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The Anigram Generator program is a C/C++ program that applies a random dot stereogram generation algorithm to a sequence of images, to create animated stereograms. For those of you who do not know, a stereogram can be defined as:

A two-dimensional image which, when viewed correctly appears three-dimensional.

There are many different algorithms for generating Random Dot Stereogram images. All stereogram generation algorithms involve the use of a z-depth input image, where pixel values correspond to the distance of that pixel from the camera in 3d space (see above).

One common algorithm creates a patterned column of random dots, or noise, and repeats it across the output image. The algorithm then shifts pixels in the pattern image across its corresponding scanline by a certain amount based on the value of that pixel in the z-depth image.

Another algorithm, the one employed in this program at the moment, computes stereo separation values for each pixel in the z-depth image based on some preset parameters, and subsequently shifts the pixels in the random dot pattern to the left and right based on that separation value.

This symmetric approach proves to be a more solid method for generating stereogram images and is less prone to error. Eventually my anigram program will allow the user to choose from either method at runtime to compare results.

So basically, this program applies this algorithm to a sequence of image, still or animated, and generates a sequence of images that appear as "animated static."

If you would like to learn more about the algorithm, please click "about the code" here or above. You can also download the source code, and view the results of the program in the gallery.

Thanks for visiting my site, please email me at dave at viz.tamu.edu to tell me what you think.

 

copyright 2005 dave morris.