See-Thru Display Depth of Field Control via Blur and Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In stereoscopic augmented-reality (AR) systems, inconsistencies between the ocular depth of field and the apparent depth of field can result in a less-than-realistic AR experience due to differences in how real and virtual imagery are perceived by the wearer.
Innovation Solution
The method involves estimating the ocular depth of field and adjusting the virtual imagery with a specified amount of blur, or increasing pixel brightness to deepen the ocular depth of field, ensuring that the virtual imagery blends naturally with real imagery by matching or differing from the ocular depth accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If virtual imagery is projected into the desired focal plane, then the virtual imagery is presented at the correct location, but the inconsistency between ocular depth of field and apparent depth of field makes the virtual imagery look less realistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the depth of field of virtual imagery to match the wearer's ocular depth of field. This involves modifying optical parameters such as focus distance and aperture settings in the see-thru display device to create consistency between real and virtual imagery depth perception, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between correct focal plane projection and realistic appearance.
2Measurement precision
If the ocular depth of field is deepened by increasing pixel brightness, then the virtual imagery blends better with real imagery, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by making the pixel brightness adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies brightness levels based on the desired ocular depth of field effects, allowing the display to contract or expand depth of field as needed while managing power consumption through controlled, variable brightness adjustment rather than continuous maximum output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the realism of the AR experience by aligning the virtual depth of field with the ocular depth of field, improving the perception of virtual imagery as life-like and reducing the distinction between real and virtual elements.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the pixel brightness of the virtual imagery presented to the wearer. The increase in pixel brightness contracts the wearer's pupils and thereby deepens the ocular depth of field to the target value
Implementation Method 2
projecting virtual imagery with a specified amount of blur. The amount of blur is determined as a function of the ocular depth of field
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method for controlling a virtual depth of field perceived by a wearer of a see-thru display device. The method includes estimating the ocular depth of field of the wearer and projecting virtual imagery with a specified amount of blur. The amount of blur is determined as a function of the ocular depth of field. Another embodiment provides a method for controlling an ocular depth of field of a wearer of a see-thru display device. This method includes computing a target value for the depth of field and increasing the pixel brightness of the virtual imagery presented to the wearer. The increase in pixel brightness contracts the wearer's pupils and thereby deepens the depth of field to the target value.