Stereophotoduplicon

thingiverse

Stereoscopic images are two side-by-side images that appear three-dimensional when viewed through a special device. This is how Google Cardboard works, and it's a simple yet effective way to capture 3D pictures or videos. The concept of stereophotoduplicon was first introduced in 1894 by Theodore Brown, who designed a device that displays two identical images with an offset, allowing for a single camera shot. This technique is still used today, but with the added benefit of modern technology. I've built a device that uses this principle to capture 3D images, and it's surprisingly easy to use. The device consists of three mirror mounts, two holding a 1-inch mirror and one holding two 0.75-inch mirrors. These mirrors are attached using glue or tape, and the entire assembly is held together with pegs. The science behind this project is fascinating, and it introduces students to several concepts, including the art of redirecting light with mirrors and how subtle changes in angle can drastically change the result. It also explores how the human brain processes images when viewed in a stereoscopic view, and how perception is altered by changing the distance between mirrors. This project is ideal for middle school aged kids and older who have developed enough to see the difference between 2D and 3D vision. Younger children may not be able to grasp this concept due to their brain not being fully developed yet. Before starting the project, students should have a chance to play with mirrors and view some stereoscopic images to get an idea of how they work. Materials needed for this project include: * 2 x 1-inch mirrors * 2 x 0.75-inch mirrors * Thick grease to keep the mirrors from wobbling * Super glue To complete the project, students will need to follow these steps: 1. Build a prototype using cardboard to get an idea of how the device works. 2. Explain how designing a 3D print can create a more stable solution. 3. Make the 3D print and assemble the device. 4. Glue the mirrors to their mounts and place them in the box. 5. Add grease to the slots of the box to prevent wobbling. 6. Place the mirrors in the box and adjust them until the image looks correct. 7. Take a photo through the box using a camera or smartphone. 8. View the 3D picture in a stereoscopic viewer. The results should be impressive, with students able to take 3D pictures of various objects and view them in a stereoscopic viewer. The angles of mirrors are crucial, so students will need to make adjustments before finding the perfect solution.