Inition’s DepthCatcher works by shooting objects in stereo rotating on a turntable and multiplexing together eight different angles
solution which combines the 3D views to produce a single high brightness, high resolution image.
Multiview video Even when we do get affordable high resolution autostereo screens the only content of acceptable quality they may be able to show would be animated or computer generated. Acquiring live action stereo content requires a rigged pair of cameras but to create pictures for, for example, nine views then nine camera angles would be necessary. “There is an uplift in price and
you need a brand that is willing to make a complete [multiview] advert to make the budget work but the results are worth it,” says Shannon Dowsing, Visualisation & Technology consultant for Inition which has produced multi-view 3D content for in-store campaign promoting LG handsets. There are other methods. One is
to capture picture and depth information from a source camera, and then information from an array of ‘witness’ cameras, which can be recombined in post. Fraunhofer HHI has developed a Trifocal Depth Capture system and is working with German neighbour Imcube to pass raw depth-map data through software that automatically adjusts and smooths the result.
Another solution is to capture light fields from a scene from a camera fitted with a lens array, like the Lytro. Inition has a novel approach. Its DepthCatcher works by shooting objects in stereo rotating on a turntable and multiplexing together eight different angles. The software is currently only compatible with eight-view Alioscopy displays but will shortly support Dimenco and Phillips displays. “We film with a much larger
interocular between the two lenses than we would for conventional stereo capture so we have more occlusion information and making it easier to generate multi-views,” explained Dowsing. Another cost-effective route is to convert stereo into autostereo content. Dimenco is converting the 3D library of stock footage company Stereobank using its proprietary software process to extract depth-maps which is then used to render multiple viewpoints over lenticular displays. Meanwhile, French display developer Alioscopy has allied with Fraunhofer HHI to convert stereoscopic footage for creative and production companies specialising in movie trailers. There are over 30 different multiview display companies
already in the market including Stream TV, Wowfly, Aliscopy, iPont, Miracube, Dimenco, SeeFront, Exceptional, Zero Creative, Tridelity and Magnetic. That’s not to mention the heavyweight interest of
Sony, Samsung and Apple, which may include auto- stereo functionality for its anticipated entry into the smart TV market.
At NAB, Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), previewed a 200-inch rear projection providing 200
viewpoints and an HD resolution. It is very rudimentary, suitable at this stage only for static images and a narrow viewing angle, but NICT is developing a 200 camera system to achieve multi-view video.
TVBEurope 65
THREE FRESNEL K T
COMPLETE LED FRESNEL LIGHTING KIT IN A CARRY-ON SIZE CASE
At just 14 kilograms, the new Litepanels Sola ENG Flight Kit can be carried onboard commercial planes and stows neatly in overhead bins. These compact, yet powerful fixtures offer a fully dimmable and focusable daylight balanced source, so you have everything you need to work on the fly.
The kit includes:
> 3 Sola ENG fixtures & accessories - 2-Way barndoors - AC adaptors - Gel filter kits - D-Tap cables