Virtual Retinal Display (VRD)
A Virtual Retinal Display (VRD) is a technology used to
display information directly on the retina of the eye. Since the VRD is
projecting the image it uses a raster to create the image pixel by pixel like a
CRT monitor. This kind of image give the user the illusion of a normal sized
screen hovering in the air in front of them.
If you've seen the movie Minority Report with the 3d
hologram monitor system, the VRD can essentially create the same effect.
Instead of a publicly displayed 3d image, the VRD creates the effect only for
the user.
The benefit of the VRD is that the image is private. I love
my iPhone. I like to read email, books, newspapers and the like, but my
iPhone’s screen is just too dang small for most purposes. Yes I could tote an
iPad around and accomplish the same thing in more comfort, but then I have to
carry around something much larger. A VRD would allow smaller devices to be
much more useful, especially as they continue to grow in processing power.
I think the Delphi method could be very useful in
evaluating/analyzing the VRD. It allows experts to gradually build consensus on
the steps needed to bring the VRD to the mainstream and mass market it (as it
is still really expensive).
Two forces that will support its further development are;
1. Medical – The VRD can be very helpful to doctors
and surgeons. For example, it can be used to highlight tumors and cancerous
growths in one color (to aid in their removal), and illuminate delicate areas
to preserve in a different color.
2. Social – The uses in social media are unlimited.
I’ve already mentioned their use in smartphones, but they can also be used in
virtual reality (Second Life) and games.
Two forces that impede development are;
1. Cost - The technology of developing the VRD is
still very expensive, especially the creation of low cost blue and green light
sources.
2. Safety - Who wouldn’t be concerned about shooting
a laser in their eye? Yeah, that is scary.
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