8. Stereoscopic 3D in Computers

When first explored and demonstrated, Stereovision (S3D) was a novelty and to some degree still is today. For some situations such as visualization of computer-aided design and medical analysis, S3D is a valuable and necessary capability. For commercial applications such as signage point-of-sale systems, it can be very helpful in communicating the size, scale and details of a product. In entertainment systems such as the cinema, TV, PCs, and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, the technology can enhance the experience but the result is heavily dependent on the quality and construct of the content. And in static or semi-static devices such as digital picture frames, S3D is a conversation piece and is usually interesting. The illusion of depth or perspective was first explored in paintings of the early middle ages to enhance the illusion of space. Photogrammetry is the technique of measuring objects (2D or 3D) from photographs; it date back to 1525. Auto-stereoscopic, also known as “glasses-free”, displays are found in mobile devices such as handheld game consoles, tablets, and smartphones and potentially in cameras and handheld GPS devices. Active shutter glasses switch off or block light alternately at a frame rate that is acceptable to the human eye’s persistence level. It may be a cliché but stereovision does allow the viewer to see more, and can when the content is mastered correctly, give a greater sense of realism, and bring the true 3D’ness out.