Overview
IEC TR 63145-1-1:2018 - Eyewear display: Part 1-1 Generic introduction is a Technical Report from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that collects and explains foundational information for the standardization of eyewear displays (also called near‑eye displays). It is an informational, non‑normative document that gives an overview of eyewear display technology, identifies critical performance characteristics, and summarizes issues and approaches for optical measurements.
Key topics covered
- Technology overview: taxonomy and classifications of eyewear/near‑eye displays (e.g., head‑mounts, glasses, visors, goggles; virtual, transparent, monocular vs binocular systems).
- Optical principles: explanation of virtual image optics (pupil‑forming vs non‑pupil‑forming), transparency modes, and how these affect perceived image size and coupling to the eye.
- Performance characteristics: essential parameters such as field of view (FOV), eye‑box, eye point / eye relief, virtual image distance, luminance, contrast, chromaticity, distortion, colour registration (chromatic aberration) and binocular properties.
- Measurement methods and instrumentation: guidance on optical measurement conditions and common equipment (e.g., goniometer, light measuring devices (LMD) - spot and 2‑D), alignment practices, and measurement considerations for both virtual image and transparent optics.
- Mechanical and electro‑optical aspects: overview of mechanical performance and electro‑optical issues relevant to eyewear displays.
- Standardization scope: outlines possible items for future standardization within the IEC 63145 series.
Note: IEC TR 63145-1-1 is informational and contains no normative references.
Practical applications and who uses this
This Technical Report is useful to:
- Product designers and optical engineers developing AR, VR and MR eyewear who need to understand critical optical performance concepts.
- Test and calibration laboratories establishing measurement setups for near‑eye displays.
- Standards committees and compliance teams planning normative requirements in follow‑on parts of the IEC 63145 series.
- Manufacturers and integrators defining product specifications (FOV, eye‑box, luminance/contrast targets).
- Researchers and system architects evaluating trade‑offs between transparency, virtual image properties, and ergonomics.
Relevant application areas include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), head‑up displays, wearable HUDs, smart glasses, and other near‑eye systems.
Related standards
- Part of the IEC 63145 series on eyewear displays (see IEC webstore for other parts).
- Cross‑references informative standards such as ISO 9241‑302 regarding near‑eye and human factors considerations.
Keywords: IEC TR 63145-1-1:2018, eyewear display standard, near‑eye display, optical measurement methods, field of view, eye‑box, virtual image optics, AR headset, VR goggles.