- University of North Carolina has been experimenting using video-AR since year 2000. Their prototype including modified versions of Proview HMD and Sony Glasstron, with holders made by their own.
The choice of Proview HMD is mainly due to its wide field of view (Model SR80: 53° (V)x 63° (H), 80° diagonal) and high resolution (1024x768 full color at 60Hz). The disadvantage of this product is that it's a bit bulkly and heavy (1.7 lbs for the head mounted part). At the same time, the price of the HMD is around $28k.
The Sony glasstron version is clearly a PLM700 just as we are using, without the eye sheds (it's very easy to take off).
Although I did not find the detail description of the camera model they used, I am pretty sure it's one of the Panasonic stick cameras commonly used in surveillance systems. Those cameras are color model and support up to 800x600 resolution. The video format is analog so there must be framegrabber used at the computer side. - Another interesting product series I found out are the Trivisio HMDs. This is a Germany company, and sell ready made stereo and monocular view see through HMDs. The cameras could support resolution as high as 800x600, as well as the display. The field of view is 40°diagonal, 32° horizontal and 24° vert. Weight of the most heavy model is 230g. Slightly heavier than the Sony Glasstron we are using (220g). If take camera weight into consideration, it's actually lighter.
The interfact between these HMDs and the computer is USB2, which could transfer video at 480Mbps rate. Far exceeds our requirements.
I sent price quotes to them and is waiting for reply. Possible guess of the price will be between 15k and 30k. - If we are going to build our own, we could take advantage of customized cameras. A reknown vendor in this field is PointGrey research(www.ptgrey.com), who manufacture a whole line of micro cameras. I have got quotes from them. Single camera price is around $2-3k. Lens could be bought from various optical vendors, and the prices vary from under $1k to $4k.
- I was able to find a tracking alternative for wide field tracking. It is called HiBall, basically is a golf-ball size six-camera optical tracking system, with environment mounted infrared beacons. It could support tracking area as big as 1600 sqft, while maintain a satisfying accurary and precision. Details could be found at http://www.3rdtech.com/HiBall.htm. I have sent price quote to them, but guess the price will be considerable.
[Edited on 11/15/05]:
On my visit to the HiTLab, I got to know another vendor who is providing non-see-through HMD: eMagin. Their product is called 3D-Visor. It's not a see-through product but is stereo, relatively low cost (around $800) , could be full usb powered and has built-in inertial sensor for orientation tracking. Thank Phillips Lamb for his valuable input.
