Anthony M. Busquets

Depth-viewing-volume increase by collimation of stereo 3-D displays

The results from an investigation into whether or not a dramatic increase in depth-viewing volume for stereo 3-D displays would be provided by the application of collimated optics to a stereo display source are presented. As background, some previously used 3-D stereo displays are described. The graphics-generation hardware and software are discussed. The stereo visual system is described. The collimation system consists of a beam-splitter and reflective mirror combination. The curvature of the mirror and display source placement provided a collimated output to the viewer. A conventional stereo 3-D monitor, although it had a nonoptimal size and curvature profile, was mounted on the collimation system. The results show that even though the actual screen distance was set by design at 27 in, the light collimation produced a virtual screen distance, subjectively estimated at between 50 and 100 ft.<<ETX>>

Recent research results in stereo 3-D pictorial displays at Langley Research Center

Results from a NASA Langley Research Center program which addressed stereo 3-D pictorial displays from a comprehensive standpoint are reviewed. The program dealt with human factors issues and display technology aspects, as well as flight display applications. The human factors findings include addressing a fundamental issue challenging the application of stereoscopic displays in head-down flight applications, with the determination that stereoacuity is unaffected by the short-term use of stereo 3-D displays. While stereoacuity has been a traditional measurement of depth perception abilities, it is a measure of relative depth, rather than actual depth (absolute depth). Therefore, depth perception effects based on size and distance judgments and long-term stereo exposure remain issues to be investigated. The applications of stereo 3-D to pictorial flight displays within the program have repeatedly demonstrated increases in pilot situational awareness and task performance improvements. These improvements have been obtained within the constraints of the limited viewing volume available with conventional stereo displays. A number of stereo 3-D pictorial display applications are described, including recovery from flight-path offset, helicopter hover, and emulated helmet-mounted display.<<ETX>>

Effect on real-world depth perception from exposure to heads-down stereoscopic flight displays

The application of stereopsis (true depth) cuing to advanced heads-down flight display concepts offers potential gains in pilot situation awareness and improved task performance, but little attention has been focused on a fundamental issue involving their use. The goal of this research was to determine whether or not the short-term use of heads-down stereoscopic displays in flight applications would degrade the real-world depth perception of pilots using such displays. Stereoacuity tests are traditionally used to measure the real-world depth perception of a subject. This study used such a test as part of the experimental protocol. Eight transport pilots flew repeated simulated landing approaches using both non-stereo and stereo 3-D heads-down pathway-in-the-sky displays. At the decision height of each approach, the pilots transitioned to a stereoacuity test using real objects rather than a two-dimensional target test apparatus. Statistical analysis of stereoacuity measures (averaged over pilots and replicates), comparing a control condition of no-exposure to any electronic flight display with the transition data from non-stereo and stereopsis displays, revealed no significant differences for any of the conditions. Clearly, transitioning from short-term exposure to a heads-down stereopsis display has no more effect on realworld depth perception (based on stereoacuity) than transitioning from a non-stereo display. However, depth perception effects based on size and distance judgements, and long-term exposure remain issues to be investigated.