Camera that can measure depth

[arixrobotics]

Microsoft is going to incorporate this into their Xbox apperently...

From http://www.3dvsystems.com/

3DV Systems has developed, and successfully launched, a unique video imaging technology capable of capturing the depth dimension of objects in real time. This technology enables sensing motion and recognizing shape within a dynamically defined three-dimensional space.

Don't forget to check out their videos too.

[Admin]

It's like having a wii without the wii part . . .

[airman00]

I don't understand how you can figure out depth using only one camera

[Admin]

I don't understand how you can figure out depth using only one camera

Close one of your eyes, then tell me how far the nearest window is from where you are sitting. Basically, your mind takes other clues from the surroundings.

[hgordon]

They have an additional sensor for infrared pulses that is measuring time-of-flight via phase differences.
    http://www.3dvsystems.com/technology/tech.html

I believe it's similar to the technology here-
    http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R317-SR4000-CW.html
but a lot less expensive.

[4by4]

As hgordon notes, the device measures a light pulse time of flight, i.e. it is an active range measurement system. Admin's comment refers to passive range measurement, which to me is a more interesting topic. Passive is always better than active, it seems to me.

[Asellith]

I bet this camera even works in the dark. You could use something like this to navigate in the dark. I assume they are sending out IR so then you could just use the depth map to help navigate with no light or limited light providing an actual image.

Might even have some detailed mapping applications for robots. To start mapping on a 3D plane instead of 2D. I want one. Where can you buy it

[arixrobotics]

Wow Microsoft has announced the project that uses this camera; Project Natal!!!!

Look at these videos, they are amazing! I really hope these are real videos, not something fake / scripted.

This is true technology that science fiction has not even written about. And it works, today.

[youtube]oACt9R9z37U[/youtube]

[youtube]M9nuwsQ5nF4[/youtube]

[kpmcgurk]

thats actualy really great!! I am not a video game kind of person, but this is just great!!

if this is real... bravo Microsoft!!

[SmAsH]

if this is real, i am truly wowed!
this is absolutely amazing!