A perceptual eyebox for near-eye displays

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Visual Perception

Background:

• The eyebox is critical for user experience in near-eye display systems for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
• Current eyebox analyses often lack perceptual criteria, which are vital for binocular 3D systems.
• Optical design choices involve trade-offs between field of view, image quality, and product design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the framework of a perceptual eyebox.
• To incorporate perceptual criteria into eyebox characterization for AR/VR systems.
• To analyze how optical and perceptual factors influence eyebox properties.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework for the perceptual eyebox, defining it as the volume for acceptable visual percepts.
• Combined optical and perceptual data to characterize an example perceptual eyebox for augmented reality display visibility.
• Investigated monocular versus binocular display designs, user eye separation, and eye rotation effects.

Main Results:

• Characterized an example perceptual eyebox for AR display visibility.
• Demonstrated differences in perceptual eyeboxes between monocular and binocular display designs.
• Quantified the impact of eye separation and rotation on the perceptual eyebox volume.

Conclusions:

• The perceptual eyebox framework provides a more comprehensive evaluation of near-eye display systems.
• Integrating perceptual criteria is essential for optimizing user experience in AR/VR.
• Understanding the influence of eye separation and rotation is key for designing effective 3D display systems.