Optimal camera angles in mental imaging of three-dimensional structures from plane figures and the effects of depth cues

In order to evaluate the specific brain activities related to the recognition of a three-dimensional (3D) structure, the construction of 3D images in the brain from 2D figures and the ability to match the mental image to an actual 3D object were investigated. The results demonstrated that the effects of depth cues (shade and colors) in the 3D images facilitated the cognitive process in human-computer interfaces and that there existed optimal presentation angles for the matching phase; these findings may indicate effective methods in a field requiring quick judgment based on high cognitive functions.