Stereoscopic rendering: Difference between revisions

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'''Stereoscopic rendering''' is the foundational [[computer graphics]] technique that creates the perception of three-dimensional depth in [[virtual reality]] (VR) and [[augmented reality]] (AR) systems by generating two slightly different images from distinct viewpoints corresponding to the left and right eyes.<ref name="arm2021">ARM Software. "Introduction to Stereo Rendering - VR SDK for Android." ARM Developer Documentation, 2021. https://arm-software.github.io/vr-sdk-for-android/IntroductionToStereoRendering.html</ref> This technique exploits [[binocular disparity]]—the horizontal displacement between corresponding points in the two images—enabling the [[visual cortex]] to reconstruct depth information through [[stereopsis]], the same process human eyes use to perceive the real world.<ref name="numberanalytics2024">Number Analytics. "Stereoscopy in VR: A Comprehensive Guide." 2024. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/ultimate-guide-stereoscopy-vr-ar-development</ref> By delivering two offset images (one per eye) that the brain combines into a single scene, stereoscopic rendering produces an illusion of depth that mimics natural [[binocular vision]].<ref name="drawandcode">Draw & Code. "What Is Stereoscopic VR Technology." January 23, 2024. https://drawandcode.com/learning-zone/what-is-stereoscopic-vr-technology/</ref>

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Single-pass stereo rendering optimizes by traversing the scene graph once while rendering to both eye buffers.<ref name="nvidia2018">NVIDIA Developer. "Turing Multi-View Rendering in VRWorks." NVIDIA Technical Blog, 2018. https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/turing-multi-view-rendering-vrworks/</ref> Single-pass instanced approach uses GPU instancing with instance count of 2, where the [[vertex shader]] outputs positions for both views simultaneously. Example shader code:

uniform EyeUniforms {

     mat4 mMatrix[2];

};

vec4 pos = mMatrix[gl_InvocationID] * vertex;

This technique halves draw call count compared to multi-pass, reducing CPU bottlenecks in complex scenes.<ref name="iquilez">Quilez, Inigo. "Stereo rendering." 2024. https://iquilezles.org/articles/stereo/</ref>

* '''[[Head-Mounted Display]]s (HMDs)''': Modern VR and AR headsets achieve perfect image separation using either two separate micro-displays (one for each eye) or a single display partitioned by optics. This direct-view approach completely isolates the left and right eye views, eliminating [[crosstalk]].<ref name="drawandcode"/>

* '''[[Polarized 3D system|Polarization]]''': Uses glasses with differently polarized lenses. Linear polarization orients filters at 90 degrees; circular polarization uses opposite clockwise/counter-clockwise polarization. Commonly used in 3D cinemas.<ref name="palušová2023">Palušová, P. "Stereoscopy in Extended Reality: Utilizing Natural Binocular Disparity." 2023. https://www.petrapalusova.com/stereoscopy</ref>

* '''[[Autostereoscopy]] (Glasses-Free 3D)''': Uses optical elements like [[parallax barrier]]s or [[lenticular lens]]es to direct different pixels to each eye. Limited by narrow optimal viewing angle.<ref name="palušová2023"/>

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[[Category:Computer graphics]]

[[Category:3D rendering]]

[[Category:Display technology]]

[[Category:Human–computer interaction]]