Depth perception in telestereoscopic systems

Abstract

Three‐dimensional displays are being increasingly used in technological and entertainment applications, including ‘virtual reality’ systems. In many such displays the imagery is such as to effectively introduce interpupillary distances (IPDs) and magnifications which differ from those applying in conventional naked‐eye viewing. Geometrical considerations predict that depth discrimination should be enhanced by increased effective IPD. Such enhancement could be useful in, for example, stereoscopic systems for remote handling applications. Experiments are described in which both depth discrimination at threshold and suprathreshold judgements of relative depth were explored as a function of effective IPD and magnification. Enhanced IPD gave real benefits in threshold judgements but magnification was less useful, possibly because of limitations in the optical quality of the devices used. The relevance of these results to present and future stereoscopic display systems is discussed.