http://www.stereoscopy.com/news Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:19:45 GMT The latest news from Stereoscopy.com - The World of 3D-Imaging!. en-us Copyright Stereoscopy.com - The World of 3D-Imaging! Coranto using the Feed Builder Addon http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/3drss.jpghttp://www.stereoscopy.com/news14431 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:19:42 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuyulFElkabQrhWYO http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuyulFElkabQrhWYO
G-FORCE and TOY STORY MANIA! allow the player to choose to turn on special 3D features in the games while wearing the enclosed 3D glasses. Using the anaglyphic 3D glasses, players will see the action extend forward from their television screens in a three-dimensional perspective while playing the games. Two sets of 3D glasses will be enclosed in each package for players to experience visuals that seem to pop out from their television sets. The glasses enable both players to experience 3D during a two-player TOY STORY MANIA! game or for an accompanying family member to view that perspective in G-FORCE. Both standard video game 3D graphics and the stereoscopic 3D experiences are offered in the games and can be changed by the player.

"Three-dimensional technology drives the future of entertainment and Disney Interactive Studios is leading the way in video games," said Brian Leake, vice president of technology, Disney Interactive Studios."The stereoscopic 3D innovation in G-FORCE and TOY STORY MANIA! adds to the already fun video game experiences for a wide audience and extends the gameplay by creating entirely new options for players."

Rob Neuman, a leading expert in 3D technology and supervisor at Walt Disney Feature Animation, consulted on the 3D effects in the G-FORCE video game with Disney Interactive Studios and developer Eurocom. Neuman has advised on the 3D aspects of numerous Disney animated feature films.

"Like the 3D effects in some feature films, the goal for adding 3D in G-FORCE enabled the two miniature creatures - guinea pig Darwin and housefly Mooch - to appear to come forward from the screen, which creates a unique experience for the player," said Neuman."The dawn of three-dimensional technology in films has taken over the Cineplex and it's obvious that video games are the next medium to see this trend."

G-FORCE, inspired by the film of the same name from Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, will be available in 3D on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on July 21.

TOY STORY MANIA!, exclusive for Wii, is inspired by the popular new four-dimensional attraction in both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Players can experience their favorite moments from the attraction in eye-popping 3D from the comfort of their living rooms with family and friends. The popular Pie Throw game from the attraction is represented in the TOY STORY MANIA! training level, and five additional levels based on the attraction are available as unlockables in the game's story mode. TOY STORY MANIA! will be available in Fall 2009.]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:56:23 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuypVyAlFyiebvbau http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuypVyAlFyiebvbau
Andrew Oliver CTO of Blitz Games Studios said: "Stereoscopic 3D can stimulate new growth for both cinema and videogames industries. This technology is irresistible to the consumer – as soon as they experience it they want it at home as well as in the cinema."

Amit Dror, Chief Strategy Officer of XpanD added: "We see the 3D cinema world and the 3D gaming world getting closer. From in-lobby 3D Gaming stations to, large screen multiplayer gaming, 3D gaming will become part of life and the cinemas are one of the most important show-rooms for this activity."

Blitz Games Studios demonstrated Invincible Tiger running in stereoscopic 3D on a games console – a feat thought impossible only 12 months ago.

Oliver Clarke, Project Director, Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao, Blitz Arcade said: "The Cinema Expo has been a great opportunity for us to showcase our S3D technology. Invincible Tiger was created to be an original piece of entertainment that is a joy to play. We thought developing it to support S3D would be fun in itself, but we've been taken aback at how successful it's been."

At the recent Digital Cinema Summit, Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) executive director David Wertheimer presented research showing that audience interest in 3D is growing and is strongest among people who've seen 3D movies.

ETC's research also found that consumers who've seen a recent 3D movie are undeterred by the prospect of wearing glasses at home to watch 3D with strongest interest is among the 18-29 demo especially those with children in the home i.e the vast majority of videogame customers.

Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is a stylistic and cool '70s inspired kung-fu game, which will be the first videogame released in stereoscopic 3D for XBLA and PSN in Summer of 2009.]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:38:19 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuypEykAApThXhBCm http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuypEykAApThXhBCm
The professional forum, held from June 2 to 4 at Pantin's Centre National de la Danse, has just concluded on a very successful note. Providing a unique meeting point around 3D, unmatched across the world in terms of scope and represented markets, Dimension 3 has caught the attention of professionals from all over the globe. As for the Festival Dimension 3, it carried on until June 18.

Held in Pantin's Centre National de la Danse, the professional forum was attended by 1120 visitors from 25 different countries (up 200 % from the 2008 edition). Countries represented included India, Germany, Singapore, Turkey, Finland, Korea, Thailand, South Africa, Canada, the United States. Dimension 3 was able to unite all players in the 3D industry with 38 exhibitors, each a leader or prescriber in their own field. Some 50 speakers, from France and abroad, shared their experiences, reported on their advancements and presented their latest 3D technologies. Another highlight of the Forum was the 3D workshop for projectionists, organized in partnership with Doremi Cinema and Volfoni, involving 40 attendees.

This edition's success confirms Dimension 3's ability to earn a reputation as a must-attend event for all branches involved in 3D: shows & events, cinema, TV, science & research, design, marketing & communication, mobile devices, video games

This year, Dimension 3 Festival allowed the public to see premiere screenings of Henry Selick's Coraline, Bruce Hendricks' Jonas Brothers, or Pascal Vuong and Ronan Chapalain's Sea Rex Starting June 2. Professionals as well as the public could discover an incredibly rich 3D program. The mobile festival, ended on June 18, features 18 screenings in 3D organized in 5 towns in the area. That is over 12 hours of film, including 8 national or international premieres (feature films, documentaries, rides, series, short films).

Dimension 3's 2009 edition is a complete success, confirming the International Forum on 3D Images as a leading event in the field of stereoscopic technologies.]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:31:42 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVlAZEpkDJTcEnWQ http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVlAZEpkDJTcEnWQ
What makes this product the best of its kind? Simply that DepthQ® is the only 3D software package capable of low-latency (66ms) real-time monitoring with simultaneous capture, highly efficient GPU image processing and smooth, high-resolution media playback. Lightspeed's experience in 3D display technology and filmmaking, combined with their deep understanding of stereography and image processing, led them to develop their own toolsets to capture, process, configure, and playback HD 3D imagery with greater flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy. Lightspeed's unparalleled features set DepthQ®Capture(TM) and DepthQ®Player(TM) far above the competition.

DepthQ®Capture(TM)

DepthQ®Capture(TM) is a powerful software solution for the precise capture, recording and monitoring of stereo 3D video from two simultaneous camera inputs (Analog, HD-SDI, HDMI, FireWire or USB) at dual HD resolution. Features include low-latency, real-time monitoring, a camera alignment aid and visual overlays to assist in optimizing your 3D effects for various target playback screens.

DepthQ®Player(TM) captures your two independent camera video sources, concatenates them together as an above/below image to preserve sync, processes the result - applying any scaling and compression required - and then serves the final stereo data as a single data stream to any 3D (or 2D) monitoring device at the required resolution, frame rate, and encoding standard for that display.

DepthQ®Player(TM)

DepthQ®Player(TM) is a feature-packed software solution for the high-quality playback of stereo 3D movies from a standard PC. Easy to use and designed from the ground up as a professional product, DepthQ®Player(TM) combines efficient code architecture and superior throughput for high-bandwidth playback of either locally stored or URL-accessible stereoscopic movies, as well as 3D streaming IP video (MPEG2-TS RTP/UDP).

DepthQ®Player(TM) delivers the most comfortable-to-view stereo 3D experience possible, and allows cost-effective viewing of high-resolution stereoscopic media in a wide variety of environments - from remote 3D viewing stations, operating rooms and conference rooms to 3D cinemas, museum exhibits, portable theaters, motion simulators, corporate events and trade shows.

Features include:

• Flicker-free 120 Hz stereoscopic 3D video
  
• Input Formats - above/below, side-by-side, interlaced and more
  
• Output Formats - Page-flip, DLP checkerboard, dual output, interlace and more
  
• DepthQ® Alignment (real-time X-Y stereoscopic parallax adjustments)
  
• Time Dependent Event Editor (IN/OUT points, Parallax changes)
  
• Time Code Capability
  
• DMX-512 Control of External Devices
  
• Cg GPU Image Processing (cornerstone, edge sharpening, contrast, brightness, etc.)
  
• Depth Reference Marks

DepthQ®Player(TM) software uses Microsoft Direct Show infrastructure working with codecs like Windows Media Player, MJPEG, MPEG-2, and H.264 and is compatible with NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision and NVIDIA Quadro.

DepthQ®Player(TM) is available in three configurations: Lite, a free-to-download evaluation version incorporating a subtle watermark, with restricted playlength and functionality; Standard, a licensed commercial version at 720P resolution per eye; and Pro, a licensed professional version at full 1080P resolution per eye.]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:31:35 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluyyAVHQMBSdRO http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluyyAVHQMBSdRO
The field of 3D filming and animation is growing at a tremendous rate, with the CEO of Dreamworks predicting all movies will be made in 3D "within a reasonable period".

The success of such movies as Coraline, Monsters versus Aliens, UP and many 3D features in the pipeline including the much anticipated 3D movie Avatar from James Cameron, as well as features from Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Tim Burton, Robert Zemeckis and so on.

But with over two million 3D-ready TVs already on the market, 3D is no longer limited to cinema distribution and more and more TV production is gearing up for the 3D revelotuon.

The basic technology for 3D live-action filming normally consists of using two cameras separated by a distance known as the inter-ocular distance and a variable angle known as the convergence. By varying these, different special effects can be created for the viewer.

For stop-frame animation, the use of two cameras is often not just costly but impossible or unnecessary. Often because stop frame animation is of scaled models, the cameras need to be very close together (closer than they can physically fit). Because there is no live-action it is simpler and more cost effective to use a single camera and slide it side to side to take the two images necessary for each eye.

This makes the camera package smaller by needing only one camera and lens, eliminates differences in the image due to two lenses having different lens distortions, allows the inter-ocular distance to be as small as needed without problems due to camera and lens sizes.

This principle can also be used for 3D nature photography or timelapse of slow moving events. The only issue is how to accurately control the side to side motion of the camera.

New Mark Roberts Motion Control have announced the release of the new S3 Stereoscopic 3D Stepping module. This intelligent, low-cost, portable unit can accurately control the motion and triggering of the camera for any stop-frame 3D filming. It is designed to carry a variety of DSLR and filming cameras and has the following features:

• Strong rigid construction using high quality bearings
  
• Simple user interface with backlit LCD screen
  
• On-board FLASH memory
  
• User programmable inter-ocular distance
  
• Can trigger the camera or can be triggered by the camera
  
• For use with or without a motion control system
  
• Up to 3" (75mm) of travel on standard unit
  
• Can carry large and small cameras
  
• Extremely precise and repeatable motion

The unit is very simple to use - attach the camera, attach the unit to a tripod (or a motion control system). Set the required inter-ocular distance using the on-board display, attach the camera trigger cable and you are ready to run. Every time the unit receives trigger (from any of a number of sources including intervalometers, motion control software, remote switches motion sensors) it will trigger the shutter for the left eye view, move the camera for the right eye view, trigger the shutter and then move back to the left eye view ready for the next frame.]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:26:20 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluyFlpYbEMAtaK http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluyFlpYbEMAtaK
The surgery, broadcast in live 3D using technology developed for digital cinema, took place at the Korean National Cancer Institute and was transmitted through the Hyper Research Network (KOREN), a terrestrial IP network, to the conference site at the Korean National Information Society Agency where doctors and medical students were participating in a session on surgical techniques. IDC's Korean partner, Digipeg Corporation, provided the technology used for the capture and broadcast of the demonstration.

The surgery was performed using the da Vinci S HD Surgical System. Built by US-based Intuitive Surgical, this system integrates HD 3D endoscopy with state of the art robotic technology. The Superflex 3D Live Encoders and Decoders were provided by IDC for the demonstration. While the primary purpose of the SuperFlex product line is the delivery of 2D and 3D events for digital cinema, this demonstrates that the products, using technology developed by Sensio®, are easy to use and have wider applications in other markets, such as 3D medical imaging.

"This was a most impressive demonstration of the power of live 3D stereoscopic imagery and how it can aid in surgery and medical treatment. The advances in 3D imagery will prove to be a valuable tool to improve medical treatment and to enable better training of medical professionals," said Dr. Young Woo Kim, of the National Medical Cancer Centre.

"This was a great example of how several international companies can work together for the advancement of technology for medical treatment and training. We are honored to work with companies such as IDC, who continue to be willing to work with us to provide innovative technology solutions for our customers," said Kenny Kim, CEO of Digipeg.

"The use of off-the-shelf 3D live broadcast technology as a real-time diagnostic tool for the medical profession as well as a teaching tool for doctor training has now been successfully demonstrated," said Ron Clifton, IDC President and CEO. "The same benefits of bandwidth compression and HD video quality inherent in the Sensio 3D technology for digital cinema applies equally well for this application. We are happy to see the market potential for our 3D products expanding and that our technology can have this kind of positive impact on the health care profession," he added.

SENSIO's 3D technology, originally developed for the consumer 3D entertainment market, transforms stereoscopic high-definition video (e.g. from dual HD cameras) into its proprietary format that allows distribution of 3D content over standard infrastructure. The technology features visually loss-less stereoscopic compression and is compatible with all existing and future 3D projection technologies for 2D or 3D viewing. ]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:22:06 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluyEkyBabbVJNN http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluyEkyBabbVJNN
"The first generation of Matrox DisplayPort graphics cards bring a tremendous amount of flexibility to today's DisplayPort users," says Samuel Recine, Director of Business Development, Matrox Graphics. "Not only can users choose any combination of pivoted, independent, or stretched displays, but also have the opportunity to combine two M9148 cards in a single system to drive up to eight DisplayPort or DVI monitors."

The Matrox M9138 and Matrox M9148 are low-profile graphics cards that make it easy to integrate into a wide variety of systems, and both offer optimal support for Windows® Vista Aero (WDDM mode).]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:14:54 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluVyAuVLgujGHo http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVluVyAuVLgujGHo
Conventional conversion programs merely rotoscope, or cut out selected objects within 2D images, only to push them around and create the illusion of depth. Conversely, the new 3inD system actually recreates 2D images within a three dimensional environment, creating true depth, texture and space. This revolutionary process overcomes most of the inherent problems that plague existing 3D conversion programs.

"This software recreates 2D images into textural, life-like 3D models. The results are phenomenal. Rather than pushing objects around to fake depth, we recreate the 2D image in a 3D world. When you think about how conversions are typically done, this makes a lot more sense. And seeing the results in 3D, you realize immediately it's a superior methodology", said company president Karl Kozak.

3inD's innovative method not only gives conversion technicians unprecedented tactile command over highly complex images (live-action & animated), but takes the manipulation of alignment, perspective, depth, pop, borders, tracking, missing data, motion and stereoscopy – to a higher level altogether.

Like other 3D conversion systems, the resulting 3D images can be output to an array of formats and platforms, including; RealD & Dolby digital 3D polarized theaters, dual projection, 3D ready TV, alternate-frame sequencing, and more.

Additional information can be found at http://www.3DfilmFactory.com ]]> Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:36:40 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVuEEuppPojlkciU http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVuEEuppPojlkciU
The most important thing is the absolute accuracy: "The system works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in any light and weather condition. We had 100% of detection and just one false alarm a day", said Gideon Rosen, marketing manager of the company.

The cameras are managed by a programmable software capable to autonomously establish whether the detected item represents a threat. It will not be anymore necessary to have an operator passing all of his time watching the screen because his attention will be called in case of necessity with a sound.

Multiple cameras supply a better vision and more accurate. Furthermore, if one is damaged, the others keep working. The software also allows to watch recorded images while the system keeps performing its surveillance activity. The test phase was carried out with about 3,000 tests along the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem's wall, after which the Israeli government decided to buy the system.

The radar, installed on the ground, on a building or on a vehicle, can be programmed according to the customers' necessities, being them military or civil. The system "Studies" the area on issue for some seconds, understanding its "Normal" conditions (moving bushes, light changes, people or cars passing by...) and following it is capable to detect a person, an animal or an object even hundreds or meters far, using combined optic and thermal vision.

Possible applications are many: for example a "Virtual wall" can be created to limit a protected area; attention can be focused on sensitive facilities, such as airports, railway stations or nuclear plants; the system is capable to detect an intruder also in the fog or behind smoke, at 1.5-2 km of distance.

Another possible usage concerns air traffic safety: from FOD (Foreign object and debris) detection to bird strike prevention, it can even be used to avoid collisions as it is able to detect an approaching aircraft when it is more than 10 km far.

Prisons, ports and several other applications are possible, for example fire prevention in forests. "We can see the smoke before the fire - Haim Siboni, founder and CEO of Magna BSP, told AVIONEWS - or see if a cigarette is thrown on the ground, giving alarm on time"]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:38:51 GMT http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVkkuFFEehptMWYX http://www.stereoscopy.com/news/index.html#newsitemEkuVkkuFFEehptMWYX
3D signage is just starting to emerge in the Digital Signage market with autostereoscopic displays. The challenge is to support the different hardware approaches from the various panel manufacturers that results into incompatibility of produced 3D content. VisuMotion has solved this by offering a software player called 3D Movie Center for playing 3D stereo file formats, compatible with nearly any of the 3D panel makers. Stinova's latest release of Digital Media Player Software for Windows now supports the ActiveX based 3D Movie Center from VisuMotion. This allows the management of 3D displays throughout large digital signage networks.

"We are pleased to have VisuMotion as a strategic partner, the technology lets us introduce glassless 3D technologies as a new visual experience to the Digital Signage industry" said Franz Hintermayr, CEO of Stinova. He continues "I am confident that 3D display advertisements will surpass the typical response to conventional 2D advertising."

"Partnering with Stinova gives us access to the rapidly growing Digital Signage market" says Dr. Markus Klippstein, CEO of VisuMotion. "We see a big future of 3D advertisement formats in the Digital Signage industry".]]>