Effects of Focal Plane Distance on Perceptual Distance Matching with an Automotive AR-HUD

As opposed to conventional AR-HUDs, volumetric AR-HUDs provide multiple focal distances which could potentially benefit distance perception. In this work, we investigated the effect of variable and different fixed focus distances on male participants’ performance during perceptual distance matching of seven target distances between 6 and 24 meters from the driver’s position. In Study 1, 44 male participants completed the task with a variable and a fixed focal plane at 15 meters. In Study 2, 44 male participants completed the task with fixed focal planes at 6, 10, 12 and 24 meters. While the results are limited by the male-only samples, matching target distances closer than 15 meters was generally less accurate with fixed focus distances. Distances beyond 15 meters were matched most accurately with a fixed focal plane at 10 meters. However, results from subjective evaluation were in favor of the variable focal plane.