Depth Perception : different importances od cues

Not all depth cues have the same priority. Stereopsis is a very strong depth clue. When in conflict with other depth cues, stereopsis is typically dominant.

Relative motion is perhaps the one depth cue that can be as strong or stronger than stereopsis.

Of the static monoscopic image depth cues, interposition is the strongest.

The physiological depth cues are perhaps the weakest. Accordingly, if one were to eliminate stereopsis by covering one eye, attempting to rely only on accomodation would be rather difficult.

Some depth cue are ineffective beyond a certain range. The range of stereopsis extends about 5m, and accomodation extends up to 3 m. So for more distant objects, theses cues have very low priority.


Monoscopic Image Depth Cues

  1. Light (Shading) and Shadows
  2. Relative dimensions (and their cognition)
  3. Occlusions / Interposition
  4. Texture Gradient of a Surface
  5. Atmospheric effects : Visibility Variation
  6. Linear Perspective
  7. Height in Visual Field
  8. Brightness

Motion depth cues : Parallax

Stereoscopic image depth cue (Binocular Vision)

Physiological depth cue