Category Archives: 3D Tech

Next Windows version to include AI-tool for converting images into 3D

Other features include a new AI feature for turning 2D images into 3D parralax ones for the Windows desktop, a new Super resolution feature that will upscale the quality of videos and games, and a new Live Captions mode that will be able to translate different languages in real time.

Windows 12: New features, AI experiences, expected rollout, and everything we know so far | Windows Central

More info here: Parallax Depth Effects powered by AI are coming to Windows – gHacks Tech News

This story came out in March of 2023, but as of December 2023 and a few Windows updates later, this feature does not show up on my computer.

Again: “Breakthrough Glasses-Free 3D Technology on Display at CES 2022”

There have been several interesting 3D solutions including glasses-free, over the years. Unfortunately, the public so far has not been real interested in 3D.

MIAMI, Dec. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — IQH3D will be premiering their glasses-free 3D products at CES Las Vegas 2022 in booth #19274. IQH3D has pioneered a new generation of 3D devices through research and development of Glasses-Free 3D products and advanced software applications that will be on display. Experience the highest quality 3D optics ever produced on a consumer device with the featured product SKYY 10.8″ Streaming 3D tablet. All IQH3D’s devices can be used for viewing 3D content and extraordinary NFT Stereoscopic Digital Art. CES 2022 attendees are invited to visit www.IQH3D.com to learn more about IQH3D’s line of products.

Source: Breakthrough Glasses-Free 3D Technology on Display at CES 2022 | National News | kpvi.com

Those that I have seen have looked pretty good, too.

“No glasses” 3D Holograms?

Light Field Labs has raised an additional US $28 million in funding to develop and produce free air holographic display technology. They are said to have a working prototype now and the additional funding will enable them to scale up to an actual product.

The aim is to create holographic objects that appear to be three dimensional and float in space without head-mounted gear such as augmented reality or virtual reality goggles.”

Source: Light Field Labs : 3D Holograms no glasses Deep Dive – fxguide

The principle people behind the technology had developed the Lytro camera technology. As best I can tell, it may be similar to a digital implementation of a conventional, analog, film-based hologram. In the original hologram technology, you look at a flat image that is, basically, like a window pane. As you move to the left or right, you see the true 3D image visible from that point in space. In the laser-based hologram, the window pane is a film that has recorded light interference patterns.

From the description down the page, here, my interpretation is they have created a currently small window pane that is replicating the light interference hologram concept, but in the digital domain. Obviously, it takes a tremendous amount of computational horsepower and for video, high bandwidth, both of which are becoming available as tech advances.

I presume, also, that this technology can be used to project objects in front of the viewing plane, as is done in stereoscopic 3D. In other words, actors or objects can be appear to be between you and the viewing screen – or behind the screen.

This tech creates true 3D that does not require glasses for viewing.

3D theaters continue to increase in number

From: 3D is “dead”, but 3D cinema screens rise is steady – Personal View Talks

And while “3D TV” is mostly gone at present, 3D video projectors are very common. Most video projectors support 3D because it is very inexpensive to add 3D to a projection system while it was expensive to put the tech into flat panel TVs.

If you are looking for 3D viewing options at home, 3D projectors are a good option. Another option is 3D computer monitors, which are used in gaming and engineering and other visualization applications.

Facebook introduces “no glasses” #3D photos

You’re not seeing things — that photo in your Facebook newsfeed is 3D. Launching today, 3D Facebook Photos use the depth maps from dual-lens smartphones to add dimension to an image as you move your phone. The effect is an image that pops as you scroll, without any specialty gear (unless you want to use your Oculus).

Source: 3D Facebook Photos Jump Out of the Newsfeed With A Turn of the Wrist | Digital Trends

It’s a more modern version of the 3D “wiggle” method made popular, originally, as self playing GIF files that “wiggled” back and forth between the left eye and right eye images.

3D image capture for this new feature works only on selected iPhone models having dual cameras. Facebook says other phones, presumably Android-based, will be added in the future.