Introduction To 3D Imagery
A limitation of the realism of any image portrayed on a computer screen is that your monitor
is only a two dimensional display device. Your eye does not see any depth to the image in front
of you, and this will always limit just how much your conscious mind can be immersed within
a computer generated environment. Most of us have experienced 3D imagery for a few brief moments
at a 3D-theatre in an amusement park, or maybe some special TV event where the glasses were
given away in breakfast cereal packets.
At these times it becomes obvious how neat an interactive 3D environment could be, but also how limited
current technology is. According to Hollywood in a few decades we will be able to walk
around in complete 360 degree hologram environments, hold conversation with a holographic
representation of your friend, and hopefully even pick up a holographic rocket launcher and chase him around
a Quake map :).
About This Article
In this article I will discuss everything that I know about 3D imagery.
By "3D imagery", I am referring to the whole realm of different methods and ideas of
presenting a three-dimensional image, with depth, to a human being. I will discuss
all known forms of 3D imagery (stereo glasses, holograms etc.) and some detail on how each
method works and I will also discuss some working details of the human visual
system. In this article I will also speculate on how some of the types of hologram effects
that we only see in the movies may one day be achieved (or maybe not).
Some of the example images in this article will require special equipment or glasses to
view. Don't worry too much if you don't have them as I will fully explain the principle of
how they work. Also, in some cases the 3D equipment can be home made. Other viewing techniques
do not require any sort of extra equipment and can be viewed with your own eyes, providing you
have good sight in both of them.
