Perceptual Distortions Between Windows and Screens: Stereopsis Predicts Motion Parallax

Xiaoye Michael Wang, Anne Thaler, Siavash Eftekharifar, Adam O. Bebko, Nikolaus F. Troje

Abstract: Stereopsis and motion parallax provide depth information, capable of producing more realistic user experiences after being integrated into a flat screen (e.g. immersive virtual reality). Extensive research shows that stereoscopic screens increase realism, while few studies have investigated users’ responses to parallax screens without stereopsis. In this study, we examined users’ evaluations of screens with only parallax or stereopsis. We found that with only parallax, the mapping between observer motion and viewpoint change should be around 0.6 for a more realistic perceptual experience, and observers were less sensitive to stereoscopic distortions as a result of a different interpupillary distance scaling.