Color and 3-D perception

[P3D Jonathan Orovitz <jorovitz@xxxxxxxxx>]

ted gosfield wrote:
> 
> And to remain on topic: how, if at all, does color perception influence our
> perception of 3d?  (I'm too tired/lazy to check the archives first)  Is 3d
> perception weaker during our dark-adapted vision (Purkinje shift to the blue
> receptors)?

Last year, while on sabatical from my computer job, I took a design
course at American University (Washington, D.C.)  We studied many
aspects of color including depth perception.  We had several cut and
paste projects to simulate depth using only color.  In summary here is
what the brain perceives when different colors are appear next to or
surround by one another:
        1) Warm colors (reds, yellows) seem closer than cooler ones (blue,
green);
        2) Saturated (pure) colors seem closer than duller (mixed with white or
black);
        3) Bright colors seem closer than dark colors.  
When combined with parallax, proper choice of colors will enhance the
depth.  When I shoot stereo still lifes, I use a black background and
bright things in foreground.  Some of the listed combinations occur in 
nature.  For example, atmospheric haze dulls colors in the distance. 
Landscapes can be a problem in 3-D but haze helps.  Does anyone remember
how the red block letters used to announce a Cinemascope picture seems
to float in front of the screen?
        Since one lacks color queues in dark adapted vision, I would guess than
3-d perception is also hurt.  Besides parallax and color, the brain uses
relative size, converging lines, overlapping positions, and shadows to
round out depth perception.

Jon O
"I am not a doctor.  I only watch them on TV."


------------------------------