THREE-DIMENSIONAL ICONS! an idea whose time has not come. Okay, bear with me a moment. These icons, when properly viewed, provide a stereoscopic illusion of three dimensional depth. The difficulty is in viewing them properly, which
requires a technique that must be learned. To facilitate learning, and for many
new ideas, and for just plain fun, I << STRONGLY >> recommend a book entitled
"Stereogram" (ISBN 0-929279-85-9). This book is a purchase you definitely won't
regret. There are other similar books, including two by N. E. Thing (yep), that
are less strongly recommended.
The suggested technique for viewing these icons is the cross-eyed technique, and
I suggest starting with 3DTEST1 or 3DTEST2. Note that there are there are two
arrow-like dots at the top of the icon. Now, very slightly cross your eyes
until you see three of these dots. This may be easiest about one foot from the
screen. When you see three dots, you will also see three images. Concentrate
on the MIDDLE image, and try to ignore the ones on either side. Sooner or
later, the middle image should sort of swim into focus. When this happens, the
central image will reveal an illustion of depth. Hey! Wow! With 3DTEST1, the
black dots will be higher than the other dots; with 3DTEST2 the red dots will be
highest. When the effect is manifest and stable, you will feel a surge of
triumph and pointless delight.
For learning purposes, this process is a bit easier with the larger image
afforded by calling up the icon on the icon editor. With this, you can sit a
normal distance from the screen.
Fun, huh? Now try the other 3-d icons provided. Recommended: try TEST3 next,
then STEPS1, then the OS/2 characters. The face reveals three levels of depth,
in a crude sort of way. 3DDOTS1 reveals a random pattern of dots floating
above the screen. The volcano is formed by two icons; put VOL1 on the left and
VOL2 on the right, carefully aligned in the horizontal plane.
It is my hope that someone cleverer than me will make a stereo bitmap to use
with the Presentation Manager or at least in a folder. Or will simply compose
more satisfying 3-d icons; obviously mine are still in the experimental phase.
Icons are limited by the minimal left-right shift being an entire pixel in size.
My long-term objective, of course, is 3-d for everything on the screen.
Please: send me any comments, suggestions, encouragement, condemnation, your own 3-d efforts, whatever! Feedback definitely helps.
David Edwards
CompuServe: 72610,707
AOL: DE3
Internet: DE3@AOL.COM
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RELEVANT, ALBEIT UGLY AND FAIRLY DULL, 3-D ICONS:
3DDOTS1 ICO Dot figures of two people bustling to the left; becomes a random
pattern of elevated dots with 3-d viewing
3DFACE1 ICO Face for 3-d viewing
3DOS2 ICO Characters O, S, and 2; with 3-d viewing, the 2 is closest to
the eye
3DSTEPS1 ICO Steps; with 3-d viewing, the lowest step is the highest
3DTEST1 ICO Pattern of dots to practice 3-d viewing; please see above for
instructions
3DTEST2 ICO As with 3DTEST1
3DTEST3 ICO As with 3DTEST1
3DVOL1 ICO Volcano; left of a stereo pair with 3DVOL2.ICO. Place just left
of and in horizontal line with:
3DVOL2 ICO Right of the stereo pair with 3DVOL1.ICO
