LC lens systems to solve accommodation/convergence conflict in three-dimensional and virtual reality displays

Abstract

Accommodation–convergence mismatch is still an unsolved issue within the field of augmented reality, virtual reality, and three-dimensional systems in general. Solutions suggested to correct the focus cue in recent years require additional bandwidth, or compromise the image resolution. Our simple approach to overcome this issue is by using an eye-tracking system and electronic lenses. We propose an electronic hybrid lens system composed of segmented phase profile liquid crystal and Pancharatnam phase lenses. For practical application, eye tracking is necessary for measuring the toe-in of the user’s pupil to calculate the object depth. This information is used to determine the required diopteric power of the hybrid system. The optical performance and imaging quality of the proposed hybrid system are evaluated.