From: rockwell.HENR801c@Xerox.COM
Subject:  Fiber optics vs. LCDs
Date: 20 Jun 90 13:39:20 PDT (Wednesday)


Organization: Xerox

I've just joined the DL.

I've some reading lately on some  work done by companies for military
flight simulation. As opposed to the current interface approach of head
mounted LCDs, 2 groups used a fiber optic approach. Both groups interfaced
computer display output into a fiber optic bundle. One group then ran the
bundle to the user's helmet and then fed into a compact lens design to
provide output. The other group took a little more radical approach by
going straight to the eye by forming a hemispheric display with the bundles
and getting users to wear contact lenses to tune in. [I could get more
technical or provide the references if anyone wants them].

The authors pointed out advantages of fiber displays over direct LCD
displays beyond the obvious ergonomic advantages[weight, volume, etc.].
I've also added a few:

 Both displays allowed very wide fields of view [FOVs] which are necessary
for task accomplishment and 'being there' sensations.  They do this with
much less bulk than LCD approaches.

Decoupling the display from the computer monitor prevents a 'this year's
model' syndrome, where displays have to be replaced out to take advantage
of higher resolution.

Assuming that the bundle and monitor both have a high resolution, the log
resolution characteristics of the eye could be better simulated by having a
low res- backround field with a high res- center. This is pretty easy to do
on a high res- monitor, much more difficult on a LCD because it's lower
res-.

Higher contrast/brightness.

etc.

So my question is: where's the fatal flaw of this approach? I haven't seen
any writeups from NASA Ames, Autodesk, MIT, etc. , that they're trying
this. Everyone still seems to be pushing on LCDs. 

Is it a cost issue? Technology issue?