To the average person, the concept of 3D technology probably sounds like it comes from a complicated and futuristic sci-fi world, filled with flying cars and sentient robots. Such a notion is quite understandable given the fact that 3D is mainly used to visualize complex ideas which are unnatural to our known world. But the true origins of this technological field are far simpler and older than one may imagine. In fact, the birth of 3D imaging traces its way back to the 19th century, when British scientist Charles Wheatstone made a groundbreaking discovery that laid the foundation for modern 3D technology.
Back in the mid-19th century, English scientist and inventor Charles Wheatstone, created a curious device called the stereoscope. This groundbreaking invention created the illusion of depth perception by showing two slightly different images to each eye. The early version of this device gave viewers the experience of perceiving images in three dimensions, which created a feel of real-world depth and perspective.
Now you might ask yourself, how exactly did the stereoscope work ? The explanation is actually quite simple. The magic of the stereoscope works by utilizing the principle of binocular vision. Each eye is presented with a slightly different image, where the viewpoint of the chosen target is slightly skewed. By presenting the two visuals to each eye separately, the brain is able to combine these two different sides into a single, three-dimensional image which has both depth and dimensionality.
Wheatstone’s invention had a huge impact on a wide array of fields, both practical and more creative. The stereoscope thoroughly changed the course of progress and common practice within photography, art and visual perception in general. Images produced with this device gained massive notoriety in the 19th century as a popular form of education and especially entertainment. The stereoscope gave viewers an entirely new way to view and engage with visual content.
From its conception to modern day, the principles of stereoscopy, which came about thanks to Wheatstone, have grown and expanded massively. They now encompass a wide range of three-dimensional 3D visualization techniques and technologies. Looking back from the earliest stereoscopic photographs and how they've evolved into the immersive 3D renders and experiences we know of today, we can safely say that the journey of 3D technology and its progression has been one of innovation and advancement.
To sum everything up, even though the origins of three-dimensional principles may have originated all the way back from the 19th century, their present day equivalents continue to shape the way we perceive and interact with the world around us. Charles Wheatstone's invention paved the way for today's 3D visualization technologies and in turn inspired a great deal of individuals within different fields, which are still growing today and will further evolve in the future.
