Relevant Perceptual Factors in Stereoscopic Displays: Image Disparity, Convergence Distance, and Focus Length

Abstract

Traditionally, visually relevant factors in stereoscopic displays have been investigated within a performance-oriented framework, focusing on the veridicality of depth perception. However, for some applications, most notably in the areas of broadcasting and entertainment, an appreciation-oriented approach seems to be more relevant. Within this framework, we investigated the influence of image disparity, convergence distance, and focus length on the subjective assessment of depth, naturalness of depth, and quality of depth (or preference). Twelve observers with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and good stereopsis viewed a fully randomised presentation of stereoscopic still images that varied systematically in image disparity (six levels of camera base difference: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 cm), convergence distance (two levels: 1.30 m and 2.60 m) and focus length (two levels: 10 mm and 20 mm). Each observer was asked to rate, in separate counterbalanced sessions, his/her impression of depth, naturalness of depth, and quality of depth. The results indicate that observers prefer a stereoscopic presentation of images over a monoscopic presentation. A clear optimum was found at 4 cm image disparity for subjective judgments of naturalness and of quality. Depth judgements increased up to an image disparity of 12 cm, a result that is in line with earlier psychophysical literature. There was an effect of focus length only at extreme image disparities. An effect of convergence distance was also found that can be adequately explained by rescaling to match the effective visual disparities. Although there was a strong linear correlation between naturalness and quality (r = 0.96), a small but systematic deviation could be observed. This deviation was best modelled by a linear quality model that incorporates both naturalness and depth.