Development of an HMD with an increased lower field of view angle

The vertical downward field of view, extending below the eyes, is crucial for perceiving one's own body and the surrounding environment. However, traditional research on enhancing visual perception through Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) has primarily focused on increasing the horizontal field of view, neglecting the importance of vertical expansion. We have developed a method by adding an optical system to existing HMDs to increase the downward field of view, allowing users to perceive their body and the surrounding environment beyond their hands. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of visual presentations in the lower field of view, enhancing the sense of presence and self-position estimation.