News Stories

3D Imaging Technology Could Help Multi-Fault Earthquake Preparations

2.10.2012

[redorbit]

A team of U.S., Mexican, and Chinese geologists have used a new tool to help pinpoint the precise locations where earthquakes caused the planet’s crust to rupture and alter the landscape, resulting in what they are calling the “most comprehensive before-and-after picture… of an earthquake zone to date.”

The 3D images, which were published in the February 10 issue of the journal Science, were captured from a 7.2. magnitude earthquake that occurred near Mexicali in northern Mexico on April 4, 2010, according to a February 9 University of California-Davis (UC-Davis) press release. Using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) equipment, the geologists were able to aerially scan approximately 140 square miles of terrain in under three days.  …

The researchers used a “virtual reality” facility at the university to analyze the data, comparing before and after photos from the location to determine what impact the earthquake had on the ground, the university said. By studying the deformation that occurred around seven small faults responsible for the seismic activity, they discovered how each of them played a role in causing the quake to occur.  ..

Read the full story here: http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112472361/3d-imaging-technology-could-help-multi-fault-earthquake-preparations/

Hands-on with the LG Optimus 3D Gingerbread update

2.7.2012

[MobileSyrup]

…Nearly six months after our initial review, the device has been updated to Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with a few notable improvements to not only overall performance but its 3D capabilities.  …

Overall Look and Feel

3D Imaging

Because the Optimus 3D uses its two 5MP cameras to form a stereoscopic image, it’s quite interesting to see how much better LG made the photo- and video-taking experience. According to the changelog, HD 3D video is now recorded at 12Mbps, up from around 8Mpbs, and video stabilization has been implemented in both 2D and 3D mode. As well, 3D depth has been increased.

At once we noticed these improvements: not only did the app itself respond better, but 3D photos and videos were noticeably improved in their clarity and delineation between front and background objects. Whereas before if I took a photo of a nearby object it was difficult, in 3D mode, to differentiate it from its background, this is now clearly distinguishable in the new update.

LG included a couple gimmicky features, too, in relation to its 3D imaging capabilities. 2D photos and video can now be converted into 3D, and vice versa, which is likely because even if you’re taking a photo or video with one lens, the other one is capturing the same information; LG just makes it easy to incorporate that data from the second lens in one tap.

3D For Everyone

LG brought two more “big features” to the Gingerbread update: a 3D-capable video editor, and a 2D-to-3D game conversion tool. …

Read the full review here: http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/02/06/hands-on-with-the-lg-optimus-3d-gingerbread-update/

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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