Active vs. Passive 3D

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In our discussion of 3D for the masses we should distinguish between 
active and passive involvement:

Passive: Enjoy commercial 3D imaging systems.  Examples: Stereo views, 
Tru-Vue, View Master, 3D movies, SIRDS, 3Discover.

Active: Create 3D images.  Examples: Realist format 50s style and modern 
extensions, Nimlso/Nishika and lenticular cameras, Q-DOS.

Sam's question "Why 3D for the masses?" was about active involvement. 
I maintain that because of the nature of 3D imaging, it is almost 
impossible to create a system that will make cheap and good 3D 
photography available to the masses.  We did have an excellent system 
in the 50s.  It was not cheap but it was good.  It worked for a while 
and then failed.  It failed because it reached the limits of what the 
masses can take.  Today, only a few "selected ones" still use this or 
similar systems.  While there is room for more people to get involved, 
this is certainly not for "everyone".

Perhaps what should be asking for, trying to develop, or trying to 
improve is a good passive system, a system that will allow the masses 
to enjoy quality 3D without having to be personally involved. Better 
3D movies, better still images, better computer applications, etc.

George Themelis


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