Passthrough: Difference between revisions

*'''Optical See-Through (OST):'''

**Uses semi-transparent displays ([[waveguide]]s, birdbath optics) allowing direct view of the real world. Virtual images are projected onto these combiners.

**'''Pros:''' Real world is seen perfectly naturally (zero latency, full resolution/color/dynamic range). Lower power consumption for viewing the real world. Solid real-world objects are always solid.

**'''Cons:''' Virtual elements often appear transparent or "ghostly," lacking solidity. Limited [[Field of View|FOV]] for virtual content is common. Difficulty displaying black (virtual content is additive). Virtual content can be washed out by bright ambient light. Accurate alignment ("registration") of virtual content to the real world can be challenging. Cannot computationally modify the real-world view.

*'''Video Passthrough (VST):'''

**Uses cameras and opaque displays to show a reconstructed view of the real world.

**'''Pros:''' Virtual elements can be fully opaque and seamlessly blended. Potential for wider FOV matching the VR display. Can computationally modify the real-world view (e.g., brightness enhancement, selective filtering). Better blocking of ambient light for virtual content.

**'''Cons:''' Real-world view is mediated by technology, subject to limitations (latency, resolution, color, dynamic range, distortion). Higher power consumption. Potential for discomfort (motion sickness, eye strain) if not implemented well. Real-world objects might appear less "solid" due to latency or artifacts.<ref name="SkarbezVSTvsOST"/>