Spheres display
A sphere display is a 3D rendering device in the shape of a sphere that enables users to view and interact with three-dimensional objects. The volume display represents a similar development .
developments
Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and the University of British Columbia in Canada developed the spherical display Spheree, which enables users to view and interact with three-dimensional objects. In terms of its external appearance, at first glance it is reminiscent of a snow or crystal ball.
The new technology was demonstrated at SIGGRAPH 2014, the 41st International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Technologies, which took place from August 10 to 14, 2014 in Vancouver. There the participants were able to control a 3D animation in which a train drove around an animated house in the snowfall.
Technical implementation
This interactive visualization is made possible by eight pocket-size projectors (pico projectors), which are housed in the foot part of the sphere, as well as powerful software that coordinates the interaction of the individual projectors and ensures automatic calibration of the projectors. This makes it possible to seamlessly combine the resolution and brightness of the individual projected images in such a way that a decrease in quality is prevented and a uniform representation of a 3D animation is possible almost everywhere on the spherical surface. This is achieved primarily through the use of a webcam, which determines the position of the individual projections and specifically calculates their contribution to the overall image in the sphere. By not using special mirrors or lenses during projection, “blind spots” are avoided in the entire projected image.
The display uses six infrared cameras to enable interaction with people in the area. They track the movement of the audience, who are marked with the help of a sensor. Using the data from the cameras, a computer can constantly correct the perspective of the virtual scene based on the position of an observer. In addition, a leap motion interface enables control and interaction of the 3D scenes and animations with gestures. This makes it possible, for example, to start an animation or move it back and forth.
application
The researchers see model makers and animators who work in team projects as users of such a technology. Such a display can also be used for demonstration purposes in interactive museums.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Spheree presentation at SIGGRAPH. (No longer available online.) Archived from the original on September 12, 2014 ; accessed on February 18, 2018 (English). Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
