Depth resolution in stereoscopic systems

Abstract

In television stereoscopic systems the magnification and the effective eye separation can be varied at will. This study shows that, under carefully chosen experimental conditions, depth resolution can be closely predicted by the use of geometrical optics and can be enhanced by increases in magnification and effective eye separation. The limited spatial resolution of conventional television or other photoelectronic systems may, however, prevent high levels of stereoacuity, comparable with naked-eye viewing, from being achieved in a wide-field system. In more complex environments the inevitable conflict of perceptual cues might be expected to reduce depth resolution further.