Canon releases the new generation of MREAL head-mounted device MD-20

Following the launch of the enterprise-level MR (mixed reality) headset MREAL MD-10 last year, Canon recently released a successor product, MREAL Display MD-20. This headset is a non-free (Tethered) product, but it can also use powerful PC graphics functions. Its structure is shown in the figure below.

Figure 1. Canon's MREAL Display MD-20 head-mounted MR device
 

According to foreign media DisplayDaily, this head-mounted MR device looks no different from ordinary products. The MD-20 consists of a black plastic shell and can be fixed in front of the user's face with a large padded headband. However, according to what will be introduced next, some of the parameters and specifications of the MD-20 do make this head-mounted MR device completely unusual.
 
The optical system of the MD-20 includes two displays that provide images with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels for each eye, and these images can be refreshed at 60 frames per second.
 
Compared with the old MD-10 device, the MREAL Display MD-20 includes a number of improvements.
 
First, the MD-20 display body and head-mounted device are lighter, weighing only 640 grams. Secondly, the MD-20 can generate images with a larger color gamut. The image color gamut that this head-mounted MR device can generate exceeds 99% of the sRGB color gamut space (note that the sRGB color gamut space here is the RGB color space jointly launched by HP and Microsoft in 1996 for displays, printers and the Internet). In addition, this head-mounted MR device also has a wide viewing angle of 70 degrees horizontally and 40 degrees vertically.
 
The device integrates a front camera that includes three CMOS sensors aligned with the wearer's line of sight. The sensor has a so-called global shutter that can "accurately capture real-world images without distortion." In addition, the sensor has a resolution of 2,560 x 2,048 pixels, a horizontal field of view of 81 degrees, and a vertical field of view of 69 degrees.
 
Using this sensor, the MD-20 can scan the environmental information of the real world and generate a real-time  3D  spatial map. The map mentioned here can help the device achieve accurate positioning of 3D virtual objects relative to the real world, even if the user wearing the device is in motion.
 
The device also offers optional external markers and optical sensors that further enhance the sensor's ability to provide 3D positioning data to the processing system, eliminating the need for on-device mapping processing.
 
Combining all of these features and capabilities, this new mixed reality headset can composite real images and computer-generated images with high accuracy. In Canon's words, this is to produce an image that can "blend the real world with 3D CG in real time."
 
The figure below shows a sample image that can illustrate the above process, in which the seamless fusion between real objects and 3D computer-generated objects can be seen.

Figure 2. Sample images generated by the Canon MREAL Display M-20 head-mounted device. The car on the left is real, and the car on the right is a virtual image generated by a 3D computer.
 

In addition to the realistic visualization of 3D objects, the MD-20 has many other features. For example, the MD-20 can also display a virtual touch menu interface that can be used for control or application access. The applications mentioned here can be provided by Canon itself or by third parties. In addition, the new MD-20 headset is also compatible with the MREAL software built into the previous MD-10.

Currently, Canon describes the MD-20 as still in development. Apparently, Canon is still working on further miniaturizing the device to reduce its weight, while also optimizing its positioning in the space it is in use.

The MREAL Display MD-20 is expected to be sold in the Japanese market. Canon positions the product as a business support tool for the manufacturing industry, with automotive applications specifically mentioned.

There is no specific release date for the MREAL Display MD-20, but Canon plans to showcase the device at this year's 3D and VR Expo, which will be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan from February 26 to 28.

The official price of this headset has not yet been announced, but considering that the MD-10 costs about $82,300, this product should be very expensive.