Stereoscopy

Stereoscopy is a technique for creating the perception of depth by presenting each eye with a slightly different viewpoint, mirroring how our eyes receive different images in the real world. In 3D and XR contexts this is implemented by generating or capturing two separate images (left and right) and delivering them to the corresponding eyes via displays or glasses. Key technical concepts include binocular disparity, interocular distance (IPD), convergence, and display methods such as anaglyph, polarized filters, active shutter systems, and head‑mounted displays; perceptual constraints like visual discomfort and the vergence–accommodation conflict are also important considerations.

When creating a stereoscopic 3D scene in Blender you place two cameras separated by the interocular distance (about 63 mm) and aim them at the same convergence point to render a left and a right image. In an XR application (for example a VR headset) the real‑time engine generates two view matrices per frame so each eye sees a slightly different angle and parallax, strengthening depth and immersion. In film production you might use polarized lenses and matching cinema glasses to keep left/right images separate, and you must manage the parallax budget and convergence to avoid viewer discomfort.