From: Karl Frederik Fischer <k+@CMU.EDU>
Subject: TECH: variable transparency display glasses?
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 1996 20:33:32 -0500 (EST)


From: Karl Frederik Fischer <k+@CMU.EDU>

I need some information for a design project that I am working on with
a group at Carnegie Mellon University.

Does a technology exist to provide a head mounted display with
variable transparency?  Ideally we would like to identify a technology
which can switch between: (a) completely transparent viewing of the
real world, (b) "heads up" computer graphics overlayed on the real
world, and (c) computer graphics only with the real world blocked out.

When graphics are overlayed on the real world is it possible for the
eye to focus on the graphics and the real world at the same time?

We would prefer something which is light, thin, has low power
requirements, and supports a wide field of view.

Our project requires only that we identify technology likely to exist
in the next 2-3 years so info on current research is welcome.

Karl