Kinetic depth effect

The perception of three-dimensional shape from changes in an object's two-dimensional projection as it moves. It can occur even when other depth cues are limited.

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Structure from motion: The recovery of three-dimensional structure from changes in an object's image across time or viewpoint. The kinetic depth effect is a perceptual instance of recovering structure from motion.
Perspective projection: A mapping that represents three-dimensional points on a two-dimensional image plane. The effect arises from interpreting changes in these projections over time.
Random-dot kinematogram: A display of randomly positioned dots whose coordinated motion can reveal a hidden shape or pattern. Coherent dot motion can make a three-dimensional form perceptible without a visible outline.
Hans Wallach: A German-American psychologist known for research on visual perception, motion, and depth. Wallach's experiments helped establish how changing projections can produce perceived three-dimensional form.
Stereopsis: The perception of depth produced by differences between the images seen by the two eyes. Stereopsis derives depth from binocular differences, unlike the effect's reliance on changing projections.
Motion parallax: The apparent relative motion of objects at different depths when the observer or viewpoint moves. Relative image motion supplies depth information, though the kinetic depth effect can occur without observer movement.
Visual perception: The processes by which the visual system organizes light into representations of objects and scenes. The kinetic depth effect is one outcome of visual processing.
Rotating wire-frame object: A line drawing of a three-dimensional object that changes appearance as it rotates. Its changing projections can make depth vivid despite sparse contour information.
Edwin B. Newman: An American psychologist who collaborated with Hans Wallach on research into perceived motion and depth. Newman coauthored the foundational study of the kinetic depth effect.
Shape from shading: The inference of three-dimensional surface shape from patterns of light and dark in an image. It derives shape from brightness patterns rather than motion across successive projections.