Algodoo

What's a 3D stereogram? It's a specially coded 3D image that can only be seen when viewed by looking at it in a certain way. When you look at a stereogram as you would look at any other normal image, you will see just a random pattern of dots, lines or repeating geometric patterns.

There are different types of stereograms that must be viewed in a very specific way. Some types you need to cross your eyes in order to see the hidden 3D image, and other types you need to relax your eyes as if you are looking at a distant object behind the actual image. Some people have a terrible time trying to view stereograms, and other people have no trouble at all. I can usually see the 3D image in a stereogram within just a few seconds of focusing my eyes properly.

To learn more about 3d Stereograms, search for it on Google. To see a lot of examples of stereograms, go to Google "Images" and type in "3D Stereograms".

I discovered a way to use Algodoo to view the hidden 3D images in stereograms, and I included three sample images. To view the images, start Algodoo, and use the left and right arrow keys to gradually shift the images left or right which will shift the focus on different parts of the image.

If you would like to enter and view other stereogram images, here is what you must do:

1. On Google images or other website, make sure that you are viewing the full size image and not just a thumbnail. A typical image will have a resolution of about 1200 by 800 pixels. Copy the image with Ctrl-C keys.

2. Move to a clear spot in my scene and paste the new image with Ctrl-V. The Stereogram image should now be in the scene. Use the Move tool to position it wherever you want it, and then glue it to the background.

3. Clone the image, and place the cloned image directly over the first image so that they are perfectly lined up vertically. Then move the cloned image slightly to the right so that about a 10% section of the bottom image shows on the left of the cloned image (don't worry about being exact because you will be moving it again).

4. Copy the script in "color" and "postStep" from any one of the cloned images that I have created, and past the script into your new cloned image. Do not paste script into the image in the back that you cloned from.

5. Now start Algodoo, and you should see your cloned image rapidly shifting sideways back and forth (just like my images do). Now, as the images is shifting, grab hold of the cloned image with the move tool, and very slowly and carefully slide it back and forth over the back image until you can see the hidden 3D image. You will notice that certain parts of the 3D image will be stable while other parts will be shifting. That is how the image will be "focused" with the left and right arrow keys. Now that you have the 3D image showing, you can tap the left and right arrow keys to gradually shift the 3D image so that different parts of it will be revealed from left to right. It may take some practice.