3dimensions

Researchers Develop a Method for Taking 3D Photos with a Single Static Lens

For a while now, researchers have been trying to remove two things from 3D photos and video: the glasses and the second lens. Some companies have made headway in the area -- think of Samsung's single-lens 3D technology and Panasonic's special single-lens 3D sensor -- but some new research out of Harvard offers a software-based alternative.

Researchers Reconstruct Highly-Accurate 3D Scenes Using High-Res Photos

3D modeling for movies and video games is often done using lasers. The modeler scans whatever it is they are trying to reconstruct using a laser and then ends up spending a good bit of time cleaning up the results in post. In contrast, a new method developed by the folks at Disney Zurich promises to generate much more accurate results by replacing the lasers with photos.

Poppy Turns Your iPhone Into an Easy-to-Use 3D Camera and Display

Remember the old ViewMaster toys? All you had to do was put in one of the special cartridges and you could go "sightseeing" in 3D. A new invention by entrepreneurs Ethan Lowry and Joe Heitzeberg harkens back to the old ViewMaster days, only instead of a cartridge, you have your iPhone -- and instead of just viewing 3D content, now you can capture it as well!

Using Focus Stacked Photos to Create 3D Reconstructions

Creating a 3D scan of an object can be done several different ways. We've seen everything from long distance laser cameras and hacked Kinects used to great effect. Computer engineer Giancarlo Todone's take on creating a 3D reconstruction takes another approach: using focus stacking.

How to Make Stereoscopic GIFs Using a 3D Camera and Photoshop

Over the course of your comings and goings on the internet, you've probably spotted at least a few of those mind-bending GIFs that loop perspectives rather than a snippet of time.

Well, it turns out that making them yourself isn't that difficult, just as long as you have a 3D camera and some time at your disposal. And in the how-to video above, The Creators Project enlists the help of half the Mr. GIF team, Mark Portillo, to show you just how easy it is.

Matterport Captures Amazing 3D Interiors Using Special Camera

Founded in 2011, interior mapping startup Matterport is planning to bring detailed 3D mapping to your home, office and beyond very soon. Using a special camera rig designed by Matterport co-founder Matt Bell, the system promises to help users "create accurate, photo-realistic 3D models -- quickly, easily and automatically."

Panasonic Creates a Panoramic Camera Array for Ultra-Wide 3D Imagery

3D technology is consistently improving. And even though Samsung may have pioneered single lens 3D technology, Panasonic have put together an impressive rig that can shoot 3D panoramas.

The array is part of a project called Dive Into World Heritage 3D, in which Panasonic went and captured seven world heritage sites so that people could experience them even if they can't afford to travel there.

Giza 3D: A Historically Accurate Online Recreation of the Giza Plateau

Several weeks ago we mentioned a new Google Maps feature that allows you to take virtual tours of famous locations all over the world. And now -- coming out of a partnership between design firm Dassault Systèmes, Harvard University and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts -- you can take a historically accurate, 3-dimensional, online look at Egypt's entire Giza plateau online.