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Researchers Develop 3-D Search Engine

Posted by michael on from the etch-a-sketch dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers have developed new search engines that can mine catalogs of three-dimensional objects, like airplane parts or architectural features. All the users have to do is sketch what they're thinking of, and the search engines can produce comparable objects."

14 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Is this a good thing to be releasing? by LostCluster · · Score: 3, Funny

    How long until we hear about an "architectural piracy" case over the design of small-city houses...

  2. Finally... by Unnngh! · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...I can have the computer search for my keys for me.

    Oh, wait

  3. Yay by f0d0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    A 3D haystack!

  4. Maybe something for ./? by __aagctu1952 · · Score: 5, Funny

    If Slashdot started comparing the general shape of submitted articles maybe we would avoid a couple of dupes...

  5. How long before by jeffkjo1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    How long before the porn industry capitalizes on this one?

    The possibilities are endless.

  6. Killer App by women · · Score: 2, Funny

    I believe that the killer app for this technology will be for 3d desktops. Unfortunately, the killer app for 3d desktops probably doesn't exist.

    --
    If you're a fan of women, add me to your friends list.
  7. I'm not too good at sketching, by darkonc · · Score: 3, Funny

    but I can give you her measurements....

    --
    Sometimes boldness is in fashion. Sometimes only the brave will be bold.
  8. Clippy for the drawing impared by Craptastic+Weasel · · Score: 5, Funny

    Ahhh I can see it now. The marketing types will have a field day with this one. Maybe they could incorporate Clippy into the program, to help out the drawing impared.

    "I see you are trying to draw a monkey wearing what looks like a condom on it's head... May I assist you in finding such an item?"

    "Click'

    "Find books about Monkeys With Condoms on their Heads at Amazon.com"

    "Find the lowest priced Monkey with Condoms on their heads with Price Grabber"

    Bring it.

    1. Re:Clippy for the drawing impared by Jardine · · Score: 2, Funny

      Being a curious little monkey and not having the man with the yellow hat around to stop me, I searched amazon.com for this.

      The first book that comes up: "The Trouble with Islam : A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith". I have no idea what this means, but it has to be significant in some way.

  9. Re:Depends too much on by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    the user's ability to sketch. I used to teach an amature art class, most people can't even draw a recognizable hand.

    What a coincidence. I used to teach a Spelling for Amateurs class, and most people couldn't even spell the name of the class.

  10. Beta Results by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The researchers have released the most popular sketch submitted by beta testers who were asked to sketch what they're thinking of:

    +---------+
    | |
    | (.Y.) |
    | ) ( |
    | ( Y ) |
    | |
    +---------+

  11. Great! by JohnnyBigodes · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now all they need to do is a similar engine for pr0n. That way I can draw the perfect tits to look for :D

  12. Easier to describe by words by bdigit · · Score: 2, Funny

    Say I want to look for some weird industrial part. I open up google and type "long hard metal round"

    And I come up with plenty of usefu... oh nm

  13. Re:Previous /. article by Nahor · · Score: 2, Funny

    Previous /. comment
    http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=104348&cid=888 7035