biocular systems

[P3D Peter Abrahams <telscope@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Biocular imaging systems use a single optical system to provide an image to
both eyes.  The images can be different, if the angle of view to the object
is different.  The simplest example is a large magnifying glass, the
diameter larger than the user's interpupillary distance.  Both eyes use the
same optical system, but the views are slightly different if the object is
close.  Viewing an object with a large magnifier can give an enhanced
stereo effect, convergence is minimal because of the refraction of the
light and accomodation is usually minimal (if the optical system places the
object at infinity).  Biocular systems are used in 'heads up displays' and
other systems used for prolonged viewing, when lengthy near focus gets very
fatiguing.
These are discussed on pp 350-2 of G. Smith & D. Atchison, The Eye & Visual
Optical Systems.

>>a microscope, identified as
>> a "stereo microscope".  In reality it is simply a binocular
>> microscope.
>
>I believe the correct term to use here is bi-ocular (not binocular).
>bi-ocular = both eyes see the same thing
>binocular = stereoscopic = each eye sees a different perspective view.
>Andrew Woods. 

_______________________________________
Peter Abrahams   telscope@xxxxxxxxxx
the history of the telescope, the microscope,
    and the prism binocular


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