P3D Viewing ananglyph with comfort

[Jan Gjessing <jgjessin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Anaglyph is here to stay. 
It was even used for stereoscopic projection before the century and 
demonstrated in 1853 by Rollmann. Now, anaglyp has it's own domain with
it's pro and con. 

Greg,
I found your critical comments valuable, because your expressed
experience showed high sensitivity. In my mind, that makes up for a good
candidate for quality evaluation of anaglyph images! 
 
Improving viewing conditions also includes minimised high contrasts
surroundings in the image itself and in particular for white. The same
goes for the monitor too. I have long time ago customised my background
colour of the screen to a slightly different mix of grey blend. This in
itself gives a more general comfortable viewing condition as well. 

I also have set my monitor brightness to 48% for added comfort. Even
selecting the monitor itself was done with optimised viewing comfort in
mind. Instead of the sharpest Sony monitors optimised for high contrast,
I selected  Eizo Flexscan, which is optimised for viewing comfort. Then
my monitor surroundings is carefully lit with an appropriate mix of
halogen and colour balances tubes. I  find that a monitor can be
modified and fine tuned to get the most out of anaglyp. Anaglyph print
might be a different matter.  

Instead of peering onto a small anaglyph surrounded by an ocean of
white, modify your background colour.There is no size limit for
anaglyph, If you can get some, good made, large and with high resolution
in colour, fill up the screen and enjoy the added 3D impact that comes
with size if possible. 

Having experienced myself, the same discomfort that Greg Wageman
described, I have found it a challenge to try make the most out of
anaglyph images. From our common experience, and conclusion, I still
have a different opinion. By trying to optimise most aspects dealing
with anaglyphs making and viewing conditions, I really enjoy GOOD
anaglyph. I think that by experience and prolonged exposure, we can even
improve and adapt our anaglyph viewing skills. As pointed out, the most
uncomfortable situation might arise, just by wearing anaglyph glasses. 

As I said long time ago before (p3d 2511!):

>"The Face and Vase" concept?
>The brain will try to solve contradicting input, but in this case it is
>impossible to alter between perceptual states as in the classic Face and
>Vase situation.(The need for an interpretation, since both option might
>be possible)

>Never ending oscillating loop mode?
>With this option, the brain will run in oscillating mode as sometimes
>experienced with anaglyph if we use strong red in the image. With
>anaglyp glasses on(viewing an anaglyp image), the brain will try to
>process the contradicting information from one eye perceived as red and
>the other as no impression(black). Since the feedback system is never
>able to get proper verified the confusing input, the experience will
>result in oscillating(flashing like) red/black impression
>mode(confirmed, not confirmed, confirmed...) and it's not very
>comfortable one." 


Practical use of anaglyph needs both skill and experience. 
We have still a lot to learn to push the limits for optimised viewing. I
would like more input in this field, in particular related to scientific
research dealing with perceptual issues regarding anaglyph. If anyone
has valuable advice, email me directly if it goes beyond the scope of
the p3d list.  

Regards
Jan Gjessing



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