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TITLE
Hyperstereo
LEARNING OBJECT
A combined biology and mathematics exercise that discusses how human vision works and how trigonometry lets us compute suitable separations of viewpoints in order to achieve a given level of depth perception.
NAME OF AUTHOR(S)
Kai-Mikael Jää-Aro
DATE OF PRODUCTION
2020
SUBJECT TAUGHT
Math, Biology
LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE
Advanced
TARGET GROUP AGE
17+ years old
TUTORIAL SUPPORT
No
DESCRIPTION
A part of depth perception is the separation of the eyes. This in itself allows us to reliably estimate the distance to objects out to a few metres away. With the help of optics to move the viewpoints of the eyes further apart, we can achieve hyperstereo. This allows us to perceive depth at much larger distances. The effect can be cheaply achieved by recording video on two mobile phones separated by a suitable distance and then replaying the video through strong lenses (reading glasses).
This exercise allows us to combine biology and mathematics in discussing both how human vision works and how trigonometry lets us compute suitable separations of the mobile phones in order to achieve a given level of depth perception.
It also gives the experience of being able to perceive large structures better than otherwise possible.
This exercise allows us to combine biology and mathematics in discussing both how human vision works and how trigonometry lets us compute suitable separations of the mobile phones in order to achieve a given level of depth perception.
It also gives the experience of being able to perceive large structures better than otherwise possible.
INNOVATIVE LEARNING OBJECT
We are using the pupil’s existing mobile phones to explore stereoscopic vision, which in turn raises issues about trigonometry.
EXPERT'S COMMENT
This exercise has been inspired by Randall Munroe [1].
The teachers at Ronnaskolan suggested the exercise would be more suited for secondary school.
[1] Depth Perception: 2011. https://xkcd.com/941/. Accessed: 2020-11-26.
The teachers at Ronnaskolan suggested the exercise would be more suited for secondary school.
[1] Depth Perception: 2011. https://xkcd.com/941/. Accessed: 2020-11-26.
TEACHER'S COMMENT
Hyperstereo involves using advanced knowledge of both biology and maths. It is based around the idea that the separation of our eyes allows us to estimate the distance of objects a couple of metres away. If the viewpoints of the eyes are moved further apart this allows hyperstereo to be achieved. To achieve this in a class setting two mobile phones could be used. The mobile phones need to be separated by a suitable distance and record a video. The video could then be replayed through strong lenses, such as reading glasses. This allows for an in depth discussion in relation to how the human eye works and it also raises questions about trigonometry.
Hyperstereo was not suitable for the mixed ability 2nd year class (approximately 14 years) that I tried this with. The depth of knowledge required and the level of understanding was beyond most of the class. I feel this would be more suitable for a 5th year (approximately 17 years) biology or maths class.
There was also very little information given in relation to hyperstereo which did not make it very accessible. I feel for that reason it was very difficult to fully explore and give an in depth analysis.
Hyperstereo was not suitable for the mixed ability 2nd year class (approximately 14 years) that I tried this with. The depth of knowledge required and the level of understanding was beyond most of the class. I feel this would be more suitable for a 5th year (approximately 17 years) biology or maths class.
There was also very little information given in relation to hyperstereo which did not make it very accessible. I feel for that reason it was very difficult to fully explore and give an in depth analysis.