VRVision: A new tool for the display of 3-D images in behavioral research

Abstract

Researchers using three-dimensional (3-D) scenes in their studies often spend alot of time prerendering the scenes into a set of images for later presentations. To improve efficiency, we have developed a new plugin program for MATLAB that eliminates this step. The program is able to manipulate and present3-Dscenes in real time. It allows fine control over numerous parameters, including the mode of projection, angular rotation, lighting, surface photo textures, and animation. Images can be presented with monoscopic or stereoscopic display. It can also dynamically track viewer position and update and display an appropriate 3-D projection. The program is fully compatible with existing MATLAB utilities such as the Psychophysics Toolbox (psychtoolbox.org). It is made freely available to the research community (www.hive.hull.ac.uk/software/ vrvision). Copyright 2005 Psychonomic Society, Inc.