A versatile video pattern generator for vision test

The authors present a hardware and software system for the generation of video patterns that can be used for various vision tests, particularly depth perception. Among the capabilities of the system is generation of static and dynamic random dot stereograms that can be used to test depth perception. The system generates the patterns in real-time which provides the ability of moving the objects in the stereogram. This feature is very useful in testing depth perception among infants and noncommunicative people by correlating the movement of the eye with the movement of the object. The system also can generate various other patterns, such as checkerboards, vertical and horizontal bars, and can provide the ability to sweep the size of the checkers and bars. These patterns are also useful for testing vision acuity. The system hardware is based on the TMS34010 graphics processor and hardware circuits and is connected to a host computer through an RS-232C serial communication port. Both the system and application programs are written in assembly language. The system is fast and flexible with affordable cost