Abstract
One of the objectives of architectural design is to enrich the spatial experience within the restrictive confines of the architectural space. Various depth cues such as familiar size and linear perspective have been utilized in architectural design to create illusory spatial depth. Luminance contrast has also been identified as an effective depth cue; its effect in increasing depth perception was verified with perceptual studies using a computer-generated environment. However, previous studies have focused on methods for accurate simulation of the lighting distribution in a scene; they have not addressed visual perception with binocular vision. This study utilizes three-dimensional (3D) stereo display technologies to present a perceptually realistic and computer-generated environment. Psychophysical experiments were conducted to examine the impact of luminance contrast in creating illusory depth effects, with scenes presented on both conventional and 3D stereo displays. The objectives of this study are: first, to investigate the influence of binocular vision on the illusory depth effect of luminance contrast; and second, to verify whether a reliable computer-generated environment can be used to envision possible applications of luminance contrast in architectural design.
