Development and evaluation of an easy-to-use stereoscopic ability test to assess the individual ability to process stereoscopic media

Abstract

With the rise of 3D cinema in recent years, 3D stereoscopic images have quickly conquered the entertainment industry. As a consequence, many scholars from different research disciplines study the effects of stereoscopy on user experience, task performance, or naturalism. However, parts of the population suffer from stereoblindness and are unable to process stereo images. For scientific studies, it is important to assess stereoblindness to avoid bias in the gathered data. Several clinical tests are available to measure deficiencies in stereo vision, but they often require special equipment and a trained investigator. We developed an easy to use and economic Stereoscopic Ability Test (SAT) that can be used directly within the intended experimental environment. Initial evaluation data for the test and guidelines for the test application are discussed.