free-air virtual reality systems bring to the table. For one, they eliminate the need for clumsy headsets, which makes VR systems both easier to use and safer. The internet is filled with VR users crashing into their TVs. While entertaining, there are instances where people have been injured. Eliminating the headset opens the door to a more immersive experience that anyone can enjoy safely.
Plug and Play
Another benefit of the new Breyton displays is that they are 100% plug-and-play. In the past, VR headsets required third-party software to integrate into current systems. Breyton eliminates this need so that anyone can use their products however they want, without the need to download an interface and a bunch of additional software that could downgrade performance.
The Breyton displays are compatible with standard laptops, computers, OLEDs, micro LEDs, and projectors. Interestingly, the system automatically adjusts perspectives, light fields, and other parameters depending on its use.
Screen Efficiency
Adding depth to the viewing capability of displays enhances efficiency greatly. Imagine your desktop acting more like a cockpit rather than a flat service. You could interact with layers of options, enabling the use of every inch of screen efficiently.
Free-Air Virtual Reality is a Space Saver
Compared to the projector-based VR solutions in use today by many military, law enforcement, and research facilities, the free-air VR solution is a better option. This unit requires less setup and space. Additionally, it can be transported with the ease of any desktop monitor.
Durable
Free-air VR systems have their counterparts beat on durability. Eliminating the need for projectors or headsets helps to reduce calibration or malfunctions. These systems often require fine-tuning which can be beyond the user’s scope of knowledge. Free-air versions are easy enough for anyone to use and require no learning period as they appear realistic with true depth.
Potential Applications for Free-Air Virtual Reality
There are several potential applications for free-air VR systems. These units could find homes in the defense, gaming, communication, and educational sectors. Here’s how free-air VR systems could be integrated into these markets to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
Simulations
One of the main use case applications for this technology is simulations. Flight and vehicle simulation are a core part of today’s advanced training system. The Breyton system allows depth perception, which is very realistic for pilots who view the cockpit from within. Consequently, the team believes that simulations will be the main use of this tech.
Defense Industry
There are several ways in which the defense industry will seek to integrate this tech. For one, they could use this system to enhance their in-vehicle displays. These new systems would provide better situational awareness to troops and help to improve lethality. These screens could also help drone pilots and other military personnel navigate complex terrain like the inside of destroyed buildings or caves.
Gaming
Gaming is one of the biggest use cases for his technology. The gaming market continues to expand monthly and designers are eager to bring new and more immersive titles to the market. The introduction of depth-capable free-air VR solutions could help to introduce an exciting era in gaming. Additionally, it will breathe new life into older gaming titles that will now enjoy a more realistic feel.
Communications
Sci-fi shows are filled with holographic presenters describing a situation from a faraway land. While intergalactic travel still may be a ways off, the free-air VR system will allow for true immersive communication. These systems will make it seem like you’re standing next to a person who may be thousands of miles away using immersive tech.
Breylon Company Info
Breylon is a dominant force in today’s simulation manufacturing field. The company has multiple contracts with government agencies to provide simulations and other helpful services, with its VR displays being the most popular option. Notably, Breylon is one of the largest and most established simulation training providers in the world.
Breylon has been a favorite of investors since its launch, the company raised $15M via a Series A funding campaign it hosted in 2019. This funding helped the company develop its first products. In 2020, the company hosted another seed round where it secured $1.6M to expand its display tech.
Bryson Future Goals
Company officials describe a future where Brylon products are used to help improve vital simulation programs globally. The company has stated that it will expand its photon processing capabilities to control photon behavior one day during the entire viewing process. Additionally, the company plans to expand its manufacturing options to help meet growing demand.
Innovative Display Tech You Should Know
The tech sector has seen considerable innovation over the last few years. Today’s viewers enjoy high definition, more depth, and faster response than any other time. Additionally, today’s displays are more affordable and capable than their predictions. Here are some cool display tech innovations worth noting.
Ultra-High Def
Ultra hi-def monitors are already here. These units are capable of more than 10x the display clarity of earlier options. Researchers have perfected ultra high-def monitors using a new method that includes a double-layer dry transfer printing technology. The tech prints quantum dots at 25,526 PPI, making images and video seem hyper-realistic.
Vegas Dome
The Vegas Dome is a massive 366 ft tall structure that features 1.2M LEDS, enabling it to create vivid images across its entire surface. The project is unique for more than just its size. The location has vibrating seats and can interact with its environment including wind, rain, and hot temperatures.
Notably, the Vegas Dome is the first bowl-shaped LED monitor of its size. It features a double-sided architecture which means you can enjoy the visuals from both inside and outside. Additionally. There can be different visuals playing for each location. Impressively, this arena can fit 120K attendees. It features a 160K speaker surround system that works in conjunction with the vibrating seats to provide a more realistic experience.
Leading VR Solutions Provider that Could Benefit from Free-Air Virtual Reality
The VR market has tons of opportunities from software developers, to hardware manufacturers, marketers, and even bloggers explaining the tech, this market is set to expand quickly. When you look at this latest development, you will see that some companies are positioned to leverage tech efficiency to improve their bottom lines. Here is one firm that could integrate this tech today and see results.
Unity Software 
Unity Solutions is a 3d image creation software and game engine that has secured a spot as a reputable and capable solution. The company offers high-level interactive sites, via a programmable framework to help third parties expand into the market. The firm’s offerings include a scriptable render pipeline, visual scripting capabilities, and Qualcomm 3d audio option.
Unity Software could integrate this new style of monitor to improve its software. They could make it easier for people to create and convert their current system into VR-friendly options and help streamline the creation of new simulations. If successful, the company could see a sharp uptick in users, resulting in higher stock demand.
Free-Air Virtual Reality – A New Era
This latest advancement could change the way people learn, navigate, and entertain. These new depth-capable monitors are capable of providing near-endless visual options to users, opening the door for many more use cases. As such, you can expect to interact with one of the VR solutions in the coming years as the tech gains momentum and more people become aware of its many benefits.
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