Abstract: Without affecting the signal-to-noise ratio, the binocular disparity-based stereopsis induces perceived depth separation between the target and the masker (s). The perceived separation improves detection and/or discrimination of the target, leading to the so-called binocular unmasking. This review summarizes previous studies related to binocular unmasking and particularly emphasizes that the allocation of selective visual attention in depth plays a critical role in binocular unmasking. Most importantly, considering that the unmasking effect of perceived spatial separation also occurs in auditory perception, this review proposes that perceived spatial separation-induced unmasking of target signals represents the essential function of the brain in untangling complex scenes. Typical examples of application of binocular unmasking in the industrial field are also provided in this review.

Key words: binocular unmasking, disparity, stereopsis, random-dot stereograms, perceived spatial separation