Depth perception
Depth Perception
Depth perception (/dɛθ pərˈsɛpʃən/) is the visual ability to perceive the world in three dimensions (3D) and the distance of an object.
Etymology
The term "depth perception" is derived from the words "depth" (from Old English "dēop" meaning deep) and "perception" (from Latin "perceptio" meaning receiving, collecting, action of taking possession, apprehension with the mind or senses).
Definition
Depth perception is a visual perceptual skill that enables an individual to judge the distance of objects and perceive the world in three dimensions. It involves the use of visual cues to gauge how far away objects are.
Mechanisms
Depth perception is primarily achieved through two eyes working together in a process known as binocular vision. This process involves the brain combining the different perspectives of each eye to create a single, in-depth view of the surrounding environment.
Other mechanisms that contribute to depth perception include monocular cues (cues that can be perceived by one eye alone), such as size, shadow, and perspective, and motion parallax (the perceived motion of stationary objects when the observer moves).
Related Terms
- Binocular vision: The ability to maintain visual focus on an object with both eyes, creating a single visual image. Lack of binocular vision is associated with depth perception problems.
- Monocular cues: Visual cues that require the use of one eye. These cues are used in depth perception.
- Motion parallax: A depth cue that results from our motion. Objects closer to us move farther across our field of view than do objects farther away.
- Stereopsis: The perception of depth and 3-dimensional structure obtained on the basis of visual information deriving from two eyes by individuals with normally developed binocular vision.
- Visual perception: The ability to interpret the surrounding environment using light in the visible spectrum reflected by the objects in the environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Depth perception
- Wikipedia's article - Depth perception
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