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Computer Vision Tech Grabs Humans In Real-Time 3D
Tinkle writes "Toshiba's R&D Labs in Cambridge, UK have developed a system capable of real-time 3D modeling of the human face and body — using a simple set of three different colored lights. Simple it may be, but the results are impressive. Commercial applications for computer vision technology look set to be huge — according professor Roberto Cipolla. On the horizon: cheap and easy digitized everyday objects for ecommerce, plus gesture-based interfaces — a la Natal — and in-car safety systems. Ultimately even driver-less cars. 'This is going to be the decade of computer vision,' predicts Cipolla."
Driverless cars huh? Not sure how safe I feel about that ;>
What I would find interesting, is if they could make RGB lights that flash each color for only a tiny fraction of a second. So to the average person, the light looks white, but to the camera (which would need to be fast to read that much change) it appears the color for that frame. So that way, you could have a system like this in a normal room, and record a 3D model of the room at all times (Think of a security camera, but one that could take a 3d image instead of a 2D one)... It seems cool so far, let's see if it matures...
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Or even better would be a system that uses infrared or some other wavelength that we can't see.
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Until they can construct 3D models AND animate them convincingly I don't think there are any implications. Having viewers download a 3D model to admire on their 2D display doesn't seem to offer much advantage over photos or video. Loading the model in an editor and applying different clothing or performing a virtual boob-job maybe?
And with face-recognition and 3D-mapping, soon you'll get a ticket via snail-mail.
"Dead Keith Jr.,
in the last three months we have noticed that you have gained 15% in body mass. Please report to the gym immediately or your health care benefits will be suspended."
( 'This is going to be the decade of computer vision,' predicts Cipolla. )
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Since this requires shining lights on the object to be digitized from particular angles, two or more independent vision systems (e.g. in driverless cars) would probably interfere with each other.
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Just improve skynet's target acquisition algorithms, why don't you?!!!
That is a fantastic leap in thinking!
I am wondering if this technique could be used with the spectrum of stars to identify the 3 dimensional structure of distant galaxies and clouds of gas?
I would venture to say that drivers cause 100% of car driving accidents.