Depth Cue Recovery in Digital Optical Visualization Systems

Analog-optical visualization systems are state of the art in microscopy, nature observation, or neurosurgery applications. However, these systems have limitations like reliance on oculars, light/thermal stress on tissues, and the reduced ability to add augmented (digital) information to the user’s view. Driven by the generally prevailing digitization offensive, the visualization pipeline is also undergoing a digital transformation. This provides many advantages based on additional digital functionalities. However, digital-optical visualization systems still do not provide the same level of visual quality, especially for depth perception. In contrast to the inherent depth perception of the human visual system, which utilizes a variety of depth cues, digital visualization systems do not convey all of these cues effectively. In particular, motion parallax, accommodation, and convergence are often not correctly implemented, resulting in limited and unnatural visual quality. This talk will review the problems mentioned and present solution concepts to ensure natural depth perception with digital optical systems.