Perceptual Science for Augmented Reality Systems
Today’s augmented reality (AR) systems aim to seamlessly merge our computer’s display into our view of the natural world. But AR systems often suffer from technical and visual limitations, such as small eyeboxes, limited brightness, and narrow visual field coverage – not to mention poor aesthetics. An integral part of AR system development, therefore, is perceptual research that improves our understanding of when and why these limitations matter for the user. Cooper describes a series of AR system engineering challenges and associated perceptual studies designed to provide guidance for navigating these challenges. This work highlights the idiosyncrasies of how the visual system integrates information from the two eyes, the complexities of quantifying visual field coverage, and the unique puzzles that must be solved for a computer display to be worn on your face.

Emily Cooper is an associate professor of optometry and vision science at University of California, Berkeley. She is co-director of the Center for Innovation in Vision and Optics, and a member of the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms and phenomenology of human visual perception, with an emphasis on 3D vision and binocular combination. Her research has also concentrated on applications for the design of visual displays and graphics for people with both typical and impaired vision.

Wed, May 14, 2025 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Display Industry Awards Lunch is held on Wed, May 14th at noon. Lunch tickets are available for purchase with conference registration. Register here.