Overview
IEC TR 63145-400-20:2026 is a Technical Report developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the title Eyewear display - Part 400-20: Introduction to sensing functions - 3D sensing. This document provides comprehensive information on 3D sensing technologies utilized in eyewear displays, particularly focusing on optical, non-contact methods. The report outlines key features, types, and practical applications of 3D sensing, clarifies standardization considerations, and emphasizes the importance of calibration and measurement accuracy. This standard is pivotal for advancing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions in wearable displays, ensuring accurate depth perception and spatial awareness.
Key Topics
Types of 3D Sensing Technologies:
- Laser Scanning: Employs laser beams to scan objects and capture precise 3D coordinates, widely used in industrial assembly and terrain modeling. Laser scanning ensures high-resolution data, although its implementation in eyewear is limited by stability requirements.
- Structured Light: Utilizes projection and cameras to map object surfaces based on pattern distortion. Effective for gesture and facial recognition in indoor environments due to its high accuracy at close distances.
- Time of Flight (ToF): Measures the time light pulses take to return after hitting an object, providing real-time depth mapping. ToF is suited for mobile, AR, and VR applications, balancing cost and performance.
- Binocular Stereo Vision: Uses two cameras to analyze images from different viewpoints, allowing for detailed 3D information extraction. Crucial for applications needing high resolution and geometric accuracy.
- Monocular Vision & Photogrammetry: Estimates depth from single images or through the analysis of multiple images captured over time. These low-cost, flexible solutions can be achieved with advanced algorithms and minimal hardware.
Standardization Criteria:
IEC TR 63145-400-20:2026 identifies critical performance metrics for 3D sensing in eyewear displays, including:
- Deviation (absolute and relative): Impact on calibration and precision.
- Dynamic Range: Effective measurement across diverse depths.
- Colour and Reflectivity Response: Performance across varying object surfaces.
- Multipath & Moving Object Response: Adaptability to reflections and dynamic scenes.
- Lateral Resolution: Fineness of spatial detail captured.
- Flying Spot Noise: Presence of non-reliable depth data.
- Portrait Integrity: Completeness of human subject capture at various distances.
Applications
3D Sensing in Eyewear Displays:
- 3D Registration: Aligns digital content accurately within real-world environments for seamless AR experiences.
- Gesture Interaction: Enables intuitive, natural interaction with virtual objects through precise hand and body tracking.
- 3D Reconstruction: Builds accurate digital models of real environments, supporting immersive simulations and analytics.
- Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM): Merges sensor input to create real-time spatial maps essential for navigation, robotics, and AR applications.
These capabilities are vital in fields such as:
- Medical and Surgical Assistance: Accurate mapping and overlay for complex procedures.
- Industrial Inspection and Maintenance: Spatial awareness for remote support and precision tasks.
- Consumer Electronics: Enhanced AR/VR gaming and productivity applications.
- Cultural Heritage and Architecture: 3D reconstruction of artifacts and structures.
Related Standards
For a consistent and interoperable approach to 3D sensing technologies, several related standards are referenced:
- IEC 63145 Series: Covers additional aspects of eyewear displays.
- ISO 10360-13: Pertains to optical 3D coordinate measuring systems, useful for calibration and validation.
- ISO/IEC JTC1: Standards for information technology relevant to sensor integration.
- ISO/TC172: Focused on optics and photonics; applicable in calibration and measurement techniques.
- ASTM E57: Directed at 3D imaging systems with guidance for data quality and system evaluation.
- IEEE Electron Devices Society: Involvement in electronic device standards impacting sensor development.
By adhering to IEC TR 63145-400-20:2026 and related standards, manufacturers and developers ensure the reliability, quality, and interoperability of 3D sensing technologies in eyewear display systems, driving innovation in AR, VR, and mixed reality ecosystems.