At the beginning of the spring term of my second year I became interested in several paintings and frescos that were described as Trompe d’oeil (Mislead(ing) the eye).

These paintings were creating the illusion of depth using a fixed perspective created by the artist, and fooling the eye in the process.

I also discovered work by Margritte which expanded the idea further to play with the ideas of the artist observing and constructing the very image he was creating.

The problem with such false perspectives is that you have to be in a certain position relative to the image in order for the illusion to work. If you are even slightly out of position, the illusion totally fails.

This set me to thinking wondering if it would be possible to update the image depending on the position of the user. A computer system with its rapidly updated display seemed like the perfect solution.

I first created a simple line system to make the illusion. (See screen shots below).

By adding mouse interaction to the system, I was able to simulate a system that could track my position and update the image accordingly.

I found the illusion of depth compelling - I play far too many computer games as it is, and not having to construct the 3D world entirely in my mind was refreshing.

The next step was to go beyond simulation and to attempt to create a system that could actually track a user and update a 3D world accurately.

Using Macromedia Director MX and Track Them Colours Pro MX I was able to create such a system. (Screen shots and demo coming soon)