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From: mike@ai.etl.army.mil (Mike McDonnell)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics,rec.arts.tv
Subject: Re: How to view Superbowl 3-D
Keywords: TV 3-D graphic
Message-ID: <249@ai.etl.army.mil>
Date: 27 Jan 89 16:20:15 GMT
References: <3230@datapg.MN.ORG> <3047@pixar.UUCP> <41153818.16321@apollo.COM> <3069@pixar.UUCP>
Reply-To: mike@ai.etl.army.mil (Mike McDonnell)
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Organization: USAETL, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
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The effect used to do the 3D for the Superbowl is called the "Purkinje
phenomenon" and has been known for a long, long time.  It is one of the
easiest "proofs" that the eye is an active imaging device that
interprets input and doesn't just decode it.  As the light level goes
down, the integration time of the eye goes up and a moving image will
therefore be perceived as lagging its true optical location on the
retina by an amount that depends on the overall light level.  This is a
neural effect, not an optical effect.

As far as use of the Purkinje phenomenon in entertainment, I went to a
light show at a planetarium in 1976 where the "Heavy Water Light Show
Company" presented the show "Quantum Reflections".  Patrons were issued
"heavy water goggles" consisting of dark plastic film with a hole
punched out for the left eye.  Effects included a ferris wheel revolving
through the top of the dome.  Quite spectacular, particularly if you
were stoned...
-- 
Mike McDonnell at the U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories, Bldg. 2592
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5546   TEL:(202)355-2716   NET: mike@ai.etl.army.mil