Stereoscopic display is fundamental to many virtual reality systems. Stereoscopic systems render two perspective views of a scene one for each eye of the user. Ideally the user's visual system combines the stereo image pairs into a single, 3D perceived image. In practice, however, users can have difficulty fusing the stereo image pair into a single 3D image. Researchers have used a number of software methods to reduce fusion problems. We are particularly concerned with the effects of these techniques on stereoscopic HTDs (Head-Tracked Display). In these systems the head is tracked but the display is stationary, attached to a desk, tabletop or wall. This paper comprehensively surveys software fusion techniques. We then geometrically characterize and classify the various techniques and illustrate how they relate to stereoscopic HTD application characteristics.
Zachary Wartell, Larry F. Hodges, William Ribarsky