Low-cost 3D technology could come to smartphone cameras

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Low-cost 3D technology could come to smartphone cameras
to me Digital Trends, researchers at Stanford University are working on a system that could lead to major improvements for smartphone cameras. With the changes, image sensors will be able to measure the distance between objects using light which will allow 3D imaging on smartphones. Doing so will require the use of lidar, which means “light detection and rangefinding”.

A cheaper version of lidar could help make Stanford’s 3D imaging system available on a large number of smartphones

The Lidar fires the laser light and sets the number of times it takes to bounce off the target and back into the phone. It can be used to measure how fast an object is moving, how far it is, whether it is approaching or far away, and whether it will intersect with another object. Lidar is already used on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max to improve focus in low light and night mode.

The LiDAR version that Stanford University uses is less expensive than the one you use Apple making it possible to use this system on a larger number of phones. Stanford University is looking to create a megapixel lidar that is not currently available. A greater resolution will allow Lidar to set goals on a larger scale. Okan Atalar, a PhD student at Stanford University in electrical engineering, He wrote a paper describing the system.
“Current 3D cameras need specialized pixels, which are difficult to achieve in large formats and have smaller fill factors due to the complex electronics required to capture 3D images per pixel,” says Atalar. Our approach transforms standard and highly advanced 2D sensors into 3D sensors such as against their construction from A to Z.” Lidar can help determine the depth of an image. A 3D model can be created with multiple images captured by a camera that captures a subject from multiple angles.
Uplift Labs analyzes 3D images to improve athletes’ shape and technique. Its CEO, Sukimasa Kabayama, says the cameras it uses are not specifically 3D cameras. However, he notes, “Smartphone cameras have the ability to capture valuable data and produce 3D visualizations using video and other applications.” Sports is one area where 3D imaging and analysis can be huge for smartphones.

Kabayama added, “Whether you’re a CrossFit junkie, a weekend golfer, or a Peloton enthusiast, the risk of physical injury is there and for many, it’s an ongoing battle. Professional athletes have access to 3D technology that acts as a way to reduce performance related performance. But most of us regular athletes don’t.”

Every day athletes can access the same injury-reduction information as professionals if bringing 3D capabilities to smartphones lowers the cost of using 3D technology. “With most injuries from stress, improper form, or other poor body mechanics, 3D imaging can make identifying areas of improvement—whether it be a shape or parts of the body to strengthen—a seamless task,” Kabayama continues.

3D capabilities on smartphone cameras will also improve security

Another 3D company CEO is Hans Hansen, CEO of Brand 3D. Hansen stated, “With 3D cameras, you will be able to capture scenes and objects that remote people will be able to experience as if they were physically in the room. This will serve as a cornerstone for remote working, learning and safe distances during epidemic outbreaks, as well as for diagnosing, treating, and repairing jobs in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors.”

3D on smartphone cameras can be a huge plus for security. After all, Apple’s True Depth camera allows Face ID to be more secure than usual face detection due to 3D mapping. Newer 3D cameras hitting the market should be able to collect more in-depth information when scanning a user’s face making facial recognition systems more secure.

Collecting more in-depth information will get more data about your face to your phone. This should reduce the number of times facial recognition fails to recognize your face and also protect you from attackers trying to break into your phone.