News Stories

Miracube 2D/3D switchable LCD monitors

1.8.2009

Pavonine Korea, Inc. is showing its Miracube stereoscopic LCD monitors at the Hilton.  The company has developed a variety of 2D/3D switchable displays, ranging from 17- to 32-inches, built on top of a Samsung LCD panel.  They offer both passive glasses and non-glasses models, but are only showing the passive glasses model in the booth.  They also offer a dual-camera stereographic mount for filming.

utech

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Where to see it:

  • Hilton 49020

Prime Sense offers 3D Machine Vision Technologies

1.8.2009

Thanks to Orna Berry, a venture capitalist friend of ours, we were given a peek into a private whisper suite of a start-up called PrimeSense.

PrimeSense is making possible a 3D (webcam-size) camera that captures 2D+ depth data in realtime.  Using the depth map, they can create real-time keys and mats that allow for the removal of the background.

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The depth map creates all kinds of opportunities for new applications.  PrimeSense has made a smart business model decision to be a fab-less semiconductor company and to work with major OEMs to create and market the hardware, while working with creative and software companies to build applications and games on top of their software.  They’re currently working with developers and have major companies that are already developing games and other products based on their technology.

They showed us a few sample applications:

  • A remote-less media interface that allows you to navigate and control media selection, playback, volume, etc. using only your hands…

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  • Controlling a preexisting game without modifying the game – in this case, Adi Berenson of Prime Sense is playing a game similar to Dance Dance Revolution, and the camera is watching his movements and mapping them to what the game thinks are keystrokes.  It’s like Wii without the need for the controller…

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  • They also showed demonstrations of a touch-less touch screen interface for digital signage.  

Their strategy is a good one – add value on underlying technology – chips and software/SDK – and let the CE tech giants with distribution in place and the content developers do what they do best. 

PrimeSense is a company to watch.  Look for their stuff out of the whisper suites and on to the floor in the future.

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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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