Performance evaluation of dual-layer architectures for high dynamic range head mounted displays

A high dynamic range head mounted display (HDR-HMD) using a dual-layer per-pixel modulation method was recently demonstrated where both the display and modulation layers spatially overlap with an equal pixel resolution and are well-aligned to each other such that per-pixel dynamic range modulation becomes feasible. Besides the per-pixel modulation method, two other modulation methods can also be implemented via a dual-layer construction: the extended layer separation method where the display and modulation layers are largely separated in space, and the coarse backlight method where the display and modulation layers have largely different pixel resolutions such that the modulation layer may be treated as a locally-controllable backlight to the display layer. In this paper, we develop a generalize model to simulate the image formation process of dual-layer HDR displays and to evaluate the image performance of these different configurations and modulation methods. Maximum displayable spatial frequencies under different configurations are characterized. Experimental results using resolution targets support the model.