Effect of computer graphics enhancements on spatial performance using perspective displays

• Published in: Displays Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 127 - 132
• Main Author: Barfield, Woodrow
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier B.V 30.11.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Computer graphics enhancements; Display; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Lambertian shading; Perspective display; Spatial performance; Spatial performance; Lambertian shading; Perspective display; Computer graphics enhancements; Display equipment; Azimuth; Image synthesis; Three dimensional representation; Image processing; Computer graphics; Perspective projection; Spatial resolution
• ISSN: 0141-9382; 1872-7387
• DOI: 10.1016/S0141-9382(98)00032-8

Two studies were performed to investigate the effect of providing computer graphics enhancements to a perspective display on the observer's ability to estimate the azimuth and elevation separating two computer-generated images. The enhancements included the ability to rotate the perspective scene, the use of Lambertian shading, and the use of Lambertian shading with computer-generated shadows. The results indicated that the computer graphics enhancements of shadows and Lambertian shading did not aid subjects in judgments of azimuth or elevation. However, the ability to rotate the scene significantly improved judgments of elevation. Furthermore, this effect was most pronounced for larger elevation separations between images. The results also showed that the geometric field of view used to design the perspective display influenced the magnitude of azimuth errors. Implications of the results for the design of spatial displays are discussed.