Method of Adjustments versus Method of Constant Stimuli in the Quantification of Accuracy and Precision of Rendered Depth in Head-Mounted Displays

The utilization of head-mounted displays (HMDs) in high-end applications such as medical, engineering, and scientific visualization necessitates that the position of objects be rendered accurately and precisely. Accuracy and precision of rendered depth for near-field visualization were measured in a custom-designed bench prototype HMD. Experimental results were compared to theoretical predictions established from a computational model for rendering and presenting virtual images by Robinett and Rolland (1992). Such a theoretical model provided the necessary graphics transformations required so that rendered virtual objects be perceived at the rendered depth in binocular HMDs. Three object shapes of various sizes were investigated under two methodologies: the method of constant stimuli modified for random size presentation and the method of adjustments. Results showa2mm and an 8 mm performance for the accuracy and the precision of rendered depth in HMDs, respectively. Results of the assessment of rendered depth in HMDs for near-field visualization support employing the method of adjustments over the method of constant stimuli whether or not the method of constant stimuli is modified for random size presentation.