Intel Releases Open-Source Stereoscopic Software

Eslyjah writes "Intel has released a software library that allows computers to "see" in 3D. The library is available for Windows and Linux, under a BSDish license. Possible early applications include lipreading input. Check out the CNN Story, Intel Press Release, and project home page."

Comments

Didn't they see 2001?

[wickidpisa]

Possible early applications include lipreading input.

Didn't we learn anything from 2001? You would think that people wouldn't be so eager to teach computers to read lips.

Not 3D Rendering, 3D Viewing

[adamy]

This is not for rendering in 3d, but for allowing a machine to build a 3d model (internally) of the environment it uses. I assume it is based on the same sort of binocular mechanism as animal eyes, but the algorithms to build the internal structure are probably pretty advanced.

A cool application (I haven't seen if they've done this yet) is rendering in Open GL the internal view of what the robot eyes see. It would allow you to walk through a building, and then have a 3D model for various other uses. Reverse engineering blueprints.

THis would be great technology to have on any mars lander, or even just to analyze the data sent back.

Its not that complicated, kids.

[Bowie J. Poag]

Here's how you do make stereoscopic images with a digital camera:

Take a picture like you normally would, but be mindful of the position and angle of your camera.

2) Snap a picture.

3) If the subject you're photographing is close to you, take a small step to the right. If the subject is far away, take a large step to the right.

4) Aim your camera at the subject and photograph it again.

5) Pull up both images in the photo editor of your choice.

6) Arrange the photos side by side. The first image you took should be on the left, the second image you took should be on the right.

7) Sit directly infront of your monitor, and blur your eyes. If you cant blur them, try crossing them slightly. Try to focus on "the picture in the middle". If you still cant do it, hold up a pencil (eraser-side up) exactly halfway between your eyeball and the screen. Focus on the eraser. The image on the screen should pop out at you in stereoscopic 3D.

For some good examples of a stereoscopic images I took, go here. Try the picture of the steering wheel first...Its really easy. You'll also see a number of stereo photos of Tumacoccori, an 18th century Spanish mission that got the shit beat out of it by native americans. You'll also find another picture thats rather interesting---It's a downward view of a deactivated nuclear missile still in the silo at the Titan Missile Museum outside of Tucson. The view extends about 20 floors below ground. If I were to have taken this photo in 1981 versus 2001, I would have been shot on sight. :)

Cheers,