The dot feeling of VR disappears.Sony's "one-eyed 4K" organic EL panel was too different

Sony has developed a "4K OLED micro display" with 4K resolution in the 1-inch range. VR goggles that are attracting attention in the Metaverse realize ultra-high-definition images of "one-eyed 4K" and "both-eyed 8K".

Although the detailed number of inches of this "4K OLED micro display" is not disclosed, it is about the size of a 10-yen coin and achieves 4K resolution. Also, instead of the 16: 9 (3840 x 2160) 4K x 2K resolution of LCD TVs, the 4K x 4K resolution is close to a 1: 1 square for VR applications.

The pixel array is not a Pentile array like the OELD of a smartphone, but an RGB array in which RGB is aligned in one pixel, further enhancing the resolution.

There have been products that use liquid crystal panels for "one eye 4K" VR goggles, but the aspect ratio is 16: 9 with 4K x 2K resolution, and one eye is a 4K x 4K VR panel. Did not exist until now.

When I actually tried a prototype of VR goggles equipped with the same display, I suddenly heard a voice saying "amazing". With the current VR goggles, there is still no "dot feeling" that I feel, and I am excited to finally realize a high-definition VR that is different from the real thing.

Applying image sensor technology

For the production of this panel, we applied the microfabrication process technology used to manufacture image sensors, which is Sony's specialty. Production is handled by Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing, and prototypes are produced at Sony's own factory in Japan.

We are also focusing on reducing the gap (= delay) between the movement of the head and the movement of the image, which causes VR sickness. While handling high-definition video of 8K with both eyes, the processing time of the video is shortened to 0.01 seconds or less, and together with the high-definition video display, it enables more realistic VR expression.

The panel is being developed by Sony's R & D department, and its commercialization schedule is not disclosed at this time. However, the person in charge says that it can be used in various fields such as "communication in virtual space", "live entertainment where you can feel the delicate facial expressions of the artist", "medical training and work support at the manufacturing site".As the interest in Metaverse grows, so does the focus on this technology.