Demystifying VR Optics: Hands-on with a Web-Based HMD Simulator

Designed for participants with little to moderate background in graphics or optics, it bridges the gap between theory and practical understanding of stereo rendering in VR. Attendees will explore how parameters such as interpupillary distance, eye relief, and field of view (FOV) influence image geometry, distortion, and user comfort.

Foundational concepts from computer graphics and optical physics are combined with practical exercises using a real-time HMD simulator to visualize frustums, stereo rendering, and display calibration. The interactive approach lets participants directly manipulate parameters and observe immediate effects, clarifying complex phenomena like binocular disparity, vergence-accommodation conflict, and FOV distortion. By the end, participants will have the conceptual tools to design immersive applications, debug visual discomfort, and optimize VR experiences.