Stereoscopy is a technique for creating the illusion of depth in an image by presenting two slightly different images to the left and right eyes. This difference, called parallax, is what allows our brains to perceive three-dimensionality.
Key Characteristics / Core Concepts
- Binocular Vision: Relies on the slightly different perspectives from each eye.
- Parallax: The apparent shift in the position of an object when viewed from different angles.
- Convergence: The inward turning of the eyes when focusing on a near object.
- Stereoscopic Images: Pairs of images designed for stereoscopic viewing.
- Depth Perception: The ability to perceive the distance between objects.
How It Works / Its Function
Stereoscopy works by presenting a slightly different image to each eye, mimicking the natural way our eyes perceive depth. The brain fuses these two images, creating a single 3D image with a sense of depth and perspective.
Examples
- 3D movies in cinemas.
- View-Master toys, utilizing stereoscopic image cards.
- Some virtual reality (VR) headsets.
Why is it Important? / Significance
Stereoscopy has significantly impacted various fields, including entertainment (3D movies), medicine (medical imaging), and engineering (3D modeling). It allows for a more immersive and realistic experience compared to traditional 2D presentations.
Related Concepts
- Autostereoscopy
- Anaglyph
- 3D Printing