Judgments of Relative Distance Based on Separate 2-D TV Views 1

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine human capabilities for making judgments of relative distance based on cues obtained from two ordinary, two-dimensional, closed-circuit television systems. The two cameras were placed so that their lines-of-sight converged symmetrically upon the mid-point between the two rods of a modified Howard-Dolman depth perception apparatus. Four camera lines-of-sight convergence angles were investigated: 15degree, 30°, 60°, and 90°. Difference thresholds for relative depth perception were determined for 24 subjects by the psychophysical Method of Limits. Thresholds were on the order of 12-13 minutes of arc in terms of the parallactic difference angle for the camera lines-of-sight. The results are related to the design of viewing systems for remote operations.

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