Stereoscopy

Stereoscopy or stereoscopic imaging is the technique used to create the illusion of depth in visual media. By presenting two slightly different images to each eye the brain combines them into a single three-dimensional image. This visual experience of the third dimension presents a clear perception of the relative distances of objects in space.

Check out our latest example of 3D stereo product video created for Philips Lighting in our online showcase!
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Why using stereoscopy?

Because humans are used to binocular vision in their daily life, a stereoscopic image is considered as more realistic. This results in a more immersive experience with a larger impact compared to a single image presented to both eyes.

How is stereoscopy made?

In order to create stereoscopic content, two slightly different images need to be “captured” from a scene. This could be done by a setup involving two cameras with a minor deviation. 3Dimerce uses a more flexible method for stereoscopy based on the use of three-dimensional computer data. Instead of using a real camera rig a virtual one is used which makes the creation process a lot easier.

How to display stereoscopic imagery?

The two slightly different images in stereoscopic content have to reach the observers eyes in a way that one image is only seen by the left eye and the other image only by the right eye. There are a lot of ways to do this but these are the most common ones explained in a nutshell:

- By an HMD (Head Mounted Display). Two small displays are mounted right in front of the eyes so that each eye can only see its one display.

- By a single display and a pair of special glasses. This method is most common right now and is the most affordable one. The display shows the two images and a pair of filter glasses warn by the observer, separates the images for the correct eye. The anaglyph glasses from the past are replaced nowadays by “active” shutter glasses or by “passive” polarization glasses.

- By an autostereoscopic display. This method uses a lens in front of the screen that divides the displayed pixels in different angels so that each eye sees a divergent image.

Is stereoscopy the same as 3D?

Recently, 3D is used as a popular term to indicate stereoscopy. Computer generated movies like Avatar and the upcoming popularity of stereoscopic televisions contributed to this phenomenon. It’s easy to get confused nowadays when someone is talking about 3D. He could be talking about 3D computer generated imagery or about stereoscopic 3D.  In the professional industry the term S3D (Stereoscopic 3D) is used to avoid this confusion.

Are you looking for high quality stereoscopic imagery of your product?

Please don’t hesitate to contact 3Dimerce for more information on stereoscopy for marketing your products by clicking here.