Aberration analysis of decentered lenses for the compensation of vergence–accommodation conflict in virtual reality systems

Abstract

Subject of study. This study considered optical virtual reality systems in which the use of decentered lenses was proposed to remove or reduce the vergence–accommodation conflict, which results in discomfort or quick fatigue of the user. Aim of study. The study aimed to investigate the possibility of using decentered lenses to compensate the vergence–accommodation conflict in virtual reality systems and to determine the optimal configuration of a two-component optical system. Methods. The required decentering values in the case of a shift of one or both components and aberration characteristics were analyzed. Main results. More exact equations for aberrations introduced into an optical system by decentered lenses upon a relatively large shift of lenses were obtained based on the relations of the third-order aberration theory. The minimum decentering and, consequently, minimum aberrations are obtained in the scheme when both components are decentered. An example of an optical system with decentered lenses designed considering the requirements on size and high image quality is presented. Practical significance. The obtained equations for the aberrations of decentered lenses enable the assessment of the effect of a transverse shift of lenses on image quality in virtual reality systems and can also be applied to analyze decentering aberrations in other schemes. The proposed designs of optical schemes can be utilized in virtual reality systems with reduced vergence–accommodation conflict.