Perceptual Issues in the Use of Head-Mounted Visual Displays

OBJECTIVE We provide a review and analysis of much of the published literature on visual perception issues that impact the design and use of head-mounted displays (HMDs). BACKGROUND Unlike the previous literature on HMDs, this review draws heavily from the basic vision literature in order to help provide insight for future design solutions for HMDs. METHOD Included in this review are articles and books found cited in other works as well as articles and books obtained from an Internet search. RESULTS Issues discussed include the effect of brightness and contrast on depth of field, dark focus, dark vergence, and perceptual constancy; the effect of accommodation-vergence synergy on perceptual constancy, eyestrain, and discomfort; the relationship of field of view to the functioning of different visual pathways and the types of visual-motor tasks mediated by them; the relationship of binocular input to visual suppression; and the importance of head movements, head tracking, and display update lag. CONCLUSION This paper offers a set of recommendations for the design and use of HMDs. APPLICATION Consideration of the basic vision literature will provide insight for future design solutions for HMDs.