Providing three-dimensional models of complex objects is important for many applications. Unfortunately, the two- dimensional nature of displays makes visualization of complex three-dimensional objects difficult. Observers are required to develop mental models of three-dimensional objects by integrating visual information received from two-dimensional views which used monocular depth cues as coding techniques. A new display technology is currently available that provides the binocular depth cue of stereopsis. This cue may be advantageous when few monocular cues are available in the image. The objective of the research is to investigate the relative merits of monoscopic versus stereoscopic display techniques for presenting visual representations of three-dimensional objects. It is hypothesized that the effectiveness of both techniques will depend upon object complexity and the number of monocular cues available. The research will attempt to determine if a trade-off exists for using stereoscopic versus monoscopic coding techniques using a mental rotation paradigm. Images will be created using the stereoscopic cue and a variety of monocular coding techniques including hidden line removal, shading, texture and rotation. The number of monocular cues available in an image will be varied. This empirical research will provide needed data on the use of stereoscopic displays as a tool for providing three-dimensional representations of objects, and provide insight as to whether stereoscopic displays are feasible alternatives to high cost graphic processing techniques.
