A low-cost, low-latency approach to dynamic immersion in occlusive head-mounted displays
Robert W. Lindeman · 2016
In this poster, we introduce the notion of using LCD panels for controlling the level of immersion provided by head-mounted displays (HMDs). We propose replacing the cowling around typical “ski-goggle” type HMDs with LCD panels of the type used in commodity active-stereo glasses used in movie theaters. The panels can be controlled using very simple stand-alone circuitry and/or a micro-controller to vary the amount of the real world that is visible in the periphery of the user. This can drastically increase the usability of consumer HMDs, because it allows users to see objects in their immediate surroundings (e.g., the keyboard and mouse), can be used to counter cybersickness by providing natural cues when needed, and introduces no added latency into the system. We show several prototypes of our approach using Google Cardboard, and provide some initial thoughts on the systems.