Disney test trifocal camera to end 3D rigs

The days of stereo 3D rigs could be numbered sooner than you think if new technology being devised by Arri, the Fraunhofer Institute and Walt Disney Studios comes to fruition writes Adrian Pennington

The trio of companies are beginning a second phase of tests in Berlin on a trifocal camera system which comprises a single Arri M camera sandwiched between two micro HD cameras developed by Fraunhofer.

The dual witness cameras capture depth information and other data, which is then analysed by Stereoscopic Analyzer (software devised by Fraunhofer which features in the DVS Clipster), for the post production of live action content in 3D.

The concept would do away with the need for cumbersome and heavy mirror-rig 3D camera systems, and also so the theory goes, deliver a 3D experience without the glitches inherent in lens misalignment.

“If successful we will go into a third test in April this year and if that is successful it will be used on a film production,” revealed Kathleen Schroeter, executive manager 3D Innovation Centre, Berlin Fraunhofer Institute, during the International 3D Society conference at CES.

She said this was currently planned to be a 20 minute short film or a 20 minute sequence within a longer Hollywood feature, both produced by Disney.

“The current system is for post production but the next step is to make this work in real time so that we can produce live broadcast programming without rigs,” she added.

3D Focus first reported on the first iteration of the Trifocal Depth Capture back in April 2012. Such a set up would enable more accurate depth map generation for future glasses free 3D displays.

In other Disney 3D related news, the US Patent and Trademark Office recently revealed a patent application by Disney detailing a games console based on 3D augmented reality. According to the document, “The application points towards a device that can capture a real scene and then augment it. For example, it could take a picture of a coffee mug situated on the top of a table and then animate the cup itself. When the user looks at the mug on the device, it'll appear as a cartoon character.”

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