Schools in future can expect to have a new learning ambience what with 3D technology now being tested by School Safety Summit in collaboration with NASA. MIT had been awarded two contracts under which the premier institute would develop 3D motion picture camera for NASA. This camera would have the capability to produce stereoscopic 3D pictures and video that would be beta tested by the Colorado education leaders for its applicability in schools of the future.

The new system would have the ability to capture motion in all 360 degrees and that too in 3D. This opens up fresh new avenues for producers of 3D TV shows and film makers alike. Invitation to all such probable’s have been extended to join the project and ask their wisdom in the development of this futuristic project.

The gadget would offer depth perception to a degree that had never been perceived as possible before. People who are involved in the education, entertainment as well as other such fields would benefit highly from this robotic marvel.

An orientation kit and schedule of the project is available and open for registration by interested people and parties at www.3DTaskForce.org.

The robotic marvel has been the brainchild of Eric Prechtl, Ray Sedwick and Eric Jonas. What it constitutes of is an array of cameras that capture the scene in real time. From the large database of pictures that is thus captured a real time processor coverts the same to 3D images.

The software that the device includes has the ability to process these images and produce a movie cyclorama by forming them in a full cycle. For creating a continuous, unobstructed, unidirectional image that extends a full 4 pi steradians, the device has the ability to combine the cycloramic view such that the view extends both upwards or downwards as well.

To get the feel of reality and that too in real time, the user can be embedded amidst the view that is created by the device zooming into and out of the scene as one wishes to. In case there are more than one viewer or participant each can take on a direction of view of own liking. In fact, one also has the option of going in for both the views simultaneously as well.

One of the direct applications that the project work could be put to use is the control of the robots on the planetary surfaces that NASA is monitoring for collection of samples and even to build the space station structures that is an ongoing process by the NASA foundation. The other places where NASA could put this device to use is the space programs by way of takeoff and landing controls as well as better communication set ups with astronauts and the ground staff. The astronauts would also be able to get a real feel of the times in space while they are on earth itself for better preparation.

The other fields of application are the training to be imparted in respect of school safety teams as also for fire fighters to simulate real time scenarios for them and allow them to practice in closer to real time situations. There is also the possibility of filming drama and that too with the audience actually placed right in between the story line characters and scenes.

via marketwatch

Sovan Mandal  (446 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com and 3D Specialist. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email