Dynamic perspective cues enhance depth perception from motion parallax

Abstract

Motion parallax, the perception of depth resulting from an observer's self-movement, has almost always been studied with random dot textures in simplified orthographic rendering. Here we examine depth from motion parallax in more naturalistic conditions using textures with an overall 1/f spectrum and dynamic perspective rendering. We compared depth perception for orthographic and perspective rendering, using textures composed of two types of elements: random dots and Gabor micropatterns. Relative texture motion (shearing) with square wave corrugation patterns was synchronized to horizontal head movement. Four observers performed a two-alternative forced choice depth ordering task with monocular viewing, in which they reported which part of the texture appeared in front of the other. For both textures, depth perception was better with dynamic perspective than with orthographic rendering, particularly at larger depths. Depth ordering performance with naturalistic 1/f textures was slightly lower than with the random dots; however, with depth-related size scaling of the micropatterns, performance was comparable to that with random dots. We also examined the effects of removing each of the three cues that distinguish dynamic perspective from orthographic rendering: (a) small vertical displacements, (b) lateral gradients of speed across the corrugations, and (c) speed differences in rendered near versus far surfaces. Removal of any of the three cues impaired performance. In conclusion, depth ordering performance is enhanced by all of the dynamic perspective cues but not by using more naturalistic 1/f textures.

Contributions of binocular and monocular cues to motion-in-depth perception

“…This may reflect that sensory signals which contribute to perception in natural conditions are not necessarily present in an experiment. For example, in addition to binocular and monocular cues studied here, 3D perception depends on cues such as lighting (shading), self-motion (motion parallax), and ocular cues (blur and accommodation; Buckthought, Yoonessi, & Baker, 2017; de la Malla, Buiteman, Otters, Smeets, & Brenner, 2016; Muryy, Welchman, Blake, & Fleming, 2013; Zannoli, Love, Narain, & Banks, 2016). Recent advances in 3D rendering and display technologies have increased the ability to study perception under more naturalistic conditions, and promise to yield further insights into how individual sensory cues contribute to 3D perception.…”

The effect of 3D stereopsis and hand-tool alignment on learning effectiveness and skill transfer of a VR-based simulator for dental training

“…The majority of these studies used 3D monitors for the stereoscopic 3D condition and displayed the same image to both eyes or used 2D monitors for the monoscopic 3D condition. Buckthought et al [ 19 ] showed that dynamic perspective changes enhance depth ordering performance. Therefore, the depth information conveyed through monoscopic 3D inside an HMD which can be freely moved and moved closer and further could provide more helpful depth information when compared to 2D monitors, as the dynamic perspective changes provide depth cues.…”

A Framework for the Continuous Evaluation of 3D Motion Perception in Virtual Reality

“…This can present as a cue conflict, i.e., when the human visual system is exposed to a visual scene with multiple cues to depth, one of the cues may over-ride the others or combine with them in different strengths [53]. Prior studies [54], [55], [56] involving retinal motion and VR have shown that subjects making use of their head movements perform better in 3DMP tasks. As our framework currently involves using extra-retinal cues viz.…”