Autostereogram

An autostereogram is a two-dimensional image that, when viewed correctly, creates the illusion of a three-dimensional scene or object. It is also known as a magic eye or a random dot stereogram. Autostereograms are created using a process called stereogram generation.

How Autostereograms Work

Autostereograms utilize the principle of stereopsis, which is a visual phenomenon where the human brain processes the different perspectives from both eyes to perceive depth. The image consists of repeating patterns or random dots that are carefully arranged to create a hidden 3D image within them.

Viewing Autostereograms

To view an autostereogram, the viewer must de-focus their eyes in a way that allows the two slightly different images to merge and form a single 3D image. This can be achieved by either crossing or diverging the eyes until the hidden image appears. It may require some practice to master this technique.

Applications of Autostereograms

Autostereograms have mainly been used for entertainment purposes, often found in puzzle books or as posters. They gained significant popularity in the 1990s. However, they also have practical applications, such as in the field of stereoscopic vision research to assess an individual’s visual perception and depth processing abilities.