INVENTION OF RANDOM-DOT STEREOGRAMS - THE ANTICIPATION OF MODERN 3D-VIEWING

JULESZ, BELA.

Binocular depth perception of computer-generated images.

(New York), American Telephone and Telegraph Company, 1960. 8vo. Volume XXXIX, September, No. 5, 1960 of "The Bell System Technical Journal". In the original printed blue wrappers. A small closed tear to upper spine, otherwise an excellent, very nice and clean copy. Numerous 3D-illustrations in black/white. Pp. 1125-1162. The pasted-in small envelope containing the "Lenses for use with "Binocular Depth Perception of Computer-Generated Patterns..." also present, as are the lenses contained in the envelope. [Entire issue: Pp. 1125-1380].

First publication of Julesz' seminal paper on stereograms, which led directly to the 3D visualizations of pop-culture.

A stereogram is a two-dimensional image creating a three-dimensional optical illusion. The invention has had profound influence in the entertainment industry with 3D posters and films as well as scientific researching; the two Mars Exploration Rovers, launched by NASA in 2003 to explore the surface of Mars, are both equipped with cameras that allow researchers to view stereoscopic images of the surface of Mars.

"Julesz (1960) constructed stereograms from a textured pattern of dots randomly positioned in a matrix of cells. The random-dot stereogram (RDS) contained no lines, contours, or edges that could supply monocular information about the shape of the target figure. In an RDS, each eye is presented with a field of randomly distributed dots that essentially disguise the disparity information it provides when the stereogram is viewed dichoptically at the proper fixation distance. [...] To construct an RDS, a random-dot pattern is reproduced so that there is a left and a right half image. A portion of the pattern in the two half-images is altered so as to carry a retinal disparity of dots." (Hershenson, Visual space perception, 1991, p. 61).

Other papers of interest contained in the present issue:
1. Flanagan, J.L. Models for Approximating Basilar Membrane Displacement. Pp. 1163-1191.
2. Warner, A.W.Design and Performance of Ultraprecise 2.5-mc Quartz Crystal Units. Pp. 1193-1217.
3. Slepian, David. Some Further Theory of Group Codes. Pp. 1219-1252.
4. Gilbert, E.N.Capacity of a Burst-Noise Channel. Pp. 1253-1265.
5. Lee, C.Y. Automata and Finite Automata. Pp. 1267-1295.
6. Benes, V.E. Transition Probabilities for Telephone Traffic. Pp. 1297-1320.
7. Franks, L.E.; Sandberg, I.W.An Alternative Approach to the Realization of Network Transfer Functions: The N-Path Filter. Pp. 1321-1350.
8. Zupa, F.A. Magnetic Latching Crossbar Switches: A New Development in Magnetic Properties of Tool Steel. Pp. 1351-1374.

Order-nr.: 43347