8.1: Invited Paper: Achieving Near-Correct Focus Cues in a 3D Display using Multiple Image Planes

Abstract

Focus cues specify inappropriate 3d scene parameters in conventional displays because the light comes from a single surface, independent of the depth relations in the portrayed scene. We examine the efficacy of a stereo-display prototype designed to minimize these problems by using multiple image planes to present near-correct focus cues. Each eye's view is the sum of several images presented at different focal distances. Variation in focal distance is provided by either multiple beam splitters or by use of a switchable lens. The stimulus to accommodation is more consistent with the portrayed depth than with conventional displays. Compared to a normal, fixed-distance display, observers show improved stereoscopic performance in different psychophysical tasks including speed of fusing stereoscopic images. The multiple image-planes approach provides a practical solution for some shortcomings of conventional displays.