Simulation of Motion Parallax for Monitor-Based Augmented Reality Applications

The paper presents a method for the simulation of motion parallax for monitor-based Augmented Reality (AR) applications. Motion parallax effects the relative movement between far and close objects: near objects appear moving faster than far objects do. This facilitates the perception of depth, distances, and the structure of geometrically complex objects. Today, industrial AR applications are equipped with monitor-based output devices, e.g., for design reviews. Thus this important depth cue is omitted because all objects appear as one even layer on screen. As a result, the assessment of complex structures becomes more difficult. The method presented in this paper utilizes depth images to create layered images: multiple images in which objects in a video image are split up with respect to their distance too a video camera. Using head tracking, the single layers are relatively moved with respect to the user’s head position. This simulates motion parallax. Virtual objects superimpose the final image to complete the AR scene. The method was prototypically realized, the results show its feasibility