Measuring stereo acuity with liquid crystal shutters and computer graphics

Abstract

The authors present a new method for determining stereo acuity thresholds, using inexpensive liquid crystal shutters and the graphic capacities of a personal computer. Stereo targets were shown in fast alternation to alternating eyes under computer control. The computer established a frequency-of-seeing curve, performed a probit analysis, and calculated the threshold. Avoiding retinal color rivalry and chromostereopsis, stereo vision can be measured more accurately than with an anaglyph technique. Also, the high costs associated with a double monitor approach is avoided. The new test seems to be a useful tool for both laboratory and clinical work.

Key Words:

• stereo vision
• binocular vision
• binocular rivalry
• liquid crystal shutters
• anaglyphs