Design and Calibration of an Augmented Reality Haploscope

Most augmented reality (AR) research is performed with commercially-available displays. However; these displays have unadjustable mechanical and optical properties; which limit the experimental questions that can be asked. In order to ask certain questions; it becomes necessary to build a custom display; using off-the-shelf optical components. In the field of visual perception; such devices are often developed; and are called haploscopes. In this paper; we describe the mechanical design of an AR haploscope; which can present virtual objects seen in augmented reality. In order to make accurate measurements; the haploscope must be carefully calibrated; but this calibration is quite difficult. Therefore; this abstract contributes a description of an AR haploscope; and outlines calibration procedures.