The Future Is Here: 3-D Holograms Straight From Sci-Fi
New technology utilizing the Kinect motion-sensor system for the Xbox game console creates ghostly 3-D images that can be manipulated at will. Suddenly the holograms from "Star Wars" are starting to seem possible, and conventional 2-D filmmaking is becoming rapidly obsolete. The results are stunningly beautiful and sophisticated, even though the holograms can be achieved by combining two common systems.
After the rise of 3-D films (most notably James Cameron’s “Avatar”) and increasing use of computer-generated imagery, we’re seeing the movie industry rapidly adapt to new technology. Now, though, there’s another innovation: A group that created the RGB+D Toolkit has combined two relatively common technologies to create beautiful 3-D images that can be manipulated at will.
The team used DSLR video footage (the newest standard digital camera format) and the Kinect motion-capture system for Microsoft’s popular Xbox gaming console, mixing the feeds and mapping the 2-D video onto 3-D depth data. It creates a 3-D hologram derived from live-action footage, but can be manipulated by computer coding. Instead of using separate CGI and live-action systems, as movies do now, this new technology can combine the two so that they’re indistinguishable.
Right now, the depth mapping from the Kinect is imperfect, creating distortions, flickers and blurs. The Kinect is only first-generation technology, though, so the bugs being worked out by Microsoft will also improve the quality and realism of the holograms. In the meantime, though, the defects in the footage and the lack of development create footage that is stunningly surreal and beautiful. Enjoy. — CN
Wait, before you go…Gizmodo: As the Creators Project points out, the technique of pasting human faces and frames on computer forms isn’t new—and was recently taken to new levels by the incredible graphics work in Rockstar’s LA Noire. It’s now hard to watch Mad Men without thinking of the LA Noire guy. But what if you could get similar results with the (relatively) cheap gear you already own? A crew going by RGB+D shows it’s possible—and looks amazing.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
TD Original
The epic flameout of Florida’s bullying and uniquely unlikeable governor shouldn’t have surprised anyone.
Military
Although it has not yet formally entered into force, the CTBT is one of the most successful agreements in the long history of nuclear arms control and nonproliferation.
Politics
The lawmaker, who had been chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, denied the wide-ranging allegations in a statement Friday.
Labor
"It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal."
Opinion
Their silence and spin on the reality of the Biden administration's situation only serve to increase the odds that Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Ear to the Ground
Nearly 90% of the Australian population supports the journalist’s safe return to his native country, says Greens Sen. David Shoebridge.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.