Mathematica in Teaching Basics of Stereoscopy (Study of Mathematical Software and Its Effective Use for Mathematics Education)

Abstract

We use Wolfram Mathematica in teaching the basics of stereoscopy. 3D graphics in Mathematica allows teachers and students to easily construct simple stereo images and manipulate constructed images to demonstrate different effects and distortions introduced by incorrect methods of constructing stereo images. We demonstrate basic stereoscopic effects and typical mistakes made by beginners. In particular, we demonstrate some basic tricks one can do with changing the position of the stereo window. Compactness of the Mathematica code facilitates students' experiments and helps in understanding basic concepts and ideas of stereoscopy and computer vision.