2007.11.27
NTT Comware developed Depth Mapped 3D Technology to create multiple angle 3D images on a real time basis using depth images
NTT Comware Corporation (below, NTT Comware; Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuhji Imai) developed Depth Mapped 3D Technology to create 3D images for unaided eyes to see from multiple angles composing live-action images on a real time basis. Depth Mapped 3D Technology recombines a depth image of objects from the image using two cameras to create 3D images to show on the multiple angle intelligent 3D display (*1) on a real time basis, which needs no eyeglasses for viewers to see. This technology can be applied to 3D computer graphics (below, 3D-CG), not only for the real-time live action 3D images.
Background
NTT Comware has developed a system to distribute live-action images captured by two cameras for a real-time 3D composition. However, as this system only allows one person to see 3D images due to the principles of stereophonic vision of the existing 3D displays, multiple angle 3D technologies were also studied for multiple users.Outline
Depth Mapped 3D Technology produces a "depth image", which represents the distance between the two cameras and an object, as an image data. Then, a real-time composition of the depth image and regular images through image processing is to create a three dimensional image on the multiple angle intelligence 3D display. The 3D images distributed through this system will allow multiple users to see the same objects from different angles without special eyeglasses at the same time.Example of Application:
(1) 3D Digital SignageWith a 3D display applicable to this technology, Digital Signage (*2) which is becoming popular as a new media of advertisement and sales promotion, may be appropriate to use this technology so advertising images can be projected as 3D images. This would be a media with high visibility.
(2) 3D Exhibition
In cultural facilities such as museums of arts or science where a number of quality image products and contents, this technology will contribute to provide 3D images for multiple viewers to see without special eyeglasses at the same time as well as to make the objects more real and effective for exhibition.
Future Scenario
NTT Comware continues to study various 3D display technologies, not only this one, as well as to proceed its research and development activities to achieve higher image quality.Terminology
*1: Multiple Angle Intelligence 3D DisplayA three-dimensional display for users to see an object from multiple angles without special glasses which was used to be required for viewing 3D images.
The 3D display is not to show two-dimensional images like conventional displays but allows presenting a three dimensional image representation adding a depth to it. Although intelligent 3D displays to see with naked eyes were only for one viewer, the technology was improved so that the multiple angle intelligence 3D display allows multiple users to see at the same time because the system uses a film placed on a special lens.
*2: Digital Signage
Electronic posters and signboards which emerged with popularization of broadband and thin displays. The signage will distribute movies on a network and show on a display.
Notice
The 3D-CG exhibition and the workshop of the single angle 3D-CG production support tool to optimize the three dimensional parameter for production of 3D-CG contents are scheduled from November 27th to 30th 2007at the CG contents exhibition "e.magiciens" held in Theatre le Phenix in Valenciennes, France.3D-CG and the live action 3D distribution system will be displayed at Digital Art Festival Tokyo 2007 held at the main venue of Panasonic Center Tokyo from December 7th to 11th.
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