Factors that affect depth perception in stereoscopic displays

This study investigated several factors that affect depth perception in stereoscopic displays: half-image separation magnitude, separation direction (crossed vs. uncrossed), viewing distance, stimulus size, and exposure duration. The depth perceived under various combinations of levels of these factors was compared with depth predicted by the geometry of stereopsis. Perceived depth in the crossed-separation direction was frequently close to predictions, such that increases in separation and viewing distance produced appropriate increases in perceived depth. Depth in the uncrossed direction was frequently less than that predicted, especially for small stimuli presented at a long viewing distance, with a large half-image separation, and/or with a brief duration. Thus depth in both crossed and uncrossed directions equaled predictions only for large stimuli exposed for a long duration.