Using mental rotation to evaluate the benefits of stereoscopic displays

Y. Aitsiselmi; N. S. Holliman

doi:10.1117/12.824527

17 February 2009 Using mental rotation to evaluate the benefits of stereoscopic displays

Y. Aitsiselmi, N. S. Holliman

Proceedings Volume 7237, Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XX; 72370Q (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824527
Event: IS&T/SPIE Electronic Imaging, 2009, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Context: The idea behind stereoscopic displays is to create the illusion of depth and this concept could have many practical applications. A common spatial ability test involves mental rotation. Therefore a mental rotation task should be easier if being undertaken on a stereoscopic screen. Aim: The aim of this project is to evaluate stereoscopic displays (3D screen) and to assess whether they are better for performing a certain task than over a 2D display. A secondary aim was to perform a similar study but replicating the conditions of using a stereoscopic mobile phone screen. Method: We devised a spatial ability test involving a mental rotation task that participants were asked to complete on either a 3D or 2D screen. We also design a similar task to simulate the experience on a stereoscopic cell phone. The participants' error rate and response times were recorded. Using statistical analysis, we then compared the error rate and response times of the groups to see if there were any significant differences. Results: We found that the participants got better scores if they were doing the task on a stereoscopic screen as opposed to a 2D screen. However there was no statistically significant difference in the time it took them to complete the task. We also found similar results for 3D cell phone display condition. Conclusions: The results show that the extra depth information given by a stereoscopic display makes it easier to mentally rotate a shape as depth cues are readily available. These results could have many useful implications to certain industries.

Citation Download Citation

Y. Aitsiselmi and N. S. Holliman "Using mental rotation to evaluate the benefits of stereoscopic displays", Proc. SPIE 7237, Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XX, 72370Q (17 February 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824527

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