StereoVU is an application for the Psion Series 3a palmtop, allowing you, the user, to view stereograms (3D images), as well as create your own stereogram files. Use your artistic talents in three dimensions!
It's streets ahead of any other similar program I've come across, in that it allows you to view complex images, as opposed to simple shapes. The program is currently available as ShareWare, and may be distributed and posted on Newsgroups & Bulletin Boards. Registration is as simple as typing in a special code, and only costs
5 ($8). (For details, see the registration section.)
The Distribution Files
StereoVU is distributed as the following file bundle:
STEREOVU.OPA
STEREOVU.WRD (this file)
STEREOED.ALS (an alias Text Editor file for making .STGs)
*PLUS* several Stereogram files (.STG), demonstrating the principle of creating your own stereograms.
You may freely distribute these files, as long as you include the entire bundle. They may not be broken up or altered. The registration file (\APP\STEREOVU.REG - automatically generated on registration) may NOT be distributed under any circumstances.
Installing StereoVU
To install, simply UNZIP, and place STEREOVU.OPA in an \APP directory, then install from the system screen. (Press Psion-I, and select STEREOVU.OPA). The file will install, and you can run it in the normal way. Put STEREOVU.WRD in the \WRD directory, and the .STG files in the \OPD directory. Then simply run the program from the system screen.
If you have the registered version, and wish to create your own stereograms, put STEREOED.ALS in the \APP directory, and install from the system screen (see later)
On startup the program will create a Background image to map onto the stereogram template. It will then generate the stereogram. Press MENU at any time during or after generation to select options.
What is a Stereogram?
Stereograms are a form of optical illusion, which trick the brain into perceiving a 3 dimensional image from a 2 dimensional one. Well, that's actually slightly misleading - there are in fact two images, one for the left eye, and one for the right. Subtle differences in the images allow the brain to appreciate depth, thereby rendering the 3D effect. The really cunning part is that the two images are combined into one, and the effect is appreciated by viewing the image in a special way.
How do I view a Stereogram?
You may already know how to do this from the books and posters that are widely available. What you need to do to view StereoVU stereograms is:
1: Display the image on the Psion screen
2: Hold the Psion about a foot away from you
3: Make sure you have good lighting!
4: Let your eyes go out of focus
Now, if you do that, you will see a blurry Psion in double-vision. The stereogram image will overlap with itself. You'll also see the button-bar buttons overlapping. Now you need to let your eyes refocus on the image, while maintaining a single overlap. (Sounds easy, doesn't it?)
You'll have noticed that the screen image looks like a mess of letters, but that the image consists of several repeats across the screen. The trick, of course, is to get one repeat unit (as seen by the left eye) to overlap onto an adjacent repeat unit (as seen by the right eye). Actually, that's the easy bit - it's getting your eyes to refocus that's difficult. Try the following tips:
1: Narrow your eyes
2: Move the Psion slowly away from you
3: RELAX, and let your eyes adjust
Take your time - it took me several weeks to be able to see them properly. But persevere! It might help to print the screen, and view it from paper (at least until you get the knack). Some of your friends may infuriate you by being able to see the image more quickly. Don't be put off. This will NOT damage your sight, and you SHOULD get there eventually.
What's in the Program?
The full (STEREOVU.OPA) program allows you to:
1/: View Stereograms *
2/: Load your own stereogram files
3/: Change the background *
4/: Save the output as a .PIC file
5/: Load inbuilt stereograms *
6/: Enter text to be rendered in 3D *
7/: See what the stereogram SHOULD look like *
8/: Utterly amaze your entire social circle *
*: Also accessible on the unregistered Shareware version.
OK - a quick run-through?
Start up the program. Wait while the background & stereogram are generated. Then hit MENU.
Select "Show stereogram: Psion-W" from the Display menu. This will show you what you are looking for. Then press a key.
If you find it hard to see, try changing the background settings (from the Settings menu). In the registered version, you can load in a .PIC file to map over the stereogram.
Try pressing Psion-T to enter 5 characters of text. These will then be rendered as a stereogram before your eyes!
Psion-L allows you to load your own stereogram template files (see later for how to create template files).
Psion-I allows you to load one of several inbuilt stereograms for viewing.
Play about with it, and if you come across any bugs, please let me know.
How do I create Stereogram Template Files?
It's really easy. You just use a text editor to create the image.
Install STEREOED.ALS from the system screen. This provides you with a text editor, using files with extension .STG, in the \OPD directory.
Then open up a file, and - THIS IS IMPORTANT!!! - put in the first line: "Stereogram Template File" - EXACTLY as you see it here -spaces & all - (leave out the quotes). See the example files.
You now have access to an 80-by-32 grid of "pixels". Each pixel can be set as "Background", "Plane 1", or "Plane 2". Plane 2 is the highest (nearest, when viewed in 3D). A pixel is assigned to a plane by entering a " "(space) for BACKGROUND, "1" for PLANE-1, and "2" for PLANE-2. Again, see how it's done in the example files. Remember NOT to use any other characters than space, "1" & "2" in the body of the file. Any text after the 33rd line is ignored.
Load the completed file up in the program, and view as normal. If you develop any great stereograms, let me know, and I might include them in the next bundle!
Feel free to convert the .PIC files for use on your web pages as you see fit - but please put a link to:
http://www.niweb.com/dnet/dnethWMo/psion1.htm
Thanks!
Also, for other examples of stereograms, see the above URL.
How do I register STEREOVU?
Registration couldn't be easier. All you have to do is enter a code (which I will provide via email) which unlocks the full features of StereoVU:
1/ Create your own stereograms
2/ Load your own background PICs
3/ Save stereograms for your own use
4/ Automatic entitlement to upgrades
All it costs is a measly FIVE UK POUNDS, or EIGHT US DOLLARS, in a cheque or bankers draft, made out to me, Shane McKee.
Send it (with your email address) to:
Shane McKee
1 Glenview Crescent
Off Glenville Road
Whiteabbey
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT37 0DP
PLEASE remember to include an email address, because that's the only way I can deliver. If you don't have one, ask a friend.
Comments, Bugs, Suggestions, etc
I welcome any suggestions on how to improve this program. Please email me:
shane@mckee.dnet.co.uk
Alternatively, drop in on my guestbook at:
http://www.niweb.com/dnet/dnethWMo
Full assistance is available at that address for registered users. I look forward to hearing from you!
Legal stuff
I have tried this program out in many different scenarios, without any loss or corruption of data, and therefore don't think it has any major problems. HOWEVER, I cannot be held responsible in any way for any adverse events arising from the use of this software, including, but not limited to, hardware or software damage, personal injury, social problems, global warming, unemployment. I retain full copyright of the program & associated files.
(.txt)