I3.1: Invited Paper: The Importance of Focus Cues in Stereo 3D Displays

Abstract

Stereoscopic displays present different images to the two eyes and thereby create a compelling three‐dimensional (3D) sensation. They have proven useful for a wide range of applications including entertainment, medical diagnosis and treatment, prototyping, scientific visualization, and more. But stereoscopic displays are also subject to perceptual distortions, performance decrements, and visual discomfort. These problems occur because some of the presented depth cues (i.e., perspective and binocular disparity) specify the intended 3D scene while focus cues (blur and accommodation) specify the fixed distance of the display itself. In a series of experiments, we have investigated how focus cues affect 3D shape perception, visual performance, and, most importantly, visual comfort. I will offer guidelines for minimizing these adverse effects and discuss foreseeable display technologies that may eventually eliminate the adverse effects altogether.