image via – shutterstock.com
Do you remember how back in the mid-90s all of those Magic Eye books were a smash hit? In fact. the original three book series were so popular that they ended up topping the New York Times best seller list for weeks and weeks on end.
The awesome pictures featured on the glossy pages are called autostereograms. They’re the magic behind the illustrations because they are a special type of 2D image designed to contain 3D images hidden within them.
Autostereograms, the ones we are familiar with, were originally invented by Bela Julesz. He was a visual neuroscientist and psychologist who was trying to prove a theory he came up with, which was that depth perception occurred in the brain and not the eyes.
At the time, this was the common belief and so he set out to test people’s ability to see in 3D with images he created that were similar in type to the modern day Magic Eye version. It turned out that the visual illusion’s he developed proved his theory correct and years later they evolved into the Magic Eye images that we all know and love!
If you’re anything like me, then you likely have trouble spotting the hidden images in the pictures. This is due in part because of the need for us to adjust our eyes and change the way we normally perceive depth. If you are able to successfully do this, the hidden 3D image will appear out of the patterned image you’re staring at.
So how do you change your natural depth perception abilities? Good question and here is a breakdown of the instructions from the Magic Eye website on how to best view the images:
Start by looking at the center of the image extremely close up. The computer or page should practically be touching the tip of your nose.
Next, adjust your focus. It helps to try and look right through the picture, off into the distance.
Now slowly begin to steadily move the picture away from your eyes until the 3D image pops out at you.
If you’re still unable to see after trying all of the above, then you may have to move the image back towards you and closer to your face, or further away. Finally, you may also need to start all over so you can re-set your eyes and focus.
Also, when you’re able to see the hidden image allow your eyes to adjust a tad bit more. This will make it become clearer and much more defined. At that point you’ll be able to see more of the depth and details within it.
For those out there who are not be able to see anything, don’t worry! It’s hard to adjust your eyesight in order to be able to see past the 2D image. If you happen to be one of them, don’t give up! Keep trying and you should eventually be able to crack the brain/eye barrier that’s making you trip up.
Test out your Magic Eye abilities right now by working through the images below and see how skilled you are at perceiving the 3D images. Good luck and enjoy!
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