Vision Functions Related to 3D Image Display

Abstract

Stereoscopic 3D displays that use the binocular disparity technique are well known as effective three-dimensional displays, which can now be used as one of the fundamental components to produce artificial space and objects in a “virtual reality” environment. Among the methods of producing 3D images that follow the gaze direction, technologies that employ head tracking techniques (HMD) are the most promising for the time being. Holographic technologies might be an ultimate solution, however; their feasibility as of today seems to be questionable. 3D spaces reproduced by stereoscopic 2D images are artificial spaces and are different from real spaces, i.e. the object which the observer perceives through 3D glasses does not really exist. Stereoscopic 3D images do not provide all the depth cues experienced by the human visual system. It is also known, for example, that the depth information in images of stereoscopic perception are, in general, smaller than expected, and that subjects become fatigued while watching the stereoscopic TV. Investigation of such phenomenon is therefore one of the basic issues in stereoscopic display technologies. To use stereoscopic 3D images effectively, research into how humans see and perceive the 3D images from the viewpoint of human factors is expected to assume increasing importance.