An Analysis on the Range of Singular Fusion of Augmented Reality Devices

Current two-dimensional (2D) augmented reality (AR) devices present virtual image and information to a fixed focal plane, regardless of the various locations of ambient objects of interest around the observer. This limitation can lead to a visual discomfort caused by misalignments between the view of the ambient object of interest and the visual representation on the AR device due to a failing of the singular fusion. Since the misalignment becomes more severe as the depth difference gets greater, it can hamper visual understanding of the scene, interfering with task performance of the viewer. Thus, we analyzed the range of singular fusion (RSF) of AR images within which viewers can perceive the shape of an object presented on two different depth planes without difficulty due to the failure of singular fusion. It is expected that our analysis can inspire the development of advanced AR systems with low visual discomfort.