title: Reducing Visual Discomfort with HMDs Using Dynamic Depth of Field.
abstract: Although head-mounted displays (HMDs) are ideal devices for personal viewing of immersive stereoscopic content, exposure to VR applications on them results in significant discomfort for the majority of people, with symptoms including eye fatigue, headaches, nausea, and sweating. A conflict between accommodation and vergence depth cues on stereoscopic displays is a significant cause of visual discomfort. This article describes the results of an evaluation used to judge the effectiveness of dynamic depth-of-field (DoF) blur in an effort to reduce discomfort caused by exposure to stereoscopic content on HMDs. Using a commercial game engine implementation, study participants report a reduction of visual discomfort on a simulator sickness questionnaire when DoF blurring is enabled. The study participants reported a decrease in symptom severity caused by HMD exposure, indicating that dynamic DoF can effectively reduce visual discomfort.
authors.forename: Kieran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Carnegie
authors.forename: Taehyun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rhee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003626:Data Display; D003867:Depth Perception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009041:Motion Sickness / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D018910:Video Games / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult