NVIS nVisor SX60
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| NVIS nVisor SX60 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC-Powered VR, Vintage VR |
| Platform | PC/workstation[1] |
| Developer | NVIS Inc.[1] |
| Manufacturer | NVIS Inc.[1] |
| Release Date | Unconfirmed |
| Price | US$14,760.88 (2011 GSA headset price; control unit separate)[2] |
| Website | https://www.nvisinc.com |
| Requires | PC/workstation and video control unit[2] |
| Display | |
| Display | LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)[1] |
| Peak Brightness | 30 foot-lamberts (specified brightness)[1] |
| Resolution | 1280x1024 per eye (SXGA)[1] |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz (institutional equipment specification)[3] |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 60° diagonal (monocular)[1] |
| Horizontal FoV | 44°[1] |
| Vertical FoV | 35°[1] |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Custom engineered optics[1] |
| Ocularity | Binocular[1] |
| IPD Range | 53-72 mm (manual adjustment)[1] |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Optional motion trackers[1] |
| Tracking Frequency | Tracker-dependent[4] |
| Base Stations | Tracker-dependent[4] |
| Eye Tracking | Optional (Viewpoint Binocular/Monocular Eyetracker)[1] |
| Rotational Tracking | With a compatible tracker[1] |
| Positional Tracking | With a compatible tracker[1] |
| Update Rate | Tracker-dependent[4] |
| Tracking Volume | Tracker-dependent |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Optional stereo headset with boom microphone[2] |
| Microphone | Optional (with audio upgrade)[2] |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DVI, VGA, RS-232[3][1] |
| Ports | DVI, VGA, RS-232[3][1] |
| Wired Video | Yes[2] |
| Power | External video control unit[2] |
| Device | |
| Weight | 1000 g (headset only)[1] |
| Headstrap | Adjustable head-fitting apparatus[1] |
| Sensors | Optional InertiaCube 2/2+/3[1] |
| Cable Length | 4.5 m[1] |
The NVIS nVisor SX60 is a professional head-mounted display (HMD) for virtual reality applications, developed by NVIS Inc.[1] Radboud University's equipment comparison lists its introduction year as 2003.[3]
Overview
The nVisor SX60 was positioned as a high-resolution professional VR headset, incorporating advanced microdisplay technology and custom optics.[1] Specifications follow NVIS's 2009 SX60 sheet.[1]
An earlier NVIS brochure, copyrighted 2003 and titled nVisor SX, advertised a 60-degree diagonal display, 1280x1024 pixels per eye, and digital or analog SXGA input. It listed 60 Hz SXGA video, AC100-240 V power and 25 W maximum consumption. Its 55-73 mm IPD, approximately 25 fL brightness and greater than 200:1 contrast differ from the 2009 SX60 sheet; those figures belong to the earlier document.[5]
NVIS's price list updated on June 1, 2011 listed the stereoscopic SX60 (part 103699) at US$14,760.88 under its government supply schedule, with an Advanced Video Control Unit required separately. The listed video control unit (103424) cost US$9,824.13. These were North American GSA prices, rather than a launch price or current retail offer.[2]
Technical Specifications
Display Technology
The nVisor SX60 utilized dual reflective LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) display panels[1]. The device featured:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display type | Dual reflective LCOS |
| Resolution | 1280×1024 pixels per eye (SXGA standard) |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz (institutional equipment specification)[3] |
| Brightness | 30 foot-lamberts |
| Contrast ratio | 100:1 |
| Spatial resolution | 2 arc-minutes per pixel |
| Color | Full color microdisplays |
Optical System
The headset employed custom engineered optics with the following specifications[1]:
- Exit pupil: 9 mm
- Eye relief: 23 mm (allowing use with prescription glasses)
- Geometric distortion: < 15%
- Focus/Convergence: Collimated
- Stereoscopic 3D capability
Field of View
The nVisor SX60 offered:[1]
- Diagonal field of view: 60 degrees (monocular)
- Horizontal field of view: 44 degrees
- Vertical field of view: 35 degrees
Physical Specifications
- Weight: 1000 g (headset only)[1]
- Inter-pupillary distance (IPD) range: 53-72 mm (manual adjustment)
- Cable length: 4.5 m tether
- Adjustable head-fitting apparatus for comfort and balance
Tracking Capabilities
Tracking was optional.[1] The headset included mounting points (both internal and external) for various tracking solutions:
| Category | Supported Solutions | Tracking Type |
|---|---|---|
| Inertial tracking | InertiaCube 2, 2+, 3 | Optional orientation sensors[2] |
| External mounts | InterSense IS-300 | Listed mounting compatibility[1] |
| Hybrid tracking | InterSense IS-900 | Inertial-ultrasonic, 6DoF[4] |
| Magnetic tracking | Ascension Flock of Birds[1] | 6DoF position and orientation[6] |
| Orientation tracking | Ascension 3D-BIRD[1] | 3DoF orientation; inertial and non-inertial sensors[7] |
| Passive markers | Eight markers with ART DTrack 2 | Optical tracking in an EEG experiment[8] |
| Eye tracking | Viewpoint Binocular/Monocular Eyetracker | Optional accessory[1] |
The IS-900 could mount internally.[1]
InterSense lists a nominal 180 Hz wired update rate for the IS-900, or 120 Hz with wireless tracking devices. These describe the tracker, rather than the headset display.[4]
Connectivity
The headset connected to PCs via[9]:
- Video inputs: DVI (digital) or VGA (analog)[3]
- Control port: RS-232 for firmware upgrades[1]
- Graphics requirement: Dual monitor configuration support (2560x1024 combined resolution in horizontal span mode)
- Compatible with NVIDIA graphics cards supporting "horizontal span" mode
Two video inputs supply stereo; one supplies monoscopic viewing.[1]
Video Control Unit
The nVisor SX60 was supported by an Advanced Video Control Unit that provided[2]:
- Plug-and-play support for analog and digital video inputs
- Stereo and monoscopic output modes
- Analog and digital monitor output repeater functionality
- Optional battery for portable use[1]
The 2011 list also offered separate headphone, headphone/microphone and integrated boom-microphone upgrades. Its InertiaCube 2+ option included mounting the sensor and routing its wires through the display's main cable.[2]
Applications
Published research documents several configurations using the exact SX60. Their external sensors, controllers and experimental procedures were parts of the research systems.
| Research use | Apparatus and scope |
|---|---|
| Medical visualization (2013) | Lin and colleagues displayed abdominal CT data through an SX60, using Vizard, head tracking and a CyberGlove II for manipulating slices and anatomical models. Four patients' retrospective CT datasets informed the work; the authors demonstrated the system to two surgeons. They described feasibility and opportunities for patient communication and operative planning, without a controlled clinical outcome trial.[10] |
| Mobile EEG and navigation (2014) | Five male students aged 21-24 performed a triangle-completion task under four combinations of vestibular and kinesthetic information. The SX60 displayed a Vizard environment; WorldViz PPTX4 supplied positional tracking and an attached InertiaCube2+ supplied head orientation. EEG, a cart, walkway and turntable formed part of this experimental apparatus.[11] |
| Language comprehension and EEG (published online 2017) | Tromp and colleagues placed an SX60 over an EEG cap while seated participants viewed a virtual restaurant. Eight reflective markers connected to ART DTrack 2 updated the viewpoint. Twenty-three Dutch speakers participated, with 20 retained for analysis. The observed N400 response concerned mismatches between spoken nouns and visible objects. The authors reported difficulties fitting the tight headset over some EEG caps, and restricted movement to reduce artifacts.[8] |
| Behavioral and cybersickness research (2022 analysis) | A retrospective analysis of six earlier samples identifies SX60 use in four studies: a walking buffet environment (2011), a walking virtual clinic (2009) and seated clinic scenarios (2012 and 2014). The earlier system used WorldViz Precision Point Tracking; buffet interaction used a modified presentation pointer. Participants particularly prone to motion sickness were excluded. Different symptom scales and study populations limit comparisons; this was not a randomized headset comparison.[12] |
Software Support
The headset was supported by Vizard VR toolkit, which included a dedicated nvis module for proper stereo and projection settings.[9] The Vizard 8.3.1 documentation identifies the SX/60 constructor as nvis.nvisorSX(). It describes fullscreen operation, a 2560x1024 combined desktop for independent eye inputs, and optional per-eye projection adjustments. The SX/111 has a separate constructor.[9]
Reception and Legacy
Radboud University's RIVER lab inventory records SX60 use from 2006 to October 2013. Its headset comparison lists 60 Hz and notes that the unit remained available there without active support.[13][3]
A 2008 experiment by Conradi and Alexander compared a desktop monitor, projection wall and an HMD named nVisor SX. Thirty participants completed four sessions, each with 12 minutes of virtual village exploration and a waypoint memory task; four other volunteers were excluded for vision deficiencies and three stopped during the first session because of simulator sickness. The study found no significant display differences in task performance or simulator sickness, and higher reported workload for the HMD than the desktop monitor. The authors cautioned about short exposure, low sickness scores and high variability. The paper reports 47° by 37° for its SX apparatus; it does not establish revised SX60 specifications.[14]
Company History
In 2017, NVIS was acquired by Kopin Corporation. Kopin's August 8, 2017 financial release states that the acquisition had completed in the first quarter of that year.[15] The former NVIS website now directs product information to Kopin's Training + Simulation business and asks customers to continue working with their local representatives. The notice describes NVIS products generally without listing the SX60.[16]
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 "nVisor SX60 Head-Mounted Display". NVIS Inc.. 2009. https://www.spectratech.gr/Web/NVIS/pdf/nVisor-SX60.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 "Authorized Federal Supply Schedule Price List, GS-02F-0074V". NVIS Inc.. 2011-06-01. https://govtribe.com/file/government-file/gs02f0074v-federal-supply-schedule-gs02f0074v-dot-pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Head Mounted Displays/Comparison". Radboud University Technical Support Group. https://tsgdoc.socsci.ru.nl/index.php/Head_Mounted_Displays/Comparison. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "IS-900 System". InterSense. https://www.intersense.com/is-900-system. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ "nVisor SX: High-Resolution, Wide Field-of-View Head-Mounted Display". NVIS Inc.. 2003. https://snebulos.mit.edu/projects/voila/docs/datasheets/nvisor-sx.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ "Flock of Birds Position and Orientation Measurement System Installation and Operation Guide, 910002-A Rev C". Ascension Technology Corporation. 2004-03-01. https://manualzilla.com/doc/5880971/ascension-flock-of-birds-manual. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ "3D-BIRD Orientation Measurement Device Installation and Operation Guide, 910120-A Rev A". Ascension Technology Corporation. 2001-01-15. https://manualzilla.com/doc/5842004/3d-bird%E2%84%A2. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Tromp, Johanne; Peeters, David; Meyer, Antje S.; Hagoort, Peter (2017-05-26). "The combined use of virtual reality and EEG to study language processing in naturalistic environments". Behavior Research Methods, volume 50, pages 862-869. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "nVis HMDs". WorldViz Vizard 8.3.1 documentation. https://docs.worldviz.com/vizard/latest/nVis_SX_HMD.htm. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ Lin, Qiufeng; Xu, Zhoubing; Li, Bo; Baucom, Rebeccah; Poulose, Benjamin; Landman, Bennett A.; Bodenheimer, Robert E. (2013-03-28). "Immersive Virtual Reality for Visualization of Abdominal CT". Proceedings of SPIE, volume 8673. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ Ehinger, Benedikt V.; Fischer, Petra; Gert, Anna L.; Kaufhold, Lilli; Weber, Felix; Pipa, Gordon; König, Peter (2014-02-25). "Kinesthetic and vestibular information modulate alpha activity during spatial navigation: a mobile EEG study". Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, volume 8, article 71. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ Martingano, Alison Jane; Brown, Ellenor; Telaak, Sydney H.; Dolwick, Alexander P.; Persky, Susan (2022-06-01). "Cybersickness Variability by Race: Findings From 6 Studies and a Mini Meta-analysis". Journal of Medical Internet Research, volume 24, issue 6, e36843. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ "RIVER Lab/Legacy". Radboud University Technical Support Group. https://tsgdoc.socsci.ru.nl/index.php/RIVER_Lab/Legacy. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ Conradi, Jessica; Alexander, Thomas (2008). "Display Devices for Virtual Environments: Impact on Performance, Workload, and Simulator Sickness". Eurographics Symposium on Virtual Environments, pages 103-109. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ "Kopin Provides Business Update and Second Quarter 2017 Operating Results". Kopin Corporation. 2017-08-08. https://www.kopin.com/press-releases/kopin-provides-business-update-and-second-quarter-2017-operating-results/. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
- ↑ "NVIS Head-Mounted Display Solutions". Kopin Corporation. https://www.kopin.com/nvis-inc-weve-moved/. Retrieved 2026-10-16.