Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: neilep on 09/02/2011 13:36:15

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: neilep on 09/02/2011 13:36:15

Dearest Perspectiveologists,

As a sheepy I of course luff seeing the other persons point of view. It's all I think about. I am renowned the world over for my ability to see other peoples perspective !....though...my view is of course always right...at least I have great empathy.

Trying to empathise with the lines on the pavement the other day was challenging though !

See the piccy


 [ Invalid Attachment ]
The Piccy For Ewe To See...nice eh ?



As ewe can see ...when ewe are close to the pavement tiles there are no parallel lines phenomenon occurring....but...as ewe gaze into the distance....some special magic happens and ewe can see parallel lines .....what's that all about ?....I have drawn a pretty orange arrow to assist ewe !


How Can I see Parallel Lines In The Pavement Further Down The Road ?


US Translation service...Pavement = sidewalk !!..sheesh !!

If ewe can help me understand this phenomenon then I will now something that I do not know and then I will know it...and I will share it !


Thanks for helping me know stuff !


hugs and shmishes



neil
Paving the Way To Success
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: imatfaal on 09/02/2011 16:31:59

there are pretty kewl parallel lines running from left to right (and vice verse) from the ends of your toes on to the traffic lights

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: RD on 09/02/2011 16:46:45

The paving slabs do appear less trapezoidal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isosceles_trapezoid) and more rectangular the further they are away ...
 [ Invalid Attachment ]

This is because the further away the slab is, the distance between the closest and furthest edge of each slab is a smaller fraction of the distance from the slab to your eye.

Slabs will appear increasingly rectangular with distance but never* appear to be truly rectangular :
the left and right edges of the slabs will appear closer and closer to parallel but never* appear truly parallel.

[* assuming you are on flat ground]

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: neilep on 09/02/2011 17:19:17

Quote from: imatfaal on 09/02/2011 16:31:59

there are pretty kewl parallel lines running from left to right (and vice verse) from the ends of your toes on to the traffic lights

Ewe can see my toes ?......and I have not had my pedicure yet !

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: neilep on 09/02/2011 17:23:30

Quote from: RD on 09/02/2011 16:46:45

The paving slabs do appear less trapezoidal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isosceles_trapezoid) and more rectangular the further they are away ...
 [ Invalid Attachment ]

This is because the further away the slab is, the distance between the closest and furthest edge of each slab is a smaller fraction of the distance from the slab to your eye.

Slabs will appear increasingly rectangular with distance but never* appear to be truly rectangular :
the left and right edges of the slabs will appear closer and closer to parallel but never* appear truly parallel.

[* assuming you are on flat ground]

YAYY !


THANK EWE very much RD. !!

I never even noticed that the slabs become trapezoidal and yet I can see them now so easily !!...That's a strange illusion in itself !

I do appreciate your answer and demonstration !

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: Geezer on 10/02/2011 07:26:16

.
 [ Invalid Attachment ]

I have to walk on the pavement because there is no sidewalk, or maybe it's the other way around  [???]

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: RD on 10/02/2011 07:36:23

It looks like you've picked up your infrared camera Geezer  [:)] ...

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: Geezer on 10/02/2011 08:08:34

LOL! Nice one RD.

It's actually a shot I took on New Years Day, although I have to admit it looks like Hollywood might have been involved.

Title: How Come I Can See Parallel Lines In The Distance On My Walk ?
Post by: RD on 10/02/2011 09:40:04

Quote from: Geezer on 10/02/2011 08:08:34

... it looks like Hollywood might have been involved.

They use powdered mash pototo y'know ... http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/8203snow.html