What is Focus Variation and why Does it Matter?

There is a lot more to virtual reality than most consumers acknowledge. It is quite an intricate process to create a decent VR headset. There are many different hardware and software components to take into account. One aspect companies will focus on more moving forward is called focus variation. This method calculates a sharp image and measures the depth with an optics despite a limited depth of field.

Focus Variation is an Integral part of Virtual Reality

The way objects are drawn in virtual reality is a lot more complicated than people seemingly realize. Focus variation is an integral part of VR technology, yet hardly anyone even knows what this means exactly. Focus variation has its own algorithm to calculate sharp images. This is especially useful in VR due to the limited depth of field users are presented with at any given time.

Under the hood, focus variation’s algorithm captures images with a different focus. Secondly, it calculates the focus over each plane for every position of a sample object. The plane yielding the best focus will be used to represent a sharp image. Moreover, the corresponding depth needs to be generated in an accurate manner as well. To achieve all of this, focus variation requires an optics with little depth of field.

In the real world, focus variation is used for optical surface metrology, among other things. Virtual reality developers are also focusing on this technology moving forward. Virtual reality is all about creating a realistic and immersive experience. Focus variation can play a big role in this regard, by rendering sharp images and creating a proper sense of depth. Unfortunately, this technology cannot be used for waters and glass, which is its only drawback right now.

Sony is one of the companies focusing on focus variation for virtual reality. The company has recently acknowledged this decision during the E3 2017 event. Focus variation will help simulate real world vision in a VR environment. Right now, all VR  is directly in focus, which is anything but natural. It can create a disconnect between the user and the virtual environment. Sony aims to solve this problem moving forward.

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