Development of a Slim Light Field Head-Mounted Display for Natural and Comfortable 3D Viewing
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories has developed a light field HMD that reduces visual fatigue. By using a proprietary optical system, it has achieved a 79% reduction in depth while enabling real-time rendering of high-definition 3D images.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 22, 2026 at 02:11 (13h 39m after Collected)
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (STRL) is developing a head-mounted display (HMD) based on the 'light field' method, aiming to achieve virtual reality (VR) experiences that look natural and minimize visual fatigue.
In this development, the lab combined a unique optical system featuring two different types of lenses placed in contact with each other and a high-definition micro-display. This has successfully achieved both significant slimming and higher definition compared to previous prototypes.
Conventional VR goggles create a sense of depth by showing parallax images to the left and right eyes, but since the focal point remains fixed on the display, 'visual fatigue' has been a challenge. The newly developed light field method reproduces the 'bundle of light rays' emitted from objects, allowing users to focus naturally as they do in the real world, thus enabling natural 3D images that are less tiring even during long viewing sessions.
Regarding the optical system, the lab addressed the previous challenge of needing space between the lens array and the eyepiece by devising a new optical system where they are placed in contact. By delivering 3D images directly to the eyes without an intermediate image, the depth of the optical system was reduced by 79% compared to conventional models. Furthermore, by using high-speed ray-tracing technology, the system displays high-definition 3D images in real time.
This technology will be exhibited at the 'Giken Open House 2026,' held from May 28 to 31. Looking ahead, the lab aims to further improve the technology for applications in education, medical care, and entertainment.
In this development, the lab combined a unique optical system featuring two different types of lenses placed in contact with each other and a high-definition micro-display. This has successfully achieved both significant slimming and higher definition compared to previous prototypes.
Conventional VR goggles create a sense of depth by showing parallax images to the left and right eyes, but since the focal point remains fixed on the display, 'visual fatigue' has been a challenge. The newly developed light field method reproduces the 'bundle of light rays' emitted from objects, allowing users to focus naturally as they do in the real world, thus enabling natural 3D images that are less tiring even during long viewing sessions.
Regarding the optical system, the lab addressed the previous challenge of needing space between the lens array and the eyepiece by devising a new optical system where they are placed in contact. By delivering 3D images directly to the eyes without an intermediate image, the depth of the optical system was reduced by 79% compared to conventional models. Furthermore, by using high-speed ray-tracing technology, the system displays high-definition 3D images in real time.
This technology will be exhibited at the 'Giken Open House 2026,' held from May 28 to 31. Looking ahead, the lab aims to further improve the technology for applications in education, medical care, and entertainment.
FAQ
開発されたHMDの主な特徴は何ですか？
従来の方式に比べ大幅な薄型化を達成し、視覚疲労が少なく自然な3次元映像を表示できるライトフィールド方式を採用しています。
従来のVRゴーグルと何が違うのですか？
従来の二眼方式はピント位置が固定されるため視覚疲労が生じやすいという課題がありましたが、本技術は実世界と同様にピントを合わせることで疲れにくさを実現します。
薄型化を実現した技術的ポイントは何ですか？
レンズアレーと接眼レンズを接触配置し、中間像を介さず直接3次元映像を形成する独自の光学系を考案した点です。
いつどこで体験できますか？
5月28日（木）から31日（日）まで、東京都世田谷区のNHK放送技術研究所で開催される「技研公開2026」にて展示されます。
どのような分野への活用が期待されていますか？
教育、医療、エンターテインメントなど、さまざまな分野での快適なVR体験への活用を目指しています。