DigiLens Inc., a Silicon Valley-based company has announced an innovative two-layer augmented reality (AR) waveguide display for smart helmets. Only two weeks ago, the company secured a $25 million Series C funding round for automotive HUDs.
The new DigiLens MonoHuD, constructed from only two inkjet coated grating layers, is thinner, lighter and brighter.
DigiLens’s Switchable Bragg Grating (SBG) based waveguides allow motorcycle and bike riders to experience distraction-free content directly in their line of sight, allowing them to keep their eyes focused on the road ahead. Speed, gear change, fuel level, maps, real-time accident warnings, music and other applications can all be monitored without looking down at the smartphone.
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The full-color display boasts a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels and an AR display field of view of 25 degrees diagonal with an unobscured user field of view of 105 degrees. The high efficacy of the revolutionary DigiLens waveguide allows motorcycle riders to see crystal-clear terrain, mixed with daylight-bright content – a game-changer compared with other traditional displays.
In addition to the new two-layer display that substitutes the original three-layer design, DigiLens announced it had started utilizing a new inkjet coating manufacturing process with remarkably increased throughput. Both innovations will lead to more parts from the manufacturing line, higher contrast and significantly less cost.
“The increased quality of the two-layer display and the reduction in manufacturing complexity is crucial for our customers,” says DigiLens CEO Chris Pickett. “It lowers the production costs and allows them to get product to market quicker. We are already seeing several innovative use cases like motorcycle HUDs and are seeking developers to show us what’s next.”
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Young Optics, an industry leader in displays, is one of the first to license the DigiLens MonoHUD, and will soon be manufacturing it at high volume. Sena, a leader in Bluetooth communications for motorcycle and action sports, is working along Young Optics to incorporate the DigiLens display and its communication system into helmets.
“We are proud to be working with the world’s top motorcycle and technology manufacturers in order to create innovative and cutting-edge solutions,” said Sena CEO Tae Kim. “By offering the MonoHUD display alongside our premium Bluetooth technology, we are giving riders a safe and next-generation riding experience and look forward to our continued work with Young Optics and DigiLens.”
