Binocular Vertical Misalignment in AR

As AR technology becomes more widespread, understanding how the visual system compensates for misalignment is crucial for optimizing display design and preventing discomfort in users.

A recent Journal of Vision study has investigated how binocular vertical misalignment (BVM) in see-through augmented reality (AR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) affects eye posture, visual comfort, and user experience.

Using a 3D stereoscopic display, the study simulated a see-through AR environment to allow for precise control over binocular misalignment. Participants were asked to engage in a visual search task, requiring them to interact with both real-world and augmented elements while being exposed to different BVM levels.

The results revealed that participants’ visual systems compensated for vertical misalignment using both sensory fusion and motor adaptation (vertical vergence). However, it was observed that tolerance varied across individuals, with some users experiencing significant discomfort at lower BVM levels than others.

Notably, the real-world and augmented content created a visual conflict – when users focused on augmented elements, misalignment distorted their perception of the real-world background, and vice versa. This suggests that per-user calibration may be necessary in order to minimize discomfort and ensure optimal AR experiences.

The researchers also highlighted that long-term exposure to BVM in AR devices could lead to cumulative visual fatigue, reinforcing the need for optimized display design. Investigating how BVM impacts performance in real-world AR, the authors add, could lead to better display ergonomics, improved stereoscopic vision alignment, and more comfortable extended use in this immersive visual technology.