Stereoscopic computer graphics for simulation and modeling

Abstract

A visually effective stereoscopic CRT display technique has been developed which uses continuous tone computer graphics in combination with electro-optic shutter viewing devices. The technique involves the generation of left and right perspective views of an object model using continuous tone computer graphics. The perspective views constitute stereo pairs and are displayed in an alternating manner on the even and odd field scans of a conventional 2:1 interlace raster scan CRT display. When viewed with electro-optic shutters operated synchronously with the CRT field scan rate, the alternating perspective views are perceived as stereoscopic images with strong binocular depth-of-field sensations. Lightweight stereoscopic viewing glasses have been developed which use lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics as electronically controlled shutter elements. Representative applications of the stereoscopic display technique to dynamic flight simulation and complex molecular modeling are presented. The flight simulation illustrates a landing sequence on an aircraft carrier while the modeling application shows complex three-dimensional structures of double helix DNA and bacterial ferredoxin molecules. The stereoscopic display technique has been shown to be highly effective for adding binocular depth-of-field to computer graphics displays with a resulting enhancement of object model realism.