Creating a dynamic stereographical programming demonstration

Abstract

Visualization of data is becoming significantly more important as the amount of data collected increases. 3D viewing of data is the ideal viewing medium for certain types of data. We have created a hardware/software setup which will allow an inexperienced user to create a unique three-dimensional environment and project a sterographic image of it with a 3D viewer. This viewer consists of two portable DLP projectors connected to a laptop, creating a relatively inexpensive and portable device. Matching polarized glasses are worn by the users of the system, allowing each eye to receive only one of the projected images. A special silver screen is used as the projection surface since this surface needs to be able to preserve the polarized light projected onto it. The software consists of the following phases: image calibration, dual virtual camera setup, 3D content creation, and 3D interactivity.