3-D
For 3D computer graphicsrelated software see 3D computer graphics.The term 3-D (or 3D)useddescribe any visual presentation system (including movies or video presentation) that attemptsmaintain or recreateillusiondepth as seen byviewer.
The basic principle involves taking two pictures, either still or moving,cameras positioned side by side,with identical technical characteristics. When viewedsuchway that each eye sees onlyimage taken onsame side as itself,viewer's visual cortex will interpretpairimages assingle three-dimensional image. See stereoscopy formore detailed description.
3-D motion pictures date back1915, whenshort film Jim,Penman was shownNew York. Experimental or novelty 3-D films continuedbe produced sporadically throughearly daysmovies. The 3-D boom began1952 withrelease ofexploitation film Bwana Devil followednext year byfirst full-color, stereophonic 3-D movie, HouseWax. The theatrical 3-D craze would continue throughout1950s. In later years sporadic attemptsreviveform were madelimited success.
Today many IMAX filmsmade3-D.
3-D does have serious uses. For instance, examining stereoscopic aerial images can provide insights into topography which can have scientificmilitary applications.
3-Dusedcomputer displays primarilytechnicalscientific data.
Thereseveral wayscreate projected 3-D images.
- Anaglyphic
- Polariziation
- Alternate-frame sequencing
- Pulfrich effect
