AR Display Stereo Overlap Adjustment Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
In augmented reality head-mounted displays, incomplete image overlap between the left and right optical lens assemblies can cause disturbing visual effects, such as dim bands and a reduced stereopsis effect, due to varying horizontal stereo overlap with distance from the lens assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a see-through head-mounted display device with microdisplays and optical lens assemblies, where the focal distance is set during manufacture, and an algorithm shifts the pixels to achieve maximum horizontal stereo overlap at a desired depth, utilizing spare pixels at the border of the microdisplays to adjust the image positions and ensure complete overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the focal distance is set to a predefined position during manufacture, then the optical lens assemblies are configured for complete image overlap at that distance, but incomplete image overlap occurs at other focal distances causing dim bands and reduced stereopsis effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the horizontal position of displayed images in real-time based on the current focal distance. Instead of being fixed during manufacture, the image positions are continuously modified through an algorithm that calculates the appropriate shift amount, allowing complete stereo overlap at any focal distance setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameters (pixel positions) of the microdisplays based on the focal distance. By adjusting which pixels are used to display the left and right images, the system maintains complete horizontal stereo overlap across varying focal distances, eliminating the dim band effect.
2Manufacturing precision
If an algorithm shifts the pixels to provide stereo overlap at the focal distance, then complete image overlap is achieved at the predefined distance, but spare pixels are required which reduces the effective display area
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses more pixels than strictly necessary for the image content by incorporating border pixels into the display area. This excessive use of pixels allows the algorithm to shift images and achieve complete stereo overlap without sacrificing the effective display area, as the border pixels serve dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The border pixels of the microdisplay serve multiple functions: they are both part of the effective display area for showing image content and provide the necessary pixels for shifting images to achieve stereo overlap. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spare pixels.
3Device complexity
If the horizontal stereo overlap varies with distance from the lens assemblies, then the optical configuration is simple, but disturbing visual effects such as dim bands appear at the horizontal edges
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical or optical adjustments with a software-based algorithm that dynamically shifts pixel positions. Instead of physically adjusting the optical lens assemblies to maintain overlap at all distances, the algorithm calculates and applies the appropriate pixel shifts, eliminating visual disturbances while keeping the optical configuration simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for use in a virtual reality environment including a head mounted display device and a processing unit. In examples, the processing unit adjusts an amount by which left and right displayed images overlap each other at a given distance, such as the focal distance, from the head mounted display device.