Cardboard cutouts and backdrops...

[P3D Jonathan Gross <catalyst@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

John Roberts wrote:

> Also convergence and interpretation of an absolute distance (or disparity
> and interpretation of an absolute size?) - some people learn to decouple
> these and can enjoy a hyperstereo of the Grand Canyon (for instance) as
> a full size scene for which they are somehow magically able to see enhanced
> depth. Other people have little or no success decoupling these cues, and
> feel a strong (or even irresistible) inclination to interpret them as
> miniatures.

Giantism, the phenomenon of interpreting the objects and features in
hyper-stereo images as miniatures, is the result of integrating a
variety of depth cues with binocular parallax.  I dont feel, however,
that this quite natural interpretation of a stereoscopic illusion is any
less "enjoyable" or "successful" than decoupling the depth cues to
interpret the images as a large scale scene with enhanced depth.  The
human visual system is being confronted with information that conflicts
with the subjects natural experience.  I think that this resolution of
a visual conundrum is one of the most remarkable adaptations of
stereoscopy. 

I am able to switch back and forth, see it either way, and I think it is
a subjective value judgment to associate success and enjoyment with one
interpretation, and to associate "little or no success" (ie. failure)
and "a strong (or even irresistible) inclination" (i.e. disability or
lack of discipline?) with the other.

Jon Gross


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