Focus Control for Virtual Objects in AR and VR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems struggle to create immersive experiences by accurately depicting virtual objects with perfect focus, which can lead to viewer discomfort and eyestrain when objects are outside the comfortable focus range, and fail to effectively convey mental or emotional states through visual effects.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising computer processors that transmit display signals to update imagery with virtual objects and selectively adjust their focus by adjusting viewer parameters such as inter-pupillary distance and horizontal skew, or by modifying optical elements, allowing for defocusing or soft focusing of virtual objects to enhance immersion and convey emotional states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If virtual objects are displayed with perfect focus, then visual clarity is improved, but viewer comfort deteriorates when objects are outside the comfortable focus range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the focus parameter of virtual objects to match the viewer's comfortable focus range. When a virtual object is outside the comfortable focus range, the system adjusts its focus parameter to bring it within the comfortable range, thereby maintaining visual clarity while improving viewer comfort and reducing eyestrain.
2Measurement precision
If virtual objects are displayed with perfect focus, then visual clarity is improved, but eyestrain increases when objects are outside the comfortable focus range
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts the focus parameter of virtual objects dynamically. When detection indicates that a virtual object is outside the viewer's comfortable focus range, the system modifies the focus parameter to relocate it within the comfortable range, thereby preventing eyestrain while preserving visual clarity through appropriate focus adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If focus is adjusted to match viewer comfort ranges, then viewer comfort is improved, but visual precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different focus qualities to different virtual objects based on their individual characteristics and the viewer's comfortable focus range. Each virtual object receives a customized focus adjustment that optimizes both viewer comfort and visual precision for that specific object, rather than applying a uniform focus setting to all objects.
4Adaptability or versatility
If focus control is implemented for virtual objects, then immersive experience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to detect the viewer's comfortable focus range and automatically adjusts the focus parameters of virtual objects accordingly. This feedback-based approach enables the system to provide immersive focus control experiences without requiring complex manual configuration, as the system self-adjusts based on detected viewer parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include a method for authoring content for display using an optical system comprising one or more optical elements defining a field of view relative to an optical reference point. The method comprises arranging a virtual object at a first location within an authoring environment. The virtual object is configured to be included in imagery displayed by one or more display devices of the optical system to appear in a focal plane within the field of view. The method further comprises determining, using one or more viewer parameters that control a positioning of the virtual object on the one or more display devices, that a viewer may experience discomfort when viewing the virtual object at the first location. The method further comprises displaying an alert responsive to determining that the viewer may experience discomfort.