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3-D in iPad 2: Sort of..

As the rush is on to launch glasses-free 3D displays, the iPad has also not being holding back, as had been pointed out some months back. By using certain mirrors, a group of members from Ochanomizu Women’s University in Japan have developed a unique concept that makes use of a centuries old trick by artists, which would be able to bring a “tangible” depth in the two-dimensional display of iPad 2.
Painters had developed a technique in the 16^th century (called mirror anamorphosis) using which skilfully distorted two-dimensional paintings, got to be viewed in such proportion through acute angles or by using cylindrical or conical mirrors. The most famous example regarding this is the 1533 portrait by Hans Holbein called The Ambassadors, having an anamorphic skull – that makes the top of the painting to appear as a grey streak when viewd from front and only revealed when viewed at an angle.
The same anamorphosis has been used to project data on 3D objects by placing the same on 2D data; this has resulted in development of a new interactive system named Anamorphicons. In this new approach, the multi-touch sensitivity of iPad is used that permits the user a cylindrical mirror spinning on their iPad for changing the onject’s view. However, to create a 3D view, around 70 pre-distorted images, using conversion software, on the subject,  have to be loaded.
Two touch pens on the mirror column contact the iPad. An aluminium plate forms the mirror’s top plate, thereby conducting electricity. Internal wirings connect the aluminiumplate with the touch pens, thereby enabling Anamorphicons to be shown on the iPad, when the user touches the plate.
An applications tracks the coordinates of both the touch pens and the rotation angle of the mirror’s column. Every cylindrical mirror position corresponds to an image, which are seamlessly displayed as the mirror is rotated by the user.
The product, if successful, will act as a nice kick for product photographers, feels the developers.

This post was written by: Irfan Jam

Irfan Jam is a professional blogger, web designer and front end web developer. Follow him on Facebook