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Published on: July 21, 2020
Multifocal planes head-mounted displays
J P Rolland1, M W Krueger, A Goon
1School of Optics, Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816-2700, USA.
Applied Optics
|March 20, 2008
Summary
Multiplanar volumetric projection displays offer a solution for head-mounted displays (HMDs) by creating virtual planes to resolve accommodation-convergence conflicts. This technology enhances virtual environment realism without moving parts.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Human Vision
- Virtual Reality Technology
- Display Engineering
Background:
- Current head-mounted displays (HMDs) present virtual objects with fixed accommodation, conflicting with natural human vision.
- This mismatch between accommodation and convergence limits the realism and comfort of virtual environments.
- Existing HMDs require convergent eye movements, which are not fully reconciled with real-world visual perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the engineering specifications of multiplanar volumetric projection technology for integration into HMDs.
- To demonstrate how multiplanar displays can suppress accommodation-convergence conflicts in stereoscopic HMDs.
- To enhance the visual fidelity and user experience in dynamic virtual environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical principles and human vision criteria to define display engineering specifications.
- Investigated a prototype multiplanar volumetric projection display based on laminated planes.
- Applied human visual acuity and stereoacuity criteria to determine display parameters.
Main Results:
- A multiplanar display can be engineered with virtual planes to resolve accommodation-convergence conflicts in HMDs.
- The technology requires at most 27 equally spaced planes within a 26-mm stack.
- The necessary in-plane resolution is approximately 5 micrometers, achievable with current display technology.
Conclusions:
- Multiplanar volumetric projection technology offers a viable solution for improving HMD visual performance.
- This approach eliminates the need for moving parts, simplifying display design.
- The proposed specifications are within the capabilities of current research and development, paving the way for more realistic virtual environments.
