- For 3D computer graphics and related software, see 3D computer
graphics. For technical information, see stereoscopy.
This US Postage Stamp depicts the 3-D movie craze of the 1950s.
The term 3-D (or 3D) is used to describe any visual presentation system
that attempts to maintain or recreate the illusion of depth as seen
by the viewer.
The basic principle involves taking two pictures, either still or moving, with
cameras positioned side by side, and with identical technical characteristics. When
viewed in such a way that each eye sees only the image taken on the same side as itself, the viewer's visual cortex will interpret the pair of images as a single three-dimensional image. See stereoscopy
for a more detailed description.
3-D motion pictures date back to 1915, when
the short film Jim, the Penman was shown in New York. Experimental or novelty 3-D films continued to be produced sporadically through the early days of
cinema. The 3-D boom began in 1952 with the release of the exploitation film Bwana Devil, produced by Sidney W. Pink, who
used a camera with two lenses and who introduced the use of the
now-ubiqitous disposable two-color cardboard glasses. Pink, who is considered the
father of the genre, would go on to produce over fifty 3-D movies
throughout the 1950s.
Bwana Devil was followed the next year by the first full-color, stereophonic 3-D movie, House of Wax. The theatrical 3-D
craze would continue throughout the 1950s. In later years sporadic attempts to revive the
form were made with limited success.
Today many IMAX films are made in 3-D.
3-D does have serious uses. For instance, examining stereoscopic aerial images can provide insights into topography which can have scientific and military applications.
3-D is used in computer displays primarily for technical and
scientific data.
There are several ways to create projected 3-D images.
- Anaglyphic
- Polariziation
- Alternate-frame sequencing
- Pulfrich effect
see also:
|